Do you notice anything different in this picture? Its probably not all that plain to anyone but me. Everyone who came over for craft day yesterday could feel the difference, but didn't know exactly what the change was until I told them.
Before, I had a makeshift closet behind the large hutch. It was dark, dreary, and cluttered all the time. With barely enough room to squeeze back there between all the shelves, I got to the point where I was simply piling stuff up and forgetting it was even there.
This photo was mid way through the emptying out process. I forgot to get a before shot. Besides these two shelves, there were 3 others, plus tubs of stuff piled up.
A car load of accumulated junk (good junk, but I just DID NOT need it) went to Goodwill. Another carload went to Beth for her antique booth and a few boxes are going to another friend's store. The tubs of Christmas decor went to a stack under the stairs in the garage instead.
I had about 8 large mirrors back there, from when I used to have my own shop. Since I don't do big shows and no longer have an antique booth there was no place for them and I wasn't going to be selling them from my online shop, I only like to sell things that will fit in a padded envelope!
The rest of the junk got resorted and my cabinets got reorganized for it to be stored in a more convenient and attractive way. And I now have an extra 6 feet of space in the main room. Its not just the extra space that I love about the redo, losing the gloomy pit of a junk graveyard is the best part.
Of course, there was all of this to deal with first. I was kind of wondering about my timing, doing this the day before I had friends coming for craft day. But with friends coming, I had to keep focused, so that I couldn't just give up and walk away.
All of this got sorted out and I was ready for craft day with a clean studio and loads of space to play in.
Beth brought Button for a play date with Agnes Rosebud while we all had our own play dates with glue.
They seemed to be happy to see each other.
I know that I was happy to see the little guy! He seems to remember me and be happy to visit, but he sure has bonded with his new mom and followed Beth everywhere. Shawn brought her new baby, it was good to see her back at craft day, we'd missed her. I don't know why I only have dog baby photos and no human baby photos. Shawn has pictures of the day on her blog, you can see the cutie there.
My day was productive. For some reason (typical of me) I had the dates of my trip to California wrong and thought I was leaving next week instead of in two weeks. So I was in a frenzy to get all my mermaid things for Kim's event done.
Well, now I have plenty of time. I'm making up two ephemera packs of goodies for door prizes at the party, plus have swappy stuff and hostessy things to get done. I zipped through a lot of it yesterday thinking I only had a week to finish.
(by the way, Kim has some openings for the Flea Market Expidition left. If you and in the area and can't make the whole art weekend, at least join us for a bus trip from one shopping paradise to another!)
I also made a framed collage. This one is done in lots of layers with sanding in some places to peek through to what is underneath.
Some areas remind me of old houses with layers of peeling wallpaper. This 8×10 framed piece is a fun change from doing smaller things, and I have two more frames (found when I de-cluttered the back of the studio). I hope to work on them this week too. Since I now know that I have an extra week to get ready for my trip to CA, I can go back to waiting till the last minute to get ready for it!
As usual, your place looks beautiful!!!
Blessings,
Christine N
Morning Karla..OMG..where do you get the time? you are always so busy…& industrious…your amazing…do you sleep? It is so much fun to read your blog.Take care..Lorraine
What a fabulous room! Always busy and still time to craft such beautiful things. Grace xoxo
Sweet! First off, I loved that you were stashing stuff behind those shelves. My first year of married life had moving boxes stashed behind our sofa because there was no room in our 1 bedroom condo to unpack. So I totally relate. We went and bought a house 🙂
BTW, that wire basket best seen in the 3rd photo — I think it’s holding wallpaper — was this a flea market find, because its just the thing for a corner of my room….
The studio is looking great, Karla. And it’s always a relief to pick up new space and purge, though I’m not much good at doing either!
Your craft days sound fun — and I adore the photo of the dogs together!
Karla, where are you going in California and what fun do you have in store ? !!
Wow! That looks like it was a lot of work and energy. And here I am only dreaming of the day when I have enough space to stash like crazy! LOL
Nice work!!
Karla…love those pics of those darling pups ! I SO wish we could have bought one !
Never get tired of looking at your blog, your home, your ideas, and yes, you are so industrious, and busy all the time !
Now…if only I cold find some of those lovely old vintage hats you seem to find like napkins !
Love,
Deb
You must love the added space. I have a small table shoved into our guest room and use the bed behind me for extra space. Then do a mad dash when guests arrive. Did you paint the swirly wall? Love it!
Enjoy your holiday weekend!
Leann
Your playroom looks delightful!
I can’t wait to see you in a few short weeks!!!!
beth named her puppy the same thing i named my 20 month old yorkie boy. i posted this once but i can’t find it. we named him that because he is cute as a button and when he was small his nose looked like a button. buttons are important to scrap book gals. he is 6lbs now and still cute as ever. he rules our 50lb lab-retriever mix. he rules the house! lol
I adore seeing the puppy photos. They are cute as a “Button”…some pun intended! Your posts always make me smile.
I can’t wait to meet you, Karla, so I can witness all this boundless energy you have! You work so quickly and still make everything so beautiful. I guess that’s what gifts and talents are all about. OMG, I never, ever get tired of seeing your puppy pictures!
Oh, Karla…I am beginning to think we were separated at birth…your studio and mine are alike…we can’t bear to part with too much, can we? And…last week we went to visit our son and his wife in Colorado, and I kept showing them pictures of our two little dogs and our Siamese…my husband said to them, “Notice your mother doesn’t have any pictures of the grandchildren with her?”…..You love your little dogs as much as I do! Can’t blame you; they are adorable. Patty in Kansas
That puppy picture has to be the best photo I have ever seen! Your Friend, Bobbi
wow Karla, what a great room! wish I could give you a visit and spend days in your lovely craft room! this is craft heaven room! drools!
It’s always good to have a de-clutter day – it inspires creativity. Look at what you found back there.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
I’m in the midst of a gigantic clean-up all around our house. I applaud you for what you’ve done, as I know what a chore it is. Your little Agnes Rosebud and Button are so adorable together. Great photos!
Karla, thank you for keeping it real. I worked in my living room yesterday, at the end of the day I too had a big pile of mess (wonderful Stuff). You have inspired me to get it done. Hmmmm, maybe I need to invite some friends over.
The puppies kissing are adorable. So glad you decided to keep one for yourself and give one to Beth.
Hey Hoarder,
Every time I see your amazing studio I spend 10 minutes or more just blowing up the pictures so I can see every single piece of lace or an orphaned millinery flower. Your space is truly TDF. My bucket list includes a day of crafting at your place with your best bud Beth. Sister Ho.
The babies look so cute playing together, did Button miss crawling down your shirt??
Love the framed collage. Lisa
I hit this post before your Where Blogges Create post and I had an intake of breath on seeing your space. I just love it and would so love a place like this for myself! From your walls to your chandelier I’m in love. Also love Button and Agnes Rosebud ~ too cute and just the type of dog I love.
I don’t see how you get everything done Karla. You need to slow down some…you’re making teh rest of us look lazy. ;o) The puppies kissing are adorable!
I soo wish I was going to the Sirenes event!
I love your collage – so pretty! I have also been chipping away at the junk graveyard in my craft room, lol. Transformation is slow but feels good to know where all of my favorite crafting treats are. Thanks for sharing! Heidi
hey doll
eeekkkk i love your room.
i want to come and play!!
now you know i love the puppies so much.
there kissing. to cute.
see ya soon
oxoxox,
Jessi
Puppy is adorable! And I love the room! I just found your blog by chance! Love it!
Toodles,
Renee ♥
Your having way too much fun with those cute puppies. They are so adorable – the picture of them today is priceless.
Hugs,
Connie
Cute puppies.
Your room is beautiful. The colors are so pretty. looks like a great space to create.
Karla, your room is yummy! I want to come and play with you too! Hope you have a wonderful time at Kim’s mermaid event and also junking tomorrow. Give Carol a big hug for me and tell her to give you one from me too! xoxo
Great space! I enjoyed my visit to your studio. Connie
Your studio is wonderful! I loved looking at all your treasures, but had to come back and tell you I’m in love with the Yorkie puppies..too adorable!
Thanks for letting me look around…
Lynette