Studio Redo~

Trying to be organized is quite a task. I was becoming over-run with bits of wire, beads, and other such goodies I collect. My magpie qualities were taking over and running me out of work space! Something needed to be done! Well, since giving the sparkly bits up was not an option (I could not find ONE thing that I could part with!), the only thing left to do was organize my work space. Being the tightwad that I am, it was necessary, and challenging, to see how little I could spend while gaining the space and organization that I needed.

Our house was built in 1902, and has the old fashioned setup of a parlour next to the living room. We put this room to good use- it is our computer room, the kids' toys and games are there, and my studio. I love it because I can be working on jewelry and Pudge can be on the computer right near me, and we can still talk. My work table is the remains of our old dining room table that we got for free when we first got married. We bought a new table a several years ago, and this one went into storage in the garage. Pudge has now cut it in half and readjusted the legs, it is now the perfect size for my little corner space. My chair is actually a captain's chair from a semi truck (no, it is not used, I got it new), which is more comfortable than a recliner. I love it! Ah, my new lamp. What can I say about this lamp? My inadequate picture taking abilities do not serve it well. It is a beauty. What began as some metal objects from the local second hand store and some old semi truck parts (can you guess Pudge's line of work yet?) have been transformed, by Pudge, into this beautiful piece of art that is at once both industrial and eccentric.

Who would have thought zip strips and discarded metal pieces could look so good! We had the pegboard in the garage (tightwad here...we don't throw much away!) after a nice coat of white paint and some new pegs, it looks great. I love having all of my tools hanging right in front of me, it is so much easier to be creative when you actually know where your tools are!

And, just in case you were wondering, we did NOT paint the room blue and yellow. It was like that when we bought the house, and we haven't done anything about it yet. What on Earth would posess someone to paint neon yellow over 108 year old oak trim?! It boggles my mind.

I collected the storage boxes and bulletin board over time, while shopping second hand stores and sales, of course. I love my new revamped work space. It is the perfect place to dream up and create new and interesting pieces. I am looking forward to some of my upcoming projects and shows and am glad I have a fresh new space to make it all happen!

A Week of Projects

Well, my daughter's birthday has passed, and I have survived the princess birthday party without a drop of rum consumed. There was much giggling, screaming (while being chased by little brother~ "The Dread Pirate Rollins"), princessy sparkles, pink frosted cupcakes, and, of course, presents wrapped with big beautiful bows. It was a great day! The Princess loves her desk, and as promised, here are some pictures~

This is a close-up of the edge of the desk. I decided to keep it simple, and not go crazy painting all types of creatures. I had to do it all in one night, so simplicity was key.

Here is the Princess, complete with fairy wings and antennae, busy working at her new desk. Pudge had some clear plastic that we covered the top with to protect it and I'm glad we did! Within the first day it was covered with paint and glitter glue! She loves it!

Pudge also finished my jewelry tree! It turned out amazingly beautiful (as I knew it would!) I have decided to leave it the brushed silver instead of painting it, but I am going to put a clearcoat on it for protection. It looks beautiful adorning the top of my bookcase, and I think I may seek out a small raven to perch atop it's branches.

Here is a sneak peek at a few new things coming to my Etsy shop, as soon as I have time to list them! I am busy, busy right now...which is great!!!

"Nocturnal" earrings

"The Fairy's Garden" earrings

I am very much looking forward to my birthday this weekend! The kids will be at grandma and grandpa's house, and Pudge and I have a date at our local micro-brewery for jalepeno pretzels and stout beer. Don't forget to enter the earring give-away, which ends this saturday!

Busy as a Bee...

Well, the holidays have passed, but things haven't really slowed down for me. My daughter's birthday is in January and every year, immediately following the holidays, I begin birthday shopping and birthday party planning. This year she will be 6, and we are having a princess party with 8 little divas. We are busy making a paper mache pinata, and making decorations. My daughter wants a desk for her room. Being the tightwad that I am, I had an old desk in the basement from my great-grandpa's house. I began sanding and painting it white, and am going to hearken back to my muralist and faux finish painting days and paint a little scene on it for her. I think toadstools, fairies, and flowers are in order for a 6 year old princess. Her room is already full of my art with a castle, magic tree, dragon, and frog prince painted on her walls. I'll be sure to post pictures as I finish it.

My husband (he is known to most as Pudge) is working on a welding project for me (have I told you all how awesome he is?) He is making me a tree jewelry display for my art shows. It is nearly finished...we ran out of metal rod and had to get more. Here are some action shots of him creating my tree in his studio.

I can't wait until it is finished!! Oh, if he only knew all the projects I have in store for him! Hopefully I can talk him into making a garden arch for me.

Also this week, I have become a member of the Fantasy Artists of Etsy team- "FAEteam". I have been wanting to be included in this group for a while, and am so excited at this new opportunity! Everyone I have met so far has been so creative, inspiring and helpful! They have given me such a warm welcome and I am looking forward to working with this great group of artists.

I recieved a beautiful little package in the mail this week. It was from MiddleEarths shop on Etsy, we exchanged jewelry creations. She creates beautiful little bits that seem to be a piece of the Shire itself. I received in the exchange a mossy little beauty that looks as if it is covered with dew and fairy dust. So magical!! I sent her one of my blue eye rings. It was so fun to trade with a fellow artist! Here are a few pictures I snapped of her magical creation~

She such a friendly and creative person! You can find more of her creations in her Etsy shop: http://www.middleearths.etsy.com/

Stay tuned later this week- I have plans for a birthday earring give-away! I will also post pictures of my jewelry tree and my daughter's finished desk. The energy of the upcoming Imbolc holiday has a hold on me and I have 100 things going on at once! Now, let's see if I can get them all finished...