Studio Redo~

Trying to be organized is quite a task. I was becoming over-run with bits of wire, beads, and other such goodies I collect. My magpie qualities were taking over and running me out of work space! Something needed to be done! Well, since giving the sparkly bits up was not an option (I could not find ONE thing that I could part with!), the only thing left to do was organize my work space. Being the tightwad that I am, it was necessary, and challenging, to see how little I could spend while gaining the space and organization that I needed.

Our house was built in 1902, and has the old fashioned setup of a parlour next to the living room. We put this room to good use- it is our computer room, the kids' toys and games are there, and my studio. I love it because I can be working on jewelry and Pudge can be on the computer right near me, and we can still talk. My work table is the remains of our old dining room table that we got for free when we first got married. We bought a new table a several years ago, and this one went into storage in the garage. Pudge has now cut it in half and readjusted the legs, it is now the perfect size for my little corner space. My chair is actually a captain's chair from a semi truck (no, it is not used, I got it new), which is more comfortable than a recliner. I love it! Ah, my new lamp. What can I say about this lamp? My inadequate picture taking abilities do not serve it well. It is a beauty. What began as some metal objects from the local second hand store and some old semi truck parts (can you guess Pudge's line of work yet?) have been transformed, by Pudge, into this beautiful piece of art that is at once both industrial and eccentric.

Who would have thought zip strips and discarded metal pieces could look so good! We had the pegboard in the garage (tightwad here...we don't throw much away!) after a nice coat of white paint and some new pegs, it looks great. I love having all of my tools hanging right in front of me, it is so much easier to be creative when you actually know where your tools are!

And, just in case you were wondering, we did NOT paint the room blue and yellow. It was like that when we bought the house, and we haven't done anything about it yet. What on Earth would posess someone to paint neon yellow over 108 year old oak trim?! It boggles my mind.

I collected the storage boxes and bulletin board over time, while shopping second hand stores and sales, of course. I love my new revamped work space. It is the perfect place to dream up and create new and interesting pieces. I am looking forward to some of my upcoming projects and shows and am glad I have a fresh new space to make it all happen!

Of Art and Squirrels

I love fall. I love the colors, the smell of burning leaves, I love Halloween, and I love the cooler weather. My collections of boots and hats emerge from my closet, with much excitement, for the next 7 months or so (usually until I begin to get strange looks for wearing boots in 70 degree weather, then sadly, I lovingly pack them away for the summer).



I find myself "nesting", like a squirrel, at this time of year. Most people do spring cleaning each year when the weather turns nice, I do a bit of that, too. But in the fall, I find myself doing a major overhaul of my family's belongings. Like a furry critter I declutter, clean, and organize- all in preperation of hibernating for the long winter ahead. Living in beautiful Michigan, our winters are hard. Really. We have had snow so deep, you can go sledding off of your roof, and that is just the lower peninsula. In the upper peninsula, they have doors on the second story of their homes, so they can get out in the winter. My point is- we spend alot of time indoors during long, cold, snowstormy days.



The same goes for my business, too. My website is getting a major makeover right now and my Etsy shop is getting a facelift. I am retaking photos that I am unhappy with, checking my links (and adding new ones), listing new items, and marketing. I am expanding my online presence and meeting some great new people! My studio has recently been reorganized and cleaned, as well. It is amazing what treasures you rediscover when you organize your bead and wire stash! Now is also the time to look ahead to next year's art shows and decide which ones to participate in (will it truly be worth the while to drive all the way to Chicago for a show?)


Don't get me wrong...I am the Queen of Procrastination. But during the fall my "organization instinct" overrides my deeply ingrained sense of dalliance. And I am thankful for this. Some of my favorite days are in the middle of winter, snowbound, with nothing more to do than be with my family and create jewelry.

Balancing Act

Family VS. Work


I was graced with having almost no will power when it comes to certain things. Chocolate, for instance, or good beer (especially a really hoppy one with a nice bitter kick to it). I also have a keen sense of procrastination. I am a master at putting things off until the last possible minute. The combination of these two traits can be lethal when running your own small business. Add into the mix two wild little ones who need my attention, and it is a wonder anything gets accomplished!



I have been forced to devise a way to keep myself on task. It has been a daunting task for me- I am not a Type A personality. I am the true definition of Aquarius...free thinking, rebellious, I do things my own way , always need to have the last word, never do things by the book.



I have started writing everything down. My wonderful husband bought me an organizer in which I keep track of all of my important dates and events. On this I keep track of my daughter's kindergarten events, classes that I teach, upcoming art shows and deadlines, etc. I usually carry this with me and it has come in very handy on several occasions. I also have a notebook that I leave on my jewelry work table. I use this to keep track of incoming orders, making sure to record the order date and date needed. I try to jot down one or two goals to finish that day. I also use this notebook to sketch any ideas, and write notes to myself. Each day I check my notebook to see what I need to work on first. I don't give myself a strict time schedule during the day that way I can do a jewelry project, then play with the munchkins for a while, then do another project. I can adjust my day and spend a little more time on one thing and a little less time on others. Since I run a busy household, I also keep track of things that need to be done around the house. I write down things that need to be done on a daily basis, such as appoinments. I also write down a few weekly projects. These I work on over the course of the week as I have time, like cleaning out a closet, or organizing my kids' winter clothes.


My system is not fool proof, by any means. But it works for me. Most of the time...unless I settle in with some chocolate and a good beer next to my husband. Then it will have to wait until tomorrow.