My Open Studio Tour ♥

A work in progress

✿ What's your name and what kind of craft do you do?
My name Jamie, but my friends call me Jambo or more formally Miss Bojambo. The skinny on my craft is ... I know no limits. I like to think that I can make anything I set my mind to ... and I try. And sometimes I fail and it's magical. I am particularly fond of jewelry making, drawing and painting, and book binding. I just love to create!
✿ When did you decide that you needed a studio?
I've always needed, at least a place to store the outcome of my varied interests. I guess, the dawn of my studio life rose when I decided to keep all of my supplies in one space and work near them.
✿ When and how have you set up your studio?
I've always made little spaces for myself to work, but I decided once and for all that I wanted/needed/deserved to have a space that I wanted to be in, had a purpose, and inspired me. I "set up" my studio a couple years back. It entailed a crazy wallpaper search, finding the right craft tables, and a wild hunt for a dreamy chair ... which I have finally found!

✿ Did the studio set up impact your crafter budget?
Absolutely. I let my aesthetic sensibility run the show ... in fact, it usually runs the show. Meaning, I didn't just throw together this and that. I designed a space that inspires me! I think it was worth it because it's a space I love and value. I think everyone who is creating or revamping a studio should make a place that they love and value ... by whatever means they want. 
✿ How big is your studio?
Hmm I'd say 5' x 8' with 9+ foot ceiling and a "storage" closet that is 2.5' x 6'. Long and narrow. 
✿ Which is your favorite tool in your studio?
This is so tough. I'll have to get back to you on this one.
✿ Do you want to share with us one secret of your studio?
Oddly, my studio space doubles as a dressing room and closet. In the 100 year old bungalow house where I reside, the closets are itty bitty and painfully narrow. I'm not ashamed to admit that I have a lot of clothing. And In my studio, I use the closet for art supply storage and have a wardrobe where all of my clothing and accessories are stored. I didn't want to clutter my bedroom with my collection of goodies, hence the studio/dressing room combo.

The Secret ...

✿ How many hours do you normally spend in your studio?
That really depends on how tidy it is ... When my studio is clean, I love to be in it. Love, love, love. But unfortunately, no one taught me to clean up my art messes. They just pile up on top of each other until it gets out of control, then I avoid my studio and unintentionally usually conquer the dinning room table. Once the dinning table is out of commission, I take that as my cue to clean up my studio. I'm unconventional. 
✿ Do you share your studio with someone or would you like to do so?
As I admitted in my shared studio secret, I share my studio work space with mine and my boyfriend's clothing. At times, it can be a dangerous combination.
✿ Is there anything you would add to your working space?
More storage and organizing tools! 
✿ If you had to choose one synonym for your studio which one would you pick: atelier, family room, lair, lodge, nest, playroom, retreat, sanctuary, shelter, darkroom, or showroom and why?
My boyfriend and I actually call my studio "The Jungle." It's a wild zone in the house ... to quote the dictionary, "Jungle: A dense, confused mass; a jumble. A place or milieu characterized by intense, often ruthless competition or struggle for survival." And that's just what it's like in there, but it's also lush and beautiful.
✿ And last but not least how often do you clean it?
Yikes!