Making Room for Creativity

I mentioned briefly in last week’s tirade that I’ve opened an Etsy shop.  Right now it’s stocked with some of my handmade art cards.

I’m starting to realize just how much I need to learn, but it’s a wonderful motivation for me to get back to my art.

I thought you might be interested in seeing how I’m setting things up to be able to do that.

Alan and I live in an apartment.  It’s a little less than 850 square feet – plenty big enough for two people to live in.  But without a spare room, making my cards and whatever else I come up with and not letting it take over requires a bit of thought.

I needed a bit of room to be able to spread out my supplies and some good natural daylight to see what I’m doing.  Fortunately, our dining room has both.  But it’s also the place where we do a lot of entertaining. How to make it work for both?

Good storage is the key.  Boxes and suitcases and things with lids so that, at the end of a good work session, I can put everything away, throw a cloth on the table and be ready for dinner.

I’m lucky enough to have a little nook, into which I could slide a wire display case.  I just need to make a curtain I can pull across and it will be perfect.

I’ve also decided to leave a few hints to the room’s other life on show.  I think my vase full of paintbrushes is attractive on its own.  And I’ll add other bits and pieces as time goes on.

Tomorrow, I’ll share some of my thought processes in designing this space, so that you, too can make space, both physically and emotionally for creativity in your life.

And just so you know?  I define creativity very broadly, so if making cards or painting doesn’t interest you, don’t worry.  I think I can inspire you to make room for whatever it is that lights you up!