OK, this is a cheeky request for everyone to do my space planning ;D
If you have a shed what would you change, what would you keep. What would you do differently?
What are the MUST HAVES?
What are the NO NOs
Told you it was cheeky ;D
Here's the progress so far
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4751776748_7f56136d6e_m.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dilunah/4751776748/in/set-72157624273385135/) (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4751135935_00ed5773e5_m.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dilunah/4751135935/in/set-72157624273385135/)
The shed's on order and 'all' I need to do is decide how it's going to be inside :)
I guess the place to start is the things that are going to take up most space.
Where you want to sit (close or away from window - bright light?)
Then in relation to where you sit, where do you want your kiln (I'm right handed and like my kiln on the right)
If you have an oxycon - space for that.
Glass - how do you plan on storing it - on shelves or do you have another system?
Good start thanks Trudi - I may start a list :)
Ooh, lucky you! First thoughts: have the door near the house (more tempting on a cold night) and the workbench on the side furthest away from other buildings so you can put your ventilation straight through the wall with minimal piping). Put loads more sockets than you think you will need (speaking from bitter experience!) Insulate it before you put anything in. have fun! ;D
Ooooh-ooooooh exciting!!!
Dos
Make sure you have lots and lots of glass storage - do not underestimate this!!!
Good lighting is essential - halogens overhead and lots of task lighting
Do your plan first and work the electrics round that including things like extractors and oxys etc.
Have plenty of hanging storage - IKEA kitchen tool racks are cheap and cheerful but you'll have to have one of Donna's racks for your beadrollers (or two!)
Have plenty of shelves for frit, presses etc. (and a special drawer for murrini of course!)
Have fireproof covering on the floor
Invest in fire extinguisher and first aid kit - including burn spray and aloe gel
Make enough room for a 2 torch set up (so friends can come and play ;D)
Make a hole in the wall and keep the propane outside - slighty safer and takes up less space
Give it lots of love and even bring it presents and offerings from time to time to keep the kiln fairies happy and the vermiculite goblins away!
Don'ts
Whatever you do, don't have your torch working area right next to your kiln - well insulated sheds get very, very warm (speaks the voice of experience, even with an aircon unit and a tall fan) - I'll shortly be re-organising to move my kiln to the other side of the shedio (and to put a TV/DVD on the back wall to watch instructional DVDs!)
Don't have your desk so high you need bar stools - if I was doing it again I'd have a standard height desk
Don't store jewellery making stuff in there, you'll never use it - as beadmaking is much messier than jewellery making (just about to invest in storage for inside the house!)
Kazx
p.s. I disagree - don't insulate it if it's log cabin stylee and your shed walls are 44mm or thicker - you just won't need it!
oooh, this is turning into a lovely helpful thread, thank you ladies and keep it coming :D
Quote from: Kaz on July 01, 2010, 11:51:47 AM
vermiculite goblins
- :D ;D
I'd say at least 4 double plug sockets, a door mat inside and outside, windows that open and close easily - None of mine open :( - wish I'd though that one through before buying my shack.
Lucky you. Can't wait to see it when it's ready. Happy glass nest building!
Put a massive lock on it so you can lock yourself in and make it completely phone proof so that no one can bother you with their problems. ;D
Quote from: Redhotsal on July 01, 2010, 12:23:56 PM
Put a massive lock on it so you can lock yourself in and make it completely phone proof so that no one can bother you with their problems. ;D
I'm liking this one ;D
Oh yeah and helpful if you can design it like the tardis so it is much bigger on the inside than on the outside!
But which version of The Doctor would you choose to put inside?
And a moat might be good...... :D
Make sure your back is not facing the door....the postman gave me a hell of a fright the other morning !!
Lucky you!
The problem with sheds is they will multiply if you let them.....I have five in my garden....no Six counting the summer house.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51048389@N02/?saved=1
Quote from: chipperpottery on July 01, 2010, 01:29:11 PM
The problem with sheds is they will multiply if you let them.....I have five in my garden....no Six counting the summer house.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51048389@N02/?saved=1
Good grief, I'm having enough of a problem sorting one out :o
Quote from: Redhotsal on July 01, 2010, 12:41:50 PM
And a moat might be good...... :D
Quote from: Kaz on July 01, 2010, 12:32:38 PM
Oh yeah and helpful if you can design it like the tardis so it is much bigger on the inside than on the outside!
Quote from: Mand on July 01, 2010, 12:34:36 PM
But which version of The Doctor would you choose to put inside?
I wondered how long it'd be before we were nipping off up tangents ::)
Tangents are very important!!
Actually on a serious note, if you are going to have your back to the door a mirror that shows you the door that you can see very easily from where yo're sitting would be very useful.
I was going to talk about lighting. I was going to say as, Kaz has, that lots of lighting or different areas and make sure that they are controlled by different switches. Also think about where the light is going to be all year round. If I go into my work room at the mo in the afternoon the light is such that I can't see the computer screen or the flame.
I'm really looking forward to seeing al the pictures when it's done
(I'd have a moat to. Other then looking nice and keeping people out it would be a great fire break ;) )
That is a brilliant idea about the Mirror, I will follow that one up.
don't put the torch too near the window, cross winds when I first started nearly meant burnt fingers :o
I'd agree with everything Kaz said except the height of bench. I've got a high bench and an architects chair on wheels to sit at. The reason I have it so high is so that I can change position by standing, or changing the chair height slightly. When I have had a sore arm or aching neck etc this change of position has really really helped. That wasn't the reason I went for a high desk though, it was because I have a chronic back problem and struggle to sit for long periods - the desk is at the perfect hight for me to stand and make beads with no stooping. Its also a great height for doing anything that you might do stood up, without any stooping at all. Works for me, but wouldn't be right for everyone. ;)
Also I have a big mirror in front of my torch, its great to be able to see where you are in the flame and I imagine it would be good for teaching - also adds extra light ;D
Oh you're making great progress Diane ;D. Just one thing to add - when planning sockets make sure you have some at skirting board level as well as desk height (for oxycon(s) etc.) Voice of experience ::)
Diane x
Thanks everyone - keep it coming :D I WILL have the perfect shedio ::)
Quote from: chipperpottery on July 01, 2010, 02:28:44 PM
That is a brilliant idea about the Mirror, I will follow that one up.
I learned that one from people at work creeping up and yelling boo. The mirror of paranoia is currently in my draw but we are about to move desks again so I see it coming out again very soon
love this thread some great ideas, the moat and the mirror are my favourites. :)
Love the mirror idea, currently my husband is made to slam the kitchen door before stomping though the hall to my studio just so I don't get a fright.
I do prefer a bar stool high bench, I need to get one that has a higher back and swivels so I can switch worktops (i do have my jewellery stuff in there too.)
Scarlet xx
the mirror idea is fab, unfortunately it wouldnt work for me (the door is on my right and behind me so i still wouldnt be able to see even with the mirror) so i will have to carry on getting the life frightened out of me by my dad, who manages to come up the stairs, open the door and sometimes stand in the room for minutes before i notice him, and then i have to scrape myself off the ceiling! ::)
I will say my bench is a little higher than a normal desk would be but not to the point i need a bar stool (just a slightly higher than normal office chair thats raised to full height) i had it like that on purpose, i have long legs and my knee's cramp and sieze up if i have them bent up for too long so the height is so i can sit with my legs a little straighter and also have more room to move them around!
I've got a high bench and stool so I can stand or sit, too. It's an old science bench so there is somewhere to put my feet.
Blinds would be useful if you are south-facing.
Space for a pin-board for inspirational piccies. Little shelves for your favourite beads to remind you how good you are! ;D
There are some brilliant ideas here...thanks for sharing everyone ;D
SilverGems89 If you put the mirror to one side and angle it a bit then it would work. Mines a little mirror tile. when it's out it's to the right of my computer to see just over my shoulder
I'm actually tidying the house this week and probably next...since finding my obsession for glass the house has become a real mess :( and as for my bead room!!...well..i'm actually in the process of working my way to that one! Everything will have to come out and i have been mulling over for months about what would work best for me...i've come to the conclusion that a wrap around countertop surface would be the best for accomodating the varying stages of things, right down to the packaging.
My room is south facing, but it's the winter sun that's the worst...so blinds will be a must..just want to get it right and feel restfull, not on edge because i've let things get sooo messy and waste time trying to find things all the time because of it!
;)
I'd go for the high bench as well as I do it standing up ;D ;D I just have a stool to perch on if tired I would sort out the torch position re draughts and lighting and let the rest follow that - for storage those IKEA plywood little drawer units are good :)
I'd go for the higher bench too. Mine's kitchen worktop height - mainly because I bought a run of ex-demo designer kitchen units really cheaply on Ebay ;D. Run them round the corner and curve the edge of the worktop so that you get a cut out like a jeweller's bench. Good for resting your elbows. And if you torch mostly in the evening, like I do, plant some night scented plants outside - just heavenly to sit making beads with the perfume wafting in the windows.
Quote from: Krysia on July 01, 2010, 09:03:00 PM
SilverGems89 If you put the mirror to one side and angle it a bit then it would work. Mines a little mirror tile. when it's out it's to the right of my computer to see just over my shoulder
I think i would be too engrossed to ever look at it!
Quote from: amareargentum on July 01, 2010, 09:57:06 PM
I'd go for the higher bench too. Mine's kitchen worktop height - mainly because I bought a run of ex-demo designer kitchen units really cheaply on Ebay ;D. Run them round the corner and curve the edge of the worktop so that you get a cut out like a jeweller's bench. Good for resting your elbows. And if you torch mostly in the evening, like I do, plant some night scented plants outside - just heavenly to sit making beads with the perfume wafting in the windows.
What a wonderful idea about the night scented flowers :), I don't bead ( :'() but try to make wall space for a fabulous array of pictures of your beads for inspiration and pride! ;D
This thread is fabulous, thanks everyone for all the thought that you're putting into it :) I love the idea of the night scented plants.
I have been thinking about the height issue as I work a lot at my kitchen counter and find that a really good height for jewellery making but not too sure about beadmaking. At present in the garage I'm working on quite a low table with an old office chair which is quite easy to beat a hasty retreat from if I drop any hot glass ::) I think I may have to try out the different heights before I commit myself.
I have to benches, in an L shape, one at standing height (initially planned for cutting glass, working with a vice etc.), and the other at sitting height. The space in the corner between the two benches is used to store boxes with silver findings etc.
I torch mostly standing, which I find is best for the back, as it keep me keep moving. Also, the angle of shoulders and elbows is a lot less taxing, I find. So I prefer to have the torch on the high bench. When I feel like it I pull up my drummer's chair and sit down, mostly for detailed work where a steady hand is required.
At the low bench I do all the jewellery making etc.
Congrats on a new shedio, by the way :) :)
I have a long bench built in down the side, with an angled piece across the corner, and my torch points into the corner, so there's more room behind the flame,, also this means I'm sitting at an angle to the window and can see who's coming :)
Quote from: SilverGems89 on July 01, 2010, 09:59:45 PM
Quote from: Krysia on July 01, 2010, 09:03:00 PM
SilverGems89 If you put the mirror to one side and angle it a bit then it would work. Mines a little mirror tile. when it's out it's to the right of my computer to see just over my shoulder
I think i would be too engrossed to ever look at it!
You don't have to look in it. honestly I just found myself catching the movement in the corner of my eye. My ventilation unit is shiny and every now and then when my screen saver come on on the computer that is behind me I can see it going black and then coming back up again as it goes into bubble mode. I'm not looking for it but I do catch it because it's a change in front of me.
Honestly just give it a go, Ah... go on, go on, go on, go on.... ;)
I had an old CD blu-tacked to the pc screen at work to see a particular manager who crept up on me with alarming regularity!
They make quite good 'mirrors'!
A good chair is a must - I've just bought a fabbo one from argos:
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/6179131/Trail/searchtext%3EOFFICE+CHAIR.htm (http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/6179131/Trail/searchtext%3EOFFICE+CHAIR.htm)
it's nice and wide for my goddess-like bottom.
a radio, and good set of shelves.
And insurance.
Kirsty
I agree with the suggestions about having at least one window that opens, black-out blinds, halogen spot strip in the ceiling (you can adjust the position of the lights). I also managed to get a stable door for my shed, and a back door (because the shed is the width of the garden and traps a triangular section bhind it which we need access to) which helps with air flow on hot sticky nights. Twice as many sockets as you think you'll need. Great idea about putting kiln away from your torching position if possible: I do get hot with a flame in front and kiln to my right, but sadly have no other option.
I have a kitchen unit height table for jewellery and dining table height for torching, plus height-adjusting chair on castors to zip between them. If I'd have had room, I'd definitely have had a bench that runs around the corner and torch on the diagonal.
The one thing I wish I had (and it may happen eventually) is one of those wireless doorbells, so I can hear and answer the door from the shed, cause it's annoying to come in from a morning torching to find a clutch of red postcards on the mat!! (I already have a baby monitor to keep an ear out for DD when I'm on my own in the shed.)
Oh, and someone posted a picture of a shed with a fabulous name plate - I want one of those!
great ideas on here. Thanks to you Diane for starting this thread as I changed around ny workspace so the kiln was to my right and I have 3 lights and the ceiling one now, what a difference torching tonight. It is strange how I never thought to do this before! ;D Your space looks really good what fun to plan it out from the beginning!
I got my chair from the little shop area at the local tip. A perfect typists chair on wheels for a fiver!! ;D
This whole thread has got me looking at my layout again. I haven't got a huge amount of flexibility and have to sit next to the kiln, but I am going to try and clear the worktop a bit!
I am adapting the original workshop (extra strong shed) - I have another 2 x the size for textiles - from silver work to glass work so there are some excellent ideas here that I'll incorporate into the revamp. I work off kitchen units so a bar stool is necessary. I use a mirror in my other workshop so i can see who's coming in the gate behind me (or jumping up and waving if i forget to unlock it, my postie is quite tall). My little workshop is only 7ft x 9ft so siting anything away from something else, getting up more shelves etc is not easy; finding the right place for the carbon monoxide alarm was a challenge as the room was not large enough to be that far from windows, that far from the floor. I need more lights, I only have 2 striplights above me but someone suggested Ikea .... not sure how I will store my glass, still too much of a newbie to have got that far in my plans. Working with sea glass in the same area, there is limited worktop space and the shelves are right inside the door so anything there can't protrude more than 8". Perhaps I'll have to use every rod to 8" before I can store it on shelves.
Some great ideas.
Quote from: Blue Box Studio on July 07, 2010, 11:40:33 PM
Perhaps I'll have to use every rod to 8" before I can store it on shelves.
;D
Maybe what you need is something like magazine wall storage adapted for glass rods so that they lie closer to the wall like this
(http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/dinah46/magrack.jpg)
I hasten to add that I just grabbed this off google, it's definitely not my choice of magazines ;D
I was going to say, Golf Digest!!! (that must have a very small customer base)
Genious idea!! ;D
Quote from: Krysia on July 08, 2010, 10:12:04 AM
I was going to say, Golf Digest!!! (that must have a very small customer base)
What can I say - closet golfist ;D ;D ;D ( with my dodgy knee it'd take a week just to get round the course :o)
and that's holding the golf club the other way ;)
Do you think they'll feature it on 'have I got news?'
I used to work with this bloke that didn't do anything else for leisure, nothing, EVER! Every night after work, all weekend....
There used to be a publication called 'Trellis monthly' about fencing trellis! DH received it for a whole year after they had a wrong address and kept posting to him (he says!). Must be up there with paint drying weekly?
You wouldn't think much changed in trellising month on month
Quote from: dinah46 on July 08, 2010, 09:54:40 AM
I hasten to add that I just grabbed this off google, it's definitely not my choice of magazines ;D
No. Playgirl is the brown wrapper one delivered to you. isn't it. http://www.playgirl.com/ Burt Reynolds in his glory days (about 40 years ago for you youngsters)
Well now..that's brightened my day :D
Storage, storage, storage I am still struggling with where to put everything and the best thing to buy to put all my bits in.
Carbo monoxide do-da (has someone already said that?)
Ok, time to bump this thread again as I've just had a phone call to say the shedio will be starting it's journey to me next monday :o
They've taken the full 4-6 weeks they quoted plus a couple more so I'm getting a tad impatient :)
So, any more hints. tips, words of advice, must haves, shouldn't dos etc :D
Diane, congratulations, I'm sure it will become a lovely chedio for you.
Congratulations on the new shedio! :) Thank you for starting this thread, mine will be arriving this week and I've been scratching my head trying to get to grips with the best way to have it set up inside. But you've all given lots of brilliant suggestions and ideas to work on so thank you to you all!! ;D Enjoy the shedio when it arrives!! ;D x
enjoy it diane :) keep thinking storage storage storage!
Slightly bizarrely, as someone who hasn't yet set up a glass workspace, I'm going to add to this thread, which has also been interesting and useful for me.
As an electronics engineer I have spent 40-odd years working with desks and benches.
Personally I like a bench and a desk if possible.
PC-related work, writing and small-ish drawings are easiest when sitting at a desk.
A bench allows you to sit on a tall chair or stand and both postures work well. A bench is also good if you need to stretch over your work as it's much easier to maintain posture. Desk, high-chair, standing and walking around together allow lots of opportunities for posture change to avoid aches and strains.
When I say "tall chair", I really recommend one of the high "architect chairs" with a proper adjustable back support and a footrest ring part way up the base. Without both of those, sooner or later your back and/or thighs will tell you they no longer like your work.
With a bench, consider also a bum-rest like those in bus shelters and on tube trains.
I suspect the next thing is blooming obvious with hot glass, but in electronics engineering designers often give us carpets. Bad idea in both worlds, I think. A smooth floor is pretty easily cleared of stuff like glass flakes, bits of wire and so on. Any texture just makes cleaning difficult. Carpets obviously also smoke and/or burn. For comfort wear trainers or similar.
If mirrors are a problem, consider a PIR motion detector like those used in burglar alarms and outside automatic floodlighting. Just turn on a 20W bulb or similar where you'll notice it. There are also some doormat-type doorbell switches around.
Gordon.
Thanks Gordon, good advice :) I am trying to think of ways to fit in 2 heights of worktop as would like to be able to move my jewellery torch and setup into the shed as well as the lampworking tools.
There's still plenty of time to keep the suggestions coming as I was obviously being a little optimistic expecting it to turn up this week ??? No idea where it is atm but am doing my best to locate it :(
Some really good suggestions there Gordon..thankyou ;D
Quote from: GordonS on August 16, 2010, 02:42:48 PM
I suspect the next thing is blooming obvious with hot glass, but in electronics engineering designers often give us carpets. Bad idea in both worlds, I think. A smooth floor is pretty easily cleared of stuff like glass flakes, bits of wire and so on. Any texture just makes cleaning difficult. Carpets obviously also smoke and/or burn. For comfort wear trainers or similar.
It's funny that you should mention the floor, at college in the section with the jewellery benches they have put down a grey floor with little silvery sparkly bits in it. Now as you can imagine the air turns blue when ever you drop anything. Lets look for the lump of silver on the pale grey/marl floor with the silvery sparkly bits in it...
... clearly that wasn't thought through or was planned by some one that has never made jewellery
Quote from: dinah46 on August 16, 2010, 02:59:10 PM
I am trying to think of ways to fit in 2 heights of worktop
A pull-out desk under the workbench (maybe on runners with something to lock it out?) may work provided it's protected from droppped dangers.
If you use a computer there, a closed laptop would push under with the desk, though opening and closing laptops frequently usually breaks the hinges after just a couple or so years :-( You may want to anchor cables so they can't snag and break things or pull the laptop off of the desk!
Getting multiple chairs tidily out of the way can be a nuisance.
Gordon.
For me personally, the problem with closing my laptop would be that then it goes to sleep and it can't play music/talking books when it's asleep...
A comfy chair for me to sit in so I can come and say hello to my ex- bob-cat ;-) :D
Quote from: clasicat on August 17, 2010, 11:56:40 AM
A comfy chair for me to sit in so I can come and say hello to my ex- bob-cat ;-) :D
I'm sure that could be managed :D
;D ;D ;D You crack me up
Quote from: Krysia on August 16, 2010, 04:07:18 PM
Quote from: GordonS on August 16, 2010, 02:42:48 PM
I suspect the next thing is blooming obvious with hot glass, but in electronics engineering designers often give us carpets. Bad idea in both worlds, I think. A smooth floor is pretty easily cleared of stuff like glass flakes, bits of wire and so on. Any texture just makes cleaning difficult. Carpets obviously also smoke and/or burn. For comfort wear trainers or similar.
It's funny that you should mention the floor, at college in the section with the jewellery benches they have put down a grey floor with little silvery sparkly bits in it. Now as you can imagine the air turns blue when ever you drop anything. Lets look for the lump of silver on the pale grey/marl floor with the silvery sparkly bits in it...
... clearly that wasn't thought through or was planned by some one that has never made jewellery
Maybe they just didnt want the dirt/discarded silver to show up lol saves on cleaners wages :P
he he he, again not though that one through, Student's aren't renound for having copious amounts of cash to splash out on silver so if they drop it they are going to keep looking 'til they find it!
lol well maybe they wanted to make you work for your silver then :P
;D much more likely
Thought I would bump this as my new super dooper shedio is built and the sparky is coming early next week to hook me up, then I have the exciting task of kitting it all out storage wise. I am planning on the worktops being kitchen cupboard height as that is where I work at the moment, on top of the hob! Feeling a visit to Ikea coming up in the very near future!
Does anyone have any other inspirational tips for setting up? Would I be better off with kitchen cabinets or open shelves? The shedio is for all my craft stuff, glass, cards, scrapbook and jewellery, plus whatever else I might like the look of in the future, ;D
The shed is a log cabin type, 45 mm walls and we have insulated underneath the floor, do you think I will need to insulate the roof too? It is about 2.5m square, the shed is actually 2.5m x 3.5m, but hubby insisted on separating it so there is somewhere to keep the bikes and garden tools, so it is a 2 roomed shedio! I am planning a space so that I can upgrade to a big girl's torch and oxycon at some point, but don't tell hubby that!
Thanks in advance!
If you are keeping a mix of craft stuff I would have a combo of cabinets and shelves. Shelves close to your work bench for all the glass bits you will need to get your hands on whilst melting and Cabinets for you other craft bits so they don't gather to much dust ;D
I've got a combination of kitchen cupboards and drawers which works well. A couple of the drawer units are for pots and pans and they are good because it's easier to see the contents than rummaging in the back of a cupboard, wish I'd put in more of those :-\
Alarm clock ;D
I was always late for everything even forgetting to collect youngest from school once :-[
I have used a kitchen counter on top of £2 Ikea legs(curry table legs) for my benches / desks/ everything its cheap and easily moved, wanted to save money for glass and glass toys ;D
Dianne ;D
It's well worth checking out the ikea bargain area and see if they have any cheep/free stuff that they might be giving away at your work.
My work area doesn't 'look' all that nice (to a non glassy person) but it has all the elements I need
Ok burn proof / fire proof, I use a metal ex-PC desk, works for so many reasons - it has a handy shelf that slides out under the torch where I keep tools to hand that I don't use so often and the torch bolted down on it real easy as it already had the holes in it, it has a foot hight shelf that I place my feet on. Being metal has its benefits, it is also on wheels for moving when I clean under it, the floor is lino as it is the old loo area in a very old caravan. The chair is an old office chair with a wedge shaped cushion to lift my bum to push my shoulders forward to correct any bad posture. The other end of the caravan has a low bench and table that also turn into a double bed but is great for working at with the Sewing machine or for stringing up beads.
I've kept the kitchen part of the caravan intack as it is so handy, the only thing I've added to that is the fire extinguisher and extraction fan