Are YOU using lack of space as your excuse to not be creating?
Something to think about…
I, over the years, have had all shapes and sizes of studio space. I think the one I was most productive with, was our kitchen table in our little house near New Sarepta, Alberta. And, that was back in the days when I did everything by hand – my sewing machine and stash were out in a unheated shed. I supplied 3 consignment stores from that kitchen table.
I know when I am working in my art journal, I just need the space of the book I am using – I have the paints in a handled tote and then there is a cigar box of miscellaneous ephemera to play with.
Card Making is a different story as I have favourite stamps, the paper cutter, the ink pads, the cardstock and then the ribbons and/or embellishments. I usually try to force myself to use what is directly on top of the paper scraps drawer but all that other stuff takes some room.
When I am creating projects like the Freebie Tutorials, I start with a pile of goodies, but then it usually expands to a table top of a mess. Some I don’t even end up using as they didn’t speak loud enough.
When I am working on my Textile Mixed Media projects, I take over the cutting table (which is a banquet table with leg extenders on it so its high enough to cut properly) and also take over the large sewing/crafting table where my sewing machine is embedded into.
My studio is 11 X 12 feet, and I have shelves in another bedroom with extra fabrics and books. I have been assessing every supply I have as I am working on new projects so I can have a more stream lined studio space. I, sometimes, sit and think back to the day when I had one needlecase full of needles, certain number of spools of thread, and a small pile of fabrics – and it felt like I was more productive then than now.
I, am, more and more feeling like the old adage that LESS is MORE! That is one reason I no longer buy commercial fabrics, I want to use what I already have and if I want something NEW, I can paint, dye, batik and/or monoprint my own – and as I go along, none of this doing a whole pile and then waiting years to create with it.
In this AWESOME new year of EXCITING things happening, maybe its time for YOU to assess what YOU really need for “Creating” space.
I’d LOVE to hear your comments.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I am certainly in the process of doing the same. I want to keep it as simple as possible. Thanks for sharing!
THANK YOU Sandra for stopping by & commenting. Less is more!
Most certainly!