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Story by
FrucciDesign,
Vanessa
Published on February 21, 2008 in This Handmade Life |
Photo by FrucciDesign |
In this series, we’ll be snooping around artists’ creative spaces, how they set them up, when, why…even how often they clean them! We really want to know all about our artists, and maybe get a bit of inspiration!
Today we're visiting the space of the artist who will be editing the series — FrucciDesign. She's built a DIY studio nook where she works on metal and paper for her jewelry. So her pieces are truly homemade — and homemade in Italy no less!
What's your name and what kind of craft do you do?
My name is Francesca or Fru and I'm a jewelry maker, I do paper jewelry…but I'm in a transition phase to metal.
When did you decide that you needed a studio?
As most of us crafters, I've started my creative journey in my mum's kitchen then I carried on in my own kitchen, until last summer, when for the first time I met the fabulous world of metal at Penland School of Craft. Once I was back home from Penland I decided that metal is the perfect match for my paper creations. But work with metal involves a very dedicated space. So I started adapting my kitchen table to a jeweler workbench, but I simply was at crossroads: I needed to set up a studio or lose my already super tolerant boyfriend, who shares the same fate as this guy.
[ah, the lovely mess of creativity!]
When and how have you set up your studio?
There are two things you need to do setting up a jewelry studio.
First get the tools, second a bench where you can use them, and I can tell you this is not a cheap ride!
For the tools I shopped around a bit and eventually I bought all the basic things and few more. But when it came to the bench, I was a bit stuck: I found benches too big to fit in my little one bedroom apartment, and their huge price tags didn’t help. So I started looking into DIY benches, and I came across this article, which is written by Tim McCreight, a well-known jeweler and instructor. Based on Tim’s suggestions, one day last September I drove to store to get the raw materials (four wood sticks, three shelves a two drawers unit), and I build my little tiny bench, and now I use it all the time…well also because it is just next to the couch in the living room!
Did the studio set up impact your crafter budget?
It could have, but except for the tools I did everything by myself and secondly, the studio is right in my living room next to the couch, so I cut down also the costs of an extra room rent.
This of course has its disadvantages, because I need to be very careful: safety first!
Because I cannot do any "hot" metal work at home, I use the soldering facility at the local college where I'm taking a class (I actually recommend anybody who is just starting out to look for local colleges or schools, hidden treasure can be around the corner).
How big is your jeweler’s area?
Do you want to know the square footage? well, I don't know…let's say if I'll ever decide to take it down I can use that space to pile up about 30 large pizza boxes!
Which is your favorite tool in your studio?
Indeed there are two: the flex shaft and my paper shredder.
The flex shaft is a great tool that jewelers have stolen from dentists, and it is so handy, you can do almost everything with it.
The shredder is vital for my work, since all the paper I use for my jewelry is cut in tiny little strips, can you imagine to do it by hand?!
Do you want to share with us one secret of your metal studio?
Ok, but just because I love Esty and I know this information will be kept secret: I store all the extra paper (and believe me I have a lot) underneath my couch, sometime I feel like those characters in the cartoon that wipe the floor and hide the dirt under a carpet…but please, shhhh don't tell anybody, ultimately a crafter is always in need of additional storage space!
How many hours do you normally spend in your studio?
I spend all my free time there, especially at night, and the funny thing is that I'm never tired there!
Do you share your studio with someone or would you like to do so?
No, I don't share my studio with any other artists, but I do share the room where my workbench is with my boyfriend and with all our friends who come to see us.
I would love to work in a studio with some other artists, I'm sure it would be a very creative and inspiring experience. Besides, it would also fulfill my social side of my personality.
Is there anything you would add to your working space?
Oh yes! If I had more money I would first of all add more room, and then a huge table for all my ongoing paper projects, and a soldering corner with ventilation system, more light, more tools like a rolling mill, a hydraulic press and a big anvil…but for the moment I'm happy with my studio/corner/living room. Baby steps!
If you had to choose one synonym for your studio which one would you pick: atelier, family room, lair, lodge, nest, playroom, retreat, sanctuary, shelter, darkroom, or, showroom and why ?
If I have to pick just one, I would pick lair, because my tiny corner is MY world, where I can truly express my emotions and develop my idea still feeling safe.
And last but not least how often do you clean it?
Oops, you already asked for one secret, you can't get two!
Thank you Fru, until next studio snooping ciao!
If you have an interesting studio or workspace and some tips to share, comment below and you may be next in our Open Studio Tours series!
| Tags | FrucciDesign, Italy, jewelry, Online Workshops, Open Studio Tours |
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38 comments Login to add your own!
PreciousMeshes
way to go frucci!!! how cool to see the space where such truly original creations are made!
(not much dedicated studio space for me, unless you count the office/back room of my store, or the dining room table. but i can work almost anywhere, like on a train, under a tree, or on the couch. wire crochet is very portable!)
sagittariusgallery
Lol! Just as messy as me.
I've got a studio as well, first one (before was my livingroom) and since moving in in October it's become...cluttered to say the least. The ticket is storage and "counter" space. Oh, and light. Even if said light is half sun half ghetto fabulous vintage lamps everywhere ;)
JewelsofLuxury
ShopClementine
I guess I'm a voyeur at heart--I love seeing other artist's work spaces!
The bench you put together is fantastic, Francesca. My work space is spread out all over the house--photo spot here, computer there, jeweler's bench downstairs, beading supplies upstairs. Someday I'll get it all in one place!
stellaloella
This is going to be a really interesting series. Great idea, Francesca. :)
ruralabandon
Bravo! The forum threads showing workspaces is always so fun to go through. I just moved my studio into my rather large sunroom and another etsy artist saw the picture and said it is what they imagine crafter's heaven to look like. If you ever want an artist to show their space- I am game.
bagladiesinpa
I always love seeing how other artists work! Thanks for the peek into you space!
I converted my musty, dusty unused attic into a finished and well lit studio. Best decision I ever made!
sushipot
Love the new series! Francesca your work is exquisite. Love the way you incorporate paper in your pieces. I can totally relate with the "corner" studio as mine is in the corner of my bedroom :) Thanks for letting us take a peek into your creative world--very inspiring!
scrumdidlyump
Whoever came up with this idea deserves a cookie and applause.
I have an interesting studio... it is my very first!
And, the only time I ever feel tired in my studio is when I have to clean it :)
I can't wait to see the next studio!
alisamiller
blondechicken
I love this new series!
As a spinner, my studio is my living room, with bookshelves overflowing with ready-to-spin fiber; a bathroom/dye studio with dripping just-dyed-fiber and a nook in the office with the spun-dyed-listed fiber.
Scrapatorium
TheLolaCollection
I love this new series! I find it very fitting since I just cleaned my "corner" as I call it.
AnneHolman
what an excellent, efficient little corner! i love seeing the space where people work. it is always amazing to see refined, thoughtful work come from what you call 'the mess of creativity'.
great idea for a new column! :)
1girl1boy
I love this idea! Thank you for sharing your space Francesca. It is fun taking a peek into the real life & place behind the work I admire. I'm really looking forward to seeing more Etsy work spaces.
I work in my basement, it's kind of gross, but works quite well.
makemesmile
I like this!
The Frucci jewelry looks beautiful stylish. I'm impressed with your workspace. It looks very organized, you seem to have a lot going on there.
(Mental note: when Etsy calls, pretend to not be at home ;-D )
=^x^=
FrucciDesign
Thank you guys!
I'm also looking forward to sneak in your studio...so get ready!
tuizui
Thanks for doing this series and your work is fabulous!
A+ on the bench too.
hobocampcrafts
What a great idea! Anyone is always welcome to see our in home studio/living room/ kitchen/hobbit's den.
xo looking forward to more of these!
tinarice
for jewelry voyeurs, one of my favorite spots is the ganoskin bench exchange where LOTS of jewelers show their studios:
http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/BenchE...
i have a beautiful work bench, beautiful studio, large space....piled high with mountains of crap.
terrain
Here's a Flickr group called "Studio Shot Tuesdays" filled with lots of Etsy seller studios if anybody wants to snoop...
piperewan
yay! i love seeing other peoples' studios. it is fascinating to see how other artists utilize their spaces. i am glad to have my studio separate from my living space.
selflesh
Fru,
As you know...
I love your work!
+
It's always inspiring to see other artists studio spaces. Thanks for the great article.
My squeeze (talkingpaintings.etsy) and I spent this summer living + working in a 14' x 10' shed.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/selflesh...
+
After a LONG summer of hard work, we have finally upgraded to a roomier, and more suitable live/work space!
Looking forward to more studio sneak peaks!
;)
Best,
>s
beeskneesindustries
I love seeing your studio, but even more, I'm happy to be introduced to your work. It's really wonderful! I've never seen paper transformed that way.
I, too, have a nice little studio (or is it a second bedroom?), but somehow my stuff never can stay contained. I've exploded all over the house and even into some of my friends' studios. I'm lucky to be surrounded with such patient people...
utiledulci
What a wonderful idea for an inspiring new series!
I have a studio too, and if you’d like to see it I’d be delighted.
When I’m in it I’m constantly reminded of my great-grandmother, who’s largely responsible for my need to create and collect. Old school to the core, as a young child I used to watch her carefully fold up things like paper bags and hide them in every nook and cranny she could find. “Something to save”, she would say. She was ‘green’ before the term was used. And that’s what my space is like- full of things simply too good to throw out, all carefully saved for a new use; whether as a supply, to package, to store and organize, or simply to inspire. This mixed with a riot of colorful supplies; I’m like a kid in my very own candy shop:)
Ohhh, sorry I rambled- Reminiscing you know.
elementclaystudio
Last March, I signed a lease on a building and set out to make the bottom floor the freshest ceramics studio ever.
with a little help, and a lot of hard work, It has happened. I now have a beautiful space to work in everyday, and others to share it with.
Its 1300 square feet of wonderful!
gemmafactrix
I love fruccidesign's new pieces that are mixing her paper and metalwork! I was noticing them last week.
I have a great studio in one of three buildings that used to be warehouses. The spaces have huge windows, tall ceilings, and so much character. I don't share my studio, but there are other artists on my floor in their own studios, across the hall, and on the floors below me, as well as in the two other buildings in the complex. It's great. :)
Here's a photo from my first workshop taught in my studio:
OrangeTheory
what a fun idea for a series! I love to see where others create. It also makes me feel better when I see that not everyone has a nice clean work area. I can feel good about my mess as I think the creative process lends itself to messiness. :) I have a room dedicated to my crafts and I love having my own space! Would love to share it if you need more artists for this series.
maggiejs
Awesome work! I love your use of paper!
I'd love to share my studio space. I have an open studio and small gallery where I sell my work, located in a small artists community. It's very shack-like from the outside, I don't even have running water! But it is a great space anyways!
KinichiRiver
An inspired series idea! I gotta admit I love those sneak-peaks. Don't mind sharing mine, either, if you'd like... can't promise neatness, though. ;)
Thanks so much for putting this series together! Looking forward to the next one!
PoPkO
oh i LOOOVE this series! love it love it! i see you all the time on flickr and now i can see where the madness begins.
i would love to do a studio tour for this series, if you need someone, let me know!
Peldyn
Love the interview. I have a studio that my husband built for me when I had to close my store. I think we all need our own space even if it is only a corner or a spare room! Dang, that reminds me, I need to clean my studio. Hmmm isn't there something else I need to do instead???
*goes off to look for ice cream*
SusieQScraps
Peeking at other artist's studios for me, is like sneaking a lick of chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting! It's addictive. I always like to compare mine with theirs, and see where I can snitch an idea or two for myself. If nothing else, it's fun to see what other kinds of art others are into.
I'd be happy to share anytime. =0)
Peldyn, I'm going to look for some chocolate cake to go with that ice cream! LOL
punkahontas
I just finished reorganizing my workspace using assorted materials from Ikea, including the Grundtal rails meant for kitchens. (I'm using them to hang rolls of paper with fantastic results.) I would love to share my organization obsession with Storque readers. It's really pretty amazing, and didn't cost much at all!
heavensearth
I love this series! It was great to see into your studio!
Id love to see a series done on the homes of Etsy buyers! I think it would be so interesting to see all the different styles out there and how houseares from Etsy fit in!
Mimiandlola
Great Idea! It's nice to see how people set up shop in their home! My mom and I have set up our studio in her basement! Our little haven where we brainstorm and create!
Ciao Ciao!
scarletfields
dovegrey
Great studio pictures! I have a small studio at the back of my house, it was a summer kitchen/sunporch but now it is all my own! I seem to be in need of more space, may have to take over one of the spare bedrooms!
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