A Studio That Works - Plastic or Personality?

When I think about my studio, the first word that comes to mind is organization. That's always been a favorite word as well as concept - I like things organized. I tend to evaluate things based on how well organized they are - events, people, rooms, patterns, etc.  
Yesterday and Monday I was lucky to have presented (with Jerry V. and Becky M - Thanks!) the program for the Kaw Valley Quilters' Guild - a program on Studio Organization - or more precisely - Studios: Where Women Create.  Based on some comments from guild members, I think it went over well.  I was so inspired by the women and their spaces we visited to prepare for the program. 

I went into this process leaning mostly toward organization - tidiness, a place for everything, functionality. I still think that stuff is important. In the presentation I acknowledged the importance of inspiration, creativity, the soul-full aspect of a creative space. I mean I understand these elements, but I'm not sure MY studio has these elements.  Have I sacrificed inspiration for organization? Has plastic triumphed over passion? Or do I need simplicity, empty walls, containerized and covered storage so that I don't get overwhelmed? 

I've really tried in the last few years to get rid of extraneous "stuff" so that the space I have can be home to the things I really love.  In my studio I need tools and  room to design, plan, cut, sew, and press my work in progress. And I need space to store my fabric, notions, and patterns.

I feel I have done that - OK, but not spectacularly.  Part of me thinks I would like to have jars of threads arranged by color - oh so beautiful. Instead I have plastic stack-ables keeping thread together by thread weight and purpose. Not so pretty but it works better for me. 

So I guess I am having some Studio Angst. Do I want a studio out of the pages of a magazine, or do I want a studio that works for ME? 
Both? OK, if I have to choose, I will choose one that works for me. At this point, it mostly works for me.

 There is a desk to sit and think/work at; an adequate cutting table with drawers for storage.


My over-sized pressing table allows ample room for pressing as well as fabric lay-out.  The book shelf and large filing cabinet in the closet hold patterns, instructions, inspiration and ideas.

Thankfully, I have an extra closet where my fabric lives in plastic stack-ables and tubs to protect them from light and dust.  

I have a portable and adequate design wall that works, but is not exactly what I want. The traffic flow (and possibly even feng shui) is not great. I would like new paint and carpet. The lighting could be better too.  I have a lot of beading supplies that I am not ready to part with, but that is taking up prime real estate in my studio - I should probably find a better home for them.  I also have a beautiful chest that my Dad (who passed away 5 years ago today) made to hold my cross stitch supplies and patterns.

    So, my studio is functional with room for improvement. Goals for this year: (1) make the improvements needed for functionality, (2) add a few personal, inspirational touches that proclaim my personality, (3) and remember it's not so much the space that's as important as what happens there!
Curious in my studio,
Denise