Last-minute work in the studio

I currently share my home studio with a carpenter, or rather, his tools. Those tools that aren't out on a job are in the big box, which is on wheels, and until recently the big drill sat at the end of the workbench. Although he kept building cupboards for me to put my fabrics and papers and other materials in, there was simply too much stuff elsewhere in the room - in all the wrong places, of course.

The drill and box got moved into the cupboard and out of the way (making access to the cupboard difficult, despite the box's wheels!), but until this morning, access to the cupboards that aren't shown in these photos was blocked by sheets of plywood and other awkward items. And a few painting implements had taken up residence -

Not a pleasant place for getting on with creative or even humdrum work! Even the worktable under the window was overloaded. An end-of-year clean-up was needed.

Putting the tools and boards away took all of 15 minutes - the carpenter is tall and can stack things right up to the ceiling. What a difference it made -

The next phase is for me to do. Before I start using the sewing machine, my task is to fill that box with things that can be thrown out. Which isn't going to be easy - especially since the workbench is now piled high with "a few things" that need new homes. Fortunately I've been getting a bit of practice with decluttering at the weekend studio - 15 minutes at a time.

Getting rid of "craft materials" is so difficult - any of these things might come in useful ... tomorrow ...

But I'm starting to enjoy getting rid of unfinished projects - each discard is one less thing saying "finish me!"

Mission accomplished!

The workbench is clear, even the table under the window is clear, and that box is full of paper for recycling. The door opens almost all the way. And how absolutely wonderful to be able to access the cupboards - there is nothing more wearying than to have to move things aside every time.

Isn't it interesting how the 2D photo looks so very different than the room does when you're moving around in it? You learn to ignore entire areas that have become crammed with things that "need" to be kept....

And now it's time to put the Old Year to rest, and  perhaps think ahead to the New Year.

Very best wishes for a creative (and peaceful) 2013!