by Patty Lakinsmith
A few months ago I started a system for beading that's working well for me. I'm not one of those who cleans up after every beading session, and this system at least helps to contain the disaster. A little. I've started taking my jewelry assembly work mobile. For me this usually means in front of the TV while the baseball game is on in the living room (Go Giants! Beat the Phillies!). I do my soldering and hammering and other messy and noisy stuff in my jewelry studio, but simple assembly and wirework can be done anywhere.
It builds on the system of using the oblong black jewelry trays with the velvet liner pads. I put everything I'll need to assemble a piece in the tray, and I can take it anywhere to work. I keep separate trays for my work in antiqued brass and silver, and only include the supplies I'll need to make a particular style. I'll grab a set of lampwork beads or some focals, a tray, some gemstones, and my round divided container that contains things I use often - seamless rounds in several sizes, daisy spacers, crimp beads, etc. It makes it very easy for me to "riff" on certain themes and produce a number of pieces using the same theme, colors, and components. It's also not too messy and can be easily set aside when necessary. Since I started storing my gemstones in clear plastic divided boxes, sorted by color families, it makes it easier to find things. Could it be that I am finally organized? Weeelllll, I wouldn't go that far, but I feel like it might be a good start.
We have been fortunate here in the San Francisco Bay area not to be suffering with the oppressive heat the rest of the country has, but on warmer days or just those where I want a change of scenery, I like to head outside to my new favorite shady spot. My mom and I recently refinished this loveseat that her dad built years ago, and it's on the deck under an arbor thick with wisteria, and surrounded by fragrant jasmine. I do my best gardening on the deck in pots, where my treasures are safe from predators and more regularly loved, and it's wonderful to soak up all of that inspiration Mother Nature serves up every single day.
How about you? How has the heat affected your creative work? Have you found a clever way to beat the heat?
6 comments:
Since I can't torch until Thursday, again, I am pretty much vegging it in the cool of the house. My "studio" out of necessity, is mobile now. At home I have sections for working with different media, often times, my basement, but I am still very mobile.
What a great idea. My husband is trying to figure out how to make me mobile to get me out of the heat in the garage. Just a bad summer.
I'm not nearly as organized as you are but I find working on a tray in my lap is a the best system for me. The heat has actually gotten me back into doing more studio work. Air conditioning is a wonderful motivator.
this is a wonderful idea! but i am sweating it out - literally... tmi... :0)
We have had a little break in the heat. I haven't been creating because I signed up for so many "school" related jobs in the month of July as well as trying to see my family as often as possible. I'm hoping to be more creative and get some rhythm going in August. I love the idea of the the jewelry box organization. I often sit in front of the computer with my little hammers and work on jewelry while working on the computer. That way of working usually = MESS! At least I could keep my little messes organized. I'm going to try that as I sit and look at copper wire to my left, my baggie box for storing the beads that I sell to the left as well as a measuring tape remote and partially completed necklace. To the right, a dremel, a hammer, misc. tools in a plastic container, bills that need to be paid and then a HUGE assortment of beads that I might list soon...... I think I need a little more containment.....
Thanks for sharing your mobile plan. I have used a similar plan by using 12 x 12 scrapbook boxes that are wooden with a lid that I can take off and put underneath as I work. I cut a beading pad to put in the bottom and placed a wooden ruler along the side. It holds the tools and beads I am currently using.
Post a Comment