Where We Create: Behind the Scenes of NC Triangle Etsiers

"Where We Create: Behind the Scenes of NC Triangle Etsiers" was a weekly series on our team blog in the past. With the many new faces on the team, I'm hoping that the team members (both new and old) will be willing to share their "space" (couch, kitchen, table, closet, basement, etc.) with the readers so that we will be able to keep this weekly series going.

This week we are granted a glimpse into Cathy Spargo's studio where she creates the beautiful pieces that you'll find in earthboarjewelry!



How would you describe the space in which you create?
Accessible and dedicated! No more dragging boxes in and out of a cabinet. It is easy to sit down and get something done.

Funny this article should come at this time. I have finally organized my space. I was married about 2 years ago and my husband works from home, so he needed a home office. We decided on a house addition to create that space for him and it also morphed into some space for me - yoga and jewelry. Ironically I had more table space than my husband: one large maple table ( a smidgen over 7 ft long and 3 ft wide) and one large desk (almost 7 ft long) that my mother designed when I was a child. I had sentimental feelings for the old desk and had trouble letting go even though it was time. A friend helped me find a good home for the desk and it is still being used for crafting. Anyhow, now I just have the maple desk and a tower from craigs list I’m trying out right now. So far so good.

I have a very good light with a magnifying element that my husband gave me, room for a computer on the corner, and a printer. Unfortunately now I have expanded into our screened in porch because I am using a drill press and belt sander occasionally. I’ll have to figure out an alternate space in the garage this summer because I’m sure my husband will put the brakes on that - and rightfully so. It is a great porch. Another problem looming on the horizon - I am currently going to local metal smithing club meetings and so I am expanding in what I need for tools...torch, maybe some ferric chloride and who knows what else. So I hope I don’t regret giving up that extra table!

I do wish that I faced east instead of west. I’ve always felt like I’m facing the wrong direction - maybe a plug for that feng shui thing. Couldn’t get my hubby to switch sides with me though

How do you keep your space organized?
A continual struggle. About once or twice a year I have to do a major house cleaning. I am always looking for the perfect bead organizers but am judicious about what I decide to try. Everything you buy cuts into your profits and ability to buy new shiny beads. My most recent buy was a Bead Pavilion from Sova-Enterprises.

I continually thumb through organization magazines and visit stores. I found some nice leather CD organizers and boxes that are holding various things. Those have worked well.

Fortunately, with our new addition we built a large closet in which I store show set up items. Having a Canvas Rolling Bag (AB Fixtures, Raleigh) that carries jewelry trays keeps my made inventory neatly organized and lives in my closet. I can also use these black trays in shows.



Do you have inspiration pieces in your space?
I am working on my “inspiration corner” by collecting objects. I have enough now to begin some type of arrangement. Oddly enough these are not jewelry pieces. They are quotes, professional and nonprofessional works of art, found nature objects and cards created by my friends. Just things that make me feel good or I identify with in some way. Eventually they’ll be hung around my space to add to the loving and warm aura.

Is there something else you'd like to share about your space?
Just that usually, for completeness, it has to contain a couple of dogs and cats preferably with the cats NOT sitting on a current creation.

--If you're a member of the NCTriangle team and like to show off the space where YOU create, let me know.