Jewelry Studio in House

I have an opportunity to possibly build a small studio in my house off kitchen that  has wonderful natural light.
i am thinking a flat surface that can be divided in a couple of spaces - one for fusing, torching, etc... and one for design and creation.  I have my beads in plastic containers- so shelves or drawers that these can fit in and make easily accessible,,,, also I'd like a display area for some of my work to have some open houses... has anyone done this type of thing?  any suggestions on how to go about?  things to make sure to include?

[Metalman]

Ventilation
-It sounds like you have a varity of interests. That's great but you will have an enhanced need for some sort of exhausting type ventilation so that fumes and 'bad' dusts don't go into your living areas. If there are children around - all the more reason.

In our studio [an attached garage] we picked up a cooling unit that also does the heat exchanger function.
This gives us AC in the summer and heat in the winter.
If your budget is tight, check for scratch and dent models at your supplier - We got ours 1/2 off that way.
It doesn't do the exhaust thing but sure makes the studio comfortable.

[Luann Udell]

I think your idea is very nice and extremely doable.  

I know someone who had a similar set-up.  In her case, she had a long countertop for her working area, and a rolling chair.  She simply scooted back and forth to each work station.

The venting thing is important, as Metalman said.  

You will also want to make sure there is no confusion about "work tools" and "cooking tools".

The natural lighting is great, but be prepared for those overcast days and evenings when you can't rely on sunlight.  Get good task lights.  I have color-corrected fluorescent lighting for ceiling lighting, but figured incorrectly on where I'd actually be working.  So I still need task lighting.  Again, make sure any lighting is color-corrected and enough wattage so you can see what you're doing.

These cases were mentioned in an e-newsletter on selling jewelry I subscribe to:  
Showcases to Go

I thought they might be of interest to fashion jewelry people.

They are cases you can store AND display jewelry in.  The also allow people to touch the jewelry.  They fold up when not in use, but they would still look nice on a wall.

They look nice.  They're a little pricey (you get the pricing by clicking on the image of each showcase) but if/when you start doing shows, when you factor in the time saved by not packing and unpacking jewelry.....OY! And considering the $$ you spend on display fixtures, the price is actually in the ball park...

They also offer volume discounts.

hope this helps,
Luann

I like your idea of separate work areas for different tasks.  In my home studio I grew from one big work area to 3, and it really helps to separate out the projects. I use a computer desk for torch work, an old desk for metal work, and  a dining room table, covered with ultrasuede, for beading. I use an aeron chair to roll from one area to another. I also have a huge picture window, but found that I still needed to add 6 halogen track lights mounted in the ceiling, as well as magnifying task lamps on the work surfaces. My large bulletin board & dry erase board help me stay inspired and organized. I enjoy a built in bookcase unit for TV, DVD, and stereo player. Its fun to work in a dedicated space!

[Metalman]

Hey - this is good - comparing studio notes.
When we were just figuring out what areas in the house to use for what, we also had to have the roof redone [20 yr + cedar shake, talk about a fire hazard].

Anyway, we realized that since the roof was off, this was a great time for skylights in the garage and we could use it  for studio.  So, 6 skylights, 3 that open [passive ventilation],  wall board across the rafters and 8 inches blown-in insulation. It rarely goes below 50°F with no heating and not horribly warm in the summer.
All we need is a second one, since we both use it for multiple art forms

So how much space do you have to work with on this?  That would help me to give more input.

If you are going to have a space for home shows, you would need more than just a small area for that so that if you have a party of ten, they have room to look around.  When I do shows I have 10x10 so you probably need at least a 10x10 wall with some milling room beyond that.

My set up (and I am jealous that you get to use one whole room!) is outside (to solder in NY all times of year except rain), well lit cellar (glass cab making, stone cutting, grinding, sanding, hydraulic press,and messy stuff), family room (BIG 3 x 8' table with lots of drawers underneath, cubbies on top, etc).  It works for me:)

If I were to do a home show, I have a large kitchen/dining room (with island) that would serve me well.

Your space will grow, evolve, fester (my main work area in family room is rather messy but at least it is contained in that space now), and be a source of inspiration.

Donna:)
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