Today is the Where Bloggers Create II, Annual Blog Party that is hosted by the very talented, Karen Valentine on her, My Desert Cottage blogspot. Please be sure to check out all the wonderful spaces this year for Where Bloggers Create II.
It is also Pink Saturday where we get to share all the inspiring PINK things that come into our lives. Pink Saturday is a weekly blog party that is hosted by Beverly on her blog, How Sweet The Sound, so be sure to hop on over to link up with the rest of the wonderful Pink Saturday posts this week. It is funny, but I didn't really realize just how many PINK things I had in my home/studio until I sat and looked at the picture...so there is lots of PINK inspiration here at the Love Shack!
Welcome to the Love Shack, all 687 square feet! BUT please do not judge this BOOK by it's cover because this is where I create DAILY and write all about it on my two blogs:
So today I'm going to give you a tour of my home studio by showing you how I go through my day and, in-turn, my creative processes. So, I begin my day here in my comfy reclining love-seat with my EeePC.
Here, I drink my morning blueberry-green tea, eat a protein bar and read all my emails.
Right next me is a bookcase that holds my magnetic photo albums to store my many magazine clippings...I blogged about this previously in this post. Also in this bookcase is one of my many clip art organizers...see the grey drawers/dividers in the bottom shelf.
This grey organizer, along with a hanging file organizer, sit next to my recliner because many evenings, while watching movies, I will rip apart my many magazines and this encourages me to sort as I purge.
Of course I label everything (that's why my friends and family call me the label queen ;) and change the the labels as my interests change. For instance, you can see where I added a tab (oh no, it's hand written...lol ) for Small Spaces because I was collecting anything and everything for storage ideas when we were moving into the Love Shack. I keep articles and clippings on everything that interests me...as you can see...and for my Collage Art I cut out inspiring pictures and phrases to use in my several Art Journals and Collage Art pieces: UPDATE: links for all photos provided here:
After eating my breakfast and checking my emails, I mosey on over to my desk where I do most of my art journaling, sewing, and blogging.
This glass top has been a blessing because it takes so much abuse and cleans up fast and easy and looks nice in my tiny living/dinning room area. For daily inspiration, I read alot of blog posts! I follow many so this can take a few hours everyday...what can I say, I don't watch TV :D Here you can see how I organize my blogs by interest in Google Reader (such a great tool ;) and depending on what I feel like creating that day, i.e., Art Journals or Food, is what category I read the blog posts for.
Everyday, when I read blog posts, I also make sure that I leave comments because I know how great it is to feel appreciated...shameless plug I know :}
So now I'm going to get up off my duff and show everyone how I organize all of my supplies...I have them EVERYWHERE here at the Love Shack! So do not assume that when you are looking at a piece of furniture that it functions normally...i.e., the china cupboard behind me in the following photo has art supplies in it behind the top right-side door!
See...it holds my journaling pens for all my art journals...very handy here...I just push my rolling office chair over and pull out which drawer I need. I used to store them in a table-top organizer that spins but it held the pens vertically and that is not good for most markers/pens and I was constantly spinning it around and knocking things over on my desk...usually my tea...not a good thang :} So when we decided to downsize and move here, I re-purposed this organizer that was in my son's room (years ago) and it fit really well in the china cupboard, behind the closed door, so it is out-of-sight and keeps my desktop clutter free.
So now we are going to check out all the great storage in my IKEA cube-bookcase desk. In the top two cubes in the center of the desk you will find many Memory Keeperpaper organizers (acid free, polypropylene holders sold in scrap-booking stores). I have used these Memory Keepers for years because I like the way they sort my papers by functions and paper type. For instance: cardboard, mat board, vellum, tag books, collage stickers, etc.
Directly below, the cubes hold two IKEA padded, zippered cases with label inserts, sweet ;) One cube holds all my PROJECTSthat I am currently working on. Again, I use either the Memory Keepers or large, zip-lock bags to hold each project, with all it's bits and pieces, so that they are ready to grab and work on or to take with me when I work on vacation.
Granted, I use the term "currently working on"very loosely here because I have workshops and other projects that I've had in the works for a couple of years at a time! BUT that does not stress me out and has because I ALWAYS finish all workshop/class projects that I have taken...just in my own, sweet time! I truly feel that you cannot RUSH or FORCE creativity and I REFUSE to follow any one else's rules...it's the gypsy in me I guess. BUT heck, it works for me and over the years I have seen a lot of women take classes/workshops and never finish ANYTHING...and alot of it is because they are afraid of doing it WRONG once they leave the classroom. I always try to remind women when I'm in a class that we are there to LEARNa technique or process and not to just COPY what the instructor does. Then you are to go home and apply what you have learned so that you can continue to grow as an artist. Can you tell that I was once a teacher...lol
In the next IKEA zippered case you will find my two sewing machines...
The small machine I use it mainly for sewing on paper when I make note cards, mail-art and on my art journal pages. And the larger, regular machine I use for sewing all my house-hold decor and currently for my Little Dresses for Africa project. UPDATE: links for all photos provided here:
In the right side, front cubes of my desk you can see my tool kit which is always ready to go when I'm working on my art journals, scrapbooks and/or gift cards for my friends and family. Below the took kit are a few 12x12 boxes that hold 12x12 album pages and page protectors. The PINK and black polka-dot cases hold scraps from completed projects that I like to have handy for using in my art journals or collage projects.
The back side of this bookcase is hidden so I use those cubes to stash items that I do not get at that often and to hold ephemera cases that are easy to grab and set out on my desk or take with me to a class or crop. More PINK inspiration...
Usually in this corner, I tuck my rolling carts/crates that hold my hanging file folders. The bottom holds my personal bill files (no office space here at the Love Shack ;) and the top crate holds all my current project files as well as more clip-art organization files.
The left side bookcase cubes, hold more Memory Keeper files with papers that sorted by vendor, such as Basic Grey, etc. Other papers I store by design such as maps, words, herringbone, etc. The back cubes for this bookcase are open to the living-room area so they hold magazines and phone books.
Directly behind my desk is a black cabinet with frosted-glass doors that I have had for years. It holds my 12x12 photo albums and the doors help to protect them while the glass doors make for easy access. Next to this cabinet is a tall black basket that holds alot of sewing fabrics...on top are the ones that I'm currently using for the Little Dresses for Africa project...so much bright colors...lots of PINK!
On top of this scrap-booking cabinet is my mail and charging station. This box was given to me by my sister because she knows how much I luv shoes...lol BUT there was no room in the bedroom or my closet for it so I re-purposed it by punching a hole through the very THICK back with my hand-held hole punch to put the electrical strip through and it works so well ;) Some day I may collage over this box so that it blends in better with the decor here at the Love Shack...maybe...
Next to my desk is another bookcase that actually sits in the LR side of the room and it functions as an end table for my DH's side of the reclining love-seat. But on the shelves I store photo-boxes that have been re-purposed to hold all of my MANY different paints. I sort by color as well as by type, acrylic, fabric, etc. Behind the curtain, we store old VHS sports tapes and misc. CD's.
Directly opposite or, next to the left side, of my IKEA desk is an antique red cupboard that I have had for over 30 years! It is one solid piece of pine that was hand-made by someone and it is all wobbly and worn and holds a ton of stuff behind those toile curtains ;}
On top of this cupboard, there are four black baskets that hold my etsy shop items that are either ready to shop or need to be listed...I'm so bad about that ;} The other two baskets hold spools of craft and sewing ribbons and scrap fabrics that I use in my fabric journals. During the time that I am working on something, I simply remove the toile curtains so that I can see all my supplies and have easy access.
Again, I sort my supplies by function by designating individual baskets, boxes and bins for each function. These PINKand green fabric baskets are from designer, Amy Butler and I so love these. I have added round, key-ring tags onto the built-in fabric tabs to label their functions, i.e., adhesives, stencils & masks, sewing, journaling stamp sets, etc.
The green and cream painted, wooden bins on the shelves hold stationery and blank books as well as small memory albums that I've completed in the past. AND on the very bottom shelves there are white drawers holding memorabilia and stickers as well as my many piles of sketch and watercolor paint pads.
These green vinyl cases hold plastic, floss-caddy organizers that I use to sort all the many kinds of ephemera that I have gathered over the years. Some of them are actually used for embroidery floss :D
Next to the red cupboard are two black "ladder shelves" that hold boxes for wood mounted rubber stamps, photos and office supplies. Because these ladder shelves are open backed than it gives me some much needed wall space to hand some of my artwork.
On one of these shelves you will find a mini-black shelf with cubes that hold nine, small PINK tins...
Inside these cute little PINK tins I store some of my ABC chipboard pieces ;} I purchased this cabinet at a scrap-booking store and it was originally designed to hold the dies for a cutting machine.
Around the corner from the ladder shelves and you will find yourself at our entry/foyer for the Love Shack. Here I store large rolls of specialty papers in an umbrella stand. Then in the foyer I have mounted some white bathroom cabinets on the wall, below the mirror. AGAIN, I have re-purposed these over-the-toilet cabinets to maximize every inch of space!
INSIDE these cabinets I store my clear stamps inside acrylic cd cases...easy to see what each set is and for taking a few sets along with me when taking classes/workshops. I also use these cabinets to store my large bottles of glues and painting mediums as well as my painting brush-bucket.
Next to the foyer, inside my living room area you will find two more tall, black bookcases and my round "library" table...lol This use to be my dining room table, but we seldom ate at it and I wanted a studio desk more than a dining table...go figure!
In the corner of the living room is a black corner rack that holds black baskets that are used to store my painting rags and brush cleaners. I also keep all of my heavy-body, golden and liquitex acrylic paints here for my art journals.
The lower shelves of these tall bookcases also hold more corrugate boxes of wood mounted rubber stamps, sewing supplies, ephemera and photos. The top shelves hold all my art media reference books, historical novels and completed art journals...hence why we call this the "library".
Next to the tall black bookcases you will find our large-screen TV and the re-purposed sofa table that it sets upon. We simply cut a hole into the back of the top shelf area to run the electric and cable wires through for all the required electronics.
This sofa table has always held scrap-booking supplies behind the toile curtains as well as in the two top drawers where you will find many chipboard albums waiting to be completed ;)
Well the last stop INSIDE the Love Shackwhere I've managed to find more storage space is in the master-bedroom...actually it's the only bedroom and it also serves more than one function...like every other space here at the Love Shack! That is because my husband also works from home and he has his office tucked into the corner of the bedroom...and above his desk area I've added more storage for his office supplies as well as some more of my studio supplies. In the photo and cd boxes way up on these shelves I have stored items like label makers, tag makers, glue guns, mini-sketch books, etc.
AND finally we have to mention the little kitchen that COULD here at the Love Shack!
This kitchen is actually larger than the one we had in our last apartment and there really is enough space for me to prepare all our favorite meals. DH and I are able to be in here together and not bump butts...
All though after making all of these dishes, I am going to have to watch my bottom line ;)
UPDATE: links for all photos provided here:
On those days when I need some space, or a place to get a new perspective...I just hang out on my patio...nothing restores your creative juices than a glass of wine and a swing in the hammock! Or if I'm in the mood, I open up my spray-painting station and get out my stencils and just experiment and play.
WELL that's all folks...alot I know...but we really are proud of our Love Shack and how resourceful we have become in our use of space. I have had much larger homes and studios...but the reality is that I didn't produce any better, just because my space was bigger. I hope this has inspired some to not WAIT until you have a bigger, or better space, to get creative and to start blogging about your life and what you making of it.
Fondly, Roberta
Your house is amazing! I have never seen one like this!
Posted by: larder cupboard | July 01, 2012 at 02:27 AM
Hi there! I just came here thru Iheartorganizing. Wow! I would love, love to splash around in your mud puddle like a little piggy! Space, just like life, is what you make of it...and you have done well. I'm on a break, but will be back at [email protected] very soon. Maybe you could be my first "real" comment! ha! Well, I love your style and will be back! Thanks for the looky loo!
Posted by: Katie Belle | January 12, 2012 at 01:41 AM
Your house is amazing! When did you start living here? You have plenty of stuff in there too. How did you manage to organize those? For me, it's definitely okay to have them all, as long as you know how to keep them neat and clean.
Posted by: Tanisha Sanson | June 30, 2011 at 09:16 AM
Wow! You are super organized - I love it!! I finally organized my scrapbook space last night after moving it a year ago! I have realized that I just need to enjoy the space I have! Thanks for your great post!
Posted by: Ann "The Scrapbooking Housewife" | January 28, 2011 at 02:33 AM
You have such organizing skills, you give me endless eye candy every time I visit! Thanks for sharing this week! I am in awe!
xoxo,
Jen
Posted by: Jen | January 27, 2011 at 12:49 AM
the over the toilet cabinets placed at the level you have them is BRILLIANT. just wow. wonderful studio space.
Posted by: Kelly Booker | August 22, 2010 at 08:02 PM
Great space and organizing tips, it was treat to read and look about your creative space.
Posted by: Mari | July 12, 2010 at 06:56 PM
You have absolutely proven that the size of your creative space shouldn't be an issue. There are a ton of ingenious storage solutions in your studio. Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: Mary Anne | July 09, 2010 at 07:54 PM
Good Morning,
I think I can safely say that you have the most organized system for magazines and supplies. Perhaps you could come to stay with me for a week and whip me into shape?!!
Yes, I am still visiting the 'Where Bloggers Create' participants and having a great time. Thank you for sharing your creative space with us. Have a thoughtful Thursday. ~Natalie
Posted by: Natalie | July 08, 2010 at 09:29 AM
Your ideas are phenominal - thanks for sharing! I will be moving into smaller digs next year,your ideas are fabulous and I'm hoping I will be able to use some of them. One question: you have two machines in that wonderful Ikea box - black with zip lid - with the velcro on the bottom - are you able to move them around with them still full?
Posted by: arlene franks | July 02, 2010 at 11:12 AM
Your studio is so wll organized! I love your variety of containers. Thanks for such a great tour. I like your blog, I think I need to follow it.
Posted by: Creative Grammie | July 02, 2010 at 01:49 AM
Thank you for the great tour. Everything is so well organized and I love all those yummy things created in your kitchen. thanks for sharing. Angela
Posted by: Angela | June 25, 2010 at 07:58 AM
Wonderful use of space, you are so very organized, you surely have a ton of great stuff and seem to have a place to put it all, what a great job and inspiration. Thanks for sharing. XOXO
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawnCbrWifPSE0j8OA6ZyqwjUNBCS0WW_L5M | June 25, 2010 at 03:32 AM
First off I have to say the your art journal pages are phenomenal!!!! I love how organized you are with your supplies too. I am totally in love with my label maker also! Thank you for sharing your quaint creative haven.
Posted by: Sandy | June 23, 2010 at 04:26 PM
The only thing missing is the stand for your crown...you ARE the queen of organization! I love IKEA too (fortunately for my hubby it is about 2 hours away, otherwise he would be an IKEA widower). Can't wait for your next post!
Niki
Posted by: Niki | June 23, 2010 at 12:14 AM
Hey, lovin' the love shack. You have some great organizing solutions! Thanks for sharing your space. Connie
Posted by: Connie | June 22, 2010 at 06:28 PM
What a great space you have to create in. I love how organized you are. Thanks for sharing.
Debby
Posted by: Debby Harreittha | June 22, 2010 at 07:37 AM
roberta, this is why i love u:)
Posted by: Flory | June 22, 2010 at 06:08 AM
Holy smokes!! If only I had a teensy tiny smidge of your organizational abilities!!! Your loveshack is phenomenal... and inspiring. Will you come and help me get my messy space in order?? Seriously... love it here... you DO inspire my inner organizer!
Posted by: Jill | June 21, 2010 at 10:31 PM
super creative space and really detailed storage...i'm learning a thing or two from you..thanks so much for sharing it all... when's dinner? (Smile)
Posted by: Terri G. | June 21, 2010 at 06:06 PM
WOW you are sooooo tidy , my problem is out of sight out of mind, I would buy it again rather than mess up all that order looking for it LOL!
Posted by: Lee | June 21, 2010 at 05:02 PM
I found you through the Blog Hop and I'm so glad. Your Love Shack is awesome and so inspiring. We are redoing our house and I want pictures of all of your ideas to hang in every room for inspiration.
Now excuse, me I have to pick up my chin and go look at your photos again.
Wow.
Posted by: Rita Ackerman | June 21, 2010 at 04:43 PM
HAPPY BELATED PINK SATURDAY ROBERTA,
YOU HAVE A VERY FUNCTIONAL, WELL ORGANIZED, PRETTY OFFICE. THANK YOU FOR SHARING.
THIS IS MY FIRST TIME TO YOUR BLOG...I REALLY ENJOYED MYSELF. YOU HAVE GORGEOUS FINGERNAILS.
HUGS
SIMPLY DEBBIE
Posted by: debbie | June 21, 2010 at 04:41 PM
I love how you organized the amy butler bags by project......you have a lot of projects. Your space is great.....I've seen the bookcases with a top....but, never the glass top---great idea!
Posted by: Geralyn Gray | June 21, 2010 at 04:19 PM
The queen of maximizing space...yup, you get the crown!
Posted by: Debra Bunker | June 21, 2010 at 10:16 AM