Improving a Beaded Flower Workspace • 05.14.09
In my last post, I promised to talk about my workspace for creating French beaded flowers and Ganutell. I still plan a post on avoiding back strain, etc., but this mention generated some emails requesting informaton on some of the items I find to be really helpful, so I thought I’d share that with you now.
The corkboard tile I mentioned in the earlier article was found at a local office supply store. These are quite inexpensive, and at just under 12×12 inches, they’re a good size to fit on any table or work surface. The cork is fairly soft and helps to keep things from rolling around, but sturdy enough to protect your table when you drop tools.
Speaking of things rolling around, I like to use a small bead mat when working with loose beads. It holds them in place, and makes it easier to pick them up as you need them. If you’re not a beader, you won’t know what this mat is … it’s a square of soft, thick fabric made specifically for this purpose, and is available where beads are sold. I understand from other beading enthusiasts that they’ve used old blankets or other fabrics, so if you have something like this around the house, give it a try.
Last, I have to tell you how lucky I am to have room for two workspaces in my home. I’ve converted a spare bedroom into my studio, with lots of shelving and storage spaces. I love to work there, but sometimes it feels a little confining, and I like to work in my dining room near a front window where I can wave to neighbors walking by and enjoy a change of scene. I learned early on to keep a complete workspace there, with all the tools I need, so I’m not having to constantly walk back and forth because I’m missing a tool or supplies. I also use a small drawer unit to hold those tools and supplies, that I can tuck into the corner out of the way when I’m not working (I just love this thing). 
our workspace (I know I sure didn’t) until we start having backaches and carpal tunnel syndrome. Yikes! I’ve also discovered some great tips for better ways to organize tools and materials that I want to tell you about – like the inexpensive cork square shown here to keep your items from sliding around.
accounts it’s been around for centuries. As with most crafts, the art was passed from generation to generation without any written record of how it’s done. The technique may have become extinct were it not for the local artists on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. Here these flowers are a tradition, and are still being made to decorate churches and for headresses and wedding favors. The craft is now generally known as Maltese.
And so, from the start I challenged myself to seek out these resources and to not only learn the basic technique, but to work to do it well. I must admit, though, I’m not speaking of dull or boring practice here. It’s great fun to play with incorporating lots of different beads and pearls and experimenting with wires of various shapes and colors.
