Friday, June 18, 2010

Where Bloggers Create II - welcome to my art room!

Welcome to my art room and the party! I have always had some sort of art space, sometimes in the living room, sometimes in the kitchen and sometimes stashed here and there all around the house, including a dresser parked in the hallway that I'm sure constituted a fire hazard. Four or five years ago I was finally able to claim this room as my own. My little piece of peace where I can putter, tinker and make something out of nothing. Welcome!
This is a tidied-up-company-is-coming view from the door. Normally the drop leaves are up on this old table and it is covered with various projects in progress. Well, it is right now in fact. It didn't stay cleared off for long!
I can't resist old suitcases. Genealogy is another one of my hobbies and this is where I store several generations of "family artifacts".
The rolling red tool chest was a Christmas gift from my husband several years ago and holds most of my tools as well as watercolor paints and rubber stamps. I like to remind him that my tool box is bigger than his - 8+)
Little birdies guarding a very small portion of my button collection.
This bookcase stores my magazines for inspiration, ephemera and many, many little treasures waiting for their 15 minutes of fame. My own little Island of Lost Junk.
And eventually everything becomes junk.
Sparkly things. Some folks would probably organize them but I just love the way they look all jumbled up together like a pirates treasure of jewels.
If you look closely you can spot glass doorknobs, a huge lens and some chandelier prisms mixed in among the sparkly glass buttons.
Now we are moving around the room to my workbench - a huge old oak sideboard that was a gift to myself a couple of years ago. It is counter top height so I can work at it without stooping and so sturdy I can hammer away on top.
I made this mobile a couple of years ago to display ATCs.
Lack of money is no obstacle, lack of an idea is an obstacle. All of the ATCs on this mobile are made from those fake credit cards that come in the mail and each one has a thrift theme. I call the mobile "Extra Credit".
This is the front of the workbench. The veneer was peeling off the drawers so I covered them with scrapbook paper. What in the world did we ever do before there was Mod Podge.
The drawers house more supplies, fodder for tinkering, my Etsy inventory and a great deal of my fabric stash.
This is the top of the bench. There are three large shelves above. I keep things I want handy on the bottom shelf and use the ones above that for less frequently used supplies and things that just make my eyes happy.
Yikes! I might just have one of everything and two of some because I can't find the one I already have. Funny, it doesn't seem that messy when I'm making something....
Another little suitcase - this one filled with millinery - old and new.
A spice rack above the workbench stores my Golden paints, glitter, embossing powders and jars of brads and other tiny items.
Moving on around the room to my sewing table and another dresser for more storage.
The top of the dresser. A saltbox shrine and some soldered necklaces - a skill I am still learning. They are sitting on top of my scanner/printer.
This dresser stores sewing notion, lace and other trims, wrapping paper and ribbons. This was my very well-worn baby dresser. I revived it by painting it black and Mod Podging tiger-print fabric on the fronts of the drawers.
Now we are turning the corner toward my desk area. Yes, I have a little TV in my art room so I can listen to my favorite programs - Antiques Roadshow, Pawn Stars and American Pickers.
Oops, back to the sewing table! I made these ribbon towers from the un-used parts that were left over from the pendant lights in this corner of the room. I just unwind the ribbon from the spool with no need to remove the spool from the tower.
Sweet vintage Occupied Japan birdies top one of the towers. The other tower is topped with feathers.
My art room has an odd shape and my son, Andy, custom built this corner desk for me. I LOVE it! The room has 9 foot ceilings so he made the desk 8 feet high and made the work surface sturdy enough that I can stand on it to reach the top.
A close-up of the desk hutch. I have a "thing" for old boxes so there are many throughout my art space.
Another close-up of the desk. This is where I store all of my pens and markers. You can barely make out a clear Lucite drawer unit. This is where I currently store the "good" pens that need to lay flat. This is something I am still trying to find a good solution for so hoping I might get some ideas when I visit the other Bloggers in the party.
The narrow wall next to the entrance.
These are the closet doors. One side has my bulletin board and the other side is painted with chalkboard paint. The shelf above is new and I just added it last week.
This is another small closet next to the big closet. I attached curtain rods to the door use it to hand vintage linens that I use in my inspiration kits. The vintage knitting bag was my Grandmothers and I still use it to store my crochet things.
The blouse is hanging there just because it's too pretty not to!
This little wall hanging is made from strips torn from old dresses and a coat hanger. It covers the electrical panel.
And there you have it - 360 degrees around my art room. I hope you enjoyed the tour!
Big shout-out to Karen Valentine of My Desert Cottage for organizing this event and many thanks to my son Andy who came over and took the "big" photos for me. They were more than my little point and shoot could capture so I couldn't have done it without him.

68 comments:

Susan said...

oh why why why didn't I stop at your place when I was in Portland1 I want to create in your space...it is wonderful. I suppose it's too late to go hunting for my camera now. Thanks for sharing and stopping by my space. Susan

Robin said...

An amazing art studio! I would love to get lost in there for days! I love your ribbon towers. Is there a 12 step program for people who love boxes? I love me some boxes! Thank you for sharing your wonderful space. ~Robin~

Sherry said...

This studio is truly a place for an artist to create. Everything works together to make an inspiring place. I love the way you organized the ribbon and your buttons etc. are just fun to look at. Your vintage items really add character to the room. Thanks for sharing and thanks for your visit and nice comment. Portland is not that far from us.

Celestina Marie said...

I am simply in love with your space. You are so talented and I have been inspired with so many of your great ideas. I love the suitcases, the ribbon holder, your chests covered in wonderful papers and on and on. What a glorious room to create in.
It was so nice to meet you and thank you for stopping by my party and your kind comment.
I look forward to visiting again soon as I am now a happy follower.
Happy Creating.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Queen Bee said...

WOW! I LOVE your space! Love the ribbon holder...so creative!
Queen Bee Studio

zandra said...

What a great creative space! Love looking at all the nook and crannies, so much to see! So enjoyed my visit with you. Enjoy the rest of the party.
Hugz,
Zandra

Jill McDowell said...

Thanks for visiting Calico Petals.
Your creative space is lovely.
I adore your glass jars.
Thank you for caring and sharing.
Jill @ Calico Petals ♥

marylin & poussy said...

Hello I write you of France I discover your blog! That of treasures you have so things! What becomes moldy! Best regards marylin

Baxter's Mom said...

Loved visiting your Art Room and peeking at all your goodies!!! And, thanks for visiting my Studio at Baxter's Mom!!!

Unknown said...

I love your organization and your sense of humor! And yes, what did we ever do before Mod Podge LOLOLOL It looks like you're ready for anything in that studio - wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing and thanks for visiting my blog.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

What a wonderful space! You and I have a common love for buttons and glass and sparkly things! Of course, what's not to love about all those things? I love your space, it's full and fun and inspirational!

Romeo said...

Oh my whiskers - check out all the wonderful ways to store and organize??!?!?! "She" is loving your ribbon towers!!! I really like them too, but bet you wouldn't have guessed that my favorite is the one with birds ;)

I'm happy that you finally have your own little space, although truthfully it looks like it's pretty good size! And best part? I see all kinds of places for a good kitty like myself to nap!!!! Now that's a great and welcoming studio!

Thanks so much for sharing with us!

Romeo and "her"

Tania said...

I love the buttons and other treasures - thanks for sharing your space and visiting mine.

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

Absolutely Wonderful ~ Love the Rock Your Gypsy Soul Art..... Thanks for stopping by, I am anxiously awaiting the Mail, but sure the new cord won't be here till tomorrow ~ Please come back anytime, I just became a follower of yours ~ I certainly will be back, I Just Love Your Studio.....
Cheryl

Dorthe said...

Wow, you do have lots,of lots of gorgeus things , and many great places to stack them all. I love your mobile, and work bench,-and the japanese birds are so beautifull sitting together.Thanks for your sweet visit. I love visiting here,too-
Dorthe

Unknown said...

Great work space and I just love that mobile that you made! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!

Jeanne said...

Such a great creative space you have. There's so much to see! Love the old suitcases and the ribbon towers you made too! And that red tool chest is a super idea for storing things. I wish I could find space in my studio for one of those!
xo
jeanne

Embellished Bayou said...

Love your space, I could spend hours digging around in there! Isn't it nice having a space to claim as your own?!

Malisa said...

Eventually, everything becomes junk...I like that! So true! I love your collections...and your work space! I can tell that you are a very creative woman! Thanks for giving us a peek into your studio and into your world. When you have time, please stop by and visit my blog!

Malisa

GlorV1 said...

I love your studio. You have a lot of collections and you sure have inspired me. Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring room.

Lovey said...

Now, this has got to be one of the greatest work areas I've seen! I adore your wonderful space and all your goodies occupying it! Love the MOD Podge coverings...you've given me some creative ideas for mine! Really a wonderful studio!!! I would love to hang out in there with you!
BTW...thank you for your comment about my studio too!
Big Smiles...Lovey

My Creative House said...

Wow what a wonderful studio, all these treasures and lots of buttons laces and other great things, thanks for visiting my place.
Anni

Pam @ Frippery said...

I could spend hours exploring all of your treasures. What a fabulous place to create!

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

There are lots of wonderful things to see here, but I think that the credit card atcs and the ribbon stands are my favorites!

natalea said...

what a fun place! loaded with goodness and inspiration! i want to come over and dig around!
xo natalea

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

My Cord Finally Came ~ I was able to upload my Studio Photos, stop by if you get a chance.....
cheryl

Elyse said...

holy guacamole! what an amazing space. so many fun corners and displays and i love the fun ways you describe everything. you have a great time in there, i can tell! enjoy!

xo
elyse

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

My oh my, I love your collections of buttons, and suitcases, and ribbons, and laces, and flowers, and most of all, your extra credit! So creative! Thanks for sharing your space and thanks for stopping by my blog to say hello! : )

Victoria said...

Lovely to meet you..what a fabulous tour!! Gorgeous treasures everywhere! I love it all..love the old suticases too! I could spend all day going through all yur goodies..wonderful!
Kiki, Heart of a Wizardess

Julie Marie said...

Ooohh your space is just wonderful! You must create the most beautiful things! I love your "pirate's treasures" and your little mobile is adorable! Too cute, your toolbox is bigger than your hubbys! Thanks for sharing... xoxo Julie Marie

Jill said...

What a fun room..."the island of lost junk", "extra credit", the blouse hangs.."because it's too pretty not to", "everything eventually becomes junk"...some of my FAVORITES! What a desk your son built. Especially wonderful that it's sturdy enough to stand on and that your side board is strong enough to hammer on. That's a room that is meant to create in! I'm so glad you stopped by my blog and that I got a chance to see this great space!

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

Wow! what great supplies you have. I love your space. And the "extra credit" mobile - too fun!

Kay said...

a-maz-ing!!! slightly green with envy here....you have a great workspace....thanks for popping over to mine..x

Gail said...

I love your space!!! Thank you so much for visiting me! I live in Eugene, so not so far away! My best friend has a store in Portland called "All My Favorite Things" on Fremont.
Thanks for your visit!!!

Just Me said...

What a wonderful creative space you have! I love your treasures and the way you organized them. Would love to hang out with you and spend hours going through your creativity! Thanks for stopping by and your sweet comments! Enjoy the party!

Live Creatively! Patti

CATHY said...

Hi Kathy,
Such a fun tour! Wow do you have the stuff packed in your room. Some days I just want to heap all my trinkets together like yours as I love to dig as well. Maybe if I dig in my own stuff it will keep me from digging at the flea markets : ). Also love your idea for your ribbons. I like to see my ribbons and right now I have them in boxes. May search for a fun pole. Thanks for stopping by my studio in Brussels - Cheers Cathy with a c : )

Unknown said...

I love your studio. I noticed the red tool chest right away, what a great idea for your space. I am so inspired by your spool towers, I am going to work on that for myself. Fantastic idea, and I thank you for the inspiration. You have a fantastic place to create. Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving me a comment.
Thanks for sharing.
Michele

Diane said...

Hi Kathy, thanks so much for visiting my studio,and now I'm visiting yours and am in awe. I could get lost in here--I LOVE it!!

Karen Valentine said...

Kathy your studio is wonderful! There is so much for the eyes to soak in!! I loved the ATC mobile. I may have to borrow that idea for a way to display some myself! Thank you for the tour, and for the inspiration!
xo,
Karen
My Desert Cottage

Noelle Garrett Designs said...

Hi Kathy,
Your studio is just lovely! I would truly enjoy creating there. Thanks so much for the inspiration and sharing your beautiful creative space!
Carrie

Sue@MyArtsDesire said...

Kathy,
Wow! I love these packed to the rafters studios! Oh to be turned loose and have the chance to dig through your pirate's chest, rifle through the fabric in that awesome workbench, and investigate every other little bin, suitcase and what-not! Using vintage suitcases to store your genealogy stash is a splendid idea. I'm making note of that one. Also thought your ribbon rack was quite clever! And a great sense of humor to boot...Enjoyed my visit! Xo,Sue

Mosaic Magpie said...

From the suitcases to the vintage occupied japan birds. I Love It! You can come and dig around in my stuff if I can spend sometime in yours. I think I would come out the better for it.
Debbie

Unknown said...

What a great place to create... I love it! I would just love to come over and play with all your goodies.. I also have my husbands old red tool box, he was going to through it out, but I grabbed it and now I store stamps in it. Thanks for letting us take a peek inside.. I had a great visit!

Thanks for leaveing such a sweet comment on my blog.. come back anytime.

~Linda

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

What an awesome creative space! Ohhhh, how I'd love to go through everything and take it all in, especially all that BLING! Fab storage solutions especially that tool chest! How cool is that!!!

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting!!

xxoo

Unknown said...

Wow I love all your fabulous junk, your dressers and your ATC mobile!!!

Sandy xox

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What a great space! It is so colorful and inspiring. I love that you can see everything, too; whether it's glass jars, containers or shelves. Great idea to use those fake cards that come in the mail ~ I'd never thought of that. Between those and Altoid tins I think I have a whole new outlet!

June said...

Kathy your space is amazing. Just the place to be inspired to create something wondderful. I am so glad I came in.
hugs

donna joy said...

what a great space! just oozes creativity~

The Feathered Nest said...

Ohmygoodness....so many treasures!!!!! I just love your studio!! And look all of the wonderful supplies you've gathered, so much good stuff ~ I know your wheels start turning the minute you walk in this incredible rool. Very inspirational!! hugs and love, Dawn

Linda Brun said...

Love your room full of treasure. Specially like the idea with ATC mobile. Thankyou for sharing.
Hug

dana said...

OMG....I asked you last night to send me the link to your blog (it hadn't come through with the comment you left me) and BOY am I glad you did!!! I haven't had time to do lots of visiting this week...kinda revisiting those who stopped by my blog. Anyway, I am SOOOOO happy you did come by and NOW I got to visit YOU! OMG....your space is wonderful. You have gathered so many terrific supplies with which to create your art...LOVE the altered faux credit cards...that was outstanding! It's so great that you put old furniture to use....PLUS the new (such as that outstanding desk your boy built!). Your place reminds me of the way I love to surround myself in my workroom (yours is way better!!)...full of fun, inspirational stuff that triggers design thoughts!! It was such a treat to meet you via The Rush...I hope we become blogging friends!! dana of the stone rabbit.

Halle said...

Amazing space with such wonderful treasures. I could explore all day....

Lynnae said...

Well, that's a room jam packed with a lot of great art stuff. It's nice of your son to help you with all that building.
I love it!

Char said...

You are a lucky woman to have such a great and colorful space to create wonderful items from. You are also lucky that your son will help with the pictures. I would love to go thru all your fantastic containers and just brouse all the goodies and treasures that lie within. Char

Tina said...

What a wonderful and inspiring studio you have. Love it.
Thank you so much for visiting over at my place too.
~ Tina

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

What a great space! I looooooooove your workbench and the "Extra Credit" mobile is fabulous! That just cracked me up!
Hugs to you!

Monica said...

Hello Kathy,
thanks for stopping by and visiting my studio!
Your space is lovely and well organized, and I looove your collections of buttons, millinery and suitcases!
Thanks for sharing!
Monica.

Charlene said...

I LOVE your studio!!!! You had so many pretty things! And so many creative ways to use things. One of my favorites was the ribbon trees. GENIOUS! I have so many & they are difficult to corral. And we are kindred spirits when it comes to buttons. My favoriets are MOP & glass. LOVE LOVE LOVE them. It is taking me forever to get through each of these. I had the GRANDS the weekend of the party & then was getting ready for an ART EVENT called Paper Cowgirls... it may take months to visit all the studios. But, worth it!!!! Thanks for sharing! Charlene

shabbyfufu said...

All that I can say is WOW! I love all of the "stuff" that you have and will come over for a craft day any time:-) Janet

Jenny said...

Oh so many creative things - I think I'll borrow your ribbon holder idea. Thank you for stopping by.

Jenny

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I'm trying so hard to tamp down the green-eyed envy monster right now. It began when I saw that to-die-for tool cabinet. I have wanted one of those for years (which is a lot like I wanted a train set when I was little and it wasn't 'the thing' for a girl to have). I LOVE your studio space. Thank you so much for sharing!

Angela Harris said...

Wow! Thanks for sharing your space! I just cleaned mine! Guess it's time to make my where bloggers create post :)
You have so many incredible trinkets! How do you ever leave that room ? :)

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

Sorry I'm late in stopping by but I had an art retreat. Your studio is incredible...so many colors, textures, supplies & inspiration! Love the extra credit mobile & I'd like to do a twist on it, if you don't mind.

Sandy said...

Wow, what a wonderful studio! I love the use of storage with the suitcases under the table. There are so many clever ideas here, the ribbon spool towers are awesome. Thank you for sharing your creative haven.

Anonymous said...

I'm bedazzled...so many treasures in one lovely space! No wonder you make such beautiful art. The ATC mobile is enchanting!

I loved your 360 degree tour...thanks for having me.

Lynette

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

Kathy, thank you so much for the tour of your wonderful studio and thanks also for visiting and following mine. I will be back for a more lengthy visit when I finish the list on Karen's post! Connie

Unknown said...

love your works space and some of your work woudl love to make some of those necklaces one day thankyou for sharing

Chrislyn said...

Hi Kathy! What a wonderful studio! Such fabulous ideas you have. I love the tool chest for storage. Your credit card mobile and ribbon towers are great. Thank you for visiting my studio and leaving such a nice comment. Please come again!

http://spiritdogstudios.typepad.com