Thursday, June 30, 2011

Studio tour – part two!

Thank you so much for your positive feedback about both my new studio space, and my new blog-look! You really know how to make a girl’s day!


I have made a few changes to my blog which I hope you will find useful. If you would prefer to receive my posts via email or RSS feed you can now do so. The buttons for both are situated on the top right of my side bar. My blog address is also different – I am now a “Dot Com” instead of a “Blogger Dot Com”… but don’t worry if you still visit me via blogger – you will be redirected automatically. It’s all good stuff!!


Studio reindeer vignette sepia


We’re on the countdown to school holidays here in Victoria, with only two more days to go before the kids are home for a couple of weeks! For me, that means making the very most of my serenity *giggle* which has been easy to do these past few days since losing my voice!! But every cloud has a silver lining… at least I don’t have to listen to the sound of my own dulcet tones! My singing voice always sounds SO MUCH better when I’ve got headphones on… but better for everyone all round when I can’t sing at all!! I find it hilarious that I can evacuate a room after uttering just a few notes!!


studio domed voltive pic


Would you like the second instalment of my studio tour!?


Studio cabinet




On the left-hand side of my desk is a pine buffet containing UFO’s, paints and paper crafts, and other tools that don’t necessarily get used on a regular basis. One drawer contains finished magazine projects (to keep them dust-free) and the other is devoted to the creation of fairy dolls! There are batiks, yarns and different kinds of ‘skin’ fabrics together with an array of other ‘sparklies’ for making iridescent wings!


I also use the space in front of the buffet to put up my ironing board when I’m working on projects that require a lot of pressing. It’s great to just swivel my chair, lower the ironing board to my level, and then swivel back to my desk to continue sewing, without having to leave my seat. Although I’m not getting the exercise from walking to the kitchen to use the facilities, it sure is a good time-saver!


I unified the colour of my magazine holders so with the exception of one, they are all white. They house my collection of Australian Homespun magazines, plus pattern books, painting books and business information.


Studio fabric storage


I have always loved how quilting shops display their fat quarters and wanted to recreate something interesting at home as best I could. What you see above is a small wooden shelf/cabinet that I’ve placed on its back so there are two columns to store fabric. You can see this shelf/cabinet in the final photo of my last post – sitting on the shelf above my desk.


Studio thread storage


I keep my sewing threads in these wee plastic tubs purchased for a couple of dollars from a two-dollar shop!


Studio surround 2


The pretty wooden painted shabby box on top left of my shelf can be seen in more detail in this post. I store my paints within. The two sewing totes contain trims and needlework projects. You can read more about them here and here. The picture on the wall was gifted to me by a dear friend and I love how the birdcage in the picture ties in with the wren perched on top of the iron stand! The door on the left leads out to our garage so I try and keep the walkway clear – not always easy!!!


I needed somewhere to showcase all the gorgeous hanging gifties that I’ve received from creative friends over the past few years and found an iron “bird stand” very cheaply in a two-dollar shop (pictured centrally in the above photo). I am yet to get a decent close-up shot of it!


Studio fabric tubs


There is a plastic storage system in between my desk and the buffet. I covered it in a large remnant of white tablecloth fabric so that the scheme would remain neutral and look tidy. My fabric tubs are all labelled… and I have added a plant for some greenery. I have to admit – the plant is plastic! I’ve always considered plastic plants rather vulgar, preferring the healing qualities of the real deal… but this one looks SO real…and I didn’t want to be getting my fabrics wet while watering! So I cheated!!


The great thing about purchasing an office desk was that the drawers were already set up with dividers. the narrow top drawer houses my rulers, rotary cutters and stationary:


Studio top drawer


The second has dividers in it, probably for CD storage. They are just the right size for housing fat quarters, but I needed to store my sewing essentials. I discovered that plastic storage tubs (the kind that are used to contain fast food) were the perfect size. You can buy them so cheaply at just $2 for a pack of four! I’m also a bit of a label-queen. I label anything I can get my hands on – so don’t stand still for too long!!! I might just get ya!!


Studio second drawer




Quilting gloves, measuring tape, plug for the light box and of course, the infamous labeller are kept in the left divider. Here’s some of the rest:


Studio plastic tub storage 2


I haven’t photographed my bottom drawer, it has hanging files and contains my own designs, patterns and business information.


Lastly, in front of my monitor sits my treasured pincushion which you can read more about here. I keep paperclips in the wee white metal bucket that I picked up from Spotlight last Easter. My IPod station is plugged in here too, so I can listen to my favourite tunes while I sew.


Studio ipod station


It has taken me about three months to get this space organised. I tell you this because I can quite often be a “jump in with both feet” kind of a person! Honestly, If I’d had a crystal ball at the end of last year I would not think this transformation possible. But it is! By looking for bargains in sales and opportunity shops (that’s how this all came about in the first place) and realising the potential in everyday items, and repurposing what you have… it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to transform a space. Thrifting and planning have certainly been my two best friends during this process!


All of the nick-nacks I have shown you (lamp, storage tubs, CD boxes, magazine holders, cake stands, shelves, iron bird stand etc…) and the desk and paint for it – have together cost me less than $250. It sure has been a lot cheaper to get the studio of my dreams than I thought it would be!


So there you have it - Dreams DO come true - I hope that yours do, too!!


Till next time! Hugs! Vikki xx

15 comments:

Anne said...

Looks very wonderful Vikki - stuff of dreams :0). Hope you enjoy many creative hours in that space.

By Hoki Quilts said...

OK Vicki, it's official - yu have put me to shame. My sewing space doesn't have even a little fingers worth of class like yours - it's gorgeous.
hugs
Miche'le

Fiona said...

Great workspace... it will be wonderful for all that creativity!
Hugz

Jo in TAS said...

OOOh I love that iron hanger, great display!!

Vicki ♥ said...

It all looks really good Vik and a real credit to your wonderful and imaginative mind :) It shows how clever you are :) Love it all and I could sit in there and just dream away my time :) Hugs Vicki xx

Jenny of Elefantz said...

This just panders to my need to organise everything! Love it all, sweet Vik!! You have a gorgeous space to play in now. :-)
Hugs
Jen
xxx

Sunnybec said...

I am in love with your pincushion! How beautiful is that, I went to have a look how to make it...I think I may need some more experience in sewing before I can tackle anything like that.. how clever is your friend!

barb's creations said...

Love the rest of your tour,it looks lovely.I'm going to be getting into mine this weekend and slowly do my own makeover thanks for the inspiration :) Barb.

Simone de Klerk said...

Lieve Vikki, you truly did a wonderful job changing your lovely working space.
It is so inspiring, that I have the feeling I must soon start too!
Wish I could come over and have a look at all the loveliness!!!

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Yes, dreams do come true Vikki and I'm so pleased that your long awaited creative space has turned out so perfect. You deserve it!!

Can't wait to see what inspiring gorgeousness you are cooking up my sweet.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Anonymous said...

Hi Vicki, WHere did you get your desk? I'm looking for one just like it, I'm a eastern suburbs girl like you
levay1@bigpond.com

Jeanette said...

Thanks for sharing more of your transformation Vikki. It's given me inspiration to make my space more organised. Hugs,

Larissa said...

SO beautiful - once again you have taken my breath away with your sewing area Vikki!!
I can't wait for the day when I can have a space like this! Hugs xo.

Anonymous said...

You studio is great, really beautiful. I would love to come visit you and look at your studio.

Sparky said...

very nice indeed..is that a sheep pin cushion? love your spot...x

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