Tips on how to create your working space for jewelry

The beginning of last month has been extra exciting! I have moved my regular working space into a new area and seriously upgraded the working environment. Not only I had to thoroughly re-think how my working space will look like and what kind of organization works best, but more than anything, decide what kind of space would I feel best in. Very important! My goal was to create a jewelry working space I would love to hang out in even on days when inspiration deserts me or when I wake up just not ready to do anything pretty. You know, a coffee drinking – silver forming – thoughts collecting kind of room.

So here is what came together so far, and I am more than happy, although it seems it is a never-ending job. I tend to add items on the go and cannot wait what this space will turn into. Tomatoes and herbs will grow, silver dust will cover everything, and I might even add some unintentional blood stains somewhere.

If you are also a designer dealing with the same situation or just someone who thinks about creating a creative space, here are a few tips that didn’t cost much but made a big difference to my little space organization:

1. Since my studio is quite small, I decided to use light base furniture. Furniture in one colour makes the space look bigger and brighter.
2. Only white furniture however can come out slightly boring, so I added an organizational closet in dark blue. When adding colours to your space it’s a thrill but you want your colours to go together. My blue closet goes well with a yellow chair and bright wood on the floor. All the chosen colours also go well with silver which will eventually be everywhere.
3. Surround yourself with objects that matter. Your space will always look more appealing and warmer if objects you hand, or place mean something to you. This part is still in the making in my space but the great thing about it is, you can always change and modify it and add and throw away. It’s the never ending fun part : )
4. If you have enough space, then add some greenery. In my case, the view is as green as it gets, but I tend to add flowers from time to time too. A flower that grows well usually tells you, your space is positive, calm and friendly.
5. ORGANIZE! It really is the key to have some kind of order from the beginning. When it comes to jewelry and tools for jewelry, tile drawers work best. My previous drawers were deep and narrow and that also made them heavy, so it was impossible to open or close them during work, not alone find anything. Tile and wide drawers will allow you to find space for each tool one next to each other and they will not be too heavy to close.
6. Store all your little gift boxes or sample boxes etc., especially if you like how they look. They will be great to organize your accessories in your drawers.
7. I tend to clean up after I finish work, so when I start the next day, my mind and inspiration are clear. I am using small plate shelfs to store my unfinished jewelry pieces safely and ready to be completed eventually.
8. Ikea has these little organizing boxes made from wood. For a jeweller they are absolutely great. You can label every little drawer and separate all your little scraps and tiny particles.
9. Make sure you enjoy your chair! You don’t want it to be too comfortable or you won’t be able to have any work done, but you do need a strong back support and, in my opinion, a comfortable linen.
10. Light is essential! To work well you need to see well. Natural light is great if you are lucky enough to have any, but you work at night also, don’t you? Working under white light adjusted for your eyes will seriously help you stay attentive longer, you won’t make mistakes in your jewelry as you go. I still need to make my main light prettier and cover the circuit, but I paid special attention to what kind of bulbs I use and even talked to a professional about it.

My new studio, happy to meet you!