The Punky Jane Studio: Then and Now

I remember that day so clearly back in 2008. I had decided to order a few tools and supplies so I could make a necklace with my daughters' names on it. After much trial and error, I showed my husband and said, "I think I can make a business out of this." 

He was incredibly supportive. Off I went.

I started stamping on our somewhat wobbly kitchen table. Not the best spot when you're striking steel stamps with a hammer. I would need to make a change.

A few days later as I walked my daughter into preschool, I noticed a large green mid-century metal desk with a 'free' sign taped to the front. That would make a sturdy stamping desk! We hauled it home (no easy task, I might add) and carved out a little corner in our one-car garage (also no easy task). I moved all my tools in and it was official.

While I still didn't consider it a 'studio,' it was a functioning work space that I didn't have to clean up every day so we could eat breakfast. Making progress.

A couple of years later, we needed to move. Luckily, our new home had an old tool room that could be converted to my work area. My husband got to work repairing, cleaning, painting, and installing new flooring....which he salvaged from the dump. 

Punky Jane continued to grow and I realized I needed help. But hiring would mean needing more space. My talented husband got to work again! The tool room is connected to a three-story water tower. He renovated the water tower and then cut through a wall to create a door to connect the two spaces. (I make it sound so easy, don't I?)

I still stamp every day on the same old, green metal desk. I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful studio space at home. Separate but together. Five years later, I still love what I do and look forward to what the next five years will bring.