Studio Time

So this is the stitching I've done over the past nearly two weeks:

Yep, that's pretty much it.  About 1 1/2 hours work.  I have also done a little on my a-line skirt--drafting a pattern, cutting out the muslin--about which I will write more in a later post.

But I don't want to go too long without a post, so I thought I'd write a bit about an idea I ran across recently that has been very helpful (and also that I need to make sure I'm consistent in doing).  It's Studio Time.  I read about this in the Jan/Feb 2017 issue of Somerset Studio (I love all of the Somerset/Stampington magazines).  I didn't save the article, but I saved the page with the tips (it's on page 19).  So here they are, "Janet's Time Management Tips," paraphrased:

-Block out the time on your calendar.  Use your device(s) to set reminders.  My session is in two parts:  late morning and early afternoon, divided by lunch.

-Take your art seriously.  (Don't type "art" in quotes.)  This is working time.

-Set long- and short-term goals.  Keep track of where you leave off when you finish for the day.

-Leave your computer/iPad/iPhone/devices out of the studio.  Don't answer the phone.  (I break this one a bit:  I use these items for some of my projects.)

-Have studio time even if you're not currently working on a project.  I have two sessions a week for studio maintenance--clearing clutter, cleaning, getting some non-textile to-do's taken care of just because they're in my studio.  If I should run out of these things to do, I plan to do a bit of puttering, just to see what I have.  I've collected a lot of stuff and then forgotten about it.  Running across it again can be inspirational.

-Keep a notepad & pencil handy for jotting down to-do's that come to mind, and they will.  This will keep them from distracting you.

-Say no to distractions and interruptions.

-Don't interrupt this time with errands.  Plan ahead so you don't have to.

I am lucky enough to have a space I can call a studio.  It's my space--the family doesn't use it--and I keep my projects and supplies down here.  But it also serves as a guest room, laundry-folding room, TV room, music room, reading room, office, and meditation space.  I didn't always have this; my "studio" used to just be whichever recliner was in front of the TV.  These rules can apply to whatever space you have available.

On a similar note, and because it's on my mind, I also started a wonderful practice a few months ago:  Listening to music on my headphones.  Just listening and nothing else.  And it doesn't really matter what kind of music.  I've listened to classical, Motorhead, country, whatever seems interesting at the time.  I started doing this as an Artist Date (per Artist's Way by Julia Cameron) when I ran out of ideas that didn't involve me driving 40 miles away.  It's very relaxing, very focusing for the mind, and even meditative.