The Story Of The Shed
Did you know - all Outline Jewellery designs begin in a tiny little shed that was rebuilt using reclaimed materials...?!
When I started making jewellery, I worked at a creaky wooden bureau, in the corner, in a spare bedroom. I often dreamed of a proper studio. After moving house I finally had one - a wobbly drafty little shed in need of serious TLC. Not as I’d imagined it, but a starting point.
With a very modest budget, the solution was to renovate the shed into a studio with leftover materials I already had or could find inexpensively. I weather proofed the exterior in a traditional Essex barn style, with timber bought on EBay, and then fitted out the interior using offcuts and leftover fixtures and fittings.
Gradually, decking offcuts, a school desktop and kitchen worktop were reworked into my jeweller’s bench and desk. Surplus laminate flooring completed the floor and leftover paint adorns the walls. Weekend foraging at boot sales and vintage shops turned up treasure - the perfect lighting, and an (almost) new chair for less than a round of coffees.
The beginning of the project felt like a steep learning curve. I wasn’t sure if I could do it. Sometimes I made mistakes and had to start again, yet it all worked out. The little shed is now a light calm space filled with nature finds where everything has purpose.
Ultimately I’m grateful every day for the adventure of building Studio Outline because stepping out of my comfort zone and completing so much of it myself helped me to regain the confidence I’d lost for various reasons over the years. Finding ways to recycle and reuse was incredibly inspiring. It has affirmed my connection to hand making and sustainable creativity - the values at the heart of Outline Jewellery.
A few tips for making your sustainable studio space, hobby shed or workspace renovation on a shoestring:
Start with research. Plans should be safe - and legal
Have confidence in your vision, even if you are not yet sure how to achieve it. Breaking down each stage into smaller tasks makes it less daunting.
Choose the best you can afford when it comes to structure and weatherproofing.
Get help to work safely. The wiring was installed by a qualified electrician and my long suffering partner helped on tasks requiring more than one person.
If there's no budget for fancy decor, prioritise natural materials, good lighting, a comfortable chair and plenty of simple storage.
Learn to love the things you already have. If you are thinking of throwing something away, how about upcycling it instead? Pinterest and Instagram are brilliant for inspiration.
You don’t have to buy ready made. Consider making your own from surplus materials or working with a local crafts person to get exactly what you want, while supporting local business.
Vintage or second hand furniture is a sustainable way to find amazing quality and unique style on a budget.
Plan the layout of your space or shed to suit your activities then allow time for it to evolve rather than buying everything right away.
For updates on life in Outline Studio - see instagram @outlinejewellery