"Where Bloggers Create" Party

I think that most of us have a natural curiosity about each other's spaces...those spaces that surround us when we are happily creating.  I was thrilled to be asked by Karen, our fabulous hostess, to be part of this party and to show off my space.

If you check out the blog roll on the right side of Karen's blog, you will see all of the party chicks...and, check out Karen's studio...it's fabulous!

Because we own another business and work out of our home, our extra bedrooms have been designated as offices.  When I began doing memory art, I basically worked out of a rolling cart, a closet and my kitchen table.  When I began teaching in earnest, I really needed more space and, thanks to my very supportive and loving family, we converted part of our great room into my studio space.

There are many upsides to where I create.  It's open, airy, and filled with light.  I'm at the heart of my home...right in the middle of everything...close to the kitchen and laundry room...and I have the best views of our backyard and pond from my window.

The downside is that it's also the first area seen when people come into our home.

So, we've had to create a space that I can clean up pretty quickly...except for really good friends...because they appreciate my messes!

We went with the concept of hiding things behind doors and found three coordinating armoires from Ballard Designs.  The one in the center (pic on the right) has glass doors on top and wood panels on the bottom.  So, the items in there are neat and orderly in matching labeled tins.

The armoire to the right of the glass one is fronted entirely with wood so I can keep that one more eclectic and cluttery.

I've got ribbons and buttons in clear jars sorted by color so that I can see exactly what I have and there are vintage locker baskets with my most loved stamps as well as fabric fat quarters...again, all highly visible.

As you can see, this is definitely a working armoire...things are not set up to really be pretty, just functional and efficient so that I can store more stuff!

A number of years ago, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself because I didn't have a huge, fabulous area just for me...where I could hang whatever I wanted from the ceiling and on the walls.  Then, I came across a quote that really put it into perspective for me...and it went something like this:  "It's not what you don't have, but what you do with what you have."

Right then, I decided that I was going to stop pouting and start using my space creatively and wisely...and the important thing was to actually USE it to create.

And, that brings me to the third armoire, which houses boxes of photos and completed albums (well, mostly completed anyway :)), the end result of the creative effort.

There are actually 4 large shelves filled...and that's only part of it...the rest are in a box back in one of the offices.  Lots and lots of hand made books...and they really make me happy.

You can see all three of them closed up here...and you'll see that we live where I create and I create where we live...and it definitely works.

I really have to work hard at keeping my space uncluttered...especially because I love seeing what I have...it's inspiring!

I try to use home decor items, like this revolving stand from Pottery Barn, so that it looks like our family space in additon to my studio area.

My studio work space is a counter height, green, farmhouse table from France.  I love it.  It came distressed, so when I got ink and paint on it, I didn't feel any guilt :)!

I stand when I work so it's great to have it counter height.

Here's the table when it's clean...trust me when I tell you that it no longer looks like this, at all!

I've changed out some of the things on the table...they are more storage oriented than just being decorative...again, making use of my space and trying to contain more things.

Here's one of the organizers...an altered bin from Making Memories.

I love having this cupboard in my corner...I have it loaded with all sorts of vintage treasures...some of my favorite pieces of old silver, a couple of antique postal scales, children's shoe forms, old glass jars...all in a fun jumble that's totally inspirational to me.

Hope you enjoyed this peek into where I create.

And, for those of you who don't have fabulous, separate spaces to call your own, just remember...use what you do have...and create with passion!

Thanks for allowing me to share my space with you.

Comments

[Cindy Geilmann]

Thank you for letting me visit you at the party. You look amazing, I'm going to come back and look more. You're very talented.

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com

[Roberta]

Thanks for sharing Carol...my "studio" has changed since we downsized and I'm still working out the "kinks" but like you, my space is exposed...but I like that because now instead of everything being spread out (all over the house like before) in different rooms, here it's been "condensed"...some day I'll get the energy to photograph my new space...some day...lol Have a great weekend, fondly, Roberta

[julie - eab designs]

Love your armoires and storage tins! I'm a huge Ballard fan too! Most especially I am happy to have been inspired by your quotes, not only about creating but also your quote on your blog header. I have just sent this to my mom who has recently gone through quite a number of rough patches in her life and I know this quote will definitely inspire her. Happy to have discovered your blog!

[Laura]

Very attractive and organized! A quick peek at the rest of your blog tells me I will be back soon! Have a great day and thanks for sharing your space!
:) Laura

[Sarah]

omg I love the jars full of things! eeekk I would love to go through those! lovely space you have!! big hugs

toodles-sarah

[caren]

I love your studio - it looks so crisp, clean and happy! Thanks for sharing.

[Becky]

I love how this day has lead me to so many great blogs. Yours is wonderful.
Love how you write too.
I will be back.
Come visit me!
Becky

[JWood]

great space and wonderful quote! my space looks more modern, not at all as 'interesting', but definitely functional : ) enjoy your summer! judy

[Donna Liljegren]

Thanks for sharing your storage ideas! I've coveted those Ballards cabinets for quite a while, but alas, I have no space for them in my studio. I've loved touring your space. Thanks again.
Hope you'll be able to visit me at brynwoodneedleworks.blogspot.com.
Hugs from a fellow blogger, creating in Florida!
Donna

[Kimberly Kostka]

So fun and functional. I think that those cabinets are fantastic. I will look forward to seeing more of your life as I will be back.
Kim

[Lynn Stevens]

great space so organized and Lovenly put together!

[leigh ann]

Carol--that looks awesome--i love the eclectic cabinet--the other is to sanatized looking for me...i love the fact that you work out in the open--i am wishing i had that--my poor little room is so cramped and ends up being a catch all for the family--i need to work on that and having it be a place i can go and work and then shut the door/world to keep them out and keep it clean--wish me luck on that--seems like it is forever a battle

[LillySue]

Love how you have made a space in a family area and made it work so well. Everything is beautiful, especially the shelves with your silver and vintage goodies! Thanks for sharing!
Blessings~LillySue

[Michelle Schafer]

I am beginning to think that everyone cleaned up their studios before this event! LOL I didn't and boy it shows that I didn't with all of the clean studios I'm seeing here. Or am I the only messy artist here? LOL Lovely space you have here. Enjoy the event.
Cheers

[Joanna {sweet finds}]

Hi Carol, I love your white shelfs & all of your belongs. Oh, so pretty! Love the green desk too! xoxo, Joanna

[Tracy Kaufman]

What a lovey space to work in. Thank you so much for sharing.

[Coralie Cederna Johnson]

I love your space!!! I'm also loving this event! What fun! Come visit me, too!

[Shannon @ Silver Trappings]

I love your space! You have some wonderful organizational containers! It was fun to see.

Shannon

[Sandy]

I love what you did with what you had, beautiful marriage of life and art! Oh what I would not give to sit on the floor in front of that cupboard full of handmade books and browse until my hearts content. Thank you for sharing your passion. Have a great weekend!

[Becca]

I enjoyed seeing your creative space ~ it's fun that it's in the heart of your home! Lovely!!
I didn't get my studio pulled together quite enough to photograph for today's event, but I will be hosting a Christmas in July giveaway on my blog tomorrow (Sat), if you'd like to stop by!
:)
~Becca~

[Karen Valentine]

Oh my, where do I start? Your space is truly fabulous! You don't need a room of your own when you have such wonderful ways to store your goodies. I love Ballard and those armoires definitely work! I adore your vintage locker baskets, and that dresser with the silver and vintage goodies is to die for!!! Thank you so much for joining my party today. Have fun looking at the other terrific spaces!

[caleenrae]

A really great space you have.. You utilized it so well.. It is lovely to look at.. I love all the special treasures.. Love the Armoire and shelves.. That French table is fabulous.. Thanks for sharing.. Keep Creating!

[Renee]

What fun I love your Spaces!!
I have been getting more & more ideas, with every blog I visit..lol
Huh..like I really need more ideas to fill my brain!!

Thanks for Sharing you Creative Space.

{ttfn}
Renee

[Barb]

Hi Carol,
Oh, I so enjoyed "visiting" your awesome creative space. Luv all your vintage decorative items too. Seeing your card display rack, I made a call to the Pottery Barn, but sadly they are not presently carrying them. :(
Thank you for sharing this quote with us, it too has made me think differently.
"It's not what you don't have, but what you do with what you have."
Wishing you an artful week-end. I'll be back to visit again.
Barb in Texas

[zandra]

Hi Carol, I was just taking off my party shoes when I got you email! I'm glad to see it! Very inspiring. See you CE! Thanks for sharing! Hugz, Z