Posted by Lisa on August 16, 2003 at 17:18:19:
In Reply to: planning a home studio posted by Susan on May 16, 2003 at 00:19:37:
: Hello!
: I'm looking for information.
: I've had a builder over and will be building an art studio onto our house within the next few months. It's going to be replacing a screened in porch that's been useless since all it "screens in" are the wasps. Anyway, we'll be building this addition from scratch and I can make it pretty much anyway I'd like. The plan is that I'll have space for working on glass and space for working on ceramics (from clay, not the paint-it-yourself- kind).
: I have a book on planning a pottery studio. Does anyone know of a book or anywhere I could get good info on planing out the space for a glass studio?
: At present, I'm planning on the two taking place in one large room with areas for different activities and storage. Since I'm not as experienced in glass as I am in clay, what things do you all think I should take into account that would make life easier? I've been
: approached about making glass panels for kitchen cabinetry etc since there was only one person here doing that and he's now gone. And since I currently have 9 cabinets of my own to make panels for, it'll
: be good practice! I don't know if I'm going to want to go into it as a business or not but I'm already doing that with my clay work.
: So, what things should I plan for space-wise? And equipment-wise? Any thoughts on sizes of tables, heights, storage for glass and other materials? I do need to work sitting down as I have a spinal injury that makes it impossible for me to be on my feet for long periods of time.
: Anything at all that you could contribute to this, I'd be grateful to
: hear!
: Thanks!
: Susie
There are some important specifics that you should consider when custom designing your own glass studio space. The fact that you have a spine condition that may compromise your work safety and comfort makes it all the more important that you have an ergonomically designed workspace. I found a helpful article from Sandy Willis, called "Design of a Stained Glass Hobby Studio." It's definitely written from an ergonomics/engineering point of view. But, there are some helpful hints there. I will include the link to this article. The other manual that comes to mind is "Your Stained Glass Workshop," by Gene Mayo. This book is available through Delphi Stained Glass and many other glass retailers. I really do like this manual because it gives specifics on table/storage construction, as well as helpful hints for the construction process. A few other things to consider: Locking piano casters are ideal for the bottom of a work table, provided that they are truly heavy-duty piano casters. They allow for re-positioning of a table, should the need arise. I also recommend a positionable chair, swiveling, with adjustable height. Most glass artists dont' recommend a carpeted work surface, since the bits and pieces can get lost in the nap. But, a smooth flooring, such as Pergo or concrete, is ideal. To minimize foot, leg, and back fatigue, consider having a rubbery mat in front of your work surface. (They sell these for wood/workshops in many catalogs, such as Lee Valley Tools. I am primarily a mosaic artist, but find that I need many of the same items a traditional glass artist uses. I am constructing a table that will hold 4 of those wide, very flat, printer's type drawers (the kind with around 100 little compartments, used to hold Printer's letters years ago.) I will use them for my small mosaic pieces, beads, and stones. I love the fact that they're cool looking--really vintage, and best of all---they cost only 15 bucks apiece. It's worth the extra effort to build a work table around them. Another storage idea is to buy those wooden flatware trays---often at off-price stores for $10 or so, and store your tools in them. Cutters,soldering guns, etc. I know the possibilities are endless, and I hope some of these suggestions are helpful to you. Best of luck on your project!