Edit- this post is my studio from June 2010. A 2013 post is Here , 2012 post is here, and the 2011 studio tour can be found here.
Welcome to the Where Bloggers Create party! This is the view from my desk, cluttery as it might look now, this is really an improvement. It was actually cleaned up this week. There is always a lot going on, no matter how organized I think I'll try to be...
The room is almost 1,000 sq ft. And I love every bit of it!! I've made use of dining tables, spare rooms, garages, driveways, sheds, you name it, over the years I've used it as a studio. So when I got this space, it was a dream come true and I will NEVER take it for granted. I give a little sigh of happiness when I come into the space every morning.
Its one big room, divided up with old doors that I have hinged together, and furniture placed back to back to create walls.
This view is from the same seat, at my desk, but looking to the right, at one of my favorite parts of the room, the TV.
During the day, I listen to NPR on the radio, but evenings and weekends that TV gets a work out. My husband travels a lot, so there are nights that I stay out in the studio till 3 or 4 am watching shows that I have recorded and playing with old papers to my heart's content.
Its important to me to have stuff easy to get to, so the work area is a U shape, with lots of shelving. This is behind my desk and holds a lot of the stuff I use daily.
Having attractive displays is important to me too. I cover a lot of old boxes with pretty papers, or use vintage flower pots, cups, and baskets to store things in.
Just about everything in the room came from garage sales, auctions, or thrift stores except this glass topped table that I used to store my jewelry. Its from TJ Maxx and was only $58. It was already white, I just added a vintage wallpaper border to it so it felt like it wasn't so newish.
I kind of like old jewelry.
I kind of like old hats too.
But its really the flowers from the old hats that I crave, not the hats themselves.
Glass jars with lids make a handy storage display too. So many of the things that I use for my artwork are vintagey things that are pretty as is. So I enjoy having them out where I can see them. Plus, if I tuck things away in drawers, I forget where they are.
Here is a video of part of the studio, if you have a couple minutes to watch it. Its a little long and meandering, plus I tend to babble. Sorry.
This large cabinet holds all my fabric and sewing goods. I got it in pieces, for only $15, and had to rebuild it and fix it up.
It has a large drawer in the bottom that I keep watercolor supplies in, even though I don't paint as often as a should, I do get around to it a few times a year. The framed hydrangeas by the prom dresses is one of my paintings.
So, is this one. Its from the Grumpy Fairy book that I made for Sugarwings. I framed my favorite scene and hung it on one of the French doors that I use as a room divider.
On my previous post, I showed hand painted furniture that I use in the studio. I just don't paint as often as I used to, when I do its smaller pieces like this salvage bit over the door.
Or this plank over the window.
All around the room, I've displayed things that make me smile. Little projects that I have done, things that could be projects some day, gifts from friends, or just odds and ends.
I'll leave you with a few scenes from around the room. Make sure you visit Karen for a full list of the bloggers who are showing their workspaces this weekend. There are about a billion of them. I can't wait to work my way through the list, even if it takes a couple of weeks to see them all. Its kind of like peeking into an open house in an exclusive neighborhood. I just love to see how other people decorate!
And if you add your name to the list of Followers, I'll enter you in a drawing for another prize. edit- this giveaway is over now, but I do have a new monthly giveaway ongoing. All comments, all month, on all posts count.
(yes- that is a dog pen in my studio, I just raised 6 pups)
The wallhanging is a gorgeous gift from Beth.
And yes, the guardian angel seems to be watching over co-joined twins, one with an ax in her head.
Okay, I'm getting carried away, this is plenty! Have fun browsing the Where Bloggers Create party. Thanks for hosting, Karen.
Edit- Lucky me!! I am one of three winners from all the wonderful studio spaces shown for Karen's party!! Jo Packham is going to feature the three blogs in
"Where Women Create"
Thanks again, so much Karen, for giving me this opportunity, and thanks to you too, Jo!
I'm adding more photos of the studio to this post, the room changes a lot, so here are some views of the room over time:
Getting ready for a Creative Cottage Getaway with friends coming to play in the studio
Extra tables set up for company
Set up for a photo shoot for a magazine article a couple years ago
The hand painted floor
My Treat cabinet in Romantic Country Magazine with an article I wrote about how to find your personal Valentine's decorating style.
From the same article. I now use this cabinet for storing my shipping supplies.
Yep, this is actually in the studio! It was set up for an open house and sale that day.
This gazebo type structure is now where I have my computer and desk sitting. The tulle and lights didn't last, spiders and dust seemed to be very attracted to them.After a few months it was starting to look kind of haunted.
Another photo shoot set up. The room is no longer used for this, at one time, I sold hand painted furniture, and used this space for displaying the pieces and having sales.
This was also for a photo shoot. Now, I use the table for my sewing machine. When I have guests for a dinner party, I feed everyone in the studio instead of the house, we can seat over 25 people out there, if I move things around and organize a bit.
The stained glass door, is not really stained glass, its paint. The door was taken from the kitchen of our old farm house before we remodeled.
But usually, I just have a dozen or so guests and push the two dining tables in the front of the studio together.
My fairy grand baby and I love inviting friends over for cupcakes and tea.
Sugarwings loves the room as much as I do.
This is the front door of the studio, since this was taken, I've painted the doors bird egg blue and added hydrangeas to the hand painted shutters (they used to be bi-fold doors, found at a garage sale for a couple dollars).
My husband and I like to have our morning coffee out here on the porch. Its also nice to sip a glass of wine on during a thunderstorm.
I love every inch of my wonderful studio space and know just how lucky I am to have it. Thanks for coming by to visit!
I could haved looked at a hundred more of your pictures of your lovely studio. It is AWESOME!!! Enjoyed the video immensley!!
Ginger
Posted by: ginger | June 23, 2010 at 08:37 PM
You have an incredible space, every nook and cranny looks like its filled with inspiration. Thanks for the tour.
Posted by: Anna Matthews | June 24, 2010 at 08:13 AM
Truly a dreamy creative space...look at all the those button, and bling and vintagey things ..wow. TFS.
Posted by: Terri G. | June 24, 2010 at 09:43 AM
Karla, I just don't have enough words to describe how I feel about your studio! There is so much to look at! It just looks like pure fantasy to me. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. This party would not have been the same without you! I'm going to have to come back over and visit agin!
xo,
Karen
My Desert Cottage
Posted by: Karen Valentine | June 24, 2010 at 06:44 PM
Karla, when I grow up I want to have a studio just like yours! It's what mine would look like if I had more space and if I would put all my pretties out so I could see them (I'm the same way -- I need to see what I have!)
Posted by: Laurie | June 24, 2010 at 09:41 PM
A little bird (Rowann at Antiques in Old Town) told me about one of her favorite places in her studio visits and so naturally I just had to skip over a few to come peek!
I am loving that you love to display lots and lots of things - talk about inspiration!! And I so agree - glass jars are such eye candy for displaying vintage items. Of course when I want to get into one to play with whatever is inside, it can be a bit of a problem. Have you ever tried to get the lid off with two paws??!?! Yep, you guessed it, you've had a cat come to visit. But no worries, my best friend in the all the world used to be a dog before she got old and had to leave me for a better place. So like I said, no worries, your little buddy and I had a great time in your studio. Hopefully we put everything back in it's place.....sorry we couldn't help ourselves - your studio is just wonderful!!!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Purrs!
Romeo and "her"
Posted by: Romeo and "her" | June 25, 2010 at 04:08 PM
Amazing, amazing as usual, Karla, I am already a follower and so I've seen a lot of your work but these rooms are just incredible. You are so talented.Your space is one of my favorites!
Posted by: Lynnae | June 25, 2010 at 09:05 PM
What a wonderful creative space! The little girl in the kennel with the puppy was hysterical!
Posted by: Halle G | June 26, 2010 at 11:53 AM
AbSoLutely InCreDiBle ~ Love everything in your studio, I think I could sit here for hours & still see more .... loved having the video to watch too ~ Thanks So Much for Sharing
Posted by: Cheryl~Zanymayd | June 26, 2010 at 10:32 PM
I absolutely adore your studio..I would be there at all hours of the night as well.....time ceases to exist when we are in our element!
Posted by: Cathee Stegall, Hilton Head Island... SC | June 27, 2010 at 10:34 AM
Your creative space is wonderful. Someone could wander around in that room for a long time and see something new with each look.
I'd love to just sit in there for a bit and soak up soem inspiration ~ and really, I need a glittery tape dispenser! Love it!
Posted by: marie | June 28, 2010 at 01:23 PM
Wow, wow, wow... oh and did I say wow!! Your studio is beautiful and you've got SO much stuff to play with! 1000 square feet, did I read that right? That's bigger than my first house!! LOL!
Tania
Posted by: Tania | June 29, 2010 at 09:41 PM
OMG you win! That is the most beautiful space I think I have seen and it is huge! Oh man don't go to my little sterile space unless you want to ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Carol
Posted by: The Polka Dot Closet | June 30, 2010 at 01:11 AM
Oh my - it's so beautiful that I don't even know where to start to comment! The best part though is that picture of the wee puppy all curled up content. Thank you so much for inviting us over!
Posted by: Mary Anne | June 30, 2010 at 10:29 PM
Karla, this is lovely. 1000 square feet means you have room for me. I will be packing and moving in very soon. Expect me momentarily. I already follow your blog.
Posted by: Deborah | July 01, 2010 at 01:49 AM
Well, I am enthralled with your space! It is just beautiful! Seeing the one area with all those lovely apothecary jars filled with buttons and things made me think of a candy store. I'm sure I would feel like a kid in a candy store if I was in a room like this.
Posted by: Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions | July 01, 2010 at 11:29 AM
Your studio is amazing! It looks nice and roomy but loaded with all sorts of inspiration. I could spend a lot of time in there just getting lost. Glad you posted! I absolutely loved the tour. Connie
Posted by: Connie | July 21, 2010 at 04:46 PM
Karla,
I just read on Karen Valentine's blog that you WON a photo shoot in Where Women Create! Girl, this is your LUCKY WEEK! Winning both door prizes on Sunday and now this! If you've ever had a chance to win the lotto, it is NOW. Go buy those tickets!!!!
Congrats and hope you are having fun in the desert! See you in November. Loved our weekend together!
XO
Cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl Stoneham | July 21, 2010 at 07:28 PM
Wow Karla! What a studio! Looks like such a fun place to create. Congrats on your feature!
Posted by: Dawn-Hydrangea Home | July 21, 2010 at 07:56 PM
Oh my! Look at all the goodies in your space!! I could move right in. Especially since you have room for a yorkie ;) What would a spot be with out one! Congrats on your win to be in WWC! You deserve it!
Hugs, Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | July 21, 2010 at 11:19 PM
I am Gobsmacked!!
Really stunning space.
It feels like a comfortable loving space,
full of all things good and beautiful.
WOW congrats on getting featured and
Happy Creating!!!
Posted by: fairyrocks | July 22, 2010 at 09:31 AM
I LOVE your beautiful creative space! The letter "K" got me right here...
Thanks for the tour. I will be back! :-)
Posted by: Genevieve | July 22, 2010 at 04:53 PM
Hi, congratulations on winning a spot in WWC! I can see why you've been selected, everything is so gorgeous. I love your cabinets and cupboards and how you store everything. I also love how you give the furniture your personal touch by adding wallpaper in small ways to a piece of furniture.
I'm actually on "d" on the party list, but I just had to go check out the winners studios.
Thanks for a wonderful tour.
Posted by: Creative Grammie | July 26, 2010 at 01:21 AM
Congratulations on being one of the winners of Where Women Create to be published, Your studio is drop dead gorgeous, I'm in awe! You have an unbelievable amount of goodies, I'm in love with all of it and I'm now a follower. You are so blessed to have so much room, one lucky lady for sure and I can see how talented you are, it shows in your decorating! Thanks for sharing one of the best spaces I have ever seen! I would never get any work done I would just sit and enjoy it all! XOXO
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawnCbrWifPSE0j8OA6ZyqwjUNBCS0WW_L5M | July 26, 2010 at 08:57 PM
how wonderfully creative and girly...
lots of magic happening here.
thanks so much for sharing your space, it was a visit to remember.
Posted by: gretchen | July 27, 2010 at 12:06 AM
I would like to move in! What a delightful place and congratulations on winning!
Posted by: Magic Gypsy | July 28, 2010 at 03:49 AM
I am still visiting creative spaces from Where Bloggers Create. Congratulations on being selected for Where Women Create. Your space is lovely and I totally enjoyed my visit.
Posted by: Sherry | July 28, 2010 at 12:35 PM
what an awesome space
xo
liz
Posted by: lizzidroege | August 01, 2010 at 09:45 AM
Oh Karla,
Wow wow and wow, Natasha was right about being a treasure trove when she came to stay with you....I love it, now you could never ramble on or get carried away....I want more so much to look at, all those little pieces and bits and bobs....my favorite is the cabinet filled with all those sparkly jewels, **ooohh look at all those twinkles**hmmm PRESCIOUS**while druming my fingers together** the vintage flowers and vintage flower hats...slapping my face **WOW** the vintage wallpaper oohohoh....oohohhh where to look, where to look...listen to me I sound like alittle girl in a candy shop....oh I'd give anything to visit your shop opps treasure trove...lol.
Ohhh its so nice to come back here I have truely missed visiting you...and feeling like I'm at home.
Thank you Karla for being you.....BIG KISS.
Hugs
Kirstie.
Posted by: Kirstie | August 02, 2010 at 08:17 AM
I love all your tables and jewelry! Such a wonderful room! I love it! And congrats on winning WWC!!! You deserve it!!!
Posted by: Lovey | August 02, 2010 at 03:46 PM
Every time I visit you, I see new things in your amazing space!! I linked you to my FB Scrapbooking page :)
Amazing Karla.
Posted by: fairyrocks | August 08, 2010 at 11:09 AM
Oh my goodness, your studio is right out of a dream! Such a wonderfully creative space!!
Posted by: GardenOfDaisies | August 11, 2010 at 11:24 PM
What a lovely space...it makes me happy just to look at it!
Best,
L
Posted by: Linda Schwarzenberg | August 28, 2010 at 02:41 AM
Oh! ..and I LOVE your beautiful warm fuzzy bundles of love! What adorable little pups, and momma1..Animals ALWAYS add a wonderful energy to a space, I couldn't live without them...
Best!
L
Posted by: Linda Schwarzenberg | August 28, 2010 at 02:44 AM
Hi Karla,
I'm sitting here with my husband oohing and aawing and drooling telling him "look at this" and showing him the pictures. Oh divine!! I would love to have a studio like yours. Someday mine will be. I've only just begun after finally quitting working full time to be a stay-at-home mom and start my own business making jewelry and other crafts. Something I've desired to do for a long time. If you get a chance take a look at my new blog.
http://bellesrosesromantiques.blogspot.com/
Lots of love,
LisaKay
Posted by: Lisa Kay Balazs | September 10, 2010 at 08:40 PM
Wow..what a fabulous world !! I envy every square foot, Karla...fabulous !! I can see why it would be a story in a Magazine !! Even now !!
Posted by: Jeanne Ratchford | October 21, 2010 at 11:52 PM
Hi - I just happened to stumble in on your site, this is beautiful.The event in Oct 2011, Ashville caught my eye and I would love more details on it. The information may be there but perhaps I just couldn't navigate the site well enough.I live in Florida and my best friend is in NC. She loves this and it would give us a place to meet!
Posted by: Christy | November 06, 2010 at 09:29 AM
Wow, Karla! What a great space! I'm all over the house (and in the basement, much to my husband's chagrin)and dream of having dedicated studio space. Jealous I am! I love your cottage, come visit my krafts! 'Nother rare Karla with a K
Posted by: Karla Hartzog | November 06, 2010 at 04:49 PM
You, miss thing, are officially my new favorite blogger- and by far my newest inspiration!
You rock... Just everything is perfect and fairyland- ish!!! Your peat pot frozen charlottes are soooooo great!!! Saw them in a magazine and just ooed and ahhhed. Love your words, your cute names and your love of life. Thank you for sharing so much of you with us!
Kelly
Paperballet.com
Posted by: Kelly Booker | December 07, 2010 at 12:26 AM
Ok I am not a jealous person but I find myself jealous ;-)..I came upon your blog via Somerset Magazine and so glad I did...love it..
sherry
http://splendiferousgirlsclub.blogspot.com
Posted by: sherry french | January 10, 2011 at 09:23 PM
Hello Karla
Love your shabby studio,love your creativity,love your dogs.
Alicia
Posted by: Alicia | January 21, 2011 at 09:16 AM
Karla--Had a great time today with you and Randy--thanks for the inspiration. Loved making the tags--Randy and I have got to make a trip--now that I've seen the studio on here I want to see it in person. xoxo Regina
Posted by: Regina Brodbeck | June 26, 2011 at 08:52 PM
Karla,
Thank you for sending me the proper link for this year. I LOVED seeing the photos and watching your video as well. I wish it were longer and I didn't feel you were rambling on, I was really interested. I don't know what part of the country you are in, but I wish it were nearby so we could craft together. I am often up into the wee hours myself and many times I will just keep creating. I enjoyed seeing your doggies as well. I have two kitties who try to be helpful but mainly get in the way. . . lol!
I loved seeing all of your beautiful things and the way you display them. I couldn't believe that all your furniture was found or bought second hand except that one TJ MAx piece!! Where do you find such beautiful wallpaper to embellish everything with? Is it hard to do?
I know I am asking too man questions, but I LOVE you space so much. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. I missed this giveaway but am following you now and hope to be entered in the next one.
Please keep in touch when you can!
Maureen
Posted by: Maureen | August 19, 2012 at 12:01 AM
How wonderful, I would love to spend some time in your beautiful studio to just saver all the precious gems, furniture. materials dolls etc. How lucky you are to have such a wonderful occupation. Thank you for your tutorials on painting furniture which has encouraged me to do the same with some old bedroom side tables and dresser. I will follow your instructions in hope I will achieve such results. Regards
Posted by: Rita Alamanou | December 02, 2012 at 03:00 PM
Thank you, Rita, I hope you had a good time painting!
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | December 02, 2012 at 05:07 PM
Wow, I found your site through Pinterest, and I can't even remember what the pin was now, because I just got lost in your studio! It is like walking through a dream!! One day I hope to move my walk in closet craft room into a beautiful space and you have truly inspired me! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Terry | December 08, 2012 at 08:30 AM
Thanks, terry, a space of our own means so much! Before I had this studio, I made do on dining tables, folding trays, here ther and everywhere. Im so blessed to have this wonderful room!
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | December 08, 2012 at 09:20 AM
Where do I find that vase that is#19 from the bottom pictures.or what is the name of that vase. The one with all the pearls in it. It's like 3tiers.
Posted by: Angel | November 16, 2014 at 12:02 AM
Angel, that is just a plain, old, glass apothecary jar. You can find them at Michaels, TJ Maxx, and many other places.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | November 16, 2014 at 08:24 AM
Your studio is fantastic, but how the heck do you keep it clean, I mean dusted, etc.?
Veronica
Posted by: Veronica Miller | August 21, 2016 at 03:15 PM
Ha! I doubt if the room would be considered clean, Veronica!
Posted by: Karla Nathan | August 21, 2016 at 08:12 PM