WOYWW: New Shop Space

The more time I spend here, the more I realize this is the perfect house for me.  The most obvious reason being the shop that was already in place when we moved in!  What an improvement from that old little corner in the garage...I have an entire room all to myself. **lucky**

I don't have the best photos of the end result yet, mostly because the shop is a mess from me working like I'm my own slave on orders that keep flooding in.  But I have painted all of the cabinets from an old dark brown to a warm white (paint I found in the closet).

Like all new things, it has taken some getting used to being in a new space.  Things are in a different place, my flow is slightly interrupted...but I love what is happening so far.

More photos to come soon!  I'm off to work!

Happy WOYWW all you crafty people.  Visit stamping ground for more work benches.

Do What You Want

Last night one of my dreams ended in musical format with all its characters singing, "just do what you want, just do what you want...".  The gist of the dream was something about selfishness leading to great things, taking time to do what you want produces better output of our energy than if we were to trudge along through life doing what we thought everyone else wanted us to do.  Very Randian philosophy, I know.

>>>Here's what I want to do:

Soldering Torch (while working on a handmade chain)

My Home Studio (complete, minus a better chair)

Fun Metal Tools and Metal and Beads and More Fun

Hammers

Today is definitely dedicated to working hard in the studio, I'm full of new ideas...and since I'm out of sterling wire to complete the current piece I'm working on, I'll just have to move on to a new project.

Sneak Peek, Work in Progress

"Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do." ~Anon

Breaking in the new Studio

A lot of patience and a lot of work has gone into getting here:  my own studio.  This is no corner in the bedroom, no makeshift late night adaptation of the dining table, and not the floor strewn with art materials.  This is the real deal.

Before:  Matt Building the Bench

After:  Reuben Guards the Bench

First Work in Progress

Fruits of My Labor:  Turquoise Silver Pendant

I need to decorate a bit more and paint the wall, but I was too excited to start working!

Work Space Dreaming

As the washer and dryer are running in the background, and I'm about to head out into the sunshine with the dog (instead of changing the wash)...I'm dreaming about the work space (metal studio) that is coming together for me in the garage.

Things that make a sweet workspace:

1)  Good Lighting:  I think a funky industrial light would be a good choice.

shopstyle.com

2)  Comfort:  An old comfy couch is a must, for daydreaming up brilliant designs, or staring off into space, or maybe an inspirational nap.  (I would love to try and take on this patchwork re upholstery project myself...fun!)

thisnext,com

northcarolina.inetgiant.com

3)  A functioning work bench:  Here are some benches in other working artists studios for inspiration.

sarahhoodjewelry.com

karenkeit.com

alexhorstjewelry.com

These next few weeks I will be busy putting something similar together for myself.  I can't wait to post before and after photos of my work space, because that will mean that I can get to work!