I treasure all my workspaces over the years. From childhood till today, my desks had morphed according to how my life shifted and the spaces I inhabited.
It's been where I wrote stories, crafted handmade jewellery and felted goods, drew, carved linoleum for prints, worked on an old typewriter to the laptop and iPad, to numerous notebooks, sketchbooks and diaries. It's where my stationery and art supplies, books, and even camera gears are within reach.
It's the most important space in my entire home. The first I planned for before the bedroom and the kitchen, whenever I move places. Because it's where I spent most of my time in when I'm home.
Your comment warms my heart. I really enjoyed writing the story of this desk because it deepened my appreciation for it. More importantly, it’s stationery‑related, but about thrift, restraint, and making the most of what’s already in front of us — not that gnawing feeling of pining for more.
Based on what I’ve seen so far, I’m excited to see the projects you’re willing to share in future updates.
Indeed, I think we need to actively create that space, and make conscious efforts to have it - or it is nearly impossible to experience the empty mind.
It's funny that in earlier times the phrase "an idle mind is the devil's workshop" was used. Ignoring the oppression and religious tool that phrase was - I can see why it's no longer touted: An idle mind is nearly impossible to obtain nowadays!
I treasure my makerspace. It's a cheap IKEA table, yet it harbours so much potential and is like a warm hug every time I sit in front of it and turn the lights on.
Chris, by “potential,” you’ve highlighted something I hadn’t articulated in the essay. I had your makerspace in mind when I was drafting this—the proverbial desk/space/room of one’s own encourages us to create and make again, especially when the default is to consume. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I really enjoyed your thought process behind how you created a truly analogue space for yourself. Though my laptop and monitor sit at my desk alongside stationery, I one day dream of having enough space for a separate writing desk. I also grew up with a "no tech" desk with an attached bookcase and it was one of my favorite places as a kid.
The glimpses you shared of your desk are really lovely (is that a Toyooka Craft pen box I see?) and it's so special how each drawer is dedicated to the different types of supplies in your collection.
You’re giving me too much credit, Chelsea. It’s more visceral than rational. I wish you a pleasant journey in finding your ideal space, but until then, you already have such a lovely one.
The Toyooka! I’m pleasantly surprised you spotted it. There’s a kinship among Toyooka folks. Too many stories here, and it’s a daily reminder to embrace this hobby with restraint. Each morning, I can’t believe how lucky I am to use these pens and tools. Same goes for the escritoire drawers, no new stationery comes in unless things have been used up, which is a beautiful thing in itself (like those empty ink bottles).
I treasure all my workspaces over the years. From childhood till today, my desks had morphed according to how my life shifted and the spaces I inhabited.
It's been where I wrote stories, crafted handmade jewellery and felted goods, drew, carved linoleum for prints, worked on an old typewriter to the laptop and iPad, to numerous notebooks, sketchbooks and diaries. It's where my stationery and art supplies, books, and even camera gears are within reach.
It's the most important space in my entire home. The first I planned for before the bedroom and the kitchen, whenever I move places. Because it's where I spent most of my time in when I'm home.
Your comment warms my heart. I really enjoyed writing the story of this desk because it deepened my appreciation for it. More importantly, it’s stationery‑related, but about thrift, restraint, and making the most of what’s already in front of us — not that gnawing feeling of pining for more.
Based on what I’ve seen so far, I’m excited to see the projects you’re willing to share in future updates.
Indeed, I think we need to actively create that space, and make conscious efforts to have it - or it is nearly impossible to experience the empty mind.
It's funny that in earlier times the phrase "an idle mind is the devil's workshop" was used. Ignoring the oppression and religious tool that phrase was - I can see why it's no longer touted: An idle mind is nearly impossible to obtain nowadays!
I treasure my makerspace. It's a cheap IKEA table, yet it harbours so much potential and is like a warm hug every time I sit in front of it and turn the lights on.
Chris, by “potential,” you’ve highlighted something I hadn’t articulated in the essay. I had your makerspace in mind when I was drafting this—the proverbial desk/space/room of one’s own encourages us to create and make again, especially when the default is to consume. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I really enjoyed your thought process behind how you created a truly analogue space for yourself. Though my laptop and monitor sit at my desk alongside stationery, I one day dream of having enough space for a separate writing desk. I also grew up with a "no tech" desk with an attached bookcase and it was one of my favorite places as a kid.
The glimpses you shared of your desk are really lovely (is that a Toyooka Craft pen box I see?) and it's so special how each drawer is dedicated to the different types of supplies in your collection.
You’re giving me too much credit, Chelsea. It’s more visceral than rational. I wish you a pleasant journey in finding your ideal space, but until then, you already have such a lovely one.
The Toyooka! I’m pleasantly surprised you spotted it. There’s a kinship among Toyooka folks. Too many stories here, and it’s a daily reminder to embrace this hobby with restraint. Each morning, I can’t believe how lucky I am to use these pens and tools. Same goes for the escritoire drawers, no new stationery comes in unless things have been used up, which is a beautiful thing in itself (like those empty ink bottles).