In and Around our Studio

Clover Creek-view from shop window

Thought today I would give you an idea of where we create our jewelry. Our studio is actually located beside a small year around creek named Clover. This picture shows the actual view from my bench window,.... isn't that a great VIEW! :) We enjoy watching the birds and wildlife as they wander by. Seeing wild Turkeys, Deer, Skunks, Squirrels, Rabbits, Ducks often and even fresh water Otter and many other wonders of Mother Nature. Plus it offers us a very relaxing view to "un-wind" from a long stay on the bench.

Usually I can be found here most days - and nights. My friends have mentioned, casually, that designing jewelry, making it and taking care of my website, managing show applications, and doing the business accounts are close to obsessions. They are probably right, but I prefer to call it my passion. :)
Our studio is actually a 30 ft. Toy hauler travel trailer. We have converted most of the unit into our work studio for both of us. I have the forward bench and Jerry has the rear, with our TV, DVR units mounted in the middle. All of this being along one wall. Giving me an area to place my desk top computer and printer sitting on a large long office file cabinet along the opposite wall behind me. This gives access to all I need to process our show applications and keep track of business accounting...mounds of paper work.:(

I'm basically a pack rat, I keep everything that might come in handy someday and all that "stuff" is packed into nooks and crannies around my studio and in cabinets, closets and on shelves around our benches.

My swivel chair, with wheels, is in the middle so I can just turn or roll the chair a foot or so and get to most places without having to get up. This really is an asset for me because of my lower back issues.

Most jewelers use a special piece of furniture for working on jewelry. It is like a desk, but the work area is higher from the ground and there are especially built drawers and shelves. These benches can be purchased from many jewelry supply houses and range in cost from $250 to $1000 or more for custom design units.

I prefer a chest high bench that Jerry built for me to a jeweler's bench for a couple reasons. I have a problem with lower back and bending over a taller unit would cause a painful attack after just a short stay on the bench working.. I also like to keep my tools on the bench or stored in drawers under my bench.. A jeweler's bench is wonderful but where would I put all this other "stuff" I collect? :)

As I mentioned before, both of us have a TV and DVR, mine is to my right side and is fairly close to my bench. This is because I often work late at night and into the wee hours of the morning, which is when I get most of my inspiration. Having the TV or a movie running on the keeps me company.

The forward area of the trailer holds more storage and a place to pack and ship. There is a stove, oven, Micro Wave and sink too. I use the Micro Wave to warm up my coffee late nights or cold days, however, the oven has become a storage area for paper for my computer and we have covered the range top to more table area. to do the wrapping and packing for shipping.

Last but not least of the things I wanted to introduce you to is our "adopted" companions and security team.

Meet Lucy in the front, and Charlie behind.......
Both actually belong to Jerry's sister, Michell and her husband Red.
But we "baby sit" as often as we can.
Below is a close up of their faces...aren't they cute~~:)
However, don't let that fool you. Both of them keep us aware of what is going on around the place.
Now last one is Velcro....our cat.
He is around 11 or 12 yrs. old now, but both Charlie and Lucy know who's boss around the place. How he got his name...well when was a kitten he would follow us around the place. Often jumping up a tree beside about arm high to get petted as we passed by. Well ....... one hot summer day Red was walking around the place wearing Levi shorts.....no trees near by.....and yes you guessed it. He stuck like velcro to Red's leg...LOL
Thus his name