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Come behind the scenes at Something Sublime for a #CraftRoomTour and see Deryn's jewelry studio in Sheridan, Wyoming.
The best thing about my studio space is that it's very large. I have room to spread out as well as room to hold private and semi-private classes.
Tell us about your space
Our home was built in 1900. The garage is a separate building, which we think was built in the 1930's, and my studio sits directly over the garage. It looks a bit like a barn, which is great because our house is an old farmhouse (we also have a beautiful barn on the property). Some of my studio space is dedicated to jewelry making but I also have a large student work table, a couch and lots of storage. I spend the majority of my creative time either making jewelry or creating online jewelry making classes but I've always enjoyed other pursuits like sewing, collage, bookmaking, etc.
What have you done to make your space cosy, beautiful or inspiring?
The latest addition to my studio space is a large, old unit that was either a chicken coop or some kind of tool/parts storage. It's very big and heavy, with lots of compartments, and my husband and I hoisted it up the stairs with a dolly. It's a miracle we made it!
How do you keep organized?
I have a lot of stones, and beads and I organize them by color. For me, this just makes it easier to find what I need. The beads are in compartmentalized plastic boxes and I keep my stones in flat drawers. All I have to do is open a drawer to become inspired for my next project!
Any tips & tricks for organising supplies?
Small spaces are just as tricky to keep organized as large ones...I've had both! The key is to put things away and clean up when you're done. I don't rearrange furniture, or supplies, very often as it makes it hard to find what I need.
Which are your favourite possessions and are there any of your own creations on display?
I have a lot of jewelry, both my own and things I've purchased from other artists, so I have quite a bit of jewelry around the studio. I have a large collection of rosaries and religious pieces that are probably some of my favorite things I've collected, over the years. They're beautiful to look at as well as great to use for making jewelry.
How do you organise your inspiration and ideas?
I have a jewelry journal that I occasionally use to sketch out ideas but I really tend to roll with my ideas when they strike. I feel much more inspired if I an act on an idea when it comes.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I'm inspired by all kinds of things and have even more to be inspired by since moving to Wyoming. Our place is full of wildlife of all kinds. There is a creek running in front of our house so we get a lot of birds; eagles, cranes, geese, ducks and owls. Deer are frequent visitors to our yard and the area has antelope, foxes, pheasant, and even bear. My collection of religious relics and items serves as one of my biggest inspirations, as well as scripture. I'm also very inspired by Native American silver work.
If you had three wishes, what would you do to make it the dream space?
I have to say, our move to Wyoming has given me the dream studio I've always wanted. When we moved in, it had been used as a sort of studio apartment. There were five different kinds of flooring, dirty paint, weird built in shelves, old appliances and a pretty repulsive odor. My brother and sister in law helped us gut it, cover it with a fresh coat of bright white paint, install a new storm door and put in new lighting and flooring. It's miles away from where it started, thankfully!
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