Sunday, April 10, 2011

New Studio

It wasn't even my idea! But it all fell into place so beautifully. My daughter suggested we move the dining room table into the sunken living room so we could eat by the fire. Certainly the living room is large enough. That got me thinking about what could be done with the dining room.
Why not turn it into a studio for me? It would bring me up from the basement where I only have one very small window and where I feel very cut off. The downstairs studio can store my supplies. Now I am next to the kitchen and laundry so I can work and then dash off to stir the pot or transfer laundry. In the photo you can see past the kitchen doorway and into the laundry room.

Where my worktable now sits is where the dining room table was. And I just had to add the shelves for storage! I am trying very hard to keep it neat but am thinking it is not in my nature to work neatly! I am being much more productive in the new location! And there is light - a whole wall of nearly floor to ceiling windows!


Here are my little people and some of my photo cards.


The collage (made in Photo Shop Elements) shows my wild crochet, one of my photos framed in a shadowbox and a basket of fat yarn.


Thanks to all of you who gave me suggestions for making photo collages. I'm going to work with Elements for a while and see what I can come up with.

I'm joining Little Red House for Mosaic Monday. Check out all the mosaics there.

Now a question for those of you who have Etsy shops. Is it hard to do? Does it pay off? How do you get business? My attempts to find a part time job have not succeeded. I'd rather be home with Mr. B and working in my studio. But a little income would be appreciated. After all, a girl has to buy photo paper, frames, fabric and books. I need to support my habit! Thanks in advance for your answers!

19 comments:

Shirley said...

I like the bright colours in your mosaic. Have a terrific week and hopefully more of us will get to enjoy our gardens soon.

Thanks for the visit today.

Lynn said...

Your new studio space looks so inviting and inspiring. Funny how things work out. My daughter and new son-in-law are moving in with me in two weeks until they buy a house. But I'm thrilled that they are moving back to Buffalo from Raleigh so I will help however I can. I love your work. Very nice!
Lynn
www.cottageandcreek.com

Naturegirl said...

Great relocation for both areas!Love your collage! Thank you for your suggestion re: spacing! xo

Jill Harrison said...

your studio is wonderful. The light and openness I am sure will help you in your work, both creative and practical.

Gypsea Nurse said...

Fabulous mosaic of your new space! What fun!!
Smiles~
Cat

http://jackieinsurrey.blogspot.co.uk/ said...

The dining room looks so cosy with the fire and your studio is a lovely size with plenty of light. Seems like it is a great idea for all the family. Great mosaics and I love your photo cards, do you print them yourself or have them done by a company?

Jackie in Surrey, UK.

Carol at Serendipity said...

Nancy,

I always liked to work right in the middle of things rather than off by myself. Your photographs are stunning and I love your collage.

Carol

Karen said...

Thanks for your visit, Nancy!! So you are into genealogy too. Seems to be the challenging side of searching for our ancestors... finding room to put our "stuff". For me I can't put it all away and then return to it and be able to pick up where I left off. If someone could come up with a way to organize a work area that wouldn't overflow into everyone's living space it would be so helpful.
Love your collages and your work. So bright and cheery.
I'll be back. I'm your latest follower!!
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

To be creative I think you have to be in a place that you feel comfortable. My spot for photos is in my dining room because of the light. I get no inspiration in the basement. Your mosaics are wonderful. V

A Garden of Threads said...

Fabulous location, love all the light. Can't help with the Etsy shop question, but your cards are beautiful, you will have not trouble selling them. Have a wonderful and productive week:)

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Etsy is changing and has ridiculous rules - causes a lot of trouble for sellers if they think one tiny thing is not going their way - and they charge a lot. Artfire.com is much better - if you don't have a LOT of things to sell it is free - otherwise it is a flat rate - you don't pay them a fee based on your sales. My friends and I have found artfire much friendlier and things sell so much faster. Good luck with you new venture and your new space.

Polly said...

Deanna Dixon Morris made a statement once about her home and her children. It was a long time ago and I was so, so far from having a family but it stuck with me. I think it applies to any household that has a crafter.

"You can't have creative children and a spotless house."

The moral is...enjoy your new craft room!

Polly

Pondside said...

Lucky you to have such a light-filled and spacious place to work! You'll be having fun there.

Unknown said...

It's funny I rarely use my hobby area. Maybe it's because the things I do I usually do while watching tv. It looks like a nice large room, enjoy. Your dd is right dinner by the fire sounds lovely. The cards are nice. I know a lady that does that. She sells them in the local gift shop. Linda

Sheila said...

I love your little people and your cards are beautiful. I hope the change in your studio location will work well. Do you have a pattern for the little people? I'm wondering how they manage to stand...

Lorrie said...

Eating in front of a fire is such a cozy thing to do. I think you've made a great choice. And a studio at hand is a real bonus.

Alea Milham said...

How nice to have a sunny spot to work. Your cards are lovely! If you join Etsy, you must let me know. ;)

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

"I LOVE the transition" of your dining near the fireplace! Everyone in our home always floods the library with it's little TV because they want the "Fireplace". YES, it was a wonderful winter here in CT to be near a fire!!! Love your spacious studio too! That is an inspiration room for sure.
Have a wonderful week,
Donna

LindyLouMac said...

It sounds like your daughter came up with a brilliant idea, you now have two great spaces. also congratulations on having one your photos in an exhibition, I am impressed.