Huh? Are we really talking about trays? And, if so, why do we need them in our studios? We initially used our trays with our sewing projects, but we soon realized they are good for lots of uses, so we wanted to share this tip with you.
Why Trays?
Most people have trays in their kitchen to move food and dishes from the dining room to the kitchen. They may also have TV trays to set food on temporarily while they watch TV. The Pixeladies do that, too. Still, what does that have to do with our studio? Well, one day we were prepping for a workshop that would require the students go to and from the main table that was loaded with squares of fabric. They would then select a variety of squares and work with their selections at their work tables, often times going back to the main table for more. How could they move back and forth from the main table with ease when they would have a dozen or so squares in their hands? Trays, of course!
Which Trays?
Ah, now that was a dilemma. We needed ones that were lightweight, easy to transport, and durable. Deb immediately thought about cafeteria trays. Would they work? Why, yes, they would! We picked these gray plastic ones because they were lightweight, durable, and the neutral color would not interfere with the colors of the fabric squares. Oh, and a dozen trays pack very neatly into a grocery store carrying bag. You can also get the trays in different colors. Click here for one company that offers them at a reasonable price. [Deb’s note: they come in many sizes and colors. Ours are about 11″ x 14″]
Other Uses?
It would be silly to recommend trays in your studio if you don’t teach, for example. But, once we had the some, we started using them for all sorts of things:
- clearing: pile stuff from the cutting table (or some other needed surface) onto a tray for temporary removal while cutting. We need to do this a lot!
- sorting: beads, threads, newspaper clippings, etc. Once you’re done, you can carry the tray to the storage area with ease.
- transporting: we sometimes work in the living room, patio, or gazebo, depending on weather or what’s on TV, so we just load the necessary supplies on a tray and go!
Go Big!
Deb’s son-in-law, who uses trays in his barn for auto parts, gifted us a couple of large metal ones. The nice thing about them, apart from the size, is that they clean really easily and hold more (please refer to our cutting table problems). While they would not be suitable for transport, they still help out in the studio.
Put a tray or two in your studio and see how trays can enhance your creative day!
7 responses to “Put Trays In Your Studio!”
Like you, I love trays and use them in many different ways as well as the ways you use them. I have found an environmentally sound way to obtain my trays. I would buy bulk meat (chicken, beef, pork) from a big box store in the styrofoam trays. (we now raise our own meat and packaging is really different.) I would empty them and wash the trays and use them as you suggest. What I also like about them is that I can stick a pin in something to keep it in place, like a block or construction layout. Of course, I don’t travel with them or teach, but they are good when I go to workshops!
Great idea!
I use them when working with thickened dyes. I can squirt different colors on the tray, mix if necessary, and use the side of the tray to scrape off excess dye. Thanks for the ideas about using them in the studio. I am always moving things around on the cutting table and it would be great to just move them onto a try until needed.
Jeanne
And your idea to use trays for your dyes is also good!
I’ve used trays to marbleize fabric. I pour liquid starch in the tray, pour the colors on top of the starch to design and then lay the fabric on top of the set design. When finished you can pour the liquid starch into containers using a funnel and wash the tray easily.
Great! We’re loving all these other great ideas for trays. Thanks!
Holy moly, you’ve opened a banquet of great ideas for this simple object that we all have in our homes! Since I downsized and moved, reducing my studio to an 8′ square space, I have been using trays and small bins to keep my studio functional. Thanks for sharing this idea!