That's right - I am already rearranging the studio. But for good cause! Last week, was the absolute most lucky week for me in regards to studio storage! I had been dreaming of a vintage printers cabinet for many years, but only recently started seriously looking for one. It can be hard to find one in good condition, for a fair price, and within a distance to pick it up because it would cost a ton to ship one! My search started by scouring eBay, Etsy, and Craig's List. Many listings did not fit condition, price or location. My mind turned to antique shops and flea markets all summer long. I thought it was going to take me a long time to find what I was looking for.
But, out of sheer luck I found one on Craig's List not far from our families in Wisconsin. In great condition. For a price I was very happy with. I called right away, and felt confident with what my new friend Grant was telling me. I was sold. The only issue was planning a trip to go pick it up. Not such an easy feat anymore to pick up and go with a toddler, 2 dogs, etc.... And, buying from a retired couple who spend half their week up North. Again, out of sheer luck, that same day my in-laws called to plan a visit to see us. They agreed to pick up the cabinet and bring it over! I found the listing on Tuesday, and it was sitting in my studio by Sunday! Less than a week - I still don't think I believe it. I couldn't have asked for a better scenario.
Of course, I sent my Mother-in-Law home with some jewelry as a "thank you". Although she still tries to push money my way, as much as I refuse. I am so glad that every time I see her she is wearing jewelry that I've made.
I have a lot of cleaning and organizing to do again. Each drawer needs to be dusted and wiped out. But look - LOOK - 20 drawers just like this! Twenty!!! I am in heaven. And of course, I will probably never fill this thing up in my lifetime, even though I do have a lot of beads. I have to decide if I am going to keep my organization how it currently is, by bead type (ceramic, glass, gemstones, etc...). Or, if I will change it by color. Hmmmmm.
The other piece of news, is that I found this cool peacock trunk while on my weekly grocery shopping trip to our local big box store. The newsprint background goes perfectly with the vintage look in the studio.
When I first found the printers cabinet, I thought it would go in this corner. Remember how I mentioned I was not happy with the small table/necklace rack in this corner? Being as big as it was, it only made sense to center it. I was a little bit bummed about changing the mannequin display (I really liked them centered, especially when the curtains were open). But having the cabinet was so worth it! So I set them up in the corner with the trunk. I think it all looks pretty balanced for the most part.
So obviously, I had to take out that $2 table the mannequins were on along with the storage baskets underneath it. Along with the other small table and necklace rack. However, this is the back side of my desk and as you can see the large opening and bottom drawer houses all of my plastic bead storage containers. (Confession: I also have a lot of random trays laying around with beads, so this isn't all of them). Which will all be going into the printers cabinet. So I am hoping, between this freed up space, and the trunk, that my storage will still be sufficient and I won't miss the baskets. By the way, see all the nicks from taking the trays in and out? Yet another reason the cabinet is going to be so much better.
I am so happy that I am filling my studio (and home) with pieces that I love, that have meaning, and that were built to last. I feel like a curator, looking for what I really want and making sure I am making smart decisions. Sometimes the search can be long and agonizing. But in this case, I truly believe, it was meant to be!
