Studio Tour 2013- Where Bloggers Create

Karen Valentine is once again hosting a "Where Bloggers Create" blog hop. 

Thanks for stopping by!

I've shown my studio so many times, I wondered if I should join again, was there anything new to see?

Basically, it is still the same. But there has been some rearranging. 
At least a few tables were shoved to new locations.

And a 2nd table was added to the fairy grand's area.  I finally got smart enough to move their things closer to the sink, broom, and TV (behind the lace).  This spot is much more convenient for them to work in.

They are no longer teetering across the room to the sink with a tipsy bowl of paint saturated water, that splashes and spills half the time. Now, it's a quick reach over to the sink to wash out brushes.

I also moved their cabinet of supplies right over next to their work area.

It seems to be a hit.

(I love the clothes they pick out when they dress themselves. Dewdrop's shirt is inside out and backwards, Sugarwing's dress is vintage silk and also inside out)

Lately, home made play dough has been the craft of choice, but moods change, fairies are whimsical sorts who flit from one activity to another.

I really do love my studio. And even if I have shown photos of it over and over, I never get tired of the space.

I like that it's such a homey place, filled with things I love, my fairy babies and the dorkies.  Since both girls have moved into the cottage with us for about half the week, my work schedule has changed a bit.  There is often a couple of little faces pressed to the glass door waiting to be invited in.

How can I say no?  But we did have to make some firm rules. 

First Rule of Studio Club:

There is no crying.

Second Rule of Studio Club:

There is no crying.

I tell them that the Studio is our Happy Place and no tears are allowed. If someone happens to feel like they should have the pink paintbrush instead of their sister, or that the other girl's wad of playdough is bigger than theirs, they have to talk it out.  If crying occurs, the cryer is picked up and set down outside the door till she is ready to discuss the problem instead of crying.

Other rules?  You work at your table, I'll work at mine. I won't use your supplies without asking, you must ask to touch mine.

It's going well.  There is only a trace amount of snot and tears on the door from cryers on the outside wanting back in. We are keeping the Studio a Happy Place.

I've enjoyed the company of my two little sprites, but it's nice to have the space to myself every once in a while too.

Here is my work spot.  I rarely have more than a 8" working area, because I clutter up so much. It was nice to have the excuse of this blog hop to clean up a bit. 

Who am I kidding?  A bit?? It takes more than a bit of cleaning to make my studio look good for photos.  I spiffed it up all morning.   See, all of the ink pads are even neatly tucked into their box.

Everything was tidied up for Birdsong last month, and after that, I did some rearranging and found a new order for the room.  I'm trying  a slightly different set up and it's working out pretty well.

Whenever I host a class here, I end up moving things around  afterward when I put the room back together, and end up getting a more useful and better set up every time.  This year, since I had more attendees to the event, I had to clear out and make extra space. One thing I did was to make the office part of the room smaller.  I thought I'd change it back after, but I kind of like it this way.  I'd rather have the roominess out in the room, not in the computer area. 

I've also changed the spot the jewel table sits.  I'm not sure if it will stay there. If I leave the lid open, it gets in the way of the TV.

But that isn't too bad. Since I am such a TV addict, I have to be careful to limit myself out here. I listen to NPR on weekdays and don't allow myself to turn on the set.  Unless the grand fairies are visiting, and then only when they have been working awhile and begin acting restless.   We are all trying to control our addiction, they love TV as much as I do. Especially Sugarwings.

Most of  my Birdsong decor is still up.

Including the little wire cages we made in my class.

I'd made so many to perfect the technique before I did an online tutorial and a class here for our arty weekend, that they have taken over!

Plus, I like them all too much to pack them up yet.

And some of my Birdsong decorations just might be permanent.  I really like this old poster. Although,  I do think I'd like to paint the door. I'm over this green right now.  I've just not had a chance to get rid of it.  I'm thinking about aqua.

Most of the little birds from around the room have been packed away till next year, but some favorites remain out.

And the birds I made to hang from the ceiling are still there because I can't reach them without going to get a ladder. Which explains why I had to take down Valentine hearts from the ceiling in June when I hung these birds up for our party.

This is another thing I'd been putting off.  All of my cabinets are pretty full, and each is meant for  different category of supplies. But this fabric wardrobe had really gotten away from me.  I hate folding and my linen closet doesn't look much better, I'm afraid.

I'd taken on a sewing project this week and had such a hard time trying to find my rose patterned barkcloth, that I decided enough was more than enough and I tackled this jumbled up mess after avoiding it for years.

A silly little tiny amount of time later (only an hour and a half out of my life, why didn't I do this sooner instead of ignoring it for sooooo long?) and it is not only functional, the door shuts correctly now.

Most of the cabinets around the room are display pieces for my supplies, so I keep my favorites out where I can see them easily and get to them quickly.  I mix in completed pieces and pretties too.

I've got a ton more photos to show you. I'll stop rambling and yammering on and just leave you with some pretty pictures. It's more like bombarding you with pictures. There are a LOT.

Thanks again for coming by. 

You  can see the rest of the studios on tour (and it's always a treat to peek in on the creative spaces!) by going by Karen's blog for a list of sites.

And if you'd like to see my studio from previous years, you can see the past couple here.

 

Comments

[Dawn Edmonson]

oooooomygoodness!!! Karla!!! Your studio is such a truly magical place!!!! Each and every photograph is so wonderful ~ I really wish I could fly out and visit you one day, Maybe? The babies are just beautiful and growing so very fast! I know they love that you are such a creative spirit and nurture that quality in them. I'm just so thankful I was able to finally meet you last year ~ you have a beautiful spirit and I always love your studio!!! hugs and love, Dawn

[Tracie]

I have always loved your creative space.
I am so thankful you showed it again.
(New followers all the time like seeing your magical place)

I love the shabby feel and all the space you have.
Your treasures are remarkable.
The beads hanging from the lampshade are so pretty!!

Thank you again for sharing your amazing space.

Happy Crafting
Tracie
http://homeofthepurskey.blogspot.com

[gail]

I love your studio, it is so creative and inspiring. Every where you look, you see something new you may have missed before! It is also like a big hug, it welcomes you in and makes you feel all warm and cozy! It's a magical place! Love it!!!

[wendy]

Dear Karla It is always a pleasure to pop over and look around your studio.... it is sure a creative and whimsical space and a lovely surprise to spy the cup cake faerie I sent you on your shelf have a wonderful blog party Hugs Wendy

[Karla Nathan]

I love that fairy, thanks, Wendy!

[Yvonne Welty]

Wow! Your studio is the best I've ever seen. I'd never leave! My place is a spare room and it's not nearly as pretty as yours. I did have to laugh when you made the comment that you usually craft in 8 inches of space. Doesn't everyone? I know it's that way for me as well. Thanks for sharing!

[Lorena]

Karla,
I have adored your beautiful space all these years...and especially LOVE your vintage papererd drawers and boxes! Your grands are just darling!
Be blessed,Lorena

[leann]

I never tire of seeing you beautiful studio!

Leann

[fairyrocks]

So, there I was with my adult size face pressed against your glass doors...No crying, No snot, just waiting to be let in. Thanks for the up close and personal peeps. It is hard to pick a favorite area of your house. I adore that you let the 'fae folk' in to play. They really are a delightful pair that any grandmother would just want to play with. I would be soooooo good if I was allowed into your space. Keep smiling and creating, you and your space are on my 'bucket list' too LOL.

[jeanie]

I know what you mean about "why didn't I do it sooner when it only took an hour!" I thought that about my linen closet (which took four, but it hadn't been done in eons!

As always your studio offers more than a bit of envy on my end -- the nice kind! I do love that you are keeping some birdsong up -- it really looks lovely there! And your "no crying" rule is the best!

[kadee]

So this is what I missed in June!! I was weepy before when I couldn't go but now, after seeing your amazing space, I am back at it! I know.. I will promptly escort myself outside the door until I can compose myself.. LOL! Protect that joy you have as it's so very special. And I love all that shabby delightfulness! And I love that the two and four-legged children are an integral part of your space! You're amazing!

[Ellie Kelding]

I NEVER tire of "walking through" your studio. It exudes charm, sweetness, and fascination - reflections of the person you truly are.

Thanks for sharing your playroom.

[Danielle @ Blessed Serendipity]

Your studio is one of my most favorite studios. I love the pastel floral qualities of it. Just beautiful.

[Karen Young]

I just had the most enjoyable time checking out your wonderous studio. What fun you and the fairies must have playing amongst all those fantastic bits and pieces. I woul never want to leave. Your whole studio is a recipe for creativity

Thank you for taking the time to photograph all the little details.

Hugs Karen

[Diana Polly]

I never tire of your gorgeous, creative, haven. It's like a magical fairy room. I love it Karla. Thank you for sharing it again.

[Kathy]

Karla, I adore your studio! Every time I see pictures of it it fills me with inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing!

[Tazas y Cuentos]

Your studio is fantastic! Just lovely!
I enjoyed a lot the tour, you are so creative!
Besos from Argentina,
Silvina

[Ava Gavloski]

i am a first timer here, so i am glad you showed your studio. I love your rules and everything is so magical...Thanks for sharing the detailed photo's lots of inspiration to be had. mucho gracias
ava

[Tamatha]

Yours is the only studio in the blog party that I have actually been in, and I love it! It's such an inspiration and there are so many pretty things to look at. I also love that your garden is right outside the door. It's a magical place!

[liz]

What a joyful space! Everything is just so lovely, and everywhere you look there are special treasures to gaze upon. What put the biggest smile on my face was seeing your sweet little dorkies in the bowl - I am amazed they like to snuggle in it - so, so adorable!!!!

[maggie raguse]

Thanks for the stroll through your wonderful studio, Karla! So many treasures and such whimsy in each nook and cranny. I'm still set on visiting it in person. We're finally doing the KU drop-off in late August....fair warning: you may find me pressing my face up against that glass door!

Any firmer plans for a fall/Halloween-ish event? I seem to remember you talking about that.

Good luck with all of your computer woes and teeth issues, and all the rest. With all that goes on in your life, you still manage to have that slice of heaven of a studio. And it's wonderful.

[Karla Nathan]

This pups have hung out in the bowl since the whole litter was tiny and would crawl in together. Its funny to see the two of them and sometimes their mom too, pile on top if each other!

[Carol]

If I ever came over to take a class, I would never leave.

Amazing . . . awesome . . . inspiring . . .

[cathy @ ma vie trouvee]

Always of one my favorite studios of the party! Do your little ones know how lucky they are? I would have died to have a place like that to play in as a child.... okay...as as adult too! Cheers from Singapore.

[Jeanne]

I never tired of touring your gorgeous studio Karla. Each and every inch of it is amazingly beautiful!
Thanks for sharing it with us.
xo
jeanne

[tabitha]

everytime I am in love...

[Carole]

No matter how many times I've seen your studio it is still fabulous and impressive. I love it Karla, everything is so beautiful!

[Carmen]

I've been following your blog for a while now and you create the most beautiful things! Your studio is just wonderful - you're very blessed and it looks full of love with children and pets! :-)

[Linda P.]

Even though I saw your studio just a month ago at Birdsong, it was impossible to take it all in because it was so fuuulll of wonderments! As I scroll through your photos here, I see multitudinous goodies that I don't remember seeing then! Your studio is just like an "I Spy" book, filled to the brim with special things to discover.

Loved how you made your tour even more personal by telling us about your grandfairies and the *special* : ) studio rules for them. (Oh, and I got a kick out of Kadee's comments above!) I also loved getting peeks at those precious pups throughout this post!

[Randy Nathan]

Karla;
AMAZING studio tour, some of my favorite memories have taken place in your studio. Just walking thru that door fill your heart with love,light,and creative spirit! Thank u for all u do to help other be creative! U are a true artist and fantastic sister! Love you tons! Guncle Randy!!!!!

[Carrie]

WoW... I want to just come on over and never leave! I'd never leave that space, well, unless to go get food or something, LOL.. But I just adore your studio its pure magic and so pretty!!
:)

[Suzy]

Wow Karla so much magic happening in here. So much to love, enjoy and be inspired by. Love the romantic feel and freshness and shabbiness of everything. Love your studio rules, your gorgeous little fur babies that have to be there with you constantly, your birds, bling and such gorgeous fabric boxes well that's for starters.
Thanks for being so hospitable and if you want to enter a Giveaway by following come over to see where I create too!

[bobbie]

I never get tired of seeing your beautiful space, Karla! And I LOVE your rules for the Happy Space!!

[cindy craine]

Dear Karla, your studio area so reflects who you are, colorful, talented, a little cooky, and oh so FAB! I have always showed your studio on how I want my room to look like! I hope to see you soon,xoxoxo-cindy

[Nancy Maxwell James]

LOVE your gorgeous space! I could spend hours in here swooning over all the gorgeous treasures! I especially love the area for your granddaughters to create - so sweet. Thanks for sharing this amazing spot with all of us!

Nancy
www.sugarlumpstudios.com

[Tara]

Your studio is AMAZING! I could stay in there for days!! Thanks so much for sharing.

[Barbara Mason]

WOW...You are over the top girl!!! Love it all...and especially the no crying rule!!!

[Karla Nathan]

Typepad HTML Email

Thanks, Tara. Its always nice to have an excuse to
clean up the room and take pictures!

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[Rita Barakat]

Your studio is so beautiful! So many lovely things to look at! I bet you could spend all day in there and not come close to seeing all there is to see!

[Terry]

Karla,

Your studio is stunning! I don't think I would ever leave that space. It looks like everyone else likes it too. My creativity is absolutely thrive in your space.

Terry

[Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions]

Well, I for one am so glad you did decide to post it again, Karla! You have one of my most favorite studios ever! Yours was the one I dreamed about as I hoped to one day have an actual room I could call my own. Mine is a tiny storage room transformed into a creative space for me, but if it wasn't for you I'd have never thought it was possible. : ) Anyway, you have such a gorgeous space that I enjoy seeing it again and again. Even if I can get one idea for display, decorating, organizing or supplies it is worth it!

[donna]

Wow! Your studio is beyond amazing! It is huge, lucky you!! I love every little detail, and would love to spend alot of time there! How wonderful that you get to share it with such cute grandkids and pups!!

[Susan]

Definitely a studio I would like to climb into ala Alice through the Looking Glass. And WOW thank you for such generous pictures I love being able to study your projects and gawk at all the yummy details to my hearts content. Book marking this post!

[Karen Valentine]

Karla, I never evr get tired tired of looking at your studio!! It always on my list of favorite studios. I am so glad you decided to share it again, and hope you will continue to do so next year and the year after that!!
xo,
Karen

[Duni]

WOW!! Your beautiful studio is huge! I love the shabby chic style! I can see why you call it your happy place - I would be happy working in there too :)

[Mari]

Oh my, what a super place to be in, it has never ending treasures to be discovered, played with and created with. Your daughters must be in pure heaven being in there and digging through all the fun stuff (of course asking first)... And I love your main rule, too funny but looks like it works wonders!!! I really enjoyed looking through all your pictures and I'm still have to go back...
Just must see more!!!

I have to tell you as an artist and illustrator, I totally fell in love with one of the pictures of one of your daughters (when she's trying on a hat)she would be fantastic to draw.

What a great treat this was to see (your whole space and blog), don't know how I ever missed it the past years?? but sure glad I saw it now.

Cheers,

Mari

[Maureen]

Wow! A feast for the eyes... I adore all the vintage and antiques; what a wonderful place for the little ones to play and create too - they are so lucky.

Your little Yorkies are adorable too.

Thank you for the delightful tour!

[Mary Walden]

Karla, This is my first time seeing your creative world and I am just amazed. So far this is the very best studios on the tour-just the right mix of organization and imagination. I could spend hours looking at all of your beautiful crafting areas. I love your fairy girls and the pups. I will definitely be back to visit you. Thanks so much for sharing.

[Sheila Rumney]

Love your studio and your rules! Too cute. Thanks for sharing your space.

[Helen]

love the rules !leaving such a happy place would cause crying lol! you have a beautiful studio!
Helen

[Janet Greer]

Karla, I have visited you before but this time I enjoyed seeing so many close ups of things. Your space is wonderful to create in. I would love it! This is my first year to participate in WBC. I hope you will visit me!

[SILVIA BAST0]

Olá, Karla!!!
O seu ateliê é muito lindo, parabéns!!! Amei tudo!!
Silvia-Brasil-Brasília/Distrito Federal

[sharon]

Beautiful pics and beautiful space!Thank you for inspiration I have been looking for to make my multi media art space that I love, instead of not liking to work in my own creative space. sherrirose