Workspace

Hello all.  I realize it has been awhile since I have put something up on this blog.  Here is where I give all the excuses about the holidays being busy and I couldn't find the time.  It's all true but I'll spare my typing hands and your time.

Anyway, today I wanted to talk about work space.  Up until just after Christmas my work space was a table that I would have to set up each night for leather work and then clean up afterward so my wife could use the space for sewing.  (In theory.  This didn't always happen, much to the chagrin of my wife.)  This was not ideal but I was working with what I had.  After Christmas my wife and I discussed it and since my leather work was actually making us some money and it was something I needed to work on night after night we decided to create a dedicated space for my leather tools and work area.  After a trip to Lowes I put up a peg board and got everything ready.

The key to setting up a work space for leather is actually quite easy.  It's just like any other space you would set up for any other hobby.  You put the items that you use most often in the most easily accessible spot and then as the use of the product goes down the difficulty to pull it out goes up.  For example you want your swivel knife to be easily reached while your sewing awl kit is just far enough away you need to stand to get it.  You will be using your knife often but the sewing awl kit gets pulled out rarely.  Simple concept.

I have included a photo of my new work space.  What you can't see in the photo is there is a space just to the left of the picture that is dedicated to staining my pieces.  This works well as I am able to clear that space when needed if I'm cutting leather strips or need a large space to work on.  It also may be hard to tell that the majority of my tools and supplies are on the peg board.  Very little is on the table.  (I will admit it is a bit messy in this shot.)  But it works out great as I have all the space I need on the table and still have easy access to all of my things.  You may not be ready to take this step yet as you are still only dipping your toe into the hobby.  That works too.  It's how I did it for fourteen years.

If you don't have a dedicated space for your leather or you have to pack everything up after each session then I have a couple of suggestions.  Get a tool box to organize your things.  Or a large plastic bin, using smaller bins to contain the smaller items.  (I used cigar boxes to hold most of my tools save for stamping tools I put in a tool rack that was also kept in the big bin.)  Also get a craft compartment box to separate all the tiny pieces of hardware you will be working with.  This can include anything from a belt buckle to your sewing needles to your straight razors refills for your utility knife.  If you can find a place to stick your granite slab for good that is ideal as moving that around can be difficult.  (Not to mention a nightmare if you drop it.  That will not be an inexpensive repair to your floor or your foot!)  But if you have to move it, always do so with care.

Currently I'm working out of a spare room in my house.  But any space will do.  A garage or basement set up would be great.  These are all just thoughts and ideas.  This is how I do it.  Drop me a line and let me know how you set up your space.  Send me a photo of it and I'll post it.

As always drop me a line at

theslackjaw@gmail.com

That's all for now.  Happy Crafting!