Where People Create: Bits n' Beads by Gilliauna

Gilliauna's Workspace

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I design jewellery and other beaded and gemstone accessories.

Where do you create?
I can work on many of my pieces just about anywhere by slipping a container of beads and my tools into a tote. Most of my work is done at my living room coffee table though. I was fortunate enough to salvage a huge wooden coffee table from a furniture dump beside a dumpster a few years ago that works perfectly for this.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
I used to keep them in a box. Sort of like a storage locker. But just recently when we decided to get serious about selling online we switched over to some of those Rubbermaid-type storage drawers. They're organized by colour and by type. Example: A drawer for each colour of the rainbow sectioned off into glass, acrylic, shell, wood, etc. Also a separate drawer for findings, for metal beads, for tools, etc.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
Chaos resides in my head, not my house. I have a really hard time tolerating clutter. That alone is enough to help keep me organized and tidy with my workspace.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
Make sure you have enough bins, bags, etc. Grouping by colour helps immensely when you're in the middle of a project and want something specific. Don't let things lie around, instead put them away as a part of the task you're working on and don't procrastinate clean-up at the end of a project. Just look at it as a part of the project itself.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Absolutely. And irritable too because I can't find anything I'm looking for at those times.

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
More space!! I need more room desperately.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
I'd love to have an extra bedroom with shelves lining the walls and a large wooden table in the centre to work at. Something taller than a coffee table with a comfortable stool and lots of windows for light. Enough space to fit a kiln and kick-wheel as well as an easel, table for a sewing machine, etc.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
I'm thinking about building this frame for earrings, which will be also useful on the fairs. It will be a big picture frame of my choice, with metal net inside, so it will be handy for hanging earrings.

Where can people view your work or purchase it?
Website: http://www.bitsnbeads.com/

This is our web-hub and has links to all the sites where we sell as well as our blogs and social networking locations.