Where Bloggers Create II

Wow, the day has finally arrived.  Saturday is a busy day for us, so if we're not home, feel free to grab a Chai Latte or Pink Lemonade and have my mascot Opus give you a tour.

 

 

My name is Anna and I live on Long Island about 40 minutes from NYC by commuter train.  Although I've been creating in many forms since I could collage with paste, I am now primarily a paper crafter.  I discovered rubber stamping about six years ago, and I've been hooked ever since.  The name of my blog is my dream studio.  If I could be creating in any place on earth, it would be the cottage where we spent our summer vacations when I was a little girl; Cottage 6 of the Corey Cottages in Stanhope on Prince Edward Island in Canada.  This is a very long post but if you're interested in more on that, you can see this post.

Before we begin I should let you know that we have little water damage on the walls.  It was supposedly all fixed two years ago, so I repainted.  The colors turned out to be a bit of a mistake, so I although I was very annoyed that the new roof didn't fix the leaking, I was a bit pleased that I could have another go at the color on the landlord's dime.  I chose the color last week.  This time instead of relying on paint chips alone, I bought some samples.  The painter will not be here until next week, so the walls are a bit bizarre at the moment.

I'm very fortunate to have a whole room given over to my crafting and supplies.  This was my mother's bedroom before she moved down the road.  Now, what was once her closet holds much of my supplies. Last fall, Don installed additional shelving for me and now it really holds a ton of stuff.

   

 

 

(For the the full before and after post and information on my ribbon storage, see this post.) 

This freed up so much other space for me, I was even able to bring some things out of the basement storage room.  I do have an obscene amount of card stock, but a lot of it is scrap.  I used to have a tendency to keep every little piece, now I try to remember to collect it for the kids at the school where my mother teaches.

My supply storage has gone through a few phases since my papercrafting obsession addiction hobby started six years ago.  Once I had a whole room to give over to it, I decided that I wanted everyday furniture for my storage, so I began looking for affordable pieces.  I started at a local auction house and was very lucky to score this piece for exactly the price I was willing to pay.

 

I love this cabinet.  It really gets the job done and it looks great.

The top holds ephemera, embellishments, buttons, sewing notions, etc.  I keep them in cigar boxes "donated" by Don's father and inexpensive containers purchased on sale from one of the big craft stores.  Then, when the mood strikes, I decorate them with decorative paper, vintage wallpaper and other ephemera, and of course, rubber stamping.

 

  

Always a work in progress.

 

 

The drawers hold stamp pads,

 

reinkers, small ink pads and embossing powders.

 

 

And the cabinets below, hold 12 x 12 cardstock, seasonal stamps and miscellaneous supplies.

 

 

 The next piece was FREE.  It is in horrible condition.  I'm not even going to show it to you except for the top - it just did not photograph well, so I deleted all those photos.  Its a smallish cabinet with five drawers, it holds some boxes and things to be altered, thrifty and garage sale finds and the like.  And on top, my rolls of vintage wallpaper - I'm in love with vintage wallpaper.

And that beige square on the wall is one of the colors that did not quite make the cut; close but no cigar.

The next piece is my favorite piece probably in the entire apartment.  It is a child's roll-top desk that originally belonged to my grandfather.  I have loved it since it was the right size for me.

 

The top holds some precious goodies from and related to Prince Edward Island.  Some sand from a friend's recent visit, a champagne glass with sand and shells from many years ago, some earth from the property that was sold last year, and a vintage copy of Anne of Avonlea that I found here on Long Island in '08.

Today this desk holds the Christmas cards I have made for the Christmas Card Challenge on Splitcoaststampers (50 down, 60 to go!!).

And on the wall above, a thrifty find that holds German glass glitter and Stickles.

 

Don't you love that rosette.  It was embellishing one of the packages I got in a swap last year and its made from a dress pattern.  I wish I knew how it was made.

 
 

The only drawback to this room is the lack of direct sunlight.  It only comes in the early morning and only 4-5 months a year.  However it does allow me to keep a few things on the windowsill that I wouldn't if it got more sun.  Even so, I rotate delicate items often.

 

  

 Mum

 

Dad

When he's in the mood, my Basenji, DJ, will join me on his blanket under the window, but it was too busy in here today.

Now here is a corner that needs some work.  These baskets are some of my earliest craft storage.  Today they hold fabric, ribbon, cards and other work.  The chair is just a place holder.  Once the new color is on the wall I'm thinking the baskets will get some white paint and I'll be looking for an affordable white wicker chair.  It my be a pipe dream, but you never know what you'll get back when you put things out to the Universe.  I'm thinking garage sales, Craig's List and Freecycle.  Oh, and that beige on the wall to the left, was the winner!

Are you hanging in there?  I know this is a long post and there are a lot of stops on this hop.  If you just want to look at the pictures I won't be offended.  And if you want to come back, I'll be keeping this post on the top of my blog for at least a week.

This desk and cabinet are on my list for replacement as well, but for now, they get the job done.

 

The cabinet holds more fabric, and, on top, vintage lace and doilies.

 

Next, another FREE cabinet.  This one came from Don's parents when they were getting ready to sell their house.  More glass doors and great storage.  This is where I keep most of my rubber stamps.  The unmounted in jewel (CD) cases on the top.

Peg stamps in small cases, charms, brads and eyelets in compartmentalized (made for jewelry-makers I think) containers.

Mounted stamps sorted by theme in photo boxes.

 

And on top, vintage family photos and decos from a yahoo group, Vintage Bliss.  The bride is my paternal grandmother, the photo on the stand is also my grandmother with her brothers and parents on their 40th wedding anniversary.

  

   

My plan is to change this piece quite a bit, using a technique shown recently on Martha Stewart.  It will be stripped to the wood, sanded, painted with milk paint and aged.  It will be a lot of work, but I can't wait!

OK, here we are at the last stop, the place where it all happens, my work table, also FREE.  The base is an old table.  My changing table, maybe?  My mother will let me know.  On top, Don attached a counter top from his parent's house and voila, a fantastic work surface and one big enough for four when the occasion arrises.  Anybody want to play?

 

Now I know that all you crafters out there realize that the top of this table is never this neat.  There is always some work in progress and it never looks like this.  I am hoping that it could more often, however, with the reorganizing that I did to get ready for this tour.

The storage units you see at either end used to sit in the closet before the new shelves were installed.  When I moved them out I didn't really change the contents much, but I did recently so that everything I use most is right here within arm's reach; black and brown inkpads, tea dye distress ink, sponges, acrylic blocks, stamp positioner, paper cutter, scorer.  It has already made a big difference.

On top is a lazy susan and another caddy that used to belong to my mother.  Same concept, commonly used items close at hand.  The caddy holds my favorite small vintage ephemera, bone buttons, milk caps and the like.

Wow, you hung in there until the end!  Thank you so much for stopping by to tour my creative space.  And a big huge thank you to Karen for putting this all together!!

As I said, Saturday's are very busy around here and Sunday is Father's Day, but I can't wait to visit everyone's spaces, so I'll get there as soon as I can.  See you then!

Comments

[caleen]

I love your space. You have everything so organized and so put together. It really is wonderful. Your dog is so adorable. You have lots of treasures to work with too.. Thanks for sharing and had a lovely weekend. Enjoy!

[Jill]

Anna,

Thanks for dropping by Calico Petals.
You have some wonderful collections.
I'm especially fond of the embroidery trims.
The old photographs are great!
Thanks for the tour.

[Kiki]

Wow..What a super-wonderful.. inspiring and magical post..I enjoyed reading your story! your space is amazing and charming and full of beauty! Wonderful! Thanks for sharing your creative spirit!
Kiki, Heart of a Wizardess

[zandra cudney]

What a lovely creative space. Love your sewing pattern flower. I'm sure if you went on utube you could get the instructions on how to. So, enjoyed my visit with you. Enjoy the rest of the party.
hugz,
Zandra

[gloria]

Wonderful studio. You've done a lot with it. Let the creative juices flow! Have a great weekend and thx for sharing.

[Karen Valentine]

Thank you so for joining the party! I really enjoyed the tour. I'm sure you love being in there, especially when DJ joins you!
xo,
Karen
My Desert Cottage

[Julia Smith]

*waving hi from Nova Scotia - just a hop, skip and a jump away from PEI*

I LOVE the story of your blog and I clicked on the link to your pictures of Cottage 6. Thanks for the pink lemonade at the beginning of the tour, by the way. Really enjoyed hanging out in your creative space - thanks!

[marcia @child in harmony]

I love your studio! And I love the old furniture pieces that you use for storage AND all the wonderful vintage family pictures!

We used to have a Basenji growing up...ahhh memories.

happy day and thanks for visiting
~marcia

[Violet@CreateBeauty]

Hi ~ So fun to come by for a visit in your lovely space!... storage is so important for all our supplies, and being organized is so helpful. You have a well-organized space, isn't it great to know where everything is?!? I too love to have my flea-market treasures all about. And what a cute dog! Thanks for coming by my party! (it's not gonna be this clean for long!!!)
~ Violet

[Carrie]

How sweet to have your precious little canine pal keep you company as you create! Thanks for the tour!

[Chris Anderson]

Great space to create in! Love all your vintage treasures!
Best wishes,
Chris
www.curbyscloset.com/blog/

[Penny]

Your studio is a charming work in progress. I think the new wall color will be great and show off your wood furniture wonderfully.
Love the story of how you named your blog and also your vintage treasures.
Have a great weekend
Hugs,
Penny

[leslie]

Your crafting space is great. I love the cabinet with the glass doors, I have something similar in my space-so useful. Thanks for the tour!

[Claudia]

I love your space - the cabinet with the glass doors is lovely. Your doggie is so adorable. I agree - if you put it out to the universe it will show up somehow and you will have that wicker chair.

[Laura Ingalls Gunn]

What an amazing space you have created! You have inspired me to add to my own crafting area.

I adore all of your storage solutions.

[Romeo and "her"]

Thank you so much for being a great hostess while visiting your studio!!! Loved your use of different storage boxes to totally organize your rubber stamp collection, as well as the stickles and stamp pads!!!

And you have scored some great working pieces and some for FREE!!!! Can't beat that!!!!

Thanks so much for sharing!! I enjoyed my visit!

Romeo and "her"

[Lovey]

Oh what a wonderful space you have here. I love your desk that houses your Christmas Cards! Your laces and dollies... could just live right there with them. I love lace and trims so to see them makes my heart skip to a happy beat! My desk is never cleaned...so I feel you on that one...smiles.
BTW...thanks for your comment on my Studio too! Smiles again...Lovey

[Beth@gypsyfish]

Such innovative ways to save space...just beautiful....thanks for stopping by my little world as well....
gypsy hugs
Beth

[Live a Colorful Life]

It is so much fun peering into spaces where people create things. Thanks for sharing yours!

[donna joy]

great space! love seeing all the storage ideas/furniture/"stuff" everyone has~

[Terri G.]

Great stuff to create anything you wish and the creative space to do it...thanks for sharing your wonderful space.

[Geralyn Gray]

How nice to have your own room to do all of that creating.....I loved the flocked paper!

[Christy]

Your space is beautiful, and functional, too! I love the furniture pieces you chose.

[Bleubeard and Elizabeth]

Your cabinet is an awesome storage solution, and the other furniture you have chosen all store so much. You are really a master at storage with some pretty remarkable furniture, too. Thanks for sharing your well organized and beautifully appointed studio.

[Julie Marie]

Hello Anna, your creative space is wonderful... I love all of your woods in their original state, not all painted white... white is lovely, but I like to keep my old woods the same as well... DJ is adorable! Your ribbons look so pretty hanging, and all of your little added touches, vintages photos, etc. Thanks for sharing! xoxo Julie Marie

[Lynette Killam]

You have a lovely crafting space. I think I best like all the extra vintage touches..your old photos..the lace doilies..and of course, your grandfather's roll-top desk is amazing! I have few material things linking my childhood in Ireland to my life now, and just love the sense of continuity you have in your space.

Thank you for sharing, and I'm so pleased you stopped by my little studio. I musn't forget to say how adorable DJ is! I always have my best doggie friend along with me wherever I go.

Cheers,
Lynette

[Debby Harreittha]

I have enjoyed my visit, you are so organized. I really like your cabinet and your dog is beautiful, such pretty eyes. Thanks for sharing with us.
Debby

[Connie]

Nicely done and nicely organized. You've done a great job on your studio. I love that you have so many things important to you incorporated.

[Renee]

I love your space. Love the desk that belonged to your grandfather.

[Debbie~]

I love your CrEaTiVe space! You're very organized and I'm not, but since this party, I've been totally inspired, so next year I can hardly wait to be a part of all this fun. I'm sorry to hear about the water damage, but once the room is painted it will feel like a new space to you I'm sure! Thanks so much for sharing, Debbie @ Cottage Hann~Me~Downs!

[Wendy]

I had the chai tea my fav and enjoyed walking around your craft room. it so cute. thank you fro sharing it with me if you get time pop over to see me . I have the kettle on. Hugs ~Wendy @ Blissangels

[Jen]

What a beautiful space. Love the old photos on the sill!

luvs and glitter
~jen

[Mary ~ IsabellasCloset]

Anna, I LOVE your room! The rosette is adorable.. How neat everything is! What a fun place to create in.
Blessings ~Mary~ :-}

[Lori]

You have a wonderful creative space! I love your storage ideas and you are so fortunate to have so many vintage photos of your family. Thanks for sharing.

[kay]

your space is fab with so many lovely things...love the dog and paper pattern rosette esp.....thanks for calling over to me...and happy stamping!!! xx

[Leah C]

Don't you just love having a room all to yourself...for creating & pursuing your hobby?! I know I do:) Love your space; and thank you for visiting mine!

[Art of Stuff by Queen of Dreamsz]

Tell me about paper collecting! I adore old books, sheet music, dictionaries..just anything that's paper! Thanks so much for sharing your studio. I really enjoyed looking at everything.

I'd love for you to come stroll through my studio..it's been a long process but it's all finally finished!

Have a wonderful day,
Stephanie ♥

[Julie]

Love your space. Thanks so much for visiting mine and leaving such sweet comments. You have so many wonderful elements to your room...and your drawers are filled with so many wonderful things! LOVE that rosette too!

[Karla Nathan]

I do the same with furniture, I find big bargains or free stuff, its the only way to go!

Good choice on the paint color.

[natalea]

love all the fun supplies you have! want to come over and create now!
xo natalea

[La Maison Reid]

You're so lucky to have a designated place to do your crafting. I do mine all over the house! I must get back into paper crafting...too many crafts, too little time. :)

[dreaming of a country home]

What a lovely craft room!
I like the fact that you didn`t paint some of the old furniture.
I think it gives it a old charm... which I love!

DEBBIE MOSS

[Mary]

Hi Anna! Thanks for stopping by! I just love your space. I am so impressed with how organized everything is. You have so much here to work with and I love how everything is easily visible. That really helps with keeping me inspired. I am sure I will check back here often to see how to organize certain things.

[Halle G]

You have a wonderful space. I love that you've surrounded yourself with vintage family photos. You dog is too cute as well!

[Gail]

I'm loving your space...I'm lucky too that I can dedicate a whole room for my "craft". It was fun seeing how everyone stores their various bits and pieces! So creative....thanks for visiting me also!

[Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions]

Great storage ideas and I love your glass front cabinet! I'm helping a client and one of the areas we will be dealing with {at some point} is her finished basement. She has a cabinet like this and I'd like to incorporate it into her creative space. Thank you for the inspiration! Thanks for visiting me, too! : )

[June]

Hi Anna,
your studio has so much great storage in it and I am loving all the great pieces you use. I also adore the fact that you have so many personal family photos in the space!

[www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawnCbrWifPSE0j8OA6ZyqwjUNBCS0WW_L5M]

Great use of space and I love how you handled your ribbon, looks quite handy and space saving. Love the rolls of paper in the basket. Thanks for sharing. XOXO

[Jenny]

Hi Anna,

What a lovely space you have. I love the pattern paper flower- I've never seen one before. Thank you for sharing.

Jenny

[Angela]

what a nice neat well organized space. i love your rosette from a sewing pattern paper and all your laces so wonderful. Thanks for the tour and have a beautiful day. Angela