Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Rearranging Already?


That's right - I am already rearranging the studio. But for good cause! Last week, was the absolute most lucky week for me in regards to studio storage! I had been dreaming of a vintage printers cabinet for many years, but only recently started seriously looking for one. It can be hard to find one in good condition, for a fair price, and within a distance to pick it up because it would cost a ton to ship one! My search started by scouring eBay, Etsy, and Craig's List. Many listings did not fit condition, price or location. My mind turned to antique shops and flea markets all summer long. I thought it was going to take me a long time to find what I was looking for.

But, out of sheer luck I found one on Craig's List not far from our families in Wisconsin. In great condition. For a price I was very happy with. I called right away, and felt confident with what my new friend Grant was telling me. I was sold. The only issue was planning a trip to go pick it up. Not such an easy feat anymore to pick up and go with a toddler, 2 dogs, etc.... And, buying from a retired couple who spend half their week up North. Again, out of sheer luck, that same day my in-laws called to plan a visit to see us. They agreed to pick up the cabinet and bring it over! I found the listing on Tuesday, and it was sitting in my studio by Sunday! Less than a week - I still don't think I believe it. I couldn't have asked for a better scenario.

Of course, I sent my Mother-in-Law home with some jewelry as a "thank you". Although she still tries to push money my way, as much as I refuse. I am so glad that every time I see her she is wearing jewelry that I've made.

I have a lot of cleaning and organizing to do again. Each drawer needs to be dusted and wiped out. But look - LOOK - 20 drawers just like this! Twenty!!! I am in heaven. And of course, I will probably never fill this thing up in my lifetime, even though I do have a lot of beads. I have to decide if I am going to keep my organization how it currently is, by bead type (ceramic, glass, gemstones, etc...). Or, if I will change it by color. Hmmmmm.

The other piece of news, is that I found this cool peacock trunk while on my weekly grocery shopping trip to our local big box store. The newsprint background goes perfectly with the vintage look in the studio.

When I first found the printers cabinet, I thought it would go in this corner. Remember how I mentioned I was not happy with the small table/necklace rack in this corner? Being as big as it was, it only made sense to center it. I was a little bit bummed about changing the mannequin display (I really liked them centered, especially when the curtains were open). But having the cabinet was so worth it! So I set them up in the corner with the trunk. I think it all looks pretty balanced for the most part.

So obviously, I had to take out that $2 table the mannequins were on along with the storage baskets underneath it. Along with the other small table and necklace rack. However, this is the back side of my desk and as you can see the large opening and bottom drawer houses all of my plastic bead storage containers. (Confession: I also have a lot of random trays laying around with beads, so this isn't all of them). Which will all be going into the printers cabinet. So I am hoping, between this freed up space, and the trunk, that my storage will still be sufficient and I won't miss the baskets. By the way, see all the nicks from taking the trays in and out? Yet another reason the cabinet is going to be so much better.

I am so happy that I am filling my studio (and home) with pieces that I love, that have meaning, and that were built to last. I feel like a curator, looking for what I really want and making sure I am making smart decisions. Sometimes the search can be long and agonizing. But in this case, I truly believe, it was meant to be!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Peplum & the Pencil


 






I am going to try to get back into the routine of submitting a weekly reader's outfit over at Effortless Anthropologie.

The Pinafore Pullover's peplum shape pairs nicely with a pencil skirt. When wearing a top like this, that gives so much volume at the waist/hips, be sure to have a fitted bottom like a pencil skirt or skinny jeans. You can see the Pinafore Pullover here too.

Rosie Neira "Pinafore Pullover" - Anthropologie
Postmark's "Wood Grain Pencil Skirt" - Anthropologie
Cami & Tights - Kohl's
Steve Madden shoes
Vintage hoop earrings

Happy Sunday!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

New Studio Tour

Ahhh, the evolution of a studio. I am convinced that most artists go through this process several times in their creative life. We might be sick of how things are arranged - want to become more efficient - or learn better ways to be organized. Or, in this case, water damage forced a redo. If you'd like to see what the room looked like before, you can do so in this link. From that link, you can see my previous studio as well, although I am almost embarrassed of it. See, we really do change and grow.

The former bright and colorful room has given way to soft neutrals..... orange walls are now brown. Mini blinds have been replaced with proper curtains. Not as much "stuff" came back into the room.
Refinished wood floors begged for a rug. This caused the 2013 rug war between Jon and I. We've been to every big box store in 2 cities, and even a local carpet store. The rug you see here was taken from our dining room. It is a remnant rug from one of the big box stores, bought 10 years ago when we moved into the house. Why he has such an attachment to it I do not know. It's nonstandard size of 6 x 9 coincidentally fits both the dining room and the studio perfectly, making it harder to replace. A the war continues, I am trying to understand why a man cares so much about a rug and home decor in general.
I used to have 2 wooden trays with hooks hung on one of the walls with a lot of my necklaces hung them. As you can see, wall space is at a premium in this room so I wanted to find a different solution. Our metal birdcage, with the glass removed, was a fun option. The stand fits my Dad's toolbox under it perfectly and is flanked by 2 wire peacocks (often used as business card holders at shows).
Of course, a peacock lives in the birdcage, flaunting the most recent creations!
The jewelry chest that I've had since I was a little girl lives in one of the front corners. Upon it is a burlap runner and vintage topiary from my friend Jennie's lovely wedding.

And a peacock! Take note of the mercury glass curtain rods and tiebacks, as that was the third element in putting this room together. Brown, cream, and mercury glass accents. You'll see a mercury glass peacock candle holder in a bit, and sitting on my desk is a mercury glass jar candle from Anthropologie (Aspen Candles "Volcano" which is what they burn in their stores - now my studio smells like Anthropologie!).
My 2 mannequins stand proud, sporting some of my favorite bold looks. We got that table for $2 at a garage sale many years ago, and it has been one of the greatest pieces throughout the house.

Albino feathers to fit the scheme.
I know in a previous post I talked about all the boring drywall, woodwork and floor refinishing. So I don't want to repeat too much, but I did want to show off how the ceiling turned out. We have this scalloped look in a few other rooms in the house, and wanted to try it in here. It took us a day to complete. Jon would roll on the drywall mud, while I would make the designs with a wallpaper brush. It was fun and I am proud that it actually turned out!
I replaced those trays I spoke of earlier with 2 old clipboards - purchased for 25 cents each! They hold 2 pieces that have been published.
The only corner of the room I wasn't quite satisfied with was this one. It's just not quite right for me. But luckily, I have a new piece coming my way tomorrow, and I plan to do another post around it and storage in general (as I have had to become creative in order to keep the room looking good).
When Jon first talked to me about making this room more "neutral" and seller friendly for the future, I have to admit I was disappointed. I mean, it's my space. I am a creative person who should get to do what I want, right? What was I going to do with all of my colorful peacock wares? But now that it is all done I must say that I LOVE it! It looks much more sophisticated, light and airy. I've just the simplicity of looking at it since it's been done, but I better get back to work soon!