Search This Blog

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Where the Magic Happens - Usually...

Welcome! Please come in and make yourself home as I walk you through my creative space. My muse lives here and I find creativity and joy in this 10 x 12' space. It is here where I experiment with paint, fabric and of course, fiber.

Looking in the room from the entrance to the room, you see my work table straight ahead.  It faces South and I have views of the pond and the hayfields.  It's great to look out the window and be inspired.

(Pics are clickable)

Along the right wall you will find many things that I find inspiring.   Samplers that I recently stitched.  A picture of my first kitty, Puffer.


On the dresser that holds all my cross stitch fabric, I've set up a display of stitching things, scissors, Sajou cards, painted items. The round candy tin was my Mom's sewing box so it's got top billing on the dresser.

 Dresser (left side)

Continuing on the right side of the dresser, you find my first piece of needlework I made for my husband right after we were married. He had it on his desk at work for many years. It's a cruel piece of crewel embroidery but I did make it with love.  Also, you will find jars of buttons, marbles, spools of thread and a lovely lady pincushion.

(Dresser - right side)
 
Above the dresser is an 8' shelf.  This shelf holds memories, toys of my childhood, items of my home, things that I love, some of Mike's things. This shelf is sentimental and it's filled with items that remind me of my home, my parents, and good times.

The stuffed animals were Mikes.  Buzz Lightyear is my reminder that anything is possible if you believe. I love the toothy alligator, behind that is an art piece made by Mike.  The clock cookie jar was in my Mom's kitchen.

Continuing along the shelf there's funky plaques that hung in my parent's home,  a Huckleberry Hound bank that was mine when I was a child and a stack of old cameras.
Underneath the shelf is a pantry that holds some pieces from exchanges, patterns.  On the top of the pantry, there's a Mr. Machine that was a childhood toy.  I loved that toy! And I have a thing for bunnys.



To the right of the window is a peg shelf that holds a stitched piece made just for this room. A Mcoy planter holding wooden spoons from my Grandma.  Folk art painted pieces from another lifetime.
On the peg is my Dad's work hat.  I treasure that hat.  When he wore it, I knew he was in his groove, fixing, painting or sprucing something up.


Underneath that peg shelf is another book shelf.  If you look on the top, there's a nod to cross stitch.  On the shelves below you will find Halloween goodies, more books(!) and a tray of stuffed goodies that I put out during the various holidays throughout the year.


Then, we turn to the right wall.  The wall of storage.  In the hatbox, you will find just about every card, letter or keepsake from my DH and son. Baskets hold ribbons, cards, paint tubes. DMC is stored in those nuts and bolts containers. And there's my typewriter from high school. LOL.  The pantry holds my painting supplies.  The drawers hold stitching supplies.  Further to the right is another pantry unit that's stuffed with binders that hold my cross stitch patterns.  The globes were from childhood too. I love globes and would collect them if I had the room.  In this pic, you can see the color of the room.  Tangerine!  Love the color, it's so cheery!


And swinging back around to the back wall, you'll find an overstuffed bookshelf.  Cross stitch, work books, quilting books and some novels that I can't part with live here.  The paper mache pumpkin is another childhood piece.  It's at least 50 years old.


So kids, this is the place where I find inspiration, joy and peace. It's still a work in progress and that's what I like about it. As art and my style evolves, so will the room. Thanks for visiting and I hope you'll come back again!


Joanie


23 comments:

Christie said...

Wonderful to see where the magic happens :-) You are so organized. Do you remember who the designer is for the black and the red samplers in the sixth picture down from the top. I just love the black one. Thanks for sharing.

Blu Stitcher said...

I love your room.

woolwoman said...

gosh Joanie - two great posts - I love all the stash you acquired and the halloween stuff is great - love that pumpkin - it is awesome and your room - filled with so many memorable things from your family and so organized -it was fun seeing your toy room. hope you have many happy moments in there. enjoy! Melody

Beehive Needleworks said...

Upon my word...what a delightful space Joanie! It is so very bright and beautiful (and organized). And to be surrounded by so many cherished memories, it is no wonder that you are inspired. Clearly, your space IS where the magic happens.

May you enjoy many joyful hours creating!

Warmly,
Judy

Margaret said...

I enjoyed the tour! You have some lovely items in your stitching room, full of memories. Great stuff!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Thanks for sharing your stitchy space. Very nicely done, and quite welcoming.

Laurie in Iowa said...

Your creative working room looks wonderful. I love how you've chosen to decorate it with wonder things from childhood until now.

butterfly said...

Love you work and your craft room

diamondc said...

Joanie: I love your studio it is always fun to see where someones creativity starts, I love your collection spots but the one with the alligator is my favorite it looks like he is guarding all your treasures.
Thank-you for sharing.
Catherine
diamondc

Melissa said...

It's great to have your own space and you've done a great job setting it up!

Kathy A. said...

What a fun trip around your craft room. I love that you have so many wonderful memories tucked in there.
Thanks for sharing.

Teresa said...

It is nice to work in a place with lots of memories.
Thanks for sharing your little crafty place.
Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

Deb said...

Your space looks wonderful Joanie. I love all the things that you have out in your room (including Mike's things). And the view that you have - how wonderful to have something like that. I know that you probably feel so wonderful being in such a great room.

marly said...

Thanks for sharing your special space with us. Nice to see how your family and memories are a big part of your decorating. My craft supplies are down to one half of a closet and I'm still pitching stuff!

Nancy said...

What a nice organized space!

Penny said...

Thanks for sharing these pictures. I think everyone needs a space of their own and yours is filled with so many neat things. Sounds like you have a lovely view too.

Casa Pearl said...

I've loved seeing your stitching space again. Any news on the Nashua job? You'd be so close....!

Siobhán said...

Well, sheDANG!! I would be like a kid in a candy store in that room. What a fantabulous space. Lucky you! I'd love to just look at every square inch of it.

Jeanne said...

I see lots of goodies in there Joanie. Don't you just love having your own space - I do. I enjoy seeing other people's crafty rooms. Thanks for sharing.

Karoline said...

Your craft room is gorgeous Joanie, thanks for sharing

Anonymous said...

Hi Joanie ,it was so nice to see your craft room :), how organised you are !
Hope you all are well . Summer is almost over and I haven't written you... I'm sorry... time flies so very fast !!!!!

a big hug: Éva

Jackie's Stitches said...

You have a wonderful creative space! Thank you for showing it.

Great stash acquisition in the post below. You got some lovely things.

The Stitcher's Market Team said...

Wow, really beautiful pics. Everything is so lovely.

The smaplers look amazing on the walls.

By the way, if you are looking to participate in giveaways, there are a few on my nlog's sidenar.

Soon, I will be having a giveaway too and sharing my stash.

Cheers,
CSQ
http://betweenthestitches.blogspot.com