My life is to make everything around me beautiful.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Where Bloggers Create 7/24/09

Karen over at MyDesertCottage has invited us to participate in her "Where Bloggers Create" today and since I have spent a great deal of time creating my own blogging/craft/creative spots, I opted in. Please go visit her to view all the others who are sweet enough to show us where they sit each day to do all the lovely things you see on the blogs. It's fun and exciting to look at each person's space. And it just may spur you on with ideas on how to beautify your home or just a room or a vignette within a room even.
~*~

As I've said many times before we moved 4 years ago from a 5,000 sq. ft. on a rolling hill acre house to this 1800 sq. ft. house on a sub-division lot more manageable. The move necessitated a severe cut in furnishings and space for us. BUT we do love it here. We have 4 bedrooms - master bedroom on one side of the house and the other 3 on the other side of house. Only one serves its purpose as a bedroom - ours. The other 3 are hubby's office, my craft/sewing room and a computer/home office for me, so I really have 2 rooms for such. They are small rooms however.

I've given it much thought though and creating can be several ways under the umbrella of "creative." While I love creating items by sewing, I also create by decorating my home and writing, blogging and photographing many things. I want to do it all—or at least as much as I can—before I leave this earth and I don't have many more years left to do it all. So come with me for a tour.........

We are entering the craft/sewing room from the hallway. This is what you see when approaching. There are very, very few "spaces" in my home that are not feminine, girly, romantic, froufrou or pink.

View of the whole room.

The blue school desk I've had for maybe 35 or 40 years. It's been many colors and has been blue for about 25 years now. I've been so busy with other things I've not had time to strip it and repaint it another color. The little brown vintage school desk was purchased a few months ago and has not gotten the attention it deserves but it will soon. This is where I sew. There is hardly a spot in this room that isn't taken up with something. I doubt I could squeeze one more item in. I plan on giving away some of the fabric and craft supplies to a little girl I know who loves to craft.

Shelves hold a great deal of stuff in this room.

This is where I paint. Several people, my daughter included, have told me to paint, decoupage or mosaic the top of this vintage school desk also. Nuuuuuuu, never will happen. That is the original desktop and I love it, but mainly because it is indestructible! I can wipe anything up from it—paint, Mod Podge, hot glue, anything! I did, however, put a shabby chic roses fabric on the front after I painted the sides and back. It was pretty ugly before I did that. And I got that darling little chair at TJMaxx in Boise and love the look of it also.

Can we say "shelves of fabric" here? Yep, lots of fabric but truly I've seen people with much, much more than this. Some of the shelves DO hold craft things. I plan on doing some more birdhouses and trying once again to sell them. *Sigh*...............

Trust me when I tell you THIS is looking neat for this photoshoot. Usually this room is a nightmare, including the desktop!

We are now leaving this room and traveling down the hall to my home office/computer room. I'm a computer nut! Love them.
~*~

As we come out of the craft/sewing room and head down the hall to the front of the house we approach the my office/computer room.

My view upon entering the room. My daughter gave me those hanging lanterns. They are really beautiful when lit. I made a cord cover for them with some very pink toile. I love my window seat and the view out of that window onto the roses in the front yard and the street.

Also upon entering the room you will see my desk. This is the hub of our home, not the kitchen. I'd eat out 5 nights a week if we could. I'm in here most of the time. I do everything on this computer—skype and chat with kids, pay bills, blog(!), buy things on line, play at being a photographer and editor and generally conduct business. :-) BTW, that desk is a cottage style but I wanted something froufrou on the front besides the white so I velcro-ed it to the desk. When the glue wouldn't hold on the fabric I stapled it with my stapler and it's holding nicely. No one would ever know unless they got up very close to see the staples.

My view as I sit at this desk and work. That is an old wood bench we've had for about 25 years and painted it red. The paint is now flaking off and I just threw a Rachel Ashwell cover over it and a bench pillow until I decide if I want to paint it again or not. Probably not. I like it like this. The little shelves in the corner hold items I made that did not sell on ebay. Their loss. I'll probably give most of it away now.

Close up view of my desktop area.
I bought 3 chair covers from a lady on the web and gave one to my daughter and one to another woman blogger who is a stay-at-home mom and struggling to make ends meet on a budget. She needed a lift-me-up! But this was my favorite chair cover.
My desktop is usually clean. What you see is what is usually on it except for my camera which I was using to snap this shot. The white thing on the left front corner is my JBL Creature with tiny speakers on each side of the monitor. It gives me fantastic sound when listening to music on iTunes. My monitor is an Apple Cinema Display and I run Apple OSX Leopard on it. I can't wait until Snow Leopard OS comes out next year! OSX is the most fantastic operating system there is.

Yes, this dress hangs there all the time. A friend had it and makes pillows and stuff out of old wedding gowns she collects. I got this one for a steal. My motto is "froufrou up"!

If I am selling something or just want to post a blog about it, this is where I do my photoshoot on it. This has changed over the last few years but this works just fine for me now.


This little shelf holds all my computer stuff on the top shelf and just miscellaneous items on the other two. Subject to change, of course. I have done photoshoots on this also.

A closer view of the corner of the window seat and the shelves. There is also a lot of computer paraphernalia on the top 2 shelves. My coffee filter rose is in that vase on the top. My daughter made me the mosaic old sewing drawer and I bought the hand painted one from a woman on ebay several years ago.

We now head out the door down the hallway where I have some Charles Wysocki americana limited edition art prints hanging on the walls. He is one of my favorite artists. That little shelf contains things people have given me in swaps and items I made that never sold. I guess I'm not too good at selling, huh??? ;-)

So there you have my "creating" spaces, chicks. Thank you for visiting. I now have to go check out the other participants.
~*~

Random Thought:

Look at the world around you whimsically. I do and it never ceases to delight me because it gives me such a laugh.

54 comments:

  1. 2 Very Fantastic creative spaces! Amazing!

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  2. Hellooo...
    just found your blog, just to let you know that you have the sweetest laundry room in the world!!! ~Lovely weekend to you as well*

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  3. Connie, Thanks so much for showng use all your great photos!
    Wow you have been a very busy Gal..
    Have fun at the party!
    Hugs ~Mary~ :-}

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  4. Connie,
    Thank you so much for the tour. I think your Studio and Office are just wonderful.
    These wonderful creative spaces which we create must surely inspire our artistic muses to work overtime.
    I'm so glad you allowed me to come in for the tour.
    Stop by mine when you have a free moment.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  5. Wow! Looking good, Chick! I still love the wall of fabric; so many possibilities it boggles the mind. And paint... I remember back in the day when I used to paint. lol

    Pillows out of old wedding dresses? Good thing you "saved" that one, I think it's pretty.

    ~Stacey

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  6. I love it Connie..I would feel right at home in your *space*
    deby

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  7. Hi Connie,
    It was so nice of you to help Joanne. She is singing your praises on her blog.
    And as for the fabric...I too have alot. I am following in my momma's footsteps tho, she owned a fabric and had to cut a yard or two or three from every bolt she had. It took a small trailor for my sister to haul it to her house. She then sold it on e-bay...Little poop never let me in on that but ya gotta give it to her for knowing there was a small fortune in it. lol

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  8. Love the frou frou! I don't have enough of that these days, even though I have three girls in my house. We might be moving to a bigger place next year and I might be able to go crazy with whimsy! Fun!
    Thanks for sharing your awesome spaces. Please visit me!

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  9. Connie,

    this is great.....love the pictures.

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  10. Hey Chickadee!
    Wow 2 spaces!! holy moly lucky you!! Love it!
    Big mermaid hugs

    toodles-
    sarah

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  11. Hi Connie,
    I loved the tour of your office and sewing room-craft room. I imagine all kinds of lovelies being made in there. I love the shelves of fabric. I have containers under my sewing desk full of fabric and display some of my favs.
    Smiles,
    June

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  12. Connie - what great spaces! Love what you've done with both of them. (I, too, am an Apple Computer nut - wouldn't use anything else!)

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  13. I cannot get over all the wonderful collections in these great areas! I tried to keep my room neutral but now I want color too!!!! I love the chair cover where ever did you find them? I am seeing that the most creative people have the most wonderful collections!

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  14. Hi Connie, You do have some Fabric!!! I love your sewing room...I have a room in my basement that is for all my crafting but it's plain and boring...your room is fun and cheery and my favorite color pink is all over it...You do such amazing decorating....Hugs, Jennifer

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  15. Hi sweet Connie!! I just love your precious pinks!!!! I'm one of those folks that's torn between the monotone browns and creams....and then the gorgeous cottage colors and pale pinks ~ your spaces are just wonderful! I just love your fabric collection ~ and your computer is amazing girl!!! I love it all ~ wishing you a wonderful weekend, xxoo, Dawn

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  16. Hola Chicka,

    Ronda here. Gee I just love your house. I bet it is even lovelier in person.
    All those soft pastel shades of pinks...soft...peaceful....restful.
    Hey...wait...can I come to your house to take a nap? Bet I'd sleep like a pretty pink lil baby!!!

    Seriously...your home is lovely.

    Love & Prayers,
    Ronda

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  17. Hi Connie. I was going to show my desk area and photo taking areas too. I'm glad you did because you're right, we create in lots of different ways. I love the photo taking process just as much as the creating.

    Your rooms are stunning!! I love all the beautiful rosy pinks.

    Blessings... Polly

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  18. What a beautiful space! Love the pretty fabrics stacked high! Wish I knew how to sew, but I'm not sure I have the patience for it! Thanks for sharing your lovely room!
    Michelle

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  19. I love to tour around with you, the more rooms the better! And yes some people have more fabric or whatever word you fill in, that is one of the fun things of this event, you might think you have a lot, there is always someone who has more, now that is a relief, no matter which way you are thinking! I love your motto! Thanks for the tour and thanks for inspiration!

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  20. Hey Connie; I love your two rooms. wow I thought I was excited to have just one area,,, and you young lady have two all to yourself.... I love how they look,,, I love the color Pink you used,,,, I'll call it Connie Pink... how about that.... Wish I had as much fabric as you do... thanks for the tour,, very fun.

    Hugs;
    Alaura

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  21. Hi Connie, both of your creative spaces are so pretty. You are very organized, I'm still trying to get there. I just love the fabric you used to make the skirt on your desk. Everthing looks is so nice.
    Love ya, Shirl
    Shirls Rose Cottage

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  22. Great space to create. Come on by and visit my studio at:

    http://judysturman.typepad.com/in_his_grip/2009/01/stitches-by-sturman-studio-makeover.html

    I am lovin' this party!!!!

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  23. LOL! I only THOUGHT I had a lot of STUFF! YOU amaze me! Love it all my friend. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Blessings to you as you create in your space...and from your heart.

    Love, Rebecca

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  24. Oh I love all your fabrics.... how blessed you are to have such wonderful space to use your creative gifts.

    blessings,
    cindy♥

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  25. Pretty in Pink! I love all the feminine beauty your put into your office and studio spaces. The window seat is fantastic and I love the long ruffled dress too! Thank you for sharing your beautiful spaces.

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  26. You are a pink girl just like me...love the bathroom too!

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  27. Aren't you the lucky girl to have so much studio space! And every bit of it so feminine. Lovely! What a beautifully creative space you live in! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance at this lovely event; please do stop by for a visit soon!

    Enjoy the party!

    Warm Wishes,

    Natasha
    www.lifeafterdarkjewelry.blogspot.com

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  28. LOVE your creative space and all the PINK!
    I think you've already entered my giveaway, but thought I'd mention it anyway, in case any of your readers see my comment and want to drop by for my PINK Christmas in July giveaway!
    :)
    ~Becca~

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  29. Hi Connie! What a sweet and girly space you have! I just love it. It is exactly what a I would picture your space to look like since you are such a sweet southern girlie yourself!!! Thank you so much for coming to my party. You have really helped make it a great success!

    Karen
    My Desert Cottage

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  30. Hello Connie,

    I think you have it all covered! I love the chair slipcover at the sewing machine! All of it looks really nice and functional..Thanks for sharing..

    Now if you'll drop by to see my "studio in progress"..I've just recently moved into this home and have been remodeling for going on three months and still counting...but it's getting done slowly but surely...thank goodness I have a full finished basement for all the over flow right now!

    See ya,
    Stephanie

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  31. Connie -a quick question: do you remember where on the web you bought those chair covers? I'd love to be able to cover my boring office chair and yours is so lovely!

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  32. Hey Connie,

    I think I've closed in one garage through all the years! It was a great room but now I'm so happy to have not only my own studio but my own FLOOR...LOL...so I'm upstairs..

    then there's the main level that is the great room, kitchen,bedroom and bath...

    then ....Thomas will set up his woodcarving studio in the lower level where the wood stove is (there's also a spare bedroom, bath and laundry room down there)...I told him I'd click on my private thermostat just for my studio and he can haul wood if he wants to instead of turning on his heat down there..LOL

    I figure for what we have just paid for this new heat and air system I'm certainly going to enjoy it!! woohoo!

    Stephanie

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  33. You have some great space to create in.. So many lovely things.. Love the Fabric.. Wow!! Thank you for sharing your sweet place. Keep creating!

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  34. Hi Connie,
    Wow, two spaces and both fantastically beautiful ;) Do you ever sleep? Love the lanterns your daughter gave you, bet they are beautiful at dusk lit. I'm still getting around to party-goers. Have a great evening and weekend, sweets!
    xo~Tracie

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  35. Great roomS you have! And they're all yours!!!!

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  36. Now this is the space of a busy gal! I love your shelves of fabric and would love to delve into it.

    Thanks for the tour of your "pretty in pink world"! I enjoyed if very much!

    Blessings,

    Jayne at mysongwithin

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  37. such a pretty space with lovely flowrs everywhere
    TFS
    Lynn-trashtotreasureart

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  38. Hi Connie, I just love all of your frou-frou! your spaces are wonderful! I want to come sit in your pink house and just spend hours looking at every little thing. how wonderful that you have a spot for your fabric inside your sewing room... mine sit's in tubs in the garage. I forgot that Iwas going to take a picture of it for my blog.
    :) Missy

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  39. Wow...beautiful and so girlie:) Thanks for showing us and happy creating!
    Dancingly, Denise
    www.dancinglydenise.typepad.com

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  40. I love the romantic feel in your studio with all the roses and vintage items. Its a wonderful studio. Thank you for coming by my studio.
    Hugs!
    Sonia

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  41. Love all the beautiful pink details and that floral chair cover is adorable! Your creative space is wonderful and filled with fun projects and lovely items! (Thank you for sharing and please come visit me, too!)

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  42. Great fabrics! and the chair cover you bought looks like it fits right in with the floral fabrics you already have, I'd have thought you whipped it up yourself.

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  43. Hi Connie -

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such sweet comments! I love your rooms - you are definitely a pink and froufrou gal! I love all of the different patterns and how you have fit all of them together to make such fun creative spaces - thanks for sharing!

    :-) Molly

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  44. You are one busy lady and do you like pink just a little! LOL
    You have so many beautiful items I bet its hard to decide what to work on today.

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  45. How fun to have two spaces to create it. Very pretty.

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  46. I love all the fabrics you used in your spaces, especially how you covered your office chair.

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  47. Connie, what a lucky duck you are :) Not only a creative space but an office too! That is awsome. I have lurked on your blog for a long time. You do beautiful work and your pictures are great. I wish I lived near you I would ask you for sewing classes :) Rose

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  48. What a fun space! Love your office chair slipcover. Dag.... I need to make one! hee,hee,hee.
    Thanks for the tour!
    bunny hugs,
    shell

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  49. Great Spaces! Love all the Roses! Thank you for sharing with us! Hope you will come visit my New Studio!
    Artful Blessings,
    Kathryn

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  50. Connie,
    I am still here looking at all these spaces. I am so glad that I am continuing on as I have been inspired by everyone.
    The cover you made for your desk chair is divine. I am looking for a chair like that and I will get a cover too.
    Thanks for sharing and for being so kind to me since I started blogging last month. You are always so sweet and welcoming.
    Kim

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  51. I love the way you've used fabric to enhance your chairs and desk. Everything looks lovely! Thanks for visiting my space!
    ~Christy

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  52. Hi Connie!
    I'm still making my way through the party but I have to tell you...You have some eye candy here girl! BOTH of your spaces are totally awesome! I was so excited to get a two-for-one deal here!!! ;)
    If I were a thief, I think I would have to go for your material...it's gorgeous! It would leave you more shelf space for more goodies right??? ;)
    Also, I was nosey and scrolled down and snooped through your laundry room, guest bathroom, living room and your master bedroom! They were all re-done so beautifully! Let me guess, pink is your favorite color right??? It's just so beautiful...thank you for sharing all of this with us...wow!
    everything vintage

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Comments are so nice and I thank all of you that leave one for me.