As hinted before I am going to write a bit about my progress in re-organizing my studio.
It is kind of weird: I studied law and I always worked very structured and clean at the law office. I was known for going through unorganized areas of offices and telling bosses, colleagues and trainees that there should be never never ever a pile of files with unclear content or without to-do-steps. Very german-like telling them they could die in a car accident and I would not know what the heck is going on (believe it or not they still liked me- LOL – or at least that is what I think- hehehehe)
Anyway- my studio…total different thing. My studio is a MESS. Not in dirty mess…in “I can’t find the right place mess!”. My friend Julie tried to reorganize me eh the studio a bit going in her organization way when she visited me a while ago- but the thing was…it didn’t really work for me. It worked better and it was a good start but it wasn’t MY perfect organization. Time to tackle this again…because let’s face it…it is my work space an average about 10 hours a day- so…
Let me tell you how I found the perfect storage first…
When I went to the flea-market a couple of weeks, I found these letterpress blocks which I in itself eyed closely and bought a couple lots of. They were beautifully placed in this array of drawers. I somehow had this urge to ask the nice seller “so…those drawers, what are you doing with those?” To which he replied, that they actually belonged to a cabinet, he didn’t bring to the flea-market but plans to sell too once he sold all the letterpress blocks.
I asked what he wanted for it…and he named a prize that was really low. In fact the price made me think that the cabinet probably looked pretty bad. Despite the fact the price was low, I decided against further inquires, because even the low price was still something I had to chew on about. Imagine me for a whole week thinking to myself how stupid I am, what an opportunity I missed out on and dreaming and researching about letterpress cabinets. My husband the usual very mindful person actually gave me the push “You should buy it- let’s go to the flea market next saturday and see if he is there and try to get it”. And so it was.
I was a lucky ducky…that is all I can say- the cabinet belonged to an old tool school teacher who loved this cabinet from the 20s/30s and took good care of it. He taught kids how to print letterpress posters and when he retired had to move to an elderly home he had to sell everything. Knowing this background story makes this even more treasurable (is that a word?) for me and I wish he could know that his beloved cabinet got a home where someone equally loves and treasures this cabinet. I also was super lucky that the cabinet fit perfectly into the ONLY possible spot in my room- between a pole and a wall and with still being able to open the drawers which are quite deep without ruining a doorway (also known as “entering the American Zone” or my husband’s studio)
Let’s finally get to the organization part…I probably lost half of you already…but ok…you know I can’t contain my excitement for this. I wish those cabinets would be still built – yes! Because they are AWEsome- this cabinet is mall and look at all those drawers and they are thin and deep. Perfect for storing stamps:
Perfect with all those tiny containers which were for the metal book setting letters. I filled several drawers with found objects and embellishments. Being able to finally see them…it is like an inspiration drawer…open…spark…take…create!
Tapes …they lived in a box- some of them untangling, making it hard to control them (I might have control issues- LOL)
Oh wait…there was chipboard and canvas elements…
Letterpress, stamp- and lino-carving tools
I do not use a lot of ribbon, but what I knew I would use some time was dangling from a hanger…hated it (I know it is a strong word- but yes…true)
some of my Prima-Educator stuff…not perfect- but better when I had it before in boxes – I am still thinking about this.
the die cut tools – perfect… I was surprised to find some of them- ahem ;)
And as to not leave you with the false thought of a perfectly looking and wonderfully organized super duper power artist studio…here is the rest of my studio. Pretty much looks worse when before- hahahaha – because I started to pull stuff there out of the drawers and had to put it somewhere in between. It is now about organizing the paints and tools I use all the time. I will keep you updated in another post…hopefully soon ;)
BTW – I left the labels of the letterpress on the cabinet because I somehow think it adds to the charm of it…but maybe it might be better to label it with what is in there- LOL.
What do you think I should do – leave the labeling as is?
Have a gorgeous day
Nat
Related Posts:
Comments (63)
mjmarmo
| #
What a beautiful piece of furniture!!
Reply
Nurse Ratchet
| #
Nat, what an amazing find!! It really is a treasure! I have a metal Snap On tool chest (automotive use,primarily manly tools..LOL) but I really adore old wood … I have not labelled mine because I pretty much know where everything is since organizing as you are …kinda like playing the Memory game. Sometimes I open a different drawer and lo and behold something I actually would rather use is right there. For those of us with a wee bit of the Irish in us..Top of the morning to ya!! Yes, I am wearing green!!
Reply
Liette
| #
how lucky you are…it is perfect in your studio!!!
Reply
Kathy P
| #
That piece is awesome! I especially liked your recognition that the man who had it before you would be thrilled to see it in your studio! There is a similar drawer system (that I have coveted for years, but don’t have the cash for), but definitely NOT with any history like yours. Here: http://www.bestscrapbookshelf.com/index.php/cube-kitw-maple-white-walnut.html
Your space is NOT messy. Cluttered, yes, but when you find places for all of it, it will be tidy. Look at the light coming in from that window, bouncing off your clean white walls, and that lovely hardwood flooring. I wish my space looked like that! Thanks for sharing this wonderful story. Although I would NOT wnat the job of washing all those trays….LOL!!
Reply
Darlene K Campbell
| #
I think you are extremely lucky to find those letter stamps and cabinet and to meet that gentleman and be an extentension to his creative story. I have an old railroad file drawer piece (similar) and I LOVE it. Leave the original labels (I did because I like the original state of things and it adds value), but you could make artsy label cards and slip them in over the originals. That is what I did. Your studio definately has a creative feel to it. I am also Spring cleaning and when I spring clean I not only wash the walls, etc but I de-clutter and re-organize EVERYTHING. So it goes slower but it is nice when I get done.
Reply
Stacy Scott Buller
| #
What a gorgeous piece for your studio and I love how organized you are getting. I reorganize every couple of months or when the mojo has run out just to remind me what I have and what has been neglected. I’m compulsive like that (but only in the craft room, the rest of the house is a disaster). Good luck with the rest…can’t wait to see more pics!
Reply
debb
| #
so jealous! LOL! I vote to leave the letter as is- you will remember the order of the drawers eventually!
Reply
artquiltgirl
| #
That is just wonderful…yes, leave the labeling as is…..what a great find!!!!
Reply
Bonnie Wright
| #
Good morning, Nathalie. The cabinet is beautiful and a wonderful find for you and your supplies. I would leave the original labels but make new ones on transparent tape and attach them to the left sides of the drawers.
Reply
Vicki
| #
Hi, Nathalie,
I am bordering on jealousy–the PERFECT organizational piece! If it were sitting in my work space, I would leave the original labels and add my own in a discreet way, maybe on clear labels so they are visible from up close, but not from across the room. BTW, I want to tell you again how much I enjoyed Creative Jumpstart. It lit a fire in me that is still burning to try some new ideas. THANK YOU!
Reply
Martha Richardson
| #
Oh Natahlie I’m so envious…green with envy…oh yeah Happy St. Patricks Day ;) That cabinet is TDF and over here would be a fortune…enjoy with your find!
Reply
weevon
| #
Nat, I say leave them for now, but if it drives you crazy, then change. I so enjoy your posts. What a great read. Thank you!
Reply
Marsha.
| #
Wow! Lucky you!!!
I would keep the old labeling… I think you know what’s in each drawer as is. You can always change them later, if this isn’t working!
Reply
Susan
| #
Woh what a find!! I’m almost jealous haha. I would love to have a cabinet like that but no space to put it…I’ll be looking for a lookalike…The space will be found haha.
Reply
KikiK
| #
love it! I want one of those…someday…a girl can dream,right? ;)
Reply
Michelle Guest
| #
If you do not label the drawers are you going to remember what is in which drawer… Or… Is it going to make you crazy opening drawer after drawer trying to find something?? (which it would me!)
Reply
Jacqueline Bakker
| #
OMG…Very lucky you….What you told about not buying this cabinet in first place and then coming home and thougt you were stupid…I recognize….Waiting and waiting and still hoping this person will be there next week..is a very very long time!!! And now you’re twice as happy as can be!!!! Congrats I’m a (little bit) jalous!! A dutch woman who like this stuff very much, also the letters:)
Greetings from Jacqueline
Reply
butterfly
| #
What an amazing find – fantastic storage, and oh boy I envy those letterpress letters too!
Alison x
Reply
Michaela
| #
Ein wunderschöner Schrank – Lucky you!! Ich würde die Labels ändern, ich habe mein Chaos zumindest perfekt gelabelt ;-))
Liebe Grüsse aus Bayern
Michaela
Reply
isisimaginings
| #
I love the cabinet, it’s a beautiful piece, I would be thrilled to find something like it.
Reply
Rosie Grey
| #
how gorgeous!!! Hmm, I’n not sure about the labelling – I guess I would relabel, but then I think you also know where everything is after a while… but in case you are run over by a bus… (that’s what I use at work… ;-))) )
Reply
Margriet van der Zee
| #
I would leave the labelling like it is!! You will soon automatically open the right drawer if you need something and if not, you will see your treasures and they might inspire you for something else :-) I love the cabinet, what a great find! I have a much, much smaller one, my brother found it by the trash and I cherish it!!!
Reply
Cyndi
| #
A very fine find! I am envious! Maybe make the cabinet yours now by putting on your own labels. But maybe tape the originals to the underside of each drawer as a memento? Either that or you can remember what is in each drawer?
Reply
Clare
| #
It all looks fantastic! What a great find.
Reply
Sue Molofsky Schultheis
| #
cant wait to see how you re-organize your paints. Mine are in photo boxes all over my work area (dining room table). Took over the huge dining room that is now too small (if you know what i mean). Need a great paint organization idea.
Reply