I've been visiting creative studios.... oh, about 30 or 35 of them so far... I have seen a fair share of romantic, cute, bohemian, chic... I have been awed and inspired.
Karen Valentine from My Desert Cottage is hosting her 3rd annual Where Bloggers Create party. And what a party! Hundreds of creative bloggers have opened their "studios" to the world... they have shared their most personal of spaces: the place where they create magic. Their studios are as big as 1000+ sq. ft.... or as tiny as a repurposed closet. One thing I've learned from my "tour" thus far - space does not matter where art and creativity are concerned.
After looking at all the loveliness, I went to my "studio" aka as "the sunshine room" and stood in the doorway. What would I have photographed and shared? (I found out about the party a bit late and was unable to join). What does my creating space say about me?
As I gazed upon the shelves of books, ribbon, ephemera, millinery... a strange thing happened. I started "seeing" things that I had never really noticed before!
... I always have fresh potpourri in the room... helps camoflauge the "old paper" smell of the 100-year-old books and sheet music I like so much! Also helps with the smell of hot glue, Modge Podge, and other mediums...
What I never paid much attention to was the lovely lavender Wedgewood bowl it sits in! Or the vintage German alarm clock that sits prettily next it.
..didn't notice the pale green hand-painted tin wall container I purchased ages ago for a quarter and which is stuffed with vintage wire trim (see the fading?); somewhere along the way I tucked in a pink rose and a butterfly.
...the top of a bookcase is used as a temporary landing area for new acquisitions (vintage little bird cage), handmade goodies, and other pretties that strike my fancy at that moment... it changes frequently, until the next project or purchase comes along!
One of my very favorite things in the room - my chandelier! I don't have a "before" picture - but believe me when I say it was "Plain Jane black iron." Purchased on clearance at HomeDepot several years ago ... I fell in love with its "bones" and knew I could make it look a bit more glamorous.
... its new looks includes tons of lace, tulle, decoupaging, pink roses and prisms... there are 6 arms for candles, but I usually use battery-operated ones (I have a history with candles and small accidents).
Another inspiration stemming from the tour was the need to create! I spent a few hours in there, just having fun... sorting, reorganizing (I need to get a jump-start on next year's tour!), making little things for me "just because." No swaps, no gifts, no Etsy, no timeline Just playing with 'stuff.'
These tags and cards were created using materials from my "recycle" box... this is where I throw bits and scraps not used in a project... a piece of lace left over, a spare button, 3 inches on ribbon... you know what I mean... the kind of stuff you just hate to toss when a project is done.
(this little gal is not finished... needs a few more touches!)
I urge you to get inspired!
Stop by this amazing blog party and visit some inspiring spaces..
Have a lovely weekend!
I'm linking up to
What a lovely studio you have! I love all the pink and vintage goodies. I especially love the chandelier! Thanks for sharing, Nan
Posted by: Nan | Tuesday, 26 July 2011 at 02:09 PM
I'm just in love with that chandy, so beautiful! Thanks for linking up the inspiration with VIF, xo Debra
Posted by: Debra@Common Ground | Tuesday, 19 July 2011 at 08:10 PM
Your photos are absolutely beautiful! I will definitely be back to visit again. Love your blog!
Hugs,
Annette
Posted by: Annette | Sunday, 17 July 2011 at 10:48 PM
I'm sorry you missed the party, but I've loved seeing these glimpses of your creative space. Happy PS!
Posted by: Claudia | Saturday, 16 July 2011 at 05:26 PM
thanks for returning my visit...yes the second room is painted lavender, the first room is a pale green, it's very cool and calming. My bedroom is that shade of lavender as well...(())
Posted by: Francie Thornton | Saturday, 16 July 2011 at 01:11 PM
Isn't it fun to stop and look at our rooms with a different eye? I've found taking photos gives me a different perspective as well. Love your creations!
Posted by: Francie Thornton | Saturday, 16 July 2011 at 09:13 AM
Mercedes, I absolutely love your blog!!! Wish mine was as nice, but I'm still new at this blog thing. Thanks for your comments about my trailer...it's getting there.
Posted by: Gretchen Peacock | Friday, 15 July 2011 at 11:18 PM
Oh Mercedes, thank you for that little peek into your studio....beautiful! I LOVE, LOVE your gorgeous chandelier. So dreamy!
And your projects are so sweet and pretty! I'm off again to get some more inspiration.
Posted by: debi | Friday, 15 July 2011 at 09:02 PM
Thanks for sharing, and Happy Pink Saturday.
Posted by: viridian | Friday, 15 July 2011 at 07:29 PM
Happy Pink Saturday. You have beautiful Pinks. The roses with the crystal is so pretty and I love the birthday card. Grace
Posted by: Grace P | Friday, 15 July 2011 at 06:51 PM