an ordered chaos

I have received quite a few emails about the state of mess when it comes to studios. Even though most of us dream of beautifully organized and decorated work areas that magically maintain a perfect state of order, I don't think a working studio can be that way. It is against the laws of nature or physics or something scientific like that.

Don't get me wrong, it will drive me insane when I can't find a certain object or paper. Fabric and paper avalanches can ruin my entire day, so a certain amount of order has to be maintained.

Plastic bins, bags and carts don't work for me either. I have been there and tried that to all sorts of unending success. Plastic storage devices for some reason hamper my desire to even enter my work room. I don't mind seeing it in other people's studios but for me, it just doesn't work.

My preference is for a state of ordered chaos. A bin for leather scraps that can be closed so I don't have to see it until a piece is needed.

(insert gasp)
There was a time when I kept all my beads in little bags, sorted by type, color and such, not any more. I am a digger. I like to dig among the beads, paper and fabric. Interesting combinations accidentally happen that would never occur with too much sorting and storing of stuff.

Happy little accidental pairing of random bits.
So okay, there are those tiny little plastic containers but that is for really tiny super small beads.
Remember, it's an ordered chaos.

But what about the big jar of white buttons in the top photo? 
That is my concession to a visual order that I dream of but can't work in.

 

Comments

[Brooks Ann]

I thought I was looking at my studio! We have the same shells, buttons, jars, cigar boxes, etc. How crazy is that? I love to see where other people work and how they make their spaces work for them. Loved peeking into your world...

[Marit]

OHHH, those shells in the tall, glass (?) bin/pot/vase... sooo gorgeous! I will have my own studio this year (the space is there now, just not the time to re-arrange the house right now) and I have no idea yet how it all will work for me... but I know I don't like plastic and I too have old bins to store buttons etc. I'm drooling over yours now!

[Brian Kasstle]

Oh I am not for plastic bins either! There has to be some style to it. Thank you for the photos and the inspiration. My mom used to have a metal tin with old buttons in it. When I was little I used to love to pour out the buttons and go through them all and look at their vintage wonder. I think that was part of my artistic start.

[Seth]

Sensational vignettes. They make me want to dive in and go to work!