Friday, September 10, 2010

Studio Makeover

After working in my half studio half guest bedroom for 5 years I decided I really needed to change the layout to become more effecient in my workspace.  I also wanted to create a place that presented a professional appearance for local clients.

BEFORE - A small antique desk acted as my work surface and I sat on an antique wooded chair with no wheels.  Oh the back aches I would get!!  A full size bed took up half of the room.  I had boxes of all my supplies stacked under the bed and in the closet.  I spent more time finding the supplies I needed to create my pieces than actually working on my jewelry.


AFTER - The first thing I purchsed was a great ergonomic chair for my desk.  No more back aches! Then of course I needed to find a larger work surface.  About the time I was ready to purchase my desk, I happened to be out walking and came across a garage sale and there it was!! The most perfect desk that was under about 7 layers of dirt and grime.  It needed lots of TLC but for $15 I couldn't pass it up! I refinished the surface and painted the legs to match the other pieces in the studio.  Once that was done I concentrated on eliminating the bed.  I found a great comvertible sofa and gave the bed to my neice.  The last thing I did was purchase storage containers for all my beading supplies and finished products.   Some of the cabinets were from the automotive department at a discount store and work perfect for storing my beads!  I love the fact that I did all the work myself including painting the walls and installing the window treatments.

My new studio looks great and everything is within reach and well organized!  No more wasted time trying to find the right supplies.  I even had enough space to create a mini mailing center.  I won't hesitate inviting clients over now. 

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Summer Fun!

My granddaughter invited me to her elementary school today for the annual "Special Persons Day" Picnic. It was the perfect day for a picnic; sunny and not too hot.  Here is proud Nana and Alexandra enjoying our special time together.

I made her favorite food, PBJ (Peanut Butter Jelly) Sandwiches. To make it more fun, I cut the sandwiches up into little figures. O.K. I'm not a gourmet cook, but she loved them and ate them both!! I couldn't believe it!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Summer Accents

These eco-friendly natural candleholders created by NaturesCabinet are made from pieces of driftwood and have a rustic, organic style. They complement any home décor! You can find lots of wonderful summer inspired creations at http://www.etsy.com/shop/NaturesCabinet

Monday, June 21, 2010

Seaside Themed Decor

Pillows are the easiest and least expensive way to refresh and update a room. Here is a beautiful cotton pillow adorned with an assortment of charming blue seashells.  It can really add that coastal feel to your home or patio! This wonderful pillow was created by SeashellCollection http://www.etsy.com/shop/SeashellCollection

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Another Summer Find

I am always looking for new soaps at different times of the year.  Here is Marine Street Beach Soap - by Pacific Paradise Soap Company! http://www.etsy.com/shop/PacificParadiseSoap

Summer is Here!!

I'll be searching for those wonderful summer inspired creations and sharing them with you.  Here is a wonderful seaside inspired scarf handpainted by my friend who owns OceanAvenueSilks http://www.oceanavenuesilks.etsy.com/ on Etsy.  Be sure to check out her shop.

A Few Summer Creations

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

My First Video

Thanks to fellow CCCOE teammate IndyAndCleo http://www.etsy.com/shop/IndyAndCleo I learned how to create a short video. I kept with the summer theme. Check it out :-)