When you’re an artist, maker, or entrepreneurial thinker, having the right tools and workspace setup can make all the difference. But what happens when you can't find (or afford) the perfect piece of equipment? You get creative!
I’ve always believed that problem-solving is a core part of creativity, and sometimes that means making do with what you have – or transforming something unexpected into exactly what you need.
Take, for example, an old wooden Coca-Cola crate I found. Once used for transporting glass bottles, it had seen better days. But with a little cleaning and a fresh perspective, I turned it on its end and now use it as a shelving unit to store my coloured fibres on my studio workbench. It’s functional, has character, and best of all – it was cheap!
Another challenge I faced was storing my 70+ shades of wool fibre in a way that was space-efficient and easily accessible. After searching for a ready-made solution and coming up empty, I built my own system using clear, hinged shoe storage boxes. By adding cardboard dividers inside, I created a custom storage solution that perfectly suited my needs.
You don’t always need expensive equipment – especially when starting out and bootstrapping your creative practice. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” solution, try looking at everyday objects with fresh eyes. Could an old item be given a new purpose? Could a few simple materials turn into something that makes your work easier?
This is my challenge to you: What can you recycle, upcycle, repurpose, or create from scratch? I bet your feeling of making something bespoke and special will be just as good as the final result!
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