Tuesday, October 29, 2013

New studio working space

I mentioned that in amongst all of the madness and chaos we have been 'renovating' the shed studio and re-claiming working space and creating a gallery space.  It was a lot of heavy and dusty work at times, but the results are oh so worth it!

Here's a tour of the working areas, not completely sorted, but close enough is good enough for right now. Some of you will remember that we used to live in the shed, before we built the house, and it has a lovely feel to it.

As you walk through the door you see this...


Turn to your right and our kitchen has become the printing area; with the press and inking up spaces and rollers hanging..


Turn left and the paper drawer has been reorganised so it contains much paper and an old proofing press sits upon some old storage units from the house brought on over for a new lease of life.


I have grouped my tables into two pods rather than one huge area - will see if this works for me.  I am clearly mid-printing here...


The other two tables looks almost pristine for the time being. The back one is set higher for cutting paper (thank you Susan) and is working a dream. On the front one I am leaving out projects that I have to do, to remind me when I go over…I need quite a few clues and cues!


And we got some storage/display units too. Not filled yet but I am thinking I need some boxes/baskets to slip into the cubes.


Though I do love how they offer little nooks for storing and displaying bibs and bobs.



I moved my standing calligraphy table over to the window and moved a couple of filing cabinets nearby.


Looking back from the calligraphy table.


I forgot to mention that halfway across the floor are the stairs that go up to the mezzanine where we used to sleep. I am gradually moving my books over and have kept the filing drawers under the stairs. We now have a gallery space upstairs and I'll show you that another day.


And re-arranging storage continues…


It feels light and airy now and as if there is a chance I can keep it organised.  We shall see of course, but I love the way the space is working. It feels so much better to have all the display and sales of work together upstairs and not mixed in with my mess!

24 comments:

  1. What a lovely lovely space to work in. Gorgeous light!

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    1. I expect the light would be better if I cleaned the windows, but all in good time! It does feel light and easy on the eyes, so that is good. Thanks Lyndell!

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    1. Hi J! In Australia we have a saying every bloke needs a shed. Well, I think every woman needs a shed-studio! Pretty lucky to have a building as gorgeous as this on the block...

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  3. Beautiful, wishing you much inspiration in your new organization.

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    1. Thank you Valerianna - different to your shed-studio in the woods, yet similar. I am enjoying the organised part of it for now; hope I don't muck it up too soon.

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  4. It's soooooo neat...and VERY functional. NOW get back to your real work girl!

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    1. Time to mess it up do you think Jo? Most of the surfaces are covered now; but I am trying to put things away as I go…we'll see how long that lasts!

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  5. Looks great! Besides, in my opinion, a studio is a far better use of any space than is a kitchen.

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    1. Laugh! Thanks PC-Ellen, a press is right at home in a kitchen don't you think? As long as there is still a kettle to be boiled, all is well.

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  6. Fiona, when I tell people I'm going to work in my shed, it really is a shed.... but when you say this is your shed ...!! This is like no shed I've seen. What a gorgeous, light and spacious place to work in. It all looks so organised and tempting to work in.... I want an Aussie shed!

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    1. Hmmm Lesley, perhaps it is a special kind of shed! A lot of folk up where we live live in a shed while they build a house…it seems perfectly normal. But even so, this shed is pretty special. Feel free to put your order in for an Aussie shed - we could come build it!

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  7. Wishing you a lot of successful creative hours there; it is the PERFECT space to work!

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    1. Thanks Anna - its a lovely space to spend time in and I am really enjoying it.

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  8. That is the Buckingham Palace of sheds!

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    1. Fabulous description Jac - if I ever start complaining about my lack of space I shall remember it! Go well.

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  9. I think Jac said it all! What a wonderful studio! I bet it will still look gorgeous when it's messy and chaotic. I'm having dinner with friends tonight and we'll drink to your new studio.

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    1. Thanks for your support and the raising of a glass Ersi! I appreciate it. It will be a wonderful space to make a mess in I am sure - I am just hoping I might remember to clean it up as well...

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  10. I have shed envy. What a wonderful space where you can separate tasks. I love it. Thanks for the pictures.

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  11. I have shed envy! What a wonderful thing to be able to sort things out onto and into different spaces. A beautiful space for all your beautiful work. Thanks for the pictures and the writing you share regularly.

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    1. FSD - perhaps it's a new classifiable condition - shed envy?!? It is quite a remarkable shed - but I have no other word for it, so the shed it is. It is nice to have cleared up the display v working spaces issue and also nice to have set out having tables and spaces of different things. I am quite a haphazard worker so I will be interested to see if I can modify my behaviours and actually use each are of the purpose I have in mind! Will keep you posted…Go well.

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  12. Oooooooh Fiona, it looks terrific!, what a great space to work in!

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.