Studio Nesting #1

Creating a Home Studio

It's not always easy for us crafters/artists/creative types to find a space in the house to spread out and work...sometimes that's about the size of it...a little niche in the corner.  Especially when there's family and their comfort to consider as well.

I'm fortunate that there is only me and my sweetheart at home now.  And while he's very supportive of what I do artistically, he's not always "down" with the mess that goes along with it!  So, I'm always coming up with ways to simplify and streamline the many projects I'm working on, mostly pillow making and oil painting, while keeping the house looking like a somewhat organized home.  I'd like to share a few of my projects with you in an ongoing series I'll call "Studio Nesting."

Here's a quick look at one end of my studio/living room.  I love being in the active part of the house so I don't miss anything, and the lighting is wonderful all day long in this room. In this post I want to talk about my fabric storage and how I keep it out in the open where I can be inspired by seeing it, sort through it and still have the living room presentable for guests.

This is what I had to start with a year ago when we bought this place...wood paneling as far as the eye could see!   Good thing I'm a painting contractor and not afraid to pick up a brush and get a little paint on me...actually I get paint all over me which is fun, including my hair, which is never fun!

I used two colors to make this china cabinet a little more interesting, replaced all but the top glass shelves with wood and added new hardware. 

 I then filled it with books and curios that I couldn't seem to live without.

Then it was time to make room for my ever growing supplies and fabrics.  I condensed down my books and curiosities and took the two bottom shelves for neatly folded fabric, so I can see what I'm working with and make easy fabric selections.  The bottom drawers and cupboards hold more supplies and reference books.  And it still looks like a presentable living room.  I'm happy, my guys happy...life is good.

In my next posting, I'll talk about how I went from having a whole room for an office in our last house...to an office in my armiore!  

Trash Bag Tango

Fresh Home Magazine

I wanted to add a great little exercise to get rid of clutter from Fresh Home Magazine Spring issue...Trash Bag Tango.

Wander around your house once a week for 20 minutes with two trash bags.  Fill one with things to be thrown out and one with items to go to charity.  In a a month you'll be amazed at the dent your made.  Sounds so easy, I'm going to try it, I'll let you know how it's workin' for me !