Ahhh, that's better!

Today, I made time for a little more sprucing in the studio.  I repainted Sugarwing's old milk box seat and her little vanity.

Both were done in my short cut style.  I use spray bonding primer in white, then brush on/wipe off glaze (pink for the fairy grand baby), let dry and spray varnish.  How simple and quick is that? No sanding and not much time involved.

Spray primer (Zinzer Bulls-eye, bonding primer) adheres to anything.  And, is meant to be under paint, so you can't leave it as is. But I skip the whole painting step and go straight to glaze, then top coat it and it really does well that way, plus saves time.  Which I never have enough of!

 

To me, this is a big improvement in the room.  There is so much going on in here anyway, that having the furniture more tone on tone is much more soothing.

 

Lightening up these two chests with wallpaper on the drawers helps too.

 

Who am I kidding? This room is crazy busy no matter what I do!!

But, its fun for me to have all the things I love around.  Some people make inspiration boards to hang over their workspace, I use the whole room as one.

 

The canvas mural I painted for my booth at Miss Frenchie's was bothering me too. I had hung it in the closet area behind the folding screen, but I prefer the plain white wall there.  With just a bit of the mural peeking over the doors, it seemed kind of messy. And I get plenty of messiness with projects strewn all over, I didn't need any faux messes.

 

But I was able to find a space for it that fit better.  Here it is hanging in my computer gazebo area.  The studio is one big room, and I have it divided up with doors, screens, large pieces of furniture, and yes, a gazebo.

My son and I made it really simply with 4 porch columns, decorative iron brackets, and two by fours. 

 

We built the structure as a display area when I used to have antique sales at my home and used my studio as a showroom.  This photo was taken by Diane Guthrie for Romantic Country magazine.

I loved the twinkle lights and tulle, but the lights burnt out and the tulle got all dusty and full of spiders, so it is gone now.

 

Having the French market scene above my computer will be a fun memento of a great weekend at Miss Frenchie's.

Unless it drives me crazy staring at my own work and I do nothing but pick out the flaws in it.... Of course, there used to be a mirror there before the mural. And I have to tell you, there were plenty more flaws to pick out there.

 

Ahh, yes, I think I'm going to like it here.   Spring cleaning and a fresh start has made me excited to get back to work.

 

Too bad I am such a pig when I work, or I could wear this new tee from Robin and match my studio! 

 

And isn't this just the sweetest thing?  A guest at Miss Frenchie's sent this lovely note to my friend, Angie, for telling her about our sale!

First of all, what a thoughtful thing to do, and second- I want to write like that! I wish I could do calligraphy!!!!!!!!!!! Especially this pretty.

 

Remember these?  When I was prepping for the sale, I made up LOTS of extra inventory to list in my Boutique. Slowly but surely, I hope to get stuff listed there. I did add a few of these knobs and some of my watch necklaces. 

  

A few odds and ends of craft supplies have been added too. Not many yet, I really need to get myself back to working instead of playing dress up with my studio. 

EDIT- Tour more redos at this Make Over Open House:

http://sanctuaryart.blogspot.com/2009/04/welcome-to-make-over-open-house.html

Comments

[Linda Lilly Cottage]

Karla I adore your studio, it is what a studio should look like, inspirational at every turn!! I love the new painted furniture and I so admire your get up and go and talent of course.
Glad to hear you didn't get blown away by the storm!
Thanks for sharing your pictures it is like reading all of my favourite magazines combined!
Kiss Noises Linda

[gail]

I still have to say, I would love to LIVE in your studio! And I wish you would have sales in it again...! I am sure there are hundreds of people who would agree with me! I absolutely adore the calligraphy note. I wish I could write like that too, sooo romantic!

[Mahala]

So beautiful. I love the paint idea for Sugarwings things. Thanks for that. I would be in heaven with a room like that...forget the inspiration board!

[Deborah Woodrow]

Dear Karla :
WOW !!! AND DOUBLE WOW !!! Your studio, is incredibly lovely ! Yeah, I second the vote, of who couldn't work in such a lovely room as that !
I love how you have everything so organized, and even stacked on top of other pieces of furniture, more room, for more storage ! AWESOME ! I love that ! Even loved the messy areas ! Love the little vanity table for sugarwings ! Darling ! love, love, love your ideas !
Take care, can't wait to see what you tackle next !
Love,
Deborah
Colorado

[debi @ life in my studio]

Karla,
Your studio looks amazing! I don't see any clutter in there at all...what I see is inspiration everywhere! Beautiful!
Debi

[chrisitne]

Your studio may be crazy busy but It's beautiful and inspiring. It inspires me just to look at the picts.

Blessings,
Christinge

[Zita - Mlle Magpie]

Your studio looks fabulous. Enjoy your springtime creating in there!

[vivian]

your craft room is perfect! I'm sure you find lots of inspriation in there!
I like that painting technique youre talking about.. will need to come back and check that out closer on another day.. I have quite a few pieces that I've been wanting to doctor up!
have a great week!
hugs
vivian

[Debby]

WOW!!! Your studio is amazing. I would love to spend my time in there.
Debby

[Tracy M.]

Thanks for the furniture refinishing tip! I'm going to have to try that. The studio is lovely, what a great place for Sugar Wings to spend time.
Cheers,
Tracy M.

[Lisa Johnson]

Hi Karla,

Your studio is absolutely awesome. I could spend hours in there just looking at everything. What a wonderful place to create. Thanks for showing it.

Lisa

[jen R Sanctuary arts at home]

Karla, I love your make overs! I Love those knobs.The room looks amazing! Thanks so much for joining in on the party! You aren't going to farm chicks, are you? Jen

[Gina]

Karla, I always enjoy stopping by your blog. It definitley inspires me in my home and my blog! Thank you!

[DeniseLynn]

Oh WOW!!! I am utterly impressed. You have worked so hard ... all the hours of sorting and moving things to and fro. I'm currently putting time and care into my studio - trying to squeeze in a little time each day to clean and clear out. It's taking forever it seems between the little one's diaper changes and all but you've totally inspired me not to give up. You place looks LOVELY and inviting!!

[LillySue]

Gosh~ What a productive gal you have been! I thought I was on the ball sorting all my beading supplies into a new storage system but you blew my productivity out of the water! I think I love to orgainze my stuff almost as much as I like making messes. I guess that is a good thing since I do LOVE to make messes!
Blessings~LillySue

[stephenie]

*SIGH* What a beautiful studio..I would be so inspired to create there...Heather told me your studio is even prettier in person..I couldn't even imagine because your pictures look amazing..
Stephenie

[Michele]

Oh Karla ~ I love your studio...so open and inviting. I need to get my butt in gear and finish my work area...but no matter what I do, I never have enough room for all the stuff I buy!

Hugz,
Michele

[Rose Brier Studio]

Your studio is wonderful. Yes there are a lot of patterns, but it keeps the eye moving and helps when you need inspiration (or all you want to do is take a nap!). I love the photo of when you sold antiques in your studio. It has inspired me to get back to work on my own shop. Thanks!
~Marilee

[Sarah]

So lovely as always! I bet when Surgarwings grows up she will have so many lovely childhood memories. Lucky girl!

I woke up to sirens this morning at 5:45, only to find out there was no tornado, only a "malfunction."

I am looking forward to Friday: Sparks here I come!

[Marilyn]

LOVE this post! The studio looks gorgeous!

[Lovely]

Note to self: Must get Zinzer Bull's Eye Primer.

Does it really hold up for say a desk?

[jeanie]

I think you nailed it when you said the whole room was your inspiration board! Well said!

Thanks for the primer tip!

[Chasity]

i wish i could write in that beautiful fancy way too!!
love all your bling...
chasity

[Samantha]

Your studio re-do looks amazing! And the calligraphy on that sweet note is just gorgeous!

[barbara burkard]

i love looking at old autograph books and school primers at the lovely writing...i remember when we had penmanship as a class in school...

[Robin]

Hey Karla,

Love your studio. what a fabulous inspirational place. What a great idea to share it with everyone. I might steal that idea...Also, I am so glad you love the t-shirt and thanks for putting it on your blog! I guess we need to get those on line ASAP. We have shows and not had time to do website stuff. Loved seeing you at sparks. Can't wait to see you again. love and blessings, robin

[Lisa Bartholic]

Karla,

Happy Birthday!!! You are such an inspiration with all your wonderful ideas. I look at your website everyday and am so glad you keep adding wonderful pictures and ideas. Hugs, Lisa

[deb christensen]

hello - i just found your blog today and what a treat. i got teary eyed looking at your studio - so many things remineded me of visiting my aunts way back when. thanks for sharing ~ and happy birthday!

[LORRAINE BELL]

Hi again from vancouver island! I found you last week & cant stop looking at your oh so interesting site ..it`s my second comment to Karlas Cottage in a week, love your stuff ....Lorraine