Today, Karen is asking us to show our workplaces. My studio is one of my very favorite places in the whole world to be, so I am happy to show mine!
This week, I has some friends over for a craft day, and Mary brought her Flip Camera again, and made a few videos of what we were doing and of the room. Here is a rambling, incoherent video of me showing my hat collection.
Okay, I tried to load the video directly into the blog, but if you don't see it, you can check out the YouTube site, if you want. (Yes, that is paint on my pants. And no, I was not painting that day. I am a poor dresser)
Mary made a few more videos that day, hereis one of just some sights around the studio. I'll try again to load it directly, but my tech skills are severely lacking.
Mary does a good job with the videos, but I don't think I loaded them right….
So here are a few photos of craft day, "Where Bloggers Create" like the title of the party says.
My studio would probably be much more convenient without the big wardrobe I use as a treat cabinet, but it seems to be a popular piece of furniture. Especially to Sugarwings.
Although there is a lot to be said for using the right pieces of furniture. I'm loving this new hutch that I bought last weekend at a garage sale for $35 and fixed up a bit. I added old wallpaper trim around the base of the top section to hide some missing trim. I'm still thinking about adding wallpaper to the inset panels too.
One thing I really like about this cabinet, beyond the fact that it holds so much and I was able to get rid of two smaller pieces so that the room is less cluttery, is that there is not any glass in the doors. I can reach right inside and get to things easily.
Here is the hat garden from the video. Its an old buffet that I have piled with stuff. Its top holds supplies for my work, as well as some completed pieces that are or will be for sale, things I've bought from other people, and gifts I have received.
Its important to me to have things out where I can see and enjoy them.
I've discovered that if I put too much away inside of cabinets, I forget what I have. So I try to arrange my goodies out in the open and leave interior spaces of the furniture filled with basics. Like paints, sandpaper, book binding materials, jewelry making supplies, and baskets of bottles.
Things that I use a LOT go right above my desk, within an arm's reach.
On the front half of the studio, I have two dining room tables that I use for extra work surface or for dinner parties. The centerpiece on this table is really just crap storage. And I am all the time rifling through the tablescapes for a little tid bit here or there to add to something I am making.
The other table's centerpiece is often things I have just made, or stuff I just bought while junking recently.
This bird in its nest is something I just finished, and need to list in the Boutique. Her egg is a regular plastic Easter egg covered in vintage wrapping paper, then a sugar coat of glitter.
This little bird's nest is a treasure trove of pretties and bits of jewels. I need to get pictures of it and get it on the website too….
All of the things I have listed for the Boutique and Etsy in the last day are mostly supplies and jewelry, not handmade things.
Sometimes, even with a big room, it is a challenge to store things for upcoming shows. I've turned a corner of the room into a closet filled with shelves to stack up stuff for events I'll be selling at, but some things are just too pretty (or large) to put away. And what is the fun of buying them, just to lock them away in a dark closet till I take them to a show? So, just about every surface is full of some sort of collection. Right now, I am stock piling figurines and statues for use as jewelry displays. Won't these ladies look nice dripping with jewels? Then, hopefully, they will sell too and I'll have less to pack up after the show.
Of course, I get to the point where there is so much in the room that there is barely room for people… When craft day comes, I bring in extra tables to set up for guests (Beth and Mary are working away in this photo), but I am rapidly running out of space to spread out into when guests come!
Of course, there is always the patio too! When guests are as messy as this one, that seems to be the best solution.
Feel free to join in on Karen's party, I'm looking forward to going around the list and seeing "Where Bloggers Create"
(Which reminds me, some of you have asked when I was going to be in "Where Women Create" by Somerset. Well…. now I don't know. The editor had spoken to me about scheduling my studio, then postponed, but said to keep in contact with her. But I just feel like I am bugging her if I remind her, so who knows?)
ps- Thank you all for your encouragement about the Grumpy Fairy story. I think I just might make it into an illustrated book.
Oooohhhh! Great space and studio. I want to come to your house to play. I love all the vintage flowers!
I have said this more than once. I am loving seeing peoples collections, I am finding that the very creative, have the best collections!!!
Karla, your studio is amazing and I never tire of seeing it. It is just wonderful eye candy.
Hugs Karen
Wow!! What a fabulous work space. you are very lucky. It is all so beautiful.
Thanks for sharing your photos. So pretty!
Hope you can stop by and visit me soon.
Hugs from Blogland,
Donna
Oh Karla…I always LOVE peeking inside of your studio and love these videos that you and Mary are putting together!!!! You have the most wonderful collections….I’m ready to come play at YOUR house! xxoo, Dawn
How beautiful! I would love to come and play with you and sugarwings!
Karla, I always love seeing your studio. It is sp pretty and pleasant. Definitely easy on the eyes.
Jean in Virginia
Aaaahhh I always thought that your studio was close to my idea of heaven, now with the videos (thanks Mary!) I can see it is my idea of heaven! After seeing the clips photos look almost dull, but that’s just in comparison. I love your new Sugarwings drawings and the story, maybe you could combine one and other for her next birthday (isn’t that sometime September?). Have fun today, I decided to join the fun the very last minute too.
Karla LOVED…LOVED…LOVED. the videos , please give us more..your studio is gorgeous..Lorraine Bell .vancouver island
Wow Karla, your space is a fairy tale space indeed! I loved the videos and yes, they came out wonderful. I can’t tell you my favorite as I loved it all but I will say that your hat collection is to die for!
Oh, and your pants…true stains of creativity girl, they are priceless!!!!
Enjoyed the tour and I always love coming here~
Karla~ I tried not to cringe as you pulled the flowers off the precious white hat…I love my granny hats and now darling daughter does too. She bought one at Farm Chicks almost identical to the one you pulled out! She may wear it to the Faerieworlds Festival we are going to next weekend. I love your studio…I would feel so inspired there, though some of your hats would probably come up missing, heehe! I may steal your idea of the swirleys painted on the wall for my living room. It needs something up on the high wall.
Thanks for sharing!
Blessings~LillySue
simply gorgeous, i love it, thank you so much for sharing.
Karla, I love your studio.. and everything in it! When can I come over to create? I could probably spend days there, creating & playing with the pups. Oh, and your precious grandbaby! tee-hee hugs, Joanna
I love where bloggers create in your world, but I’m afraid mine spot would just scare people! Someday I’ll post it! Someday in the far away!
Your studio is GORGEOUS, and I feel blessed to have actually been inside of it. It inspires me. (so do you 🙂
I didn’t get my studio photographed 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~
Your place is a fantastical treasure for sure. Great photos thanks so much for sharing where you create!
I am so tired, I’m been at this party since 7:00 this morning, and I’m only on the “k’s”. I don’t want to skip any of them because I’m afraid I’ll miss something magical. I feel so good here at your space. It’s sooooo soft and natural.
cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com
Your studio is a dream
Alison
Love it!
Your studio is terrific..I have seen bits of it before and each time I am amazed by how wonderful it is.
I could really see myself there:)
KARLA,
As always your Studio is a dream to behold.
I am always in awe of how beautiful it is.
Hugs,
Penny
Hi Karla,
Wow, your space is fantastic!!! It’s so pretty and romantic with all of the pastel shades and the gorgeous millinery flowers. I love how you the call that sideboard, your “Hat Garden”, that’s too perfect! I can certainly see why Beth and Mary would want to come over and play in your studio! And paint on your paints, when not painting? You are my kind of girl!! I’m so glad you participated in this party, so that I could see your wonderful space. Especially fun after meeting you in person.
Karen
What an inspiring workspace! I love your new hutch (can’t believe it only cost you $35!) and your apothocary jars filled with what-nots!
Karla, I’m so glad to see you posted your studio…You know I can never get enough of seeing your studio..It’s just sooooooooooo beautiful…Love all the hats..
Stephenie
Wiping the droll off the keepboard before I short out the computer… I just love your space and so enjoyed visiting last year for your pre-Bella party! What a great idea to make a video of you and your lovely space! Just love your laugh!
Hi Karla~ You are simply adorable! Your little video made me smile ,I loved it! xo Andrea
Karla, you have the best studio ever!! It is just a dream! I could look at it all day and admire all of your gorgeous goodies!!
Hugs,
Amy
I LUV the videos! such a great idea. and of course the creative space is…just over the top incredible! Can’t even find the words for it! xo, suzy
karla, Thank you.. your videos are such a treat! I adore seeing your studio and all your beautiful things. You are my inspiration. Would you mind sharing the beautiful paint color you used for Sugarwings bed? It looks pink(?)
How wonderful to have scheduled crafty days with friends! How wonderful to have enough room for extras! 🙂 What a beautifully creative space you live in! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance at this lovely event; please do stop by for a visit soon!
Enjoy the party!
Warm Wishes,
Natasha
http://www.lifeafterdarkjewelry.blogspot.com
Very pretty place to creat. Come on by and visit my studio at:
http://judysturman.typepad.com/in_his_grip/2009/01/stitches-by-sturman-studio-makeover.html
I am lovin’ this party!!!!
Shall we go over and bug the editor on your behalf? I’d love to see your studio in print! Love it all. OK, now not only do I have studio envy butI go and find out that you get to play with Beth AND Mary AND Sugarwings all in one day! So not fair. I would love to just sit and soak up all the creative juices flowing through the room with all of your combined talents swirling through it. Thanks for sharing your wonderful magical space.
As always, I am loving your creative space!! Please have those magazine folks come soon, so I can see more of the prettiness! You should make your story into a book, filled with your pretty paintings!!
Wow! I just have to say it again, Wow! So glad you joined the party so I could find you. Great space! I really enjoyed my visit. Thanks, for sharing. Hugz, Z
I love the video! It was so cool being able to hear your voice. For some reason I imagined you with a deeper voice.
That is some studio. Other crafters must feel like they’re in paradise when they visit.
It’s great that you let sugarwings get messy when she creates.
~elaine~
I think one of the most wonderful things about your studio is that it’s constantly changing. Everything is so beaautiful and inspiration. I finally moved my workspace into a room by itself and maybe by this time next year I’ll be ready to show it off!
Blessings,
Christine
so beautiful!!!
have a very lovely day!!!
Karla, I always love seeing your studio space and this event gave me a chance to see it again! I have a feeling I could while away many hours there! It is just fabulous!
Your video of your hat storage made me laugh , I do the same thing but only have a few. I just Love all your yummy colors in your studio ,a beautiful inspiring space
Lynn-trashtotreasureart
Oh Karla, what a wonderful studio you have! It’s just delicious in all it’s girly goodness! And I loved watching the video’s. Great idea! Thank so much for coming to my party. You really helped to make it a great success!
Karen
My Desert Cottage
omg, no wonder you are so creative! You are surrounded by nothing but inspiration! Oh, little ms. Sugarwings…. I love to see other kids all covered in paint because I’m not the one that has to clean up the mess!
What a totally lovely studio! I love that everything is out. The colors are so tummy and I wish I were sitting at that table right now!
I had cabinets put in…only to find…I forgot…just like you said!
Thanks, Karla!
Suz
Karla, I just love, love your studio! I think I could just live in Dawns and your studio and never get bored of all the beauty around me 🙂 No wonder you create such beautiful things, you have all that beauty around you to help inspire you! Oh and what I would give to “pick” some roses from your hat cabinet 🙂 we should all be so lucky! Also, Thank you for your kind comment on blog 🙂 Take care and have a wonderful time creating both works of art and beautiful memories with lil sugar wings :)! Rose
Beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing…so much to look at!
Dancingly, Denise
http://www.dancinglydenise.typepad.com
I am bringing my sleeping bag and camping on the floor of your studio so I can take it all in. Overwhelmed by it’s beauty. You have it styled like a Vogue spread! Wonderful place, magical place, and so inspiring!
Just love your space.. You have so many beautiful things. What a visual treat! Love all your creations.. You are a talented creator.. Thank you for sharing your beautiful space. What a dreamy place.. Keep creating.
It’s beautiful! Love having things out where you can see and enjoy them!
Jane – Jacksonville
What wonderful video and work space! It is all so beautiful. I enjoyed scrolling through your blog to see the yellow brick road, “dorothy”, read your Grumpy story (wonderful) and seeing that Twinkle is back. Yay!! All is good.
OmGosh heavenly are you in Mass.south shore area?
I would never leave this room! I am renting a ‘vintage coast guard cottage’ in Hull,Mass,with dark knotty pine paneling I cannot paint because I am a renter.Any suggestions? I met an elderly shabby artisan here in town and she gave me some rolls of wallpaper but I cannot adhere to wall?
Thank you for awakening my sleepy muse! I would love to create with like artisans here are few. Denise
I’ve always thought of you as needing an entire house to create what you do, sugar! 🙂 But your space is charming and of course, when Sugarwings gets into the mix it’s even more fun for ya, right?!
😉
xoxo,
Connie
What a fabulous room! It is inspiring!
Hi Karla, WoW! Your studio looks sooo good, just a charming and inspiring place to set with you imagination and see what happens, You new hutch looks great. How do you manage to get everything done so soon after you acquire it? Seems our attic above the garage is full of “Project” waiting their transformations. Thanks for sharing, Linda
Ahhhhh, sigh…. I will never get tired of looking at your studio, Karla. So pretty and fabulougs. A true dream!
You loaded the videos just fine – I could spend hours looking at your studio! I am coveting those tall glass jars, too!
Karla, your studio is a feast for my eyes. So much to look at and drool over.
Smiles,
June
Hi Karla – your studio is fabulous – so colorful and full of surprises. I can’t wait to look at your past posts and see what you have done – and I’ll be back to catch up, too! You are one creative woman!!!
Well Karla your space is always one of my favorites and that is why it is on my blogroll. You have so many beautiful things. You are a beautiful person and Sugarwings is just precious! Thanks for another wonderful tour into you creative world of wonder, magic and smiles!
bunny hugs,
shell
Ha! When you asked, “Won’t these ladies look nice dripping with jewels?” I thought you meant Beth and Mary . . . until the next sentence. Thanks for the lovely tour!!
Oh, I just never tire of seeing pics of your studio. It’s like a dream world! Everything is so beautiful…it’s a real treat for the eyes.
I am still trying to get to all the fabulous creative studios and I’m glad I finally found yours. You have a great studio, very inspiring!! From one Kansas girl to another, thanks for sharing.
Hi Karla –
Your studio is awesome – I love the ‘hat garden’. There is just so much inspiration in one room, and your daughter is adorable. Thank you so much for sharing your space!
🙂 Molly