Where I work

I know makers love to see where other maker's make. Since I've recently reorganized my workspace I thought it would be a good time to share where I make my kanzashi. 

I cut and prepare all of my fabrics by hand. They are stored in piles just like this on a long table (not pictured) and await to be folded. 

My little corner. This is where I cut and make my smaller pieces. Larger pieces I make need a bigger "mess clean up zone." And trust me, it rarely looks this organized. 

Words of inspiration on the wall. (Of course made by my other company - 6 by 6 Arts). Also a small framed booklet of Orcas Island sea life. I thought the hand drawn illustrations where so sweet. It was published in Bellingham, WA and the sea life referenced in the book remind me of the same sea life that is also native to Whidbey Island. Which I am a native of. 

One by one. It's how I get the job done. I get a lot of amazed looks when I saw I hand fold every single petal. But after doing it this long I compare it to knitting for myself. I just get into my zone and fold, fold, fold. 

I want to be real with you all, my space RARELY looks like this. As most makers we are creative hurricanes with pieces and components of our work everywhere. Hence, really wanting to document this now. In general my area has a clean color palette which works for me because kimono fabric is often bright and bold, it draws my focus onto that. 

My work takes up many rooms and corners of my home. Stashes of fabric in the garage, my bedroom, all of my closets, dedicated work areas. It's like my birthday when I happen upon a stash that I had "forgotten" about. 

Maybe someday I'll post a realistic workspace picture when I'm in full production mode so you all can see what it's really like. Until then, I leave you with the thought that my floors aren't really covered with tons of scraps. :)

xo - Thea