This photo is from the night before Birdsong 5 in June. I'm just getting around to posting all the pictures of the event, and the timing is perfect to also be a part of Karen's Where Bloggers Create Tour.
I've participated in her studio tours every year and it is a treat to click through the links and visit the other spaces. And I've also been featured in the actual, Where Women Create magazine from being chosen out of this annual event Karen hosts. You can see some of the studio pics from the magazine here. And here are some photos from the shoot for the story.
I always look forward to Karen's gathering of blog workspaces, it's fun to click through and see so many great storage and desk ideas in one place. If you'd like to see how my studio has changed over the years, you can find past tours here.
Since I have shown pics of the studio every year for the blog tour, I figured I wouldn't have anything new to offer this year. But the tour just happened to cross over with me finally getting around to posting the Birdsong set up in the studio, so I thought I'd link to the party after all. These views are a little different than my usual arrangement of the space.
And the room is spruced up for a party, anyway!
Most of these shots were taken at night, before all the guests arrive on Friday morning. Here is the view out of the room's back door, with the LED lights glowing on the new fence that my son built last fall. I keep the lights on a timer, from dusk to dawn, year round, even though I'd first put them up just for Christmas. I like the twinkles and it makes me smile to see them from my bedroom window, or from the studio on nights I work late.
Normally, this is the spot where I have my own work area. For Birdsong, I pack up my personal supplies, shift tables around, set up more tables, and bring out the folding chairs (with their backs covered in cut down vintage pillow cases). The room is right around 1,000 sq ft, and I am constantly trying to streamline the supply cabinets to make more space for people and parties.
The room has changed a lot over the years, mostly in filling the space with better storage solutions and slight shifts that make it a little more functional each time. Here is a link to a recent change in storage, and here is another one about trying to eek out a few more inches here and there. The room is pretty big for just me to work in, but when you consider all the crap lovingly collected supplies that I have, and the fact that sometimes I invite 30 plus friends over to play with me, an inch here or there is important.
The theme for Birdsong is "nature inspired", which can mean a lot of things. And of course, includes a lot of sweet, little birdies. I don't go all out with decor, I just tweak (or tweet?) the existing set up and add some birds here and there. Like these vintage bird brooches on my dress form. I also spritzed her angel wings with Glimmer Mist to turn them into bluebird of happiness wings instead.
Previous years' projects, like this 'nest' banner above the bench, and the birdcage on the dress form add atmosphere.
The collage is from Beth's class a couple of years ago.
The fairies were one of last year's classes, and since we were working on art journals this year, I set many of mine out around the room for guests to flip through for ideas.
I did the same thing in the dining room of the house, I thought that as everyone sat down to eat, they might want to look at my journals before they started on their own books.
Oh- but back to the studio-
I have some favorite vintage wallpapers on the wall in old frames painted white. I like to add some birds torn from aged books to the frames. Usually, just stuck into the edges, sometimes anchored with stick pins.
Changing out the pictures is an easy way to update the room for different holidays or themes without going to any expense or much time at all.
The banners in the front window are from various classes or swaps, and I added "nest" from playing cards for the weekend.
And of course, having art work from the teachers on display is great too! This is what Lori Oles was teaching this June.
Over the years, I have gathered lots of birdsong type decorations, like this 'sing' banner from a swap our first year. And many of my guests gift little birdie tidbits to me, that I can set out in the spring before everyone arrives.
As much as I enjoy all the feathered friends around the room, I try to keep all of the pieces special by tucking them away in the fall. It's nice to have a change for seasons, and when spring comes around again, I love pulling out all of the treasures to sit out around the room.
The tables get covered in white paper (I use gift wrap from Dollar Tree, it is very affordable compared to white craft paper), I toss a curtain over the TV, and hang some pretties from branches wired to the ceiling and from the chandeliers. The branches are permanent, the tied on danglies change a few times a year. I hang shiny brites at Christmas, hearts at Valentines, and sometimes some ghosts at Halloween. I'm not always on top of the changes…. it isn't unheard of to have ghosts swaying above my head at Thanksgiving or hearts still there for Easter…
The birdcages are from a previous class too. I like having the decor up above the work tables as opposed to on them. Once the ladies start getting kits open, and setting out their supplies, helping themselves to a plate of cookies and a cup of coffee, anything else on the table is just a nuisance, no matter how pretty it is. I try to keep the table tops limited to paper towels, wash wipe packets, or lamps and stick to decorating above, not on, the tables.
It's always so festive to have the space set up for a party! Planning an event is also a hefty reason to keep the room reasonably tidy. Working on big projects, shipping things from my Boutique, doing swaps, can all cause major trashing of the studio, but knowing that I have a group coming to visit in the not so far future keeps me inline and helps stop any hoarding tendencies from getting the best of me.
When it is all over, I miss everyone, and the place seems very empty.
It's a very special feeling to have the room filled with creative souls.
And smiling faces!
If you are here from the studio tour, thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy all the fascinating spaces offered on Karen's links. And I hope to see you here again sometime.
If anyone has interest in Birdsong 6, or for the Romantic Gothic Ghost workshop this fall, please email mail me at: Karlanathan@sbcglobal.net and I'll add you to the mailing list for info.
If you'd like extra project kits for Birdsong 5, you can find mine here.
What an amazing space Karla! I bet you all have a great time when you invite your ‘friends’ over to play! Happy creating, Cindy
I remember your lovely space from years past, and I love seeing the party mode it was in this year. I like how you move things around and change art out to keep it all fresh. I’m sure your students loved it, too. As always, I am in awe of your lovely space. Thanks for sharing it again.
Thank you for sharing Karla! Your space is always so beautiful and inspiring. I love seeing the changes you make each year. It looks like a dream studio to me. Have fun creating!
LOVE LOVE Love your space and followingg all your post…. Awesome… Thanks for sharing.
Oh my goodness I don’t what to say but this is Breathtakingly Beautiful! I am in love with this lovely space and will be coming back for another look. Your newest follower on facebook too. Thank-you for sharing. Karen.x
Hi Karla, love the tour of your wonderful creative space. The size itself is perfect and each detail just so inspiring. Going back for a second look. Thank you for sharing. Have fun and happy creating!
cm
It is a dream come true studio for me Teah! Thanks, I love it here.
Lovely space…and I have loved to see again every year I come to this party!!! Looks like your event was super fun!! Thanks so much for sharing…Hugs
Wow! Such a beautiful, creative space! Wish I lived closer so I could attend one of your sessions… love everything from the sparkle lights outside to the awesome branches and birds everywhere. Thank you for sharing it all with us.
Your studio is amazing! Everything is just beautiful. Birds are my favorite wild creatures and I’ve enjoyed seeing them in your space! Thanks for sharing it with us♥
WoW, this is just amazing!
I love your beautiful creative space. So bright and adorable vintage, breathtaking!
Thanks for sharing your great space!
I like your entry with the fence and twinkle lights and your studio is huge! Perhaps a big place for one person to craft but perfect when holding workshops. It’s obvious you love what you do.
Happy crafting from # 33.
What a beautiful studio! Love the different colors of wallpaper(I assume) along the top of the dropdown ceiling. Love the soft vintage feel of the space.
Halle #58
Yes, it is wallpaper, Halle, thanks! I use a lot of vintage paper in my work and put some up on the wall to enjoy all the time.
Wow! I love your huge and beautiful creative space! Your studio room is probably bigger than the inside of my entire house, lol:-)
WOW, what a beautiful space!! I wish I lived near enough to attend one of your events, I am sure it is magical. I loved how you talked about decorating above the tables to leave the space below free for working. Only a true crafter understands the importance of that. . .lol!! Thank you for showing your space again and for inspiring all of us.
There is never quite enough space for all of our supplies and goodies, is here, Maureen? I know that as I work, my spot gets smaller and smaller as I pull out more items to use.
My what a lovely space . . . it is so feminine. I would think that just walking through the door would make you feel so pretty, like a fairy princess. I think it is wonderful that you share it with so many creative people. The fact that your space is so pretty, has got to reflect on the way they all feel when they attend your events.
Your studio is stunningly beautiful ~ and magical!
I love your collection of flowered hats. Thanks for sharing your space.
Becky
Karla ~ as always, your space is amazing! Full of sun and loads of inspiration. It looks especially good all dolled up for Birdsong ~
Thanks for the look round ~
Ooops ~ that sun was supposed to be “fun”!
What a nice thing to say, Connie. I hope my guests feel that way too.
Karla, I am a lover of anything bird themed so this was a real delight! Loved your mannequin and it looks like you have all created some fabulous things over the years. I love the nest words hanging in the branches! I bet the ladies love coming to your fabulous space! Thanks for sharing it with us.
hugs,
Jann
Oh goodness what a fabulous space, and how fun to see it decked out in party mode.
Big huge sigh, your studio is soooooo dreamy! Love every square inch. I love how generous you are with it and how you bring the joy of creativity and inspiration to all who are lucky enough to craft there and for sharing with those of us who have not.
Wow, Karla,I am in awe….I absolutely LOVE your Studio !!
Everything is so in harmony and the feel of the room
is very dreamy and fairylike. Beautiful and very inspiring !!
One could sit there all day just looking and enjoying it….
Thank you so much for sharing, I really want to go to all your
links and see the other blogposts about your room.
Have a great WBC Party !
Wilma, Shabby Royale.
Karla, I always adore looking around your studio. It is just filled with eye candy and inspiration for storage. Thank you for sharing!
Oh Karla,
Your creative space is a crafters dream come true. Such a beautiful space, well stocked and full of beautiful things for inspiration.
Hugs and Kisses,
❤️Ana
Karla I sigh every time I look at your studio. It doesn’t matter how many times I look at it, yours is one of my top 3 favorite creative places. I’m so glad you linked up again this year. Please don’t ever stop. It is always a joy to come for a visit. 🙂
Karen, I always look forward to being a part of this. Thanks for hosting!
Thanks, Kathy! Im glad I joined in on the tour again this year, its been fun to be a part of.
Karla, I love your space…every nook and cranny! Thanks for sharing it again with us.
I always love seeing your beautiful and inspiring creative space, Karla! I’m not surprised it made it into one of the Where Women Create issues. Your space has always been an inspiration to me to make my surroundings {although small} something I want to be around and not just a storage room for my supplies.
I can look around your studio at any time of the year, there’s always so many beautiful things to see! I’d love to come and play if I was near , but with me being in the UK it’s not feasible! Thanks for sharing again.
Karla..
Your beautiful Studio.. sigh..!
xo
pamela
Super space for teaching and running workshops, looks like great space to create in. Very lovely white on white décor. I like the branches you have on the roof (I have the same in my space).
Beautiful spaces and gorgeous creations! I could spend all day here!!!
Absolutely perfect…..the name bird song. I can just imagine it looks like a song! Must have been a great event!
Very pretty a lot of stuff,
Happy WIC
Laura
Thank you, Jann! That studio is my favorite place to be, and I love sharing it with my guests. I hope they love it too!
Karla, as always your studio space is just dreamy! Thanks for sharing your creative space!
Hello Karla! It’s so nice to see your beautiful room again! Wish I could have been there for Birdsong 5 this summer–hopefully next year!
Thank you for the tour!
Your Birdsong studio is so inspiring. What a wonderful creative cottage you have to share with other artists. Love Everything.
You were missed, Tammy!
I love, love you studio and have been a fan for many years now. I specially love to see your posts in and around your “Bird Song” events. Everything looks so wonderful.
Thanks for sharing.
Michele
Love every inch of your studio, Karla. Fun to see it all primed and ready for the big event. And SOMEDAY, I’m going get my Kansas calendar to align with yours…I’ll be sitting amidst all the loveliness and will be in crafting heaven 🙂
Beautiful, spacious studio! Love it! So welcoming for your guests too. Thanks for sharing.
Cathy
CraftyCat
Perfectly dreamy. Thanks for giving us a “bird’s eye view” 🙂
Cute, Connie! I wish Id said that one.
Karla,
I am always amazed at your beautiful space!! Thanks again fro sharing it with us again this year!! Spectacullar!!
Hugs,
Debbie