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Mar, 14Manzanita Calligraphy Workshop #1
This past Saturday I was a student in Rebecca Caridad’s very first Calligraphy Workshop in Boulder, CO. There were only 7 of us and we had a fun time learning the basics of Calligraphy. I’ve only practiced once since the class, due to my studio currently being re-done. Once I get it all in order, I plan to put my pen to paper and really get to know my style of writing. That’s the beauty of it – just because you learn something, doesn’t mean that you can’t bend, or even break, the rules. I’m pretty good at breaking rules… so, stay tuned for that. Until then, check out a few snapshots that Rebecca’s younger sister took of our workshop here.
I’ve put a hold on making anything this week, so that I can focus on getting my new studio all sorted out. I really have to have a clean, bright and inspiring place to create. Otherwise, I find it difficult to stay focused. Anyone else have this problem? Anyhoo, the most challenging part of the studio will be getting my 120-drawer Library Catalog, that my dad gave me, out of the garage and up the staircase. I dusted and cleaned it really well, so it’s ready to be moved in. Wish me luck!
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Jul, 12Summer Horseshoe Market 2012
I’m so excited for this months vintage + handmade market! My mom and I have been busy making all sorts of goodies for Saturday July 14th here in Denver, CO. So, if you’re around, definitely stop by and say hello! It runs from 9am-4pm at 4345 W. 46th Ave. Denver, CO 80212, in the parking lot behind Olinger Moore Chapel. It’s an outdoor market featuring over 115 Colorado artists, crafters and vintage collectors — with food trucks, interactive crafting and so much more! For more information go to http://www.horseshoemarket.com
I’ll have some new items there and some sales, so I hope to see you there! ♥rl
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Aug, 11{studio sunday} with Alejandra of Doe a Deer
Meet Alejandra of Doe a Deer! Today we will be peeking into her studio to see where she makes all of her cute dog collars, leashes, bags and zipper pouches. Yay! Alejandra and I met not too long ago and what drew me to her blog was her complete honesty. She writes about what she knows, and she doesn’t try to impress. Ironic how that becomes impressive and very refreshing, isn’t it?! She’s a very sweet and creative soul, so let’s see what makes her tick…
1. Who are you and what do you create/do?
My name is Alejandra, and I own a small business; Doe a Deer–I create accessories for women and their dogs, including purses, pouches and clutches; collars, leashes and doggie bandanas! I offer more muted styles, but most of what you’ll find is bright and boisterous–something that will call everyone’s attention.
2. Where is your studio located? (in your home or somewhere else?)
As of right now, I just have a small home studio–about 500 sq ft. We live in an apartment and don’t have much furniture, so I fill up the entire space of what would be the living & dining rooms.
3. How long have you had your current studio space?
As long as we’ve lived here–about nine months. And we’re due to move again. (sigh!)
4. What is your favorite part of your studio?
Tables. You can definitely never have enough. I like to have one for sewing and organizing the queue of things to be sewn, and one for cutting. Storage would have to be my second most favorite, and of course you can never have enough of that, either! When you make a myriad of different things, it’s a lot of fun trying to find items that will fit best–right now I’m using a large coat rack that I got for $3 at Goodwill to hang the bags I make.
5. Approximately how many hours per day do you spend in your studio?
12+. Being the sole mind & creative force behind any small business is harder than you could ever imagine, but so worth it.
6. Do you have any future plans for your studio space? (i.e. revamp, new location, etc.)
New location, please! Right now my significant other is job hunting, so it’s possible we could relocate to the other side of the country! We’ll just have to wait and see. My wish list for a new studio: A dedicated room with beautiful wood floors, large windows (skylights a plus), vaulted ceilings, and built in bookshelves & storage. A girl can dream, no?
7. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
I hope you’ll visit me at my blog, Doe a Deer. I love making new friends and sharing our adventures!
Thank you so much for sharing your space with us, Alejandra! I love how you work with what you have. I feel that our studio spaces are always evolving and growing. While in college, I too used the dining room, in our one-bedroom apartment, as my complete studio. Our apartment was small, but the Mr. and I made it work. I really have to thank him for putting up with that mess for two years! Your space is great and I hope that you will let me know if you move and get a new space! Please share!
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Jul, 11{studio sunday} with Dana aka Crafty Minx
Hello and happy Sunday! I’d like you to meet Dana from Crafty Minx. She’s a sweet and colorful lady with lots to share on her blog. She has great tutorials and tips, so be sure to check out her blog after this. I have to say that I’m very impressed and inspired by Dana’s studio. The first thing that caught my eye, obviously, was the color of the walls paired with pops of color here and there. I could get lost in her studio for days and still not lack in things to do. I love the “kitschy” feel of her space and she has really made it her own. On that note, let’s get to know her a bit better and peek into her studio space.
1. Who are you and what do you create/do?
I’m Dana Beach from craftyminx.com. As my name suggests, I flirt with a lot of crafts. I knit, crochet, embroider, scrapbook, paint, spin, sew, and occasionally quilt. I am currently working on a 365 project where I crochet a granny square a day.
2. Where is your studio located? (in your home or somewhere else?)
My studio is in my house, it used to be the laundry room, but was converted to an art/music studio by previous owners so it just seemed logical that I use the space for a studio as well.
3. How long have you had your current studio space?
For 5 years. It has gone through quite the transformation since I first moved in.
4. What is your favorite part of your studio?
My pink walls!
5. Approximately how many hours per day do you spend in your studio?
1-3 when I’m doing work that requires a desk, but most of the time I work in the living room because it’s more comfortable for crochet and embroidery. At times like that the room is a great, inspiring storage space, which I need because many crafts requires many supplies and a place to store them.
6. Do you have any future plans for your studio space? (i.e. revamp, new location, etc.)
Right now I’m pretty happy with it. I just did a big revamp last year (you can see a before and after pic here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
7. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
You can see all of my work on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/
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May, 11{studio sunday} Alexz of Bird Trouble
I’m so excited for today’s {studio sunday} feature!! I’d like you to meet Alexz from Bird Trouble. Today we get to peek into her fabulous studio space and learn a bit more about her. So, read on…
Where did Bird Trouble come from?
The word Bird Trouble came to me from one of my favorite songs in high school from a British band. The word bird is a British slang for girl but after doing a little more research, I learned that it meant ‘Sweetheart’ more than just an ordinary girl. Combining that with trouble just reminded me so much of myself, haha. I feel that my personality and my products give a little “trouble” but still remain sweet. Not that I’m trouble! Well…… that’s not true… haha!
1. Who are you and what do you create?
Hello friends and friends to be! I’m Alexz. I’m 24 years old and I live in a very full apartment in Chicago, Illinois. I’m obsessed with squirrels and I need to be creative 95% of my daily time. That being said, I am the lady behind Bird Trouble handmade shop and blog. I create [mostly one of kind] shoulder bags and accessories out of fabric and leather goods [new material and vintage materials] with my sturdy vintage Kenmore sewing machine. I also like to paint, play with clay, and sketch.
2. Where is your studio located? (in your home or somewhere else?)
Currently, I enjoy being creative in a cramped style. In my apartment. Well, in mine and my boyfriend’s room to be exact, so that my other roommates don’t have to deal with my craft mess all the time. I do leave my fabrics and any other notions around the apartment’s living, though.
3. How long have you had your current studio space?
I moved my desk to our bedroom [from the living room] before this past winter. I’ve been living in this current apartment since last August. Yikes, I’m such a wanderer that I’ve probably had over 7 different craft spaces in a few different homes in the past 2 and half years! I do love it though, for now.
4. What is your favorite part of your studio?
I can’t choose! I mean, I know it’s my bedroom and all… and I love everything in here. If I had to choose a few different things though: 1] my desk from Ikea. My boyfriend, James, drilled a hole in one of the drawers and put this sweet door knob that I purchased from Anthropologie a few years back. I’ve been wanting to use it ever since but wanted to save it for something special. It’s definitely meant for my desk and I think it’s awesome that my boyfriend put it on. 2] my vintage magicians suit case. YES! A magicians suit case! Not only does it look fricken’ awesome but it’s practical for me to stash all the fabric and leather scraps that I’m using constantly. 3] my inspiration cork board. My boyfriend also made this for me. Randomly came home one day and it was on the wall. It’s perfect for hanging my design sketches, inspirational color schemes, and some small drafting patterns.
5. Approximately how many hours per day do you spend in your studio?
HAHA, way too many. I honestly think I’ve sat in the living room 1 time in the past 2 months. I just really like my room and the privacy I have in it. It’s also right next to the kitchen… so that may be why. I don’t watch cable TV so there’s no point in being in the living room unless we have guests. I normally go to my day job, work long hours, and come straight into my room to creative and watch Netflix. When I get my own place, that will change.
6. Do you have any future plans for your studio space? (i.e. revamp, new location, etc.)
When our lease is up in August… myself, James, Ty [our dog], and Detective Bacon Cheeseburger [our cat] plan on finding a vintage space here in Chicago with 1 bedroom and hopefully an outdoor back deck area. We plan on sleeping in the living room with some sort of curtain room divider so that we can utilize the only bedroom for work space to share. It’s so funny how it’s all planned out in my head already.
7. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
This was fun! I hope everyone enjoyed reading a tad bit about myself and reading about my work space. I want to encourage everyone to check out my blog and if anyone wants to network, please contact me because I’d love to chit chat!
That was fun! Thank you Alexz for allowing us to peek into your creative space! Check her out and spread the love. As always, if you’d like to be featured and share your creative studio space (no matter how big or small) shoot me an email at robbielee {at} chickiedee {dot} com!
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Apr, 11{inspiration} vol.4
Happy Thursday all! Here are some lovely and very inspiring images and crafts to carry you through the rest of the day. Enjoy!
Learn how to make these Crepe Paper Flowers over at How About Orange!
Learn how to make these Tiny Polaroid Magnets over at Ambrosia Girl!
Learn how to make this fancy (and easy) signage over at Family Chic!
See other ways that Doilies can be used over at Grace and Ivy!
…Bacon Toffee… ‘nough said. Find the recipe over at Cherry Tea Cakes!
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Apr, 11Crafty Peep Swap
Hey all! Yesterday I joined Becky and Amber’s Crafty Peep Swap, you should join too! The dead line to join is April 15th and your craft has to be finished by April 29th to be swapped on time! Click here for all of the details!
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Apr, 11{humpday tutorial} Paper Posies
This Petite Paper Posies Tutorial from Craft Snob is right up my ally! These are perfect for Springtime and they are very easy and inexpensive to make. The best part, is that you probably have all of the supplies laying around already. This would be a great gloomy day project to pull out your extra paper scraps and get busy!
Be sure to visit the Craft Snob for the complete how-to!
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Feb, 11{studio sunday} Becky from Strumpet’s Crumpets
Hey all! it’s that time again where I take a little peek into someone’s studio space, Yay! I stumbled upon Becky’s blog, Strumpet’s Crumpets, a few months ago and instantly fell in love. I thought to myself, this girl and I have a lot in common, so why not invite her to share her studio space with all of us! Becky happily agreed, and that’s how this sweet little post came to be. Before we dive into her space, I wanted to share a little tidbit on how she named her blog (‘cuz it’s a cute story!). Becky and her sis talk about opening up a cute little tea shop, and one day Becky came up with the name Strumpet’s Crumpets. At first I didn’t get the depth of this, I just thought it was cute. But as I read on about her, I realized that it’s quite a funny play on words. A Strumpet is a female prostitute, so when you mix that with Crumpets (as in tea and crumpets), you get pure creativity and quirkiness! I personally love it and no, Becky and her sis are not Strumpets by any means, it’s just funny.
So, on that light note, I introduce to you some photos from Becky’s studio space in Florida. Enjoy!
Here are a few of my questions that Becky answered about her and her sweet space:
1. Tell me who you are and what you do.
Hello My Name is Becky Farley! I blog all about my crafts and adventures on Strumpet’s Crumpets! I love to constantly have a project in my hands – crocheting, sewing, embroidering, you name it!
2. What is your favorite part about your work space?
I love that my craft room is right at home, though honestly it spills out into the living room OFTEN!! But who’s doesn’t?! I love that I can share my love of crafts with my fiancé’s little boy, he’s 6 and is quite the crafter! I’m very thankful to come home after a long day at work and craft my heart out!
3. How long have you had your current work space?
I’ve had my current work space for over a year! It’s ever changing!
4. How do you stay inspired in your work space?
First I open the curtains to let all the natural light in, check my favorite blogs, turn on my favorite tunes and go to town! 🙂
I want to thank Becky for allowing us to take a peek into her creative and colorful studio! It was a blast. Be sure to visit her cute little blog and I’ll see you later!
♥ RL
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Feb, 10{Humpday Tutorial} Fabric Pom Poms
Aren’t these just fabulous?! I think they would be great for a baby shower, birthday, anniversary, you name it! The full tutorial can be found at Once Wed and they are so easy to make! Enjoy! xoxo RobbieLee
