The Studio/Workshop – A Wee Brightness Experience
I’ve always thought that how you present your finished product, whatever it may be, is just as important as all the effort you have put into your little masterpiece.
I love all aspects of setting up displays and trying to showcase my jewellery in the best way possible, right down to how you package a bought piece. My previous career in retail pharmacy introduced me to the world of merchandising and the importance of product placement and display. I took every chance to get involved with this as it was way more interesting than counting tablets.
Whilst living in the North island, I did all my creating in the garage alongside the garden tools and lawnmower and displayed and sold my jewellery in a couple of lovely craft shops. For several years, I participated in the Kapiti Arts trail and several local markets. Many an hour was spent fine tuning my displays, but in the end they all had to be dismantled at the end of the event or moved around to make way for the work of others. I always thought that having my own little space to make my jewellery and have a nice display would be great – everything in one place and laid out exactly as I want.
Moving into our new house was my chance to live the dream…
Below the house was a small space with a big workbench, cabinet and a bit of room for shelves (once the freezer was moved) and it was always destined to be mine. So, taking inspiration from the colours of the Scottish flag, the assistance of my ever helpful husband and the understanding of the dogs who had to forego several walks, I set about the transformation.
From what was essentially a man cave, a place of home brew, fishing tackle and oily stuff has materialised a fresh and bright workshop/studio. There’s still the big bench but now it has nice blue drawers that actually open. The cabinet is devoid of rusty paint tins and sagging shelves and is perfect for some colourful displays. Best of all there’s plenty of space to show off all my wee brightnesses.
What is most important though, is that I now have a great place for people to come and see what I do and hopefully be inspired to take home a special something for themselves.
If the sign is out at the bottom of the drive, come on up. If I’m actually making something and not tinkering with the display, that’s a bonus. Either way, come and enjoy A Wee Brightness experience, I’d love to see you.
