Friday, July 24, 2009

My creative space...

Welcome to my little cottage office/studio!
(click any photos to enlarge)

I learned of this fun "Where Bloggers Create" party through Claudia's blog...


It's being hosted by Karen at My Desert Cottage. She thought it would be fun if we shared our little creative nooks with each other... Thanks, Karen, for a great idea!
Although it's not a very big room (smaller than 8'x10'), I am so fortunate to have a space to call my own! I recently rearranged the room, so it's a bit different from when this photo was taken. But it's still full of all the things that make me smile... artwork and signs painted by my girls, old family photos, chippy windows, and lots of junktique finds like the old green desk, the vintage tablecloth covering an old file cabinet/table, and the pink lamp(s) on top of the bookcase.

I made this bulletin board out of an old chippy window by applying cork squares to the window panes with double-sided tape...
And this is my computer/blogging corner!! (Although since recently rearranging the room, the computer now sits on the green desk, which has been moved into the corner, and the white shelving unit now sits on the other side of the room).


Here's the exact same view of the room in the early 90's! As you can see, I still have the same peachy-pink wallpaper that we put up when it was Courtney's room. Court has since moved into a larger bedroom, which pleases her to no end!

I fell in love with this chippy green desk at a sidewalk sale years ago. It's one of my all-time favorite junktique finds. Some day I'll try to get better photos because the green is much prettier than in shows here...


Photos of the girls are tucked under the glass desk top, as well as some cottagey placemats that match my no-sew window valance. I painted some old black/grey office supplies so I'd have a more cottage-friendly stapler and pencil sharpener. And my best friend (the fan) is never far away!


Okay, if I ever clean/rearrange my bookcase shelves, I promise I'll show you. But trust me when I say you would not be impressed with them in their current state! I can at least show you the top of the bookcase... I got the vintage lamps & shades for a song at a second-hand store that, unfortunately, is no longer in business... Boy, do I miss that place!
There are a lot of handmade things in my office, including this eye pottery that Amanda made in high school. I think it's so unique!
I also have a small "Mary" collection in my office... A thrifted Mary sits on top of a hand-painted cigar box....

...while an old ceramic Mary (that once belonged to my Mom) hangs on the wall. Isn't the swag of crosses sweet? I got them from Lori at Katie's Rose Cottage a couple of years ago (I love her shop! The CREATE sign hanging from the mirror over the bookcase was also from her shop!)...
On the old white shelving unit (that used to house the computer), I now have a special shelf with an old Mary paint-by-number, a vintage chalkware Mary statue, a little plastic shrine (that the girls bought for me many years ago), and my mom's and nana's Mass cards in little white frames. My (black kitty) Mr. B's ashes are in the blue urn (actually a cotton ball dispenser), and little animal figurines are reminders of some of the sweet fur babies we've had. So all in all, my office/studio is filled with special memories and things that make me happy.


And about that valance that conceals the shade ... Since I have no talent in the sewing department (do you give lessons, Claudia?), I just folded 3 placemats, side-by-side, over a curtain rod and then folded crocheted doilies over the areas where the placemats overlapped. Easy breezy (it has to be for me! ha ha)
I'm looking forward to visiting everyone else's creative spaces!
Donna

35 comments:

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi Donna!

You have an awesome workspace! LOVE that green desk of yours, so much inspiration to motivate you. And such a wonderful large window so you can see your gardens. Very nice Donna!

Your post on the squirrel underpants was adorable!! He had such envy in his little eye... he wanted them, no doubt!

Hugs, Sherry

Dawn said...

Your creative place is so cute, Donna! I love all the sweet cottage touches and personal items. I bet you really enjoy spending time there.
Dawn

Anonymous said...

I love all the flowers near the ceiling above your computer area! It's a sweet, snuggly, girly corner and I can see why you enjoy it so much! Thanks for sharing it.

DI
The Blue Ridge Gal

Connie said...

Just stunning and gorgeous, sugar!! I'm just starting the tour today and loving yours so much. Darling, honey.
xoxo,
Connie

The Curious Cat said...

What a lovely creative space - it is clear that it brings you a lot of joy - as it should! Like how you have family photos under the glass -my dad does that too! That photo to show how it was before is sweet too and I love the green desk and eye pottery!

Lori said...

I love your space! It's so airy and comfy looking. Love the colors as well. I need to come back when I have more time and become inspired----again!

Angie said...

I think you have a wonderful creative space! I like how you have tried to use every inch to your advantage. I try to do the same thing. My favorite things are the window bulletin board and that antique desk with the pics under the glass. Thanks for sharing!

Claudia said...

I love your space, Donna. It is so fun to see where you blog - and I understand it is now at the green desk! I love that you painted your stapler, etc - to pretty them up. What a great idea and one I'm going to steal! All your animals and family photos and your pet's ashes - all of it is so dear to you and that is what makes your space so wonderful. I also love what you did with the window to make it into a bulletin board. You are so clever, my friend!

xo
Claudia

Lisa said...

THIS IS SO LOVELY, AND I AM GLAD FOR YOU FRIEND.
THANKS FOR SHARING

HUGS FROM MAINE

Lisa said...

Oh my! Your space is amazing!! The green desk is to die for!!!
Thanks for sharing!
Hugs, Lisa

Phyllis said...

I like your space a lot. It's not too packed with stuff but still gives you that warm fuzzy feeling with all the inspirations.

~Becca~Bluebird Rose said...

Your creative space is beautiful; love the colors! Especially the desk!!
I am having a giveaway on my blog tomorrow ~ Christmas in July ~ would love for you to stop by!
(it's PINK :)
~Becca~

Luisa Migon said...

I'm here to say hello and visit your space! Lovely and charming place!!! And the view from window... WOW!

Stephanie said...

Oh my gosh...I'm going to have to visit ALL of the creative spaces...how FUN!! I love your Mary collection, it's wonderful!

I tagged you over at my blog...I hope you will "play"!

Take Care, Stephanie

Unknown said...

we should all be surrounded by things we love and make us smile! wouldn't the world be a much better place if everyone lived by that rule?
http://randommusingsfrommypov.com

tamlovesran said...

I don't really have my own workspace, but if I did I would want it to look a lot like yours. It's beautiful!

Tammy

Unknown said...

You have a fabulous spot to create! Love your room just for crafting! I would love a space just for creating! :)

Brenda Pruitt said...

You have a lovely, cozy little spot in which to create. It doesn't matter how big or small the room is. We fill the space with beloved mementos and yes, are glad to have it! Love the cork window and the special little touches. I have my Pepper not far from me in the box from the crematory. Yes, we don't stray far from our pet babies, in life or death, do we?
Brenda

Joan@anythinggoeshere said...

Love the desk. What a great workspace you have. So many pretty things to look at while you create.

Unknown said...

WOW...firstly so PRETTY but also HOW TIDY??? I'm Annie and a newbie! I have been reading blogs in the shadows for some time! I Love your blog and have it on my fav list, so now I have just started my own blog- (yesterday in fact!!) I thought I would pop over from the UK to say hello!!
Have to say that green desk is just Gorgeous, A great find!
Hope you can visit my blog sometime whe you are not busy, would love some advice or feedback from overseas! Take care x

Marina Capano said...

Hi Donna!
What a cute space you have!
I love it!

xoxo

Anonymous said...

I would die for that huge wonderful window in your studio. My studio is in the basement, so I just have one teensy little window. I love your furry friends, you are obviously an animal lover. I have three Maine Coon cats and cannot imagine life without my critters. THanks for sharing.

www.queenmarcyoriginals.typepad.com

Mary Ellen said...

Every time I come here you have something adorable. I LOVE your workspace, it's quaint, cheery, and ever so interesting. I could spend my whole life in that room.

The tributes to your Mom and Grandmother through Our Lady, makes it even more special. (I always loved the one over the box).

Enjoy that window, I'm envious!

Mary Ellen

Sandy said...

Your cottage is indeed enchanted! I love that chippy old desk! Thank you for sharing where you create.

AliGripp said...

You have a beautiful studio! Your desk is just darling!! I want it! I also love the Marys they are so pretty! Such great personal touches!! Thank you for sharing!

Anne said...

I like how you did the valance. It looks professionally made in the photos. I have been looking for vintage valance ideas.
I just love your Mary collection to.

Her Art Nest said...

Hi Donna, Your work room/creative space is beautiful! I like the shabby chic look you have going. That is what I really would like to have in mine, but sometimes you just have to work with what you have (if you know what I mean). I love it! ~Nan

Jean Tuthill said...

I love the cottage look that the room has, the green desk is so perfect and I really like the other cottage themes that you have in there. It looks so cozy and so neat!

Mary S. Hunt said...

you have a lovely creative space and cottage!

the green desk is quite a find!!

Jane said...

I am still trying to get to all the beautiful creative spaces and I am glad I finally got to yours (I started at the bottom and worked my way up!) I loved your space. I can see why your green desk is one of your favorite finds. The framed Mass cards are such a wonderful addition to your fabulous collection of Mary's. Thanks for sharing.

DMG said...

Love your studio and your green desk is my favorite piece of all! I also enjoyed the photographs of your butterfly bush very much.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Donna
Your workspace is so nice and I love your Mary collection.

I hope you are having a fantatic summer --rain and all! We're having the same weather.

Hugs, Pat

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Beautiful workspace and I too love a rescued pet. Of course mine are bunnies. Will follow your blog and your adventures! Love it all!
bunny hugs,
shell

June said...

I am finally getting around to see your beautiful creative space. It is beautiful. I am loving this studio hopping.
Smiles,
June

. said...

Hello. I love your space! I was wondering if you remember where you got your white shelf from? And did you paint it or did it come white?
Thank you for sharing! =)