Thursday 14 July 2011

My Creative Space

Apart this time last year I enjoyed touring round some glorious creative spaces all around the world - some kitchen or dining room tables, some large basements with amazing storage - all of them belonging to bloggers taking part in Karen Valentine's Where Bloggers Create blog party. I signed up to take part in this year's party about a month ago - and realised this morning that the last month had flown by and the party is tomorrow! Cue tidying, sorting and cleaning of the workshop! So, to those of you who are regular visitors, do come and have a look at my workshop nearly a year after I moved into it, and to those who are visiting for the first time, welcome!


I am really lucky to have a whole workshed to myself. This time last year my original 6' by 8' workshed had been dismantled to make way for a new and improved version and I was working from the kitchen table. Last September I moved into my wonderful new 8' by 12' workshed - and I love it! Down one side I have three workstations, one for me and two for students - although usually I end up spreading across all three desks! The other side has the desk with my photo studio set up and the soldering table.


A few close-ups for you...

I use a magnetic notice board to hold notes about orders that have come in and magazine projects that I've got planned - it's right beside my desk so that I can't miss anything! My desk is definitely not usually this tidy, but I borrowed Hazel Powers' idea of grouping projects in a cupcake tin - a simple but effective idea. I always know where things are, but I must admit that it was really lovely working out there this evening with everything put back in it's place - let's see how long it lasts, shall we?! Most of my hand tools are easily accessible on this shelf, including my growing collection of hammers. I've been lucky enough to have inherited quite a few tools from a friend's parents who used to be goldsmiths. Hidden in the photos you should be able to see a ceramic owl that was one of my favourite Christmas presents (thank you Helen!) and a little luxury - my Molton Brown hand lotion!


And the soldering station is definitely not this tidy usually! I do clean it every now and then when I'm taking photos for magazine projects, but soldering is not exactly a clean process! The last close-ups are of back issues of Beads and Beyond, the magazine I write for, a woven bead heart that I made about 10 years ago and just a few of my jewellery books. My excuse for buying them is that I take them into college for my students to read!

And I'll leave you with this view of my creative space......
My sister-in-law bought this for me for Christmas years ago - and then worried while I was opening the parcel that I'd be offended by it. I love it! It's not so much that I've forgotten how to cook, more that if I didn't have three hungry boys to feed I'd often be so engrossed in crafting that I'd forget to stop and cook!

Thank you for visiting my creative space! To see a list of everyone taking part in the party visit Karen's blog.

68 comments:

  1. I love seeing your space! Mine will post tonight -- I hope you'll have a chance to stop on by!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'll be there Lori! I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone's space!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great space...so much light!
    I like the idea of the magnetic board. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Enjoy your space!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for visiting Marie.
    Now Fiona - I know you've seen more realistic photos of my desk!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. really like the tables, where did you get the legs? eric

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Eric,
    I got the table tops on the right hand side of the workshop and all the table legs from Ikea. We made the desk tops on the left hand side. The table legs are adjustable in height.
    Thanks for visiting!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is such a lovely place that you have here :) I love all of the little stations that you have set up :D Thanks for sharing!

    ~Alli

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love how you have three different stations for making jewelry. What a great way to keep projects in progress separated. And your little sign is just exactly right on! LOL. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jo, what an amazing space. Absolutely fitting for such a talented artist and instructor. I'd love to see it in person, and better yet, take a class with you there. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great space and thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm; you're always welcome here.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a great space and I love the saying about forgetting how to cook!! That is the story of my life...I am in my studio and hear my husband come home and go into a panic that I totally forgot the time and have not a clue about dinner! Take out again!! Hope you'll stop by my studio! bertie
    www.queenbartistry.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Isn't it great to have a space just for you to create in ! I love that it's a real working space too.
    (())

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you for stopping by my space and leaving a comment - just love your workable studio. How fun to have an inspiring space.

    ReplyDelete
  14. you have a great place. I love the plaque your siter gave you it really funny.

    ReplyDelete
  15. That is a great space! It is a jewelry makers dream, with all the different work stations. I loved the sign at the end. It sooo applies to my life too!!! Thanks so much for sharing it with all of us! Have a lovely weekend.
    xo,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Jo, great to visit your inspiring space! It's hard to think of it as a "shed" with those wonderful windows and the great light. I LOVE all your jewelry, too. So glad you stopped and left a note on my blog!

    maggie
    http://www.themagrag.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Love your space. Thank you for stopping by.

    ReplyDelete
  18. How wonderful to have a separate building for your creative space. I love the way it looks. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Nice to see some of your ideas for organizing. This party is almost like a shopping trip for ideas and inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  20. NIce to see your space. I love the sign you got given. Nice to see someone so close to me. Thanks for visiting my blog. Hugs Sara

    ReplyDelete
  21. You are a true jewelry artist. I love your work and your space looks like a great place for you to be creative and produce your lovely jewelry!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Jo,
    What a bright and cheery space to create in!
    Thanks for stoping byband youn sweet comments on my creative space.
    Be blessed,
    lorena

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh, lucky you, to have the opportunity to set things up just the way you want. It looks like you have a perfect spot!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love how you have made different stations. You seem very organized. I envy that! lol I know what you mean about being engrossed in a project and forgetting the family. I've done that too! Thanks for inviting us over today.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wow nice space. Great work stations. Thanks for sharing. Sandie

    ReplyDelete
  26. Good morning, Jo! I'm finally making my way down the long list of WBC Girlies. What Fun!

    You have an amazing space in which to create! I'm so excited to peek in and see what you are doing and where you are doing it! You are very, very talented.

    Blessings upon your gifted hands~

    xoRebecca

    ReplyDelete
  27. How wonderful! I love how you organized it! The light boxes on the window are yummmmmiiie!

    Big fuzzy bear hugs, Biene

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love the idea of the muffin tin for beads and such. Great space and nice to see another metal working sharing her studio. Love all your little touches and gave me some ideas for organizing mine. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a great space you have for yourself...and others!
    I love the organization and the light!
    Thanks for sharing it....

    ReplyDelete
  30. Love that you have an entire building all for your creativity!!!
    Terrific on the three stations. Yes it looks very tidy. I too struggle to keep it neat LOL
    Keep smiling and creating. thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi Jo,

    I have enjoyed looking around your creative space. I especially love that collection of hammers..I have a few but nothing like what you have...I think it's just the tools of your trade that I enjoy seeing. I'm all about fiber and textile so seeing the stuff that it takes to make jewelry is fascinating. I want to thank you for visiting with me and for your kind words. You come by anytime.

    Have a wonderful day,
    Stephanie Suzanne ♥
    Queen of Dreamsz

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thank you so much everyone for your comments! I'm really enjoying touring round such wonderful studios.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Jo, thank you for visiting. I bet you like to work in front of those three windows. It was a pleasure to see you very creative work space- loves all those tools too.

    Jenny

    ReplyDelete
  34. i see we both like using muffin pans for storing petite supplies! your space is sweet. I love that saying in the end! soooo "moi!" :) Merci for stopping by to visit MY studio and for your kind words. :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. He, he, I couldn't agree more! I would much rather craft than cook or clean or most anything! Twyla

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a nice big space - it looks so professional! I had to go on and look at your jewelry - beautiful!! Thank you for you nice compliments about my space. Love, Linda
    houseofbeautifuldogs

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks for visiting my creative space! I enjoyed this peek into yours. Seems like you're always working on something special in there and I admire that. Hope you have a great week...

    ReplyDelete
  38. You are very lucky to have such a great space, Jo! We are getting ready to move and I am hoping for a spare room to kind of do a combination craft space/home office. Right now, I'm in the garage so anything would be better at this point! Isn't it funny how we always seem to spread out on so much surface space? I love to have that extra elbow room.

    ReplyDelete
  39. wow I am envious of all your table space. Love the set up----thanks for visiting my blog and leaving me such a nice comment

    have a great week

    tina
    embellishments by tina

    ReplyDelete
  40. Some serious creating goes on in here...love all the space and natural light!...perfect for you to see all the lovely Art that you make! TFS!!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thank you so much for visiting my blog.

    I love your space. It doesn't look huge, but seems you have it so organized. Love it.

    Mine is always such a work in progress.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Ooohhh!! I love your studio! Love the vaulted ceilings. Thanks for visiting my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi Jo, You have a great space with all that wonderful light! Your jewelry is beautiful!
    Thank you so much for visiting my space and leaving a sweet comment.
    Hugs to you,
    Annette

    ReplyDelete
  44. Love your studio, or organized. So true about forgetting how to cook. Who has time anyway.
    Hugs...Lu

    ReplyDelete
  45. How lucky you are to have such a perfect place to work.
    I would love to have my own little cottage.

    Thanks you for your comments

    Hello from France
    Helene aka Hogart

    ReplyDelete
  46. Great space! I love the sign. I can definitely relate! Thanks for the tour and thank you for visiting my studio. Hope to have you visit again.

    http://spiritdogstudios.typepad.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. What a great space! So nice to be able to spread out and have lots of counters to work on.

    Thanks for visiting my blog!

    Cheers,

    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  48. Mah.Vel.Ous.... :-) I'd spread out too.... I sure do here....often to the kitchen.

    Warm blessings,
    Spencer

    ReplyDelete
  49. What a wonderful studio you have!! I love all the different stations! I would really like to have that as I create so many different things! Some day . . . .

    xxoo
    Marsha

    ReplyDelete
  50. Your space is awesome! Love all that light. Love the sentiment on the sign on the door. How true! *smiles* Norma

    ReplyDelete
  51. Great studio! I love the way your bench pins are set - no bumping into them! Thank you for the tour.

    ReplyDelete
  52. You have a great studio space! Thanks for sharing and for visiting my blog too!
    Tamatha

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thanks for visiting my blog. Your craft room is very cozy, I love the slanted ceiling.

    You know, I had the same problem you had - when I started crafting, I also forgot how to cook. Amazing, isn't it????
    QueenMarcy

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Jo,
    What fun to visit your wonderful creative space. You have so much natural light and everything is so well organzied. Love the little sign about cooking and creating. That is so my life too!!

    Thank you for stopping by and your kind comment.
    Blessings, Celestina Marie

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hey Jo, what a great space! I love the three jewelry making stations - I would end up spreading out over all three too! Thanks for stopping by my blog and thanks for sharing your space with all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  56. What a great space with great lighting. Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Love that nice long table flooded with light! I like the peaked roof and the feeling of being kind of outdoors, like a potting shed.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thankyou for visiting my space! and Thankyou for sharing yours! You've made great use out of the space you have and organised it so well! I've jsut had a look at some of your other posts and you made some gorgeous jewellery, I too make jewellery as you may have seen. Happy creating. x

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hi Jo, Thats a really great space and its neat that you have a whole seperate building for your work (something I wanted, but our yard might be a bit too small, the garden and vegtables took over : ) I love the jewellery you have made, was just looking through your blog and there a lot of pieces I like. Thank you for passing by my blog and for the comment, and yes, Im looking forward too next years and hopefully then I will have it all done.

    Cheers,

    Mari

    ReplyDelete
  60. What a great space, it has so much light! I love all the space you have to "spread out". Thanks for sharing, Nan

    ReplyDelete
  61. Fantastic space! Isn't it great when we inherit items for our studios! I too have inherited tools, books, etc. I love it! Thank you for sharing your wonderful studio!
    Terry

    ReplyDelete
  62. I am re-visiting all the spaces, starting with A. I was in quiet a hurry last time round to see everything so I missed some spaces.

    Your jewelry pieces are lovley and you are so lucky to have an entire outsde space for your crafting!
    Cheryl

    ReplyDelete
  63. How wonderful to have such an area all to yourself!! Love the workstations!! You are sooooo organized!! Thanks for sharing!!

    Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  64. Love your space, Jo! Wonderful color and light and actual workstations!

    ReplyDelete
  65. I bought a shed to use as a jewelry workshop for myself. A place to go and create. May I ask, what you used for the floor. My shed has plywood flooring that I plan to seal, but I want to put something on top. I am not sure what to go with. I was thinking about matting. What do you think. Love your place!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Helen,
      We put some MDF on top of the plywood flooring and then carpet that was left over from a project in the house on top of that. The more layers the better in a shed, to help keep the damp out during the winter!

      Delete

Thank you for leaving a comment. I read every one and will do my best to get back to you!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails