What is the difference between an accomplished craftsman and a fiddler?  Well, it must be admitted that experience and the cost of the tools (toys?) is a large part of the difference, but an equally large part of it is his or her workspace. The poor fiddler spends WAY too much time looking for the tool he or she just put down, or going back to the store for some item or material he was sure he had on hand.  And finally, the poor fiddler is always pushing clutter far enough out of the way to make some small space in which to work. 

The more accomplished craftsman or craftswoman (craftsperson?), on the other hand, has all the necessary tools close at hand and they are precisely organized.  The supplies and materials are arranged with equal care.  Finally and most importantly, the work surface, -be it a desk top, slanted drawing board, work bench, (high for close work or low enough for working on large items), is central, well lit, and precisely the way the craftsman wants it to be.

He or she probably spent no little time getting it that way too.  

 

 small workbench
And this, dear reader, is exactly the sort of person for whom I build my Architectural Casework. medium workbench
large workshop

Here are some thoughts on how to go about building yourself a terrific work-place.  

  • Consider buying a new (un-drilled) door as a work-bench top.

  • Use lots and lots of appropriately sized drawer cases to hold tools and materials you don't' use all that often

  • Use a display case to put protect your most needful tools on the wall and close to hand.  

  • If you use sharp or dangerous things, use a locking display case.

  • Spend no little effort in lighting your work surface.  (Background lights like fluorescents and articulated incandescent for close work.)

  • Put a lock on the door if you have kids.

 

display case

 

 For your most valuable and often-used tools, consider putting in a display case. Not to display your tools, but as a convenient wall mounted tool-box.  And if it is specially valuable or dangerous (!)--  I make a display case that locks too.

display case w/ lock

 

 

 

 

INTERESTING LINKS:
Art Supplies from Dick Blick Art Materials

Dick Blick  is simply the best place to buy arts'n crafts supplies.  And if you have a artist wan'a-be in your life, (and you are real cheap), their catalogue is a great gift all by itself.  But the best thing about Dick Blick is what it does to your tongue when you say it over and over  -Dick Blick Dick Blick Dick Blick Dick Blick Dick Blick Dick Blick....  see what I mean?

 

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