Behind The Scenes

It is important to feel comfortable in your environment.  I believe sensitivity to your surroundings can affect both your creativity and productivity.

For such a very long time I ached for a special room, a designated area to sew, knit, crochet and display.  I was always envious of others who had achieved this.  I have wasted countless hours migrating from room to room trying to find a peaceful niche to work. 

Recently I have taken refuge in the garage, a singular place of solitude in a busy household, splendid in terms of potential however; the reality is a barren and rather uninspiring room with no natural light.  Not a great start I grant you, but it is my space and it is quiet.

I am hoping that some additional furniture and storage will gradually transform the soulless wasteland into what I think is an exciting and stimulating workspace.  However, the lighting issue may be a little trickier.  I shall resist the temptation to illuminate recklessly; I don’t want to be burdened with a sterile environment bleached by strip lights.  I strive for balance and beauty.

Reclaimed fence off-cuts left by the previous occupants, ideal for shelving.  These planks were previously used to support a burgeoning wheelbarrow over waterlogged lawns during the creation of the garden several years ago.  A note of caution, old wooden boards can prove a splendid environment for infestations; however careful examination confirmed that this was not the case, they were and remain fungus and beastie free.

They were dried out thoroughly and following an afternoon of Jake’s hard work and several grades of sandpaper later we have clean and perfectly smoothed wooden shelving.  Well maybe a little rough around the edges, like me really. 

A process that is time consuming yet gratifying as it revealed a surprisingly beautiful patina concealed beneath the layers of grime and detritus.

A personal opinion maybe, but I think that years of abuse and exposure to the elements have added a sense of depth and history to the finish.

The reclaimed wood has delivered rewards that go beyond the mere functional solution of shelving; they serve as a reminder of the enduring beauty and nature of wood despite any ill treatment.

The shelving has been installed in its new situation providing a much needed decorative touch and display area. 

 It will also serve as a set for photo opportunities of completed projects of a doll and teddy nature.

My reclaimed furniture and shelving were originally a little battered and aesthetically inadequate but with a bit of sanding, waxing and buffing is now fit for purpose and I think looks rather splendid. 

The project started without a budget, theme or any design aspirations and we concluded with an eclectic blend of furniture, storage and display areas that provide me with an environment that is both stimulating and an inspiration for future endeavours.

Sanctuary achieved and sanity restored.