Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The Studio Tour - Part 1

It seems like ages ago when I had that nutty idea – “As long as we’re going to have to move everything out for the carpet, why not paint as well?” Now that the tools of construction are all firmly back in place and before my mess starts to creep into this currently clean space, I thought I ought to take you on a tour. You’ve been so kind and encouraging along the way – you should be able to at least see what the madness produced, eh?

The bears wanted to serve as tour guides but I couldn’t trust them not to get off track. I kept trying to explain to them how I really want people to come back to this blog and not be scared away by the bears’ strobe light antics. I think I have them somewhat distracted with cookies and milk but that will only last for so long. We’ll probably have to take the tour in parts but let’s not waste any time.

If you remember way back when we began, the studio had been an assortment of colors over time, but seeing as how my husband and I share this space – it’s really more than a studio just for me - I thought it would be nice to see some tranquil colors for a change. After much hand wringing, I chose a beautiful blue color called Tradewind and a white called Snowbound. The paint seemed to open up the room or it could be that getting all my unnecessary stuff out did that. Either way it works so far.


Here’s my little open for business sign. Mind you, don’t spread the word that I come in here and play with teddy bears, enjoy my husband’s company (where else would he find me?), and generally see what kind of real work I can avoid for a little while longer.


This is the first part of the studio just inside the door. This is my workspace including this table for sewing and another one nearby for everything else – construction, creation, glue, paint, ideas – you get the picture – oh yeah, pun intended.


These shelves are a little the same and a little changed. I’ve repainted them to match the room of course, but the thing that took me ages and ages was adding the quotes which I love. It’s all transfers, but the do-a-little, wait-a-little process really stretched me thin. I like to have an idea and see it instantly come to fruition. That has rarely ever happened, so I don’t know why I thought this project would be any different.



This bowl was labeled an eye winker dish at Fishs Eddy in NYC. I didn't have an exact plan for it when I purchased it, but these bears seem to enjoy it for now.


What you’ll see here is that I can’t seem to settle on a particular style. I love the shabby chic look but can’t seem to get it together. I love the contemporary clean look but that would be stretch. I like country, French, frilly, silly, congested, clean, new and old, but choosing just one is beyond me. I’ll just settle for admiring those of you who have it figured out for yourselves. Therefore, I have a little of several different themes. The funnest thing I’ve added, (yes I know funnest is not a real word, but it seems appropriate here) are the cupcake lights. They’re cheery and I am thinking on a cold winter day, they’ll be even more so.


I like to turn out the lights to get the full effect. It's like a little bit of Christmas all year round.



The glittery icing on each cupcake adds to the fun.


Here’s my other table. Oh my! What happened to the clean surface! Gee whiz. Turn your back for a minute and the elves come out to play. Hopefully, this is as messy as it will ever get. Pardon me while I pick myself up off the floor from laughing so hard. I really tried to type that with a straight face. I’ll be lucky if it’s ever this clean again.



And this, this lovely thing is the ironing board that my husband and I made. My previous ironing board was always blocking my access to the books on the shelves. This solution of creating a custom ironing board that sits atop the shelves gives us more space in our ‘den’ area of the room. This project to me was the most satisfying because it solved a problem that had bugged me for a long time. I use the iron most every day for one reason or another – ribbons, fabric, whatever, so I need one that is ready to use at any time. I found the cover on the internet. I can’t figure out why I wasn’t able to find a pretty cover in the stores. Anyway, this one gives me a happy feeling.



That takes us around to almost half of the studio. I’ll get the rest of my photos together and show you the other half in the next post. Not many people are brave enough to venture into this space so thanks so much for joining me. See you next time!

6 comments:

  1. Oh Ginger you did such a great job! I need some of those cupcake lights! We call Carson's little girl Cupcake! Those will look great when she gets her own room. I love all your stuff. I too wish I could have one style but what would I do with all my stuff!
    Hugs, Lisa

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  2. Pretty, pretty...love those cup cake lights!

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  3. Love it so far Ginger, great tour I really feel like I've been in your studio! Happy sewing.x

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  4. Ah Ginger it's you. I love what you have done.Sharon

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  5. Ginger,
    Well I think your new studio look is wonderful so far. I to have been revamping a bit and getting rid of some things etc. It is always nice to have a fresh look once in awhile. Love the cupcake lights !!!
    Hugs,
    Bonnie

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  6. Thank you all, ladies! I appreciate your comments about the 'new' place!

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