Creative Corners - Introduction

I'm introducing a new series today - and I couldn't be more thrilled. The idea for this series has been taking shape for an awfully long time, but I haven't had the opportunity or (more honestly) the motivation to 'make it happen'. All I needed was a little bit of focus - my One Little Word for 2014 - and now, happily, I can introduce 'Creative Corners'. 

Each Sunday, I'll be interviewing one of my favourite crafters, makers or entrepreneurs and will be asking them to share their 'creative corners', along with a little bit about how their creative process has affected the design and organisation (or complete lack of organisation) within their space, as well as learning a little bit more about them and their creative endeavours. 

What I hope will happen along the way is that you'll see 'creative corners' that inspire you to let go of the idea that your work space must be perfect, before you can create something beautiful in it! 

My Own Creative Corner 

I'm lucky enough to have my own little 'creative corner' - the smallest bedroom in my home. I set the room aside for crafting as soon as I moved in, but the room itself has been in a constant state of evolution.

Over time, I have come to realise that I work best - and can focus more easily - if I am in a calm, clean and clutter-free setting. This means that I have had to find 'a place' for everything! The materials and tools that I use most often are all stored on, or around, my corner desk. I adore the little 'cubbies' underneath the desk - and store my sewing machine, my packaging materials and some beading materials that I use often (but not quite often enough for them to sit on top of my desk.) 

While I'm beading, my desk is usually clear and clutter-free (but when I'm paper-crafting and it looks like all hell has broken loose) and I will have a small selection of materials to hand. The wicker baskets on the left-hand side of the desk contain my stash of pearls and fire-polished beads. The plastic boxes in the corner contain my selection of glass, ceramics, natural stones and gemstones. The little dish on top contains my small (teeny) selection of Swarovski crystal, stones and pearls.

On the right, my Beadsmith 'Bead Tower' stores all of my seed beads  (I still only have a small selection!) This is usually on the floor, just to the right-hand side of the desk, but it's handy enough to pull up and look through when I need a new size, shape or colour to work with.

My Creative Corner Essentials

There are a few things that I have come to value in my creative corner and excellent lighting is at the top of the list. The room is usually quite light and bright, but during the long evenings (and the endless winters) I use a Daylight Lamp for colour selection - and to extend my working hours. I would also be completely lost with my bead scoop and my Thread Zapper. Completely and utterly lost!

The most exciting addition to my creative corner has been my ASUS Transformer. When I'm busy creating, it sits on one side of the desk in it's 'tablet form' so that I can have instant access to all of my favourite music on Spotify. When I'm busy working on the not-so-fun stuff, like invoicing, I use it in it's keyboard setting, like a little laptop. It has totally transformed the way that I work within my creative corner - no more cables for a start!

For me, making my space work has meant putting function first and beauty second. There is nothing wrong with having a craft room (or an alcove, or a bookshelf) that looks pretty, but if it doesn't work functionally, you won't be inspired to actually use it!

Next week, I'll be interviewing the lovely Gail from Rocks For Frocks. I hope you'll join me for a little peek at her Creative Corners.