Inside the Creative Workspace of a Handmade Online Shop

Inside the Creative Workspace of a Handmade Online Shop

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Studio Space Evolution
3. Packing Area and Shipping Supplies
4. Storage and Organizational Solutions
5. Macrame and Craft Supplies
6. Wood Jewelry and Engraving Materials
7. Sublimation Equipment and Tools
8. Heat Press and Vinyl Supplies
9. Printer and Office Essentials
10. Standing Desks and Workspace Set-up
11. Personal Touches and Decor
12. Final Reflections on the Studio Space

Introduction

Welcome to my studio tour! In this article, I will take you through the evolution of my studio space over the past 10 months. From working in a shared bedroom to finally having a dedicated office, I will share the challenges and triumphs of creating a cohesive and functional workspace for my handmade business. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join me on this virtual tour of my creative sanctuary.

Studio Space Evolution

If you're new here, my name is Tana, and I've been a small handmade business owner since the end of 2016. Like many entrepreneurs, I started my business with limited resources and made do with the available space. Initially, my business took up half of one of the bedrooms in our home. As my business grew, so did the need for a dedicated studio space.

After moving to a new location, I was fortunate enough to have access to a spacious guest bedroom that I transformed into my studio. This larger space allowed me to expand my inventory and comfortably work on my craft projects. However, as life happens, we moved yet again, this time to Richmond, Virginia. Renting a house in a new city presented an opportunity to explore the area before making any long-term commitments.

In this new rental house, I had the privilege of having my own dedicated office space. This office, which I'm about to show you, became the heart of my creative endeavors. But before we delve into the details, I must mention that I have ADHD, which means I tend to be naturally messy when I work. So, please pardon any visual clutter as I've spent a considerable amount of time tidying up for this tour.

Packing Area and Shipping Supplies

Let's start the tour with the first space you encounter when you enter my studio. This is what I call the packing area. It's a little nook created by the layout of the house, and I decided to make the most of it by setting up an organized space for packing orders.

I have an Ikea table that fits perfectly in this area, providing ample surface area for packing and preparing shipments. Adjacent to the packing area is a closet where I store all my shipping supplies. I won't go into detail about its contents in this tour, as I already covered it in a previous video (link provided). However, there is one item I want to highlight - a lamp with a phone holder. This versatile lamp allows me to easily film content for social media, such as Reels and TikToks, which are crucial for business growth.

Storage and Organizational Solutions

Now, let's move on to the storage and organizational solutions in my studio. One of my favorite storage solutions is the Ikea Billy shelves. As someone with ADHD and a love for trying out new crafts, I have accumulated a plethora of materials and supplies. The Billy shelves provide ample space to store everything from macrame cord to books, storage organizers, and metal pieces. To keep smaller items organized, I added pull-out drawers for easy access. These drawers hold essentials like jump rings and other jewelry findings.

To utilize vertical space efficiently, I repurposed empty candle jars to store pre-engraved acrylic keychains and wood slices. The jars not only look aesthetically pleasing but also keep the items easily accessible while keeping clutter at bay. Additionally, I have various bins and storage containers for specialty items like seasonal wood earrings and random supplies.

Macrame and Craft Supplies

As mentioned earlier, I have a passion for trying out new crafts. That's why I dedicated a section of my studio to macrame and craft supplies. On one of the Billy shelves, I keep macrame cord and books. The macrame cord, purchased from Careless Threads, is of exceptional quality and fringes easily. I've also amassed numerous craft books, providing inspiration and guidance for my creative endeavors.

Alongside the macrame section, I store other craft supplies and materials. I have pull-out drawers filled with tiny metal pieces, jump rings, and other components. These drawers, purchased from Michaels, ensure that the items are neatly organized and easily accessible. On the shelf above, I display thrifted houses and decorative items that add character to the space.

Wood Jewelry and Engraving Materials

Wood jewelry and engraving hold a significant place in my business. Therefore, I have a dedicated section for these materials. On one side of the studio, I have a collection of wood slices, which I use for various projects. I source these wood slices from different suppliers and keep them neatly organized and easily accessible using storage bins from Target.

Next to the wood slices, I have an assortment of jump rings and pre-engraved wooden ornaments. These jump rings are specifically used for my specialty seasonal wood earrings. Although the organization may appear slightly haphazard, it works for me to have items divided into different categories and easily retrievable when needed.

Sublimation Equipment and Tools

Moving on to sublimation equipment and tools, this area is all about heat pressing and transferring designs onto different materials. I own a Glowforge Pro, which is a powerful laser cutting and engraving machine. Since the Glowforge is a significant part of my workflow, I made sure to place it strategically in my studio. Underneath the Glowforge, I have Alex drawers that hold various materials specific to this machine.

Each drawer is designated for a specific material, such as acrylic, cherry wood, walnut wood, maple wood, and birch wood. These drawers provide organization and ensure that I can easily locate the materials I need for my projects. Additionally, I have a drawer for miscellaneous wood pieces and painted woods. Overall, this section optimizes efficiency and accessibility for sublimation-related projects.

Heat Press and Vinyl Supplies

Adjacent to the sublimation area, I have my heat press setup. This setup consists of a Stahls Max Press and an 11-ounce mug press from Heat Press Nation. The Stahls Max Press is a robust machine that allows me to press various products like t-shirts and totes with ease. The 11-ounce mug press is specifically for sublimating designs onto mugs.

To accompany the heat presses, I keep essential tools, such as heat mats, pillows, and tape. These tools aid in the heat transfer process and ensure a smooth application. Additionally, I have a designated area for my vinyl supplies, including HTV (heat transfer vinyl) and various blanks. These supplies are essential for creating custom designs and personalized products.

Printer and Office Essentials

No office space is complete without a printer and essential office supplies. In my studio, I have an HP OfficeJet 5740 for regular printing needs and an SG400 for sublimation printing. These printers play a vital role in my business, allowing me to print everything from eco-friendly stickers to custom packaging materials.

Alongside the printers, I keep an assortment of card readers for in-person events and a collection of ink cartridges. I subscribe to an ink service, which ensures that I always have a steady supply of ink for my printing needs. I also have a variety of business cards on hand, ready to be distributed to potential customers. Keeping these supplies organized and easily accessible ensures smooth operations and timely order fulfillment.

Standing Desks and Workspace Set-up

One of the most significant upgrades to my studio space is the addition of standing desks from FlexiSpot. I have two standing desks - the Viki Desk and the Comhar Desk. The Viki Desk, in all white, was my first FlexiSpot desk and served me well. The Comhar Desk, with a maple top and white legs, is an all-in-one standing desk with additional features like built-in USB ports and customizable presets.

These standing desks have revolutionized my workspace, allowing me to alternate between sitting and standing while I work. The convenience of adjusting the height and having customizable presets ensures maximum comfort and productivity throughout the day. The spacious desktop surface provides ample space for my computer, monitor, and other essential tools.

Personal Touches and Decor

No studio space is complete without personal touches and decor. Surrounding me in my studio are various pieces that reflect my personality and add visual interest to the space. I have artwork from HM Design Studio, Lee Ellison, and prints my mom bought for Christmas.

Additionally, I have incorporated functional decor into my workspace. For instance, I have a macrame piece and a wall pocket that double as storage solutions. There's also a cute match striker, a tripod for filming videos, and a cozy chair with a pillow for added comfort during long work sessions.

Final Reflections on the Studio Space

In conclusion, my studio space has evolved over time to accommodate my growing business and changing needs. From a small corner in a shared bedroom to a dedicated office, I've learned to optimize space, be organized, and create an environment that promotes creativity and productivity. Although there are always improvements to be made, I'm grateful for the sanctuary I've created in this studio. It serves as an inspiring and functional space where I can pursue my passions and bring my business dreams to life.