Repurposing to Add Surface Space

Do you find your actual working space closing in on you?  One idea that might work for you is to add an additional space above your work space.  I was running into this problem while working on some jewelry recently and as you can see, adding this bed tray gave me that badly needed added work surface. 

A bed tray worked well in this space because they are fairly short, so your items are still within easy reach and easily visible.  This is on my fabric dresser top.  I also especially liked this bed tray because it has a back and sides that kept the beads and other items from falling off the back to an area difficult to reach without moving the dresser out.  And, image that this one was already green! 

This sewing room of mine is still a work in progress and I am approaching it one "issue" at a time.  I normally work on my jewelry in my studio, but had something else going on back there which I have since completed.  This bed tray was the perfect temporary solution to my lack of surface work space.  It also works great if I decide to pick the work up and take it to another room.  Yes, I still work all over the house.  I follow my muse around ~ lol.  Do any of you do that?  Sometimes I just want to be working around other humans or find the light better in another area for the project I am working on.

I hope you found this a useful idea!  Sorry, no links this post.  But if you have found a similar solution and want to share it with everyone, feel free to add your link.  Does anyone actually use bed trays for their intended purpose?

Remember To Balance!

I know, that is a silly title. I have made a fundamental discovery through trial and error (which in my opinion is the best way to learn). As you know, I recently did some more organizing in my office/new sewing room. These are photos of the office 'before' I moved most of the items to my other studio and 'before' I got so heavy into different types of stitching.

This is a 'before' photo of things piled on the floor because I thought I didn't have enough storage...which I didn't. However, what I am realizing I also was lacking is work surface! The photo above is a look that is quickly returning to my new sewing/office space. Things are getting piled on the floor! Why? Because I have not added work surface space along with my storage.

I currently have two options with my space now: (1) work on the floor, or (2) work at the dining room table. Neither is a great solution. I am looking for a unit or components for my storage wall and when I have found that I will share new photos. Basically, my computer and office equipment/supplies are going to be moved into the closet area and a wall in my room is going to contain supplies and have an actual surface to work on. How could I have overlooked such an obvious requirement?

This is definitely something to consider and think about if you happen to be wondering why everything is accumulating into stacks on your studio floor. Are you lacking enough storage space for your supplies and equipment or is it actually insufficient display or work surface areas? I guess I should add another possibility to this that it might be a matter of storage space that is not easily accessed or convenient to use. It is a balancing act!

LINK and a QUOTE:

Donna shares a little re-organizing experience with you on her blog:
http://www.donnadidit.net/2011/10/organizing-studio.html

Quote in Cloth-Paper-Scissors newsletter by William Morris: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” Try replacing the word ‘house’ with the word ‘studio’.

Glass Shade Recycled and Repurposed plus more on Storage and Organizing

As you can see, I figured out what to do with my extra glass light dome/shade that I mentioned in my last post. I was so excited about this project and so please with how it turned out. As I was pondering how I could take advantage of such a pretty piece of glass, I spotted my glass door knob on my studio counter near the glass shade.

You know how an idea just hits you. Well, that is what happened. I simply took the two pieces to a nearby hardware store and explained my intentions to them. They were so helpful and quickly found a bolt and washers that would do the trick. The clerk actually drilled the opening in the doorknob so the bolt would fit into it perfectly. The cost for that and the supplies came to under $5.00. Below is the finished food dome on my glass cake stand. It really compliments my dishes. I will have to set a nice complete table and share it on my other blog.

Below, I am showing it over the dinner plate and on top of the charger which also works great.

Here is a photo of the inside. The bolt is separated from the glass with a flat washer to help protect the glass. You can see on the previous shots I have two washers on the outside under the knob to cover a ridge at the base of the door knob.


A close-up...

You are probably wondering what any of this has to do with studio storage. It actually doesn't, other than the fact this dome can be used over a stash of costume jewelry or other supplies to protect them from dust or as a display piece used by draping a necklace or other work over the knob. With a little thought I am sure you can come up with other ideas.

ON ANOTHER SUBJECT - planning for storage of your supplies and equipment. This can be daunting at times. Below I am sharing a pretty basic list you might find helpful as you plan for storage of your own supplies and materials used according to various mediums. I can't give an exact listing of supplies, equipment and materials you use because each of you are unique and have our own stash of supplies and tools you prefer. I am offering this basic list as a jumping off point for you to use when thinking about what you might have to store in your studio.

By using a list, your personal list, you can break things down to a more manageable process. For instance, you can think about how often you use a particular set of tools, or your glue, or your kiln for instance. The items you use most often you will want placed in the most convenient location at or near your work space. Those items you use only on occasion can be stored more out of the way. Maybe you use everything equally but at different stages of the process. Place those items near the location or work station where they will be used.

Use your list as you search for storage solutions. For example, how many paintbrushes do you have? This will determine how big the holder needs to be. What type of container would work best to store them? You know the bristles need to be protected and in the open to dry properly. Look around until you find the right sort of container to accomodate your brushes? Most people store them upright. Maybe you can cover clean vegetable cans in a fabric or paper that coordinates in your room. If you have a lot of brushes, maybe you can nail or hang the cans as a grouping on the wall, or set them on a shelf nearby or keep them close by on your work table. When you are finished sourcing an appropriate container for the brushes, you can then move on to the next item on the list. The list will help you focus on each type of supply, tool, and piece of equipment separately without becoming too overwhelming. Don't try to figure it all out at once, but one by one, breaking it down to bite size pieces. Before you know it you will have everything where you need it and in a proper container.


STAINED GLASS: patterns & books, mosaic cutter, strip cutter, oval template, paints, glass, large table, copper foiling, lead came, wire, roundels, flux, grinder, glass cutters, glass saw, oil, soft brush, kiln


STAMPING/SCRAPBOOKING: books, tools, stamps, stamp pads, punches, papers, scissors,
glues/adhesives, embossing powder, trinkets, inks, equipment, trinkets, ribbons, small embellishments, buttons, photos


SEWING: books & patterns, sewing machine, scissors, thread, fabric, seam ripper, iron & ironing board, table, buttons, snaps, hooks & eyes, trims, seam binding, interfacing


SCULPTING: books, sculpting tools, clay, canvas, glazes, kiln for ceramics


KNITTING: books & patterns, knitting needles, yarn, scissors


CROCHET: books & patterns, crochet hooks, scissors, yarn


EMBROIDERY: books & patterns, hoops, scissors, thread, fabrics, iron & ironing board


TATTING: books & patterns, shuttle or tatting needles, thread


WEAVING: books & patterns, scissors, crochet hook, needle, beads, loom, threads, graph paper


WATERCOLORS & MISC PAINTING: books, water tub/containers, paintbrushes, brushes, salt, solvents, etc, palette knives, tissues, sponge etc, frames, watercolor paper or canvases, tube and/or bottle paints


PAPERMAKING: books, frame/screen, blender, plant materials, pulp, tub, towels, blotters


BEADING: books, tools, wire, thread, needles, patterns, findings, beads of various types and sizes, weaving materials, cords, chains, seed beads, crystals, bugle, embellishments, spacers, kiln for fusing


WIRE WORK: anvil, tools, books, rivets etc., various metals, wires, rods, beads



MISCELLANEOUS, GENERAL OR MIXED MEDIUMS: scissors of some sort, glue or other adhesives, beads, threads or other embellishments, patterns, books, misc tools


I hope these lists work as a starting point for you. It is such a personal thing since each artist works differently. Just as your creations are unique, so is your technique and style. While one designer may incorporate buttons into scrapbooking, another may instead use beads in everything.

I would love to hear if the list makes sense to you or if there is anything you would like to add as far as ideas. Have you tried this and did it help? Have you tried something similar that you would share with us?



Is the dome something you feel you could use in your studio? Have you made anything using these glass shades? If you have created other ideas I would love to have you send me an email and photo that I can post. Same with storage ideas you would like to share. Send me a photo via email and I will be happy to post it and give you credit.



I have been neglecting my blog here for awhile. Hopefully you have all been vacationing or spending more time outside enjoying the summer and haven't noticed.

Organizing and Decluttering your Studio

You are probably ready for the next step in putting your studio back together by now. To briefly summarize what I have posted in the last couple of posts:

(1) If you are moving into a new space or redoing a current space, the best plan is to remove as much as possible from the room and sort through it as you do. Have a throw away area, donate area, items to think about later area and items to keep section. In your keep section, separate into categories (a) by medium such as quilting, beading, painting and then (b) by usage such as tools, supplies, resources. If you are organizing or cleaning your room, just do it in bite-size pieces and avoid being overwhelmed by thinking it all has to be completed at once.

(2) After all of the painting and prep work such as installing shelving is completed, prepare a floor plan according to your needs and bring in the large pieces of furniture and equipment. Evaluate the placement by mentally walking through projects and steps you take to complete each. If larger pieces aren't working, get rid of them if you can and consollodate a couple of stations into one area.

Now, (3) after you are satisfied with your arrangement, begin to bring in the supplies, tools and smaller pieces of equipment. Keep like items together as you place them in the areas you feel they would make the most sense to have them - near the area or station where they will be needed. By like areas I mean all the quilting related items, painting related or beading items as well as in each of these areas keeping cloth together, the papers in one area, paints grouped together, the beads, buttons and/or other embellishments together, stamps and inks.

Because you have separated and kept these items together you can readily see how much space will be required to store each. If it appears you have ample room you can begin to 'organize'. As you place items around the designated work area or work surface, keep in mind that not everything can be within reach. Keep items that you continually use such as certain tools or equipment in the most convenient area but preferably off your work surface unless it makes sense to have it there. Those items you rarely use should be placed in the more out of the way storage areas such as the top shelf or in a closet.

Remember these items are not glued into place and can be moved now or later to areas that make more sense. Also, at this point your studio is not going to look fabulous! Below are a few of my photos taken as I returned my tools, supplies and equipment to my studio.

I had already mentioned I had placed a deeper table in front of the window (above) which made it difficult to reach the window in order to open and close it. I had made the decision that larger table actually took up too much space and removed it from the room completely. I honestly don't miss it. Instead I use one larger work table and occasionally the counter shown above.

I do a few periodic projects in stained glass. For that I have a board that I set on top of the table. It allows me space to cut, place and solder the pieces. The grinder and some other supplies are on my rolling glass stand. I can remove my stained glass board and place it on the counter if I need to begin work on another project.

I often do watercolor painting on this same table. My paints are now kept near the table in a wire basket. My favorite brushes are on my table for easy access and safe keeping.

My bead projects are either done at this same table or in the house on a tray. Even though my beads are very close to my work table I use trays in my studio to gather my beads and findings for a specific project. When I complete the project I simply take the tray over to my bead storage area and 'unload' it. My beading tools are kept in a caddy as shown on a previous post. This makes it very simple to move in the midst of a project for whatever reason or to quickly put items away and clean up.

Above on the wall is the repurposed spice rack I discussed in a previous post. Also shown is the dress form I often use to hang a necklace on to see how it is going to lay. It is between my bead stash and counter area. One of these days she will get a makeover. I sometimes drape fabric over it to photograph jewelry, so it is handy to have it next to the window.

I have a few (more now added) display pieces I wanted to keep together. I don't do a lot of shows at this point, but felt I wanted to keep these for future open houses or show displays. They are on a shelf not real easily accessed because I don't use them often at this point. The shelf will be painted white at some time.

Above I have placed items used less often. The top shelf requires a ladder to access the items located there. Yes, this is where my plastic is. It protects the items I use less often such as stencilling and stamping equipment, framing supplies, paper making supplies and sculpting tools. The wire baskets on the shelf below that holds items I use a little more often, but not continually. They include for example some stained glass supplies, bead containers, string, and special tools such as wood burning, hot glue gun and heat gun. Notice I have placed tags on each container to identify in general what is contained in each.

Below are my favorites! Beads and lots of them! Can you believe I had all these gorgeous beads tucked away in drawers and plastic bags? I had the two sets of identical shelves made, painted them myself in a neutral color to show off the colorful beads and spaced them apart to allow for deeper shelving to be placed between them. You will see what I used it for in a later post. I also placed the shelves where they would get the most sunlight and sparkle the most.

Finally is my main work table. My son was getting rid of the fluorescent light fixtures so I snagged them and placed one on hooks above my counter and one above my work table. I placed one warm bulb and one cool bulb in each. I will discuss lighting in a future post, which is crucial in a studio.

As you can see, my beads are not far from the work table. Below my work table which is actually a drafting table, I had to store my leading for stained glass (the long skinny cardboard box). This keeps it off the floor and pretty much out of my way. I have also for now placed my tools under the table and a tool box containing my portable outdoor painting supplies.

The problem I am tackling right now is the unattractive heating and air conditioning unit in the corner (see below). I think I have found a solution for camouflaging it, but that is the area I am focusing on right now and will share the results when completed.

As you work in your room you will find things that aren't working for you. Figure out what isn't working and why. Then focus on how to resolve the issue. Brainstorm with friends and family members. They may have ideas that could work. They have the ability to focus on that one particular problem without being distracted and can look at it with fresh eyes. It might surprise you what they come up with and they will probably be flattered that you asked them which will make them really want to come up with something solid!

Also remember that your studio arrangement is not set in stone, at least I hope not. Things can be later switched around and rearranged if they aren't working or if your needs and interests change.

Again, I hope this post is helpful. Looking at the last image, what would you do to resolve this eyesore? The area can't be totally blocked off because of airflow and water drains from it into a bucket. The filter also needs cleaned so access to that is crucial. I just thought I would throw that out in case you wanted a challenge or had completed your studio with no problems and wanted to know what it felt like to have such a problem.

The next steps are the fun ones, so check back! See you soon!

Repurposed Studio Storage and Display

Jars are great for storage. They keep items in clear sight, keep them protected and make it easy to return the item to its proper place. Jars can also be pretty to look at. I had a bunch of marbles sorted by color...in plastic bags...in a box...in my drawer. You get my drift. Pure craziness! When I moved into my studio and didn't have the drawer space, I had to come up with another solution. I found this jar at a thrift store and immediately visualized it full of marbles...in the open...in my sunny window. It adds color and no one can say I lost my marbles again! Oh, I know right where my marbles are!

Have you ever noticed how we look at things for what they were intended to be? You have to train your mind to see things differently. For instance, the item below is a stand normally used for cupcakes or apples. Looking at it without the notion that it has to be a cupcake/apple holder opens up new possibilities. To me it is a great organizer for smaller items. The blue 'cup' at the top is actually an insert from a wire vase. It fits perfectly into the top ring and as you can see holds my crochet hooks nicely, not to mention how pretty it is.

The next round of rings is the perfect size for my clear glass votive cups. I can see clearly what I have in them and they are easily accessible. These could hold any number of items. Here I have used them for small embroidery scissors, a set of bead reamers, small screwdrivers, a key chain box cutter, some hooks and tacks. They would work great to hold glue sticks or tubes of glue, tubes of paint, chalk, or crayolas. The list goes on and on. Don't have a stand like this? Use the votive cups by themselves or put them on a tray or in a basket or drawer. They are perfect little containers all by themselves!

Now for the bottom round of rings. These are actually little Chinese cups I found at a garage sale. They are great for tiny things because the inside is rounded and it is easy to get hold of small items such as buttons, hinges, beads, brads, etc. They also sit on their own and, as with the votive cup holders, can be used independent of any stand.

As you can see by the examples shown here, not everything has to be used for what it was designed to be used for! I think this makes a great eclectic display piece and adds personality to your room. The only way it could be even more easy to use would be to place it on a small turntable.

This is a great exercise in recycling and repurposing a number of items to make them work as one unit. I'm sure you could all think of even more ways to use a stand like this. The stand could even be used all by itself to display bracelets or hook earring wires over the rings! The top center could become/hold a pincushion and needles, buttons, thread or embroidery floss could be in the lower containers. I can't stop thinking! Please join in and let your imagination go crazy with ideas. What if you hung it on the wall or from the ceiling? What would turning it upside down result in? I would love it if you shared your ideas.

Storing Art Supplies and Making it Look Pretty

A studio makeover is a continuous process. That is OK, because everything doesn't have to be done right away. It is best to work through things in sections so you aren't totally overwhelmed. My project this week was this counter. Below is a photo of the counter I bought at a discount store. This 'before' photo was taken as I was placing items in the room and everything hadn't quite found a home. The inside of the counter had dividers that work really well for my watercolor papers, pads, safety items and rolled up stained glass patterns while the bottom section holds some of my wire baskets of supplies. The top is a good solid work area and a good place for other supplies or work in progress.

I decided I wanted to cover the front of the counter to hide the stored items. I had some fabric I'd purchased for cushions in our sun room. I obviously didn't finish that project, but bought ready made cushions on sale instead, but that is another story. The fabric seemed perfect for this project. I simply measured the width and height of my cabinet front, allowed about 6" in height for the hem and to make a pocket for the rod to fit through. The 'rod' is simply a curtain rod that snaps onto brackets which came with it. For the width of the fabric, I cut about 2 1/2 times the width to create the gathers. It wouldn't have to be that full, but I do like the look. Below are some 'after photos'.

I really like the finished look it gives this area. Although it is more practical I suppose to leave the shelves easily accessible, it just isn't as pleasing. I can still easily get to what I need. I relate it to leaving the doors off your kitchen cabinets or your closet--which by the way works great for some styles and tastes. Don't you agree this looks better than the before? Is this something you have done or could do in your studio?


This bottom photo is a metal shelf/towel bar that I set upside down on my counter (see above)and currently use it to hold some of the jewelry I designed. (Some of the jewelry is shown on my other blog: http://ceoriginals.blogspot.com/) Another repurposed item that could serve a multitude of functions other than the intended! Think 'outside the box' as they say.


Have a great weekend and Mother's Day!!!

Desktop Containers (not just for nuts!)

Need an idea for the desktop? Whether it be in an office or a studio, these are great for holding 'things'. I bought these sugar or nut servers at a company garage sale. The little scoops that usually are included were either missing or broken, so they had these clearanced. I use them for stained glass supplies as shown, but they would work equally well in an office to hold paper clips, binder clips, tags, pencils, erasers, small ruler or scissors for instance. Wouldn't they be fun filled with buttons or clothespins? Glues, sponges, or chalk or markers? Anything small that you want to keep in a convenient spot and ready for use would work well in these.

These come in a variety of shapes and are often silver metal in structure. The one shown below is more of a shell shaped nut dish that works perfectly for my small rondells and small pieces of bevelled glass. Be on the lookout for these! The size is really nice and with the rounded bottom inside, it is easy to pick up whatever is in them. You don't have to worry about something getting stuck in a corner. If nothing else, keep some candy in them! They are just pretty!

I know I sound like a broken record, but I would love to hear what types of items you have difficulty finding storage for. I hope these nut dishes inspire some other ideas for you!

Recycled and Repurposed Glass Door Knobs

I have a fascination with sparkly glass, and especially the old door knobs. I remember them as a child and thought they were like a piece of jewelry for the house even then. I thought this set of door knobs looked perfectly at home on my art table, used as a paint brush rest. It is the perfect size. I have a single glass knob that I use as a paperweight and one that I'm thinking of using as a finial on something. They would be great mounted on a plaque or shelf and used to hold your painting apron, some ribbon or use several to hold sections of lead came for your stained glass projects!

As shown, this set can be used to rest your wet brushes on while in use for painting, staining or even gluing. Rest your tools that maintain heat on a set so the heat doesn't damage your surface. Fountain pens, pencils, dowels, knitting needles or glass rods can be kept from rolling off the desk when the end is placed on something like this.

If your taste isn't sparkly glass you could use any type of knob such as brass (polished or antique; embossed or plain), white or brown porcelain, or stoneware for the same function to better suit your style.

I would really love to hear your ideas for this or other items! I would also love to hear what types of items you have difficulty finding storage for. Do you have an item you love, but can't find an excuse to keep it around? I am here to offer ideas and inspiration!

Compartmental Carrier

What's inexpensive, handy and portable? My new garage sale find! I bought this piece for a nickel! I couldn't even wait to clean it up before sharing it with you. This piece could be used for so many things. Can you tell I was excited to find it? It could be used for brushes, scissors, tools, crochet hooks, pencils and markers - just to name a few of the obvious items. If you chose not to use it in your studio, it could be used for silver/plastic ware and napkins or for cosmetic brushes and cosmetics, or hair care products and brushes and combs. For a nickel how can you go wrong?

The handle will adjust to two heights or is removable. The handle is also stationary so it doesn't tip when you are carrying it if the weight is not distributed evenly. One half of the box is undivided and the other half is divided into four equal size sections.

I think it will work great for my jewelry tools. I love the fact it is a tote and can easily be carried to where I will be working. I love that I can see through it. I also love that my tools rest securely in place and I don't have to worry about any of them dropping out or the tips getting damaged.

Keep your eyes open and your imagination in gear because you never know where you might find a treasure. Repurposing items is great for the environment as well. If they only had a nickel on this, odds are it would have gone to the dumpster had it not sold. One less item in the landfill. Go green!!!

Decorative Head Vases to Hold Supplies

Here is an idea for separating and storing your brushes, knitting needles, tools, glass canes, rods/dowels, or pencils for example. I use these doll head vase reproductions to hold some of my items used less frequently. The vases themselves have a vintage look and are more interesting than simple containers.

The brushes and other items set on a shelf safely until I need them. I can quickly see what I have and do not have to dig through a drawer to find one of the brushes. This also is a great way to keep your items from being damaged or even lost. Can you imagine what would happen to some of these things such as the feather or brushes if they were clumped together in a drawer?

Note also the possibilities of the shelf itself. The added hooks at the bottom makes this a great piece. Perhaps you could place jars of your favorite items on top of the shelf and hang ribbons or yarns on the hooks below. Could you hang your glue gun, heating tool, scissors or small buckets of supplies on the hooks below? Slip a dowel through the openings on either end and use it for fabrics, papers, spools of ribbon or wire. There are so many possibilities. A shelf like this can be customized to fit your particular needs. I believe I had purchased this one years ago from Home Interiors, but I have seen them at garage sales and thrift stores. If you don't like the color, paint it to fit your decor! If necessary, change the hooks, maybe using drawer pull knobs!

It's Just a Small Thing

This is one of my favorite ideas for those of you working with small pieces, be it beads, trinkets, nails, knitting markers, buttons or whatever else you can think of that can easily get lost or mixed together. Some of you may recognize what it is and some of you probably have never seen them before. They are glass floor protectors that used to be put under each leg of furniture to protect the floor. I had a stash of these I thought I might sell at a garage sale, and then it hit me how perfectly they would work. They keep my beads separated and it is easy to dip my needle tip in and pick up a tiny bead or two. They are only about 3" dia., so several work on my tray/charger. I think they would work great for mixing paints too. For you sewers and quilters out there one could easily be converted into a pin cushion too or the pins could just be kept in them as is.

Below is an overhead view. They sparkle nicely too, complimenting the sparkly beads! You could use these for storing small items in a cake pan, tray, box or other container as well.

Here is more of a close-up. As you can see they are not perfect. That is part of what I love about them. They have history and character. Just imagine all the beautiful pieces of Victorian furniture that must have been set on them or the beautiful floors they protected. The best part is...they are really inexpensive! Feel free to share your ideas in the comments. I would love to hear how they might work for your art or craft.

Paint Brush Containers

I keep a pretty good stash of paint brushes on hand in my studio. I paint mostly in watercolors, but also occasionally in acrylics or oils, so I have a variety. I like to keep my brushes where I can see them and close at hand. Silver and glass or crystal vases and small pitchers work perfect for this. Also, rather than placing them on a simple tray, I have them on a silver cake stand so that I can keep them together and up off the work area along with such items as my sea salt, sponge and Q-tips that I also use at times when I paint. Having them raised seems to take less space than a tray placed directly on the work surface. This may be something that would work for scissors, knitting or crochet needles, or other tools. How could you make it work with your art or craft?

Cup and Saucer Storage

I loved this piece. A friend of mine made this by attaching an old vintage cup and saucer together with an upside down glass candle stick in the center between them. She attached them I believe with epoxy and also added a charm, some flowers and beaded wire curly cues as embellishment. I actually use it on my kitchen table with a glass votive holder in the cup. Wouldn't it be a great piece in the studio though! The cup section could be turned into a pincushion or it could be used for small scissors and/or other tools. You could keep short pencils in the top and your eraser in the saucer. Try keeping your crochet hooks or tatting shuttle in the cup. The saucer works great for smaller things you need to keep 'somewhere' handy such as needle threader, buttons, or small sponge for example.

Another nice thing about this piece is that it can be done in any style. Make it your style by using a stoneware cup or taller mug and saucer with maybe a wood or stoneware candle stick. Give it the 40's, 50's or 60's look with vintage cup and saucer from that era. Another idea might just be to epoxy a classic stemware piece to a glass saucer. Again, endless possibilities! I would love to hear some of your ideas!