{studio sunday} with Beth of Deer Little Fawn

The weather is very cold and snowy here in Central Colorado, and to me, that means perfect timing to grab your morning coffee and read about another inspirational studio!  Beth and I met a bit ago on the web, through Twitter I think, and I just love to check in on her once in a while to see what she’s painting.  Today Beth is sharing where she illustrates her adorable works, and I know you’ll love the cozy feel of her space.  So, let’s get to know her and her space, shall we!

1. Tell me about yourself.

Hi! My name is Bethan, but on the internet I appear more often as Deer Little Fawn, which is the name of my lifestyle/craft/illustration blog. I can also be found on my website Forest Lodge Illustration(named after my childhood home). I live by the sea in the South of England, UK. When I’m not drawing or crafting in some capacity I work part-time at a large flea market, selling antiques, vintage items and furniture.

I’ve always kept sketchbooks my whole life and drawn on an almost daily basis, but I’ve had many full-time non creative jobs along the way that I’ve had to work around. It’s taken quite a long time to build my confidence up and start putting things out there and at the moment I’m still finding my feet. I worked in a tattoo studio for a few years and that influenced my work quite a lot – style wise, but after leaving there it definitely took on a more cutesy aesthetic.

3. Where’s your studio located?

I’m lucky enough to currently have a room at home to use as a dedicated craft/studio space, this is a first for me and I’m very appreciative of it.

4. What’s your favorite part of your studio space? Why?
After living in quite small places for much of the last few years it’s just really nice to have enough room to spread my things out and have an actual desk to work from. Also it gets quite a lot of natural light which is lovely!

 

5. Approximately how many hours per day/week do you spend in your studio?

I tend to duck in and out of there throughout the day, it depends on what I’m doing that week really, the convenience is one of the blessings of having it at home.

 

6. Do you have any future plans for your studio?

I’m just enjoying the space as it is for now. There is a fair chance I will be moving house again next year, so I’m making the most of it while it lasts!

7. Do you have any tips or advice on how to maintain an inspiring and functional workspace?

I think however small your work space is, even if you are just working from a bedroom as I have in the past, it’s good to surround yourself with things you find inspiring to look at, even if all you can do is put up a few pictures or postcards around you, I find every little helps when keeping inspired and creating a place where you feel happy. Storage wise, I love suitcases and vintage vanity cases and have collected quite a few over the years and I find them so useful for storing sketchbooks, yarn and craft supplies.

 

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Beth, thank you so much for allowing us to peek into your creative world.  I just love the cozy feel of your studio – the natural light really makes it.  I personally love having my studio in my home, because, just as you said, it’s convenient.  And now that you’ve mentioned it, I can see the influence that the tattoo shop has had on your work.  Your work is beautiful and so is your space.  Thank you again for sharing!

 

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Be sure to visit Beth’s Blog | Site | Twitter | FB

{studio sunday} with Christa of Willow + Company

Today I’d like for you to meet Christa of Willow + Company.  She is unstoppable and with her attention to detail, it’s no wonder why she’s moving ahead full steam.  Her studio is something to be proud of and I’m sure we can all find some inspiration from it, as well as from her story.  Oh!  And she has a treat for you at the end of this interview, so be sure to take advantage of her offer!

1. How long have you been creating your wool felt cases for your Willow and Company shop? What’s your inspiration? When did you decide to start selling your work?

You never know what life is going to throw at you, one day you are working on a project and the next on something completely different.  Reinvention is the key word in my lifeline.  After many successful years building custom homes, my husband and I suddenly found ourselves needing to reinvent our livelihood.  We also sought out an outlet for our creative juices.  Enter Willow and Company.  It was in the autumn of 2010 that we noticed a need in the market for better design when it came to laptop and tablet cases.  We focused on Apple products, iPads, MacBook Air and Pro and iPhones, but we also make custom cases for all the other types of tablets and laptops out there.  Our design inspiration was drawn from our knowledge of architecture.  Each case mimics design elements from architectural details.  For example, our Colonial cases mimic the symmetrical design of American Colonial style housing.  Our Baroque cases highlight the sexy curves of the Italian Baroque period of design and our London and Rugby sleeves are out interpretation of Modernism.  We love the inspiration architecture offers us. 

In addition, how long have you been creating for your other shop, Case in Pointe?
When it comes to my Case in Pointe shop, that simply boils down to my love of colorful things, as you can see from my studio and my Pinterest board, named “Color Schemes,” I love all things colorful.  And, although making my wool and leather sleeves is enjoyable work, I needed more color in my life.  Case in Pointe offers me the opportunity to create colorful cases and sleeves for the rest of us who must live with colorful items in our lives.  These book covers and sleeves mainly focus on iPads and tablets, but I have also made a few custom pieces for other types of laptops.  I love the mix of the crisp colors with the rustic handmade walnut buttons that secure the devises my sleeves carry.  The combination of these two shops has kept us pretty busy.  Now that my husband is back in the home building game I am holding down the fort on my own and it is a challenge that I enjoy.  I am approaching 1000 sales on my Willow and Company shop and I can’t wait for my other shops to reach that same milestone.

2. On to your studio, where’s it located?

My studio is lovingly named “Studio Duo.”  Together my husband and I are a force to be reckoned with, creatively speaking that is!  He is warm and traditional and I am modern and colorful.  Together we are eclectic to say the least.  Studio Duo is located in the basement in our home in sunny Atlanta, Georgia.  When we started all of this we were working out of our condo in Chicago, which we quickly outgrew.  We decided to move to Georgia to be closer to family (although we miss Chicago terribly—that really is home) and this change has afforded us the opportunity to make use of a much larger space for our studio.  This isn’t your typical basement though.  It has tall 10 foot ceilings and opens up to a beautiful forest.  Although the space would qualify as being unfinished, to me it is sufficiently rustic—reminding me of loft apartments back home in Chicago.  All it needs now is an outdoor patio area so that I can sew outside during the temperate weather so common here in Georgia.

3. What’s your favorite part of your current studio space? Why? 

I actually love my whole space for different reasons.  I love that I can throw open the garage door and let in the sun and fresh air.  I love my built in cutting table with the large drafting drawers underneath for storage.  And I love having my sewing tables set up in a cozy cubby-like area where everything is within reach.  But I must say, most of all I love being surrounded by all the colorful items in the space.  Just walking into Studio Duo makes me smile and puts me at ease.  Being in the basement makes me feel like I am in my own cocoon.  I can blast music or dance around and no one pays me any attention – it’s like my own private secret hideaway.  Feel free to check out more pics of my studio as I post them on my Facebook page.

4. Approximately how many hours per day/week do you spend in your studio?

I spend a lot of time in my studio.  During the busy buying season I easily spend 50-60 hours per week there, and around 30-40 hours otherwise.  It really just depends on what my shops are doing.  I have recently opened up another shop called Pillows by Willow.  This is a collaborative endeavor with my mother-in-law, Dorine.  With this shop she is my expert seamstress and I handle all business and creative decisions.  I am surprised how quickly Pillows by Willow is getting noticed.  So my hours in the studio might just double in the months to come, but I’m not worried.  Apart from my husband and I, my extended family is very talented and creative so I know we will all just come together and keep working at this.

5. Do you have any tips or advice on how to maintain an inspiring and functional workspace?

Inspiration is necessary if you want to accomplish turning your passions into work.  I don’t know anyone who can create AND work in a space they find uninspiring?  My advise to others who would like to turn their hobby or passion into a money maker needs to figure out two things.  You need to decide what makes you smile and what motivates you.  Take these and then put it into your space.  Big or small we can all benefit from our space’s personality.   For me, design and organization are the keys to my inspiration, happiness and motivation.  Take for example, my antique bookcase and mannequin.  All of my fabrics are neatly folded and stacked – this is the neat freak in me, but the designer in me must have the colors arranged in a complimentary fashion.  The items on top are attractively placed but also accessible.  My mannequin is smartly dressed with more shop supplies (spools of ribbon, spools removed of course) and some of my signature jewelry.  For me, the combination of order and style, is necessary.  First order then style!

6. Do you have any future plans for your studio?

Truth be told, my life would be meaningless without future plans.  I am CONSTANTLY making changes!  I move furniture around, I repaint walls, I switch out rugs and floor cloths with the seasons.  Right now I am using antique and handmade quilts as floor cloths and I love the look they give my space.  Moving to a new space?  I would love too, but that is just the organizing maniac inside of me speaking.  The thought of taking apart and setting up a new space is exhilarating—I know, I’m crazy!  As for the moment I do not have plans to move, but you just never know!  A space where friends and clients could shop around would be great, maybe if I………..

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I want to thank you, Christa, for not only sharing your amazing studio with us, but also for sharing your story in such great detail.  I appreciate the time and care that you put into this interview, your attention to detail is a treat!  I personally was inspired by the way that you organize everything by color, but in a very neat and clean way.  I have everything organized by color, my clothing closet included, but I can take a lesson on how neat everything is.  Thank you for your order and style advise… consider it noted.  I know you have big things that your working on and I can’t wait to hear more.  Do keep us updated and thank you again for sharing!

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♥♥Now for the special treat!♥♥

Christa would like to offer a discount to all of you for the months of October & November of 30% off your TOTAL purchase!  How sweet is that?!  The Holidays are coming and it’s time to start that shopping.  The coupon code is ChickieWillow.  She also offers discounts to people who “like” her Facebook page and “pin” her items onto their Pinterest boards.  All you need to do is convo her on Etsy and say that you “liked” her Facebook page or with the link to the pin board on Pinterest and she will send you a coupon code for 15% off your next purchase!!!  Woohoo! What a sweet gift!

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 Be sure to check out Christa’s site | Willow + Company shop | FB | Pinterest | Pillows by Willow shop | Case in Pointe | Willows Jewelry Box

guess who?

It’s almost that time again for another {studio sunday}!  Can you guess who tomorrow’s guest will be?

{studio sunday} with Twinkie Chan

I’m so excited to have the lovely Twinkie Chan as our featured guest today!  I’ve been following her and her work for sometime now and have admired her ability to maintain such success, while staying incredibly sweet!  If you know her, you know this is true.  She’s always so bright and cheery with her pink hair and stellar tattoos – and you’ll see that this carries on into her studio, as well.  Go on, take a peek!

1. How long have you been crocheting your amazing pieces?! What’s your inspiration?

guess who?

Here’s a sneak peek at this Sunday’s {studio sunday} guest and her lovely space, can you guess who it is?!  I’m so excited to share her and her space, that it makes it difficult for me to keep it hush-hush… but I must! bahahahaaha  Just look at those beautiful colors!  Anyhoo, I just wanted to tease you a bit while I go print some more Roblins for a few new upcoming products.  Night! ♥R

P.S. In case you missed last Sunday’s guest, check out Becky and her well-lit space here.

{studio sunday} with Becky of Sketch.inc

Happy Sunday!  Today we’ll be peeking into Becky Kemp’s studio to see where she creates her work for Sketch.inc.  I can’t wait for you to dive in.  Her space is so open and full of natural light, it might make you a little jealous…  I really love how she surrounds herself with lots of colorful items, many of them being her own creations!  Let’s get to it, shall we?!

1. How long have you been creating your brightly colored geometric pieces? What’s your inspiration? When did you decide to start selling your work?

I’ve been painting and Sketchbooking all my life. I have had a few gallery shows over the years but nothing that was going to enable me to dedicate a full-time job to it. I opened my Etsy Shop at the end of March last year and in April of this year gave up the day job to concentrate on my passion ‘Creating’.  My Sketchbooks chronicle every doodle and idea that pops into my head, I love Japanese animation, abstract expressionism, wrapping paper, textile patterns and anything  else I can get my hands on.

2. On to your studio, where’s it located?

I live and work in the southeast of England and my Studio is an extension at the back of the house. 11’x23’ it’s a long room with tiled flooring and large square windows giving me plenty of natural light which is vital living in the U.K and a world away from my previous Studio in a dark cottage in north Wales.

3. What’s your favorite part of your current studio space? Why?

Probably my old sofa by the window. Inspiration corner as I like to call it. Comfort is key to keeping me motivated, and yes I have fallen asleep on this sofa with pen in hand and woken to find ink all over my face. This cozy corner has everything to hand; books, wifi, TV and my favorite inspiring pieces.

4. Approximately how many hours per week do you spend in your studio?

I usually spend 60-70 hours a week in the Studio, but often take my work outside when the weather permits. The room looks out onto the garden and cornfields so it’s very peaceful when the studio decides to go al fresco. The kitchen is also at the back of the house so I don’t have far to travel for meals and the Post Office is a 10 minute walk down the road, I could not have planned it better if I had tried.

5. Do you have any tips or advice on how to maintain an inspiring and functional workspace?

Everyone works very differently. For me I like a well-lit room, to be surrounded by my favorite images, splashes of colourful stationary, iPhone docked and ready for Genius mix  and well-organized storage, the rest is often pretty chaotic to the visiting eye but at least I know where everything is even if no one else does.

6. Do you have any future plans for your studio?

I love home improvements! Some extra shelving and storage space would be great but a mini fridge next to the sofa is top of my current wish list. I would like to say that it’s for my photo emulsion and acrylics but really a few ice-cold Corona is closer to the truth for those tight deadline nights.

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Becky, thank you soooooooo much for taking the time to thoughtfully answer all of my questions.  Your answers paired with your amazing photos are truly inspiring to me and my readers.  Your studio shows the dedication that you have to create what you love and nothing less.  Keep doing what you do and I can’t wait to see what you create next!  After looking at your amazingly organized studio, I need to go clean mine… again.  haha!  Thank you again! ♥R

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Please take a moment, if you haven’t already to stop by and visit Becky.

Shop | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram: @sketchinc

sneak peek on an upcoming post

Today I wanted to share just a sneak peek of what’s to come in this Sunday’s {studio sunday} feature.  I don’t want to give too much away, but the artist is amazingly talented (as you can see) and incredibly motivated!  She’s living her creative dream in a well-lit and brightly colored studio.  I can’t wait for you to meet her and peek into her space!  ♥R

{studio sunday} with Jordan Grace Owens

Hello and welcome to another wonderful {studio sunday}!  This week I’m so excited to introduce you to the amazingly talented Jordan Grace Owens.  Jordan’s art and illustrations are sure to capture your eye and your heart the moment you see her work.  Don’t believe me?  See for yourself, here!  I really enjoy her fun and playful style.  My favorite pieces that she offers are her custom paper dolls.  That’s right! You can order your very own paper dolls to resemble whomever you’d like.  Clever girl.  So, now that you know how amazing her work is, let’s take a peek into her studio and see where all of the magic happens, shall we?!

1. Who are you and what do you do?
I’m a twenty-four year old artist and illustrator newly located in Charlottesville, Virginia. I make moveable paper dolls and candy-colored paintings.

2. Where is your studio located?
My studio is at home. I just moved into this A-frame house at the base of the blue-ridge mountains. Sometime in the 70s, the owner added a giant room on the side of the A-frame, and it functions perfectly as an at-home workspace.

3. How long have you had your current studio space?
I moved here from Greensboro, North Carolina at the beginning of May, so I’m just barely settled into the space. I was in my last at-home studio for about two and half year
4. What is your favorite part of your studio?
The huge space! My old studio was a cozy 10 x 10 foot room nestled in the front of my little 1920s apartment. My new studio feels enormous by comparison, and I’m likely to be spoiled by all the space to spread out. The room has really high ceilings, lots of windows, and even a door to the backyard. The scenery is beautiful, too. I can look up from my computer at the mountains, and often catch a few deer hanging out right outside.

5. Approximately how many hours per day do you spend in your studio?
I’m usually working somewhere between 8 and 10 hours a day.

6. Do you have any future plans for your studio space?
Since I’m newly settling in, I’m still growing into the space, and there’s one neglected wall I’m not quite sure what to do with. I’ve been scanning Craigslist hoping I’ll find a nice big flat file to put there.
7. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
There are usually a couple of cats keeping me company in my studio, although not pictured here. 

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Isn’t her new home just the absolute cutest?!  I love how open her studio is and it seems to have some great lighting.  Thank you so much, Jordan, for sharing a peek into your old studio (fourth image down) as well as sharing your new one.  It’s beautiful and I’m sure you’ll be creating lots of beautiful things there.  You are an extremely talented lady and we can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Jordan’s lovely creations here!

{studio sunday} with Manzanita

 Hello everyone! My name is Rebecca and I am the lady behind manzanita: a handmade shop and blog. I live in Boulder, CO with my new husband and little dogs. I spend most of my time trying to be as creative as possible and taking photos every step of the way. 

2. Where is your studio located?

 At home, my hubby and I bought a small mobile home a couple of years ago and for now we use the second bedroom as a shared office. It is quite the small space so we have decided that building an extra space for each of us to have our own room is something that will have to happen very soon. For now I mostly use the office as place to keep my materials and I do most of my work in the living room or at the kitchen table.

3. How long have you had your current studio space?

 About two years now.

5. Approximately how many hours per day do you spend in your studio?

In my actual studio not much. Since I work so many places, I would say I can usually bring my studio with me where ever I go. I spend about 3-5 hours a day crocheting or working on the blog. On top of a full time job! I don’t usually have a lot of free time.

6. Do you have any future plans for your studio space?

Yes! My husband and I plan on building an addition to our home this summer. If it works out the way we plan, my studio will be where our current living area is. One of the biggest and most well lit rooms of the house. I really excited about this!