Friday, January 15, 2010

How to Store Art Supplies

Part of getting ready for new artistic ventures is getting my proverbial ducks in a row. Even as I prepare hard and fast for two of my five shows for the year, I'm gathering the goodies for the classes I'll be taking. Paint, metal stamps, glass - it's accumulating fast.


One of the issues is figuring out how to STORE all this stuff, these growing assortments of beautiful things that await metamorphosis into a different type of loveliness.



I've started random collections throughout the house. Here, lovely jars from Pottery Barn full of yarn, waiting for a class in sock knitting....



The yarn was just too pretty to put away in a box, so for now, they're filling up these jars. Speaking of jars, I found a vintage fruit jar and I'm using it to hold a treasure-trove of glass rod ends that I was given by a lovely blog reader. I'm holding on to them for a bit, just waiting to mash them up and turn them into frit.





Storing your art supplies this way may not be practical. Don't get me wrong -- all of my stash is most certainly NOT on display. Most, in fact, is packed into boxes and unceremoniously shoved under beds or into closets. But considering the beauty we make WITH the tools of our trade, doesn't it stand to reason that they would be beautiful, too?


So choose a few. Find an unusual way to make them an everyday part of your decor. Who knows? It might just be the gentle nudge you need to try that new project you've been meaning to start.




Lori Anderson's jewelry can be seen at www.lorianderson.net. Her other blog is www.prettythingsblog.com.

8 comments:

  1. Looks great! I love having things on display if I have room. I think it's very inspiring to have the beauty and colors around you. Thanks for sharing! :)

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  2. I love the way you have so many interesting and pretty things displayed in your home. It lets people know that an artist lives there.

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  3. Great thoughts, Lori! I'm very anxious to see what you do with the nubbies.

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  4. Loveing the glass stoage Lori...I've been eyeing them at Hobby Lobby...I just may do it.

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  5. Your studio is too pretty! Watch out, or you'll be featured in one of those magazines next! Jealous much, Laurel?

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  6. Very pretty!! I love having my supplies out where I can see them. Your glass jars are great!

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  7. i'm a visual crafter - i have all my things in glass or clear containers of some sort:) it makes me happy just to look at my things. which is about all i ever get done. *sigh*

    mary

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  8. Great ideas, Lori! I love displaying pretty things as decor, even when they are meant to be functional. My sister displays all her jewelry on a beautiful teak tray and it delights me every time I walk by it. I also love the idea of transferring bath salts from their plain, plastic containers into pretty jars. A great way to keep your bathroom looking pretty while still being functional!

    Johanna

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Thanks so much for commenting!