The Dungeon, as Promised

I share my creative space with the TV, the Wii, the portions of our household server not tucked into the closet beside the stairs, and a defunct fireplace insert. If I recall correctly, the room measures 12.5′ X 24′ and I use more than half of it. I’m not hurting for space here. What I do need, though, and what I’m hoping for in the future, is more vertical storage (and a slop sink!). With everything tucked into plastic tubs on the floor, I feel that no matter how much effort I put into keeping it clean, it will always feel cluttered.

Because I don’t focus on a single art form (yip, Jack-O-all-Trades) I’ve been attempting to label everything, and to organize by category. Having a passion for both paper and polymer clay can be frustrating. By its nature, paper creates dust and polymer clay attracts every single particle of that dust. If I want to work with light colored clays, especially white, I must clean every single surface before I begin. Otherwise, my clay is dirty and dull the moment it hits the table.

A note about the wire paper-rack pictured above: DON’T buy one. It’s the most obnoxious, evil little invention in existence and, when I find the right replacement, I’m going to bend this one into a flower pot. Granted, it’s probably not designed to hold 2,000 pounds of paper, but the whole point of putting wheels on something is so it can be rolled around. Yeah, not so much with this. Even at a fourth of the paper on the concrete floor it pulls apart at the little plastic thingamajigs meant to hold it together. Jon has taught me (patiently, I might add) that purchasing cheap equipment is more expensive in the long run. If you’re making a long term investment in yourself and your craft, save yourself some grief — invest in good, well built (and where possible — well reviewed) tools and equipment.

May your weekend be an adventure like no other.

Arrivederci!