Tuesday, September 9, 2008

More Views of the Studio

As promised, here are some random views of the studio. So pretty! At least I love it--the colors, and having a space to set out my belongings in such a girly way. It really is uplifting just to walk into this little room. Unfortunately, I have had very little (basically no) crafting time lately. Hopefully that will change as I become a better time manager. So far, not so much. I continue to transition back to working full time, with a long commute, and "real life," as they say. So for now, let's just feast our eyes on all this loveliness, shall we?
Here's the backstory. This room is an ill-conceived, poorly built add-on that was added by the previous family. I'll spare you the ugly "before" picture, but the floors were bare concrete and the walls dirty white. Almost the whole space was taken up by ugly, unpainted bunk beds, also built by the previous owners. The room actually suited Jacob just fine for the time that he was with us (mostly just weekends), and although we offerred to make some upgrades, he honestly wasn't interested. But a year ago I started to have my eye on this room, thinking about taking it over when he was off to college. Now he is almost, and the room is mine. To tell you the truth, he still sleeps here sometimes on weekends and it's clean and bright, much better than before, I think, and he's comfortable. So he still has a place here whenever he wants.
That little loveseat is a pullout sofa, originally my grandparents'. I remember sleeping on it when I was a little girl visiting them. It's still super sturdy--just needs to be reupholstered, which is in the works. Do you see that little swatch of green velvet on the back? That will be the new upholstery for it. Love! The green furniture in the back is Jacob's from when the room was his. He still has two drawers for clothes. The rest is fabric and craft supplies.
The curtains are just panels of fabric from Ikea. I love it so! I actually had to run back to Ikea to get more fabric this summer. My heart was literally pounding when I found there was still some left! That white door there leads to Faith's room (as does the window). The fact that you have to walk through Faith's room to get to this room is why I say this addition is so ill-conceived.
Also, you can see how super narrow the room is. When the ironing board is set up it's a bit awkward, but I make it work. The sliding glass doors on the right lead to the backyard, so I have lots of natural light.
My Bernina 1000. My dad graciously bought this for me some time around '95 or '96 when my old Singer gave up. I love this machine! Thanks, Dad! Faith has her eye on it for if I ever upgrade.
One of the nicest things about having a studio is leaving my supplies set up and not having to hunt around for them each time. I love this thrifted plate as a holder for my essentials.
This inspiration board. This was here too, as a magnetic poetry board, when it was Jacob's room. Ken painted the frame white for me and re-hung it.

I love my studio!! A very special thanks to my mother, who helped me get started last spring by coming on two separate days to clean it out with me. She is a huge help for such projects. And an especial thanks to Ken who did almost everything else, including paint. Thank you my love!

17 comments:

Mary said...

It looks like a wonderful place to create! Very nice.

Anonymous said...

wow, i'm so jealous! what a great and pretty space you have!

Our Green Nest said...

What an inspiring place to create!

Anonymous said...

what a sweet little crafting nest you've made. i love it!

Amy said...

we too have many many things we are puzzled about in our house too but none could ever turn out this lovely!

tess said...

it's lovely, a little haven to escape to.

Julie said...

it looks wonderful!

Its_Lily said...

Revamping my craft space is part of my 30 days of cleansing. After seeing yours I can't wait to see how mine turns out.

Katy said...

You've done a great job! Love the colors!

Rachel said...

Oh I am so jealous! I would love a separate space for my craft stuff but until one of the kids leaves home it's going to have to wait!! I love that colour on the walls, so fresh and bright. :)

Anonymous said...

I can hear the excitement, and the sheer pride in your writing. How exciting, I'm thrilled for you, its beautiful. Luckly lady, much deserved, much love ClareXX

Laura said...

What a beautiful studio! Even though you didn't share a 'before' photo, I can tell that you really transformed this space. I think it's nice that you have your space next to your daughter's...what fun!

Wishing you some extra time for sewing/crafting :)

Iris said...

This is fantastic Mary Beth! Wishing you many happy and creative hours in here.

taisa said...

What a beautiful space! Isn't it so terrific to be able to leave your stuff in one place? My little craft corner is narrow too, but I love it so- though it is not nearly so beautifully decorated as yours.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! Congratulations - you deserve it.

ames said...

It looks wonderful! All that natural light, I am a bit envious. My studio is in the basement and has one teeny window and one somewhat larger one, but I long for a room just filled with light...

The Ikea fabric is so fun!

ShabbyInTheCity said...

I think it is a great studio. Your color scheme is something I wouldn't have thought of but I love it!
Prayers for you guys...that is a sweet little fellow you have there. My boys loved that Pat the Bunny book. We wore out several of them!