In the Handmade Book Club, we go above and beyond just creating books. Along with a fresh book project every month, we also organize various community events. One week, we will showcase a talented guest artist, while another week, we will delve deeper into the bookbinding of the month. Club members love our creative happy hours, where they can socialize virtually and exchange techniques. We also host back-to-basics sessions to help members brush up on their skills and new member mixers to welcome newcomers. One of our most beloved activities is the Organizing Corner, and I want to share with you one of our recent sessions that focused on portable art studios.
Portable art studios are becoming a popular way for artists to break free from the confines of traditional workspaces and embrace the freedom to create wherever they go. While this is a wonderful trend, there are many things to consider when planning how and what to pack. During our Handmade Book Club Organizing Corner, we discussed some tips and tricks to help club members make the most out of their portable art studios.
Consider Where You’re Going
When preparing your portable art studio, the first thing to consider is your destination. Whether you’re attending a workshop or retreat, seeking inspiration in nature, exploring new cities, or simply looking for a setup to take to a coffee shop or park, it’s important to plan accordingly. If you’re embarking on a longer trip, you may need to be intentional about packing your studio in either a carry-on or checked bag. Where you’re going will determine the type and size of your portable container.
Consider What You’ll be Creating
Consider the medium you will be working with and what you will create. Will you be drawing, writing, sketching, or making books? Will you need painting supplies, collage or ephemera, fiber art, or sewing supplies? Hone in on the specific items that you’ll be needing for what you intend to do. This can be a bit tricky since you’re accustomed to having supplies at your fingertips in your studio. However, it’s important to adopt a minimalist mindset and focus on the essentials. Instead of tackling an entire project, you may need to prioritize one aspect, such as slow-stitching a book cover or creating collages in a journal.
Choose a Portable Container
The container that houses your portable art studio will need to be suitable for both where you’re going and what you’ll be creating. You’ll want something that offers the perfect balance of size, durability, organization, and versatility to suit your artistic needs. During our Organizing Corner, we covered a number of scenarios and container suggestions.
Soft Cases
If you’re sailing on a cruise or hopping on a plane, you’ll want to opt for something lightweight and compact to fit in a suitcase or carry-on, like a folding toiletry bag or a soft craft tote. Look for something with plenty of pockets and compartments!
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Rolling Cases
If you’re attending a retreat or taking a road trip to the beach or a cabin in the woods, you may want something larger with wheels for easy transport.
Totes
Storage totes and tool bags are a great carry-along option for a day trip to the park, a local class, an artist meetup, or a few hours in a cafe. Diaper bags can also serve a purpose long after the babies are grown, especially if they come with additional storage pieces!
Vintage Cases
If you’re going on an RV trip or have an extended vacation, you may want to get fancy and transform a vintage suitcase, train case, or toolbox!
Small Cases
If your intent is to have some supplies on hand wherever you go, you’ll want something small enough to fit inside a handbag or backpack. In this case, a small cosmetic bag, tin, or tech bag works well for housing small supplies, like these examples provided by club members Jennifer C. and Roben-Marie S.
Storage Savers & Organization
Once you’ve selected the appropriate container for your portable studio, you can organize and maximize space with miniature versions of supplies, like compact watercolor palettes, a mini cutting mat, glue sticks, small tubes of acrylics, or mini paper pads. Think about utilizing double-ended tools or incorporating multifunctional items. Collapsible brush holders and roll-up pencil cases can optimize space and keep your supplies organized. Club member Yvonne W. shared these handmade rolls she uses to store her brushes and pens:
Mikki S. created this tri-fold canvas holder with pockets and tucks for supplies and ephemera:
For small supplies like beads and buttons, you can organize them in clear containers to keep everything easily accessible and tidy. Other items can be stored in pencil cases, zippered pouches, tins, or old cigar boxes.
Final Thoughts
These ideas just scratch the surface of what we discussed during the Handmade Book Club Organizing Corner. We also had the pleasure of hearing from a number of our club members who shared their hacks for traveling with art supplies, and I trust that everyone who attended our virtual session left feeling inspired. If you have ideas for how to create portable art studios, I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and share your tips!
WHAT IS THE HANDMADE BOOK CLUB?
The Handmade Book Club grew out of my love for teaching and community. Having spent more than 10 years teaching in-person classes, I decided to reach a wider audience in 2019 and founded the online Handmade Book Club.
The Handmade Book Club is a community of bookmakers from around the world. Each month, I teach a new book binding project to the club members. In addition to making books, we love learning about ways to fill our handmade journals. That’s why we have guest artists and speakers join us every month! Club members also have access to a robust selection of past projects within the archives.
Whether you’re an experienced bookmaker or a complete novice, the Handmade Book Club is a community for you. You can try out a free book project here.
We’d love to have you join us! Sign up for the waitlist!
