About Me

My photo
Sublimity, OR, United States
****WELCOME FRIENDS****
I am artist of texture and color. I enjoy working with textiles, mixed media and the graphic arts. I am an avid cottage gardener with a love for pass along plants and big fluffy pink peonies and pink roses. Many of my tangible creations reflect my love of the garden and all its wonderful colors. I have been selling my creations online since 2002 beginning as a hobby. After 10 years I quit the day job to pursue my art as a full time passion.

11 July 2013

My Creative Studio

Nope, I am not going for pretty in my working studio! My goal has always been function with plenty of space. Since we are empty nesters, I am afforded the opportunity to use the 2nd largest bedroom as my work space. Facing south with large windows, there is plenty of natural light as well as a view of lovely farmland and mountains. I have to admit, I did clean up a little. Well, it must have been a lot as the hubs came in and said it was really nice in here. The upside is that I got all the thread and little scraps of fabric off the rug!

Keyword: INSPIRE
Greets me each morning

 I snapped this photo in the evening, I couldn't get enough back light during the day to show the entire room. Basically my creative space is divided into 3 parts. Textile and Sewing; Mixed Media; Graphic Arts and Home Office. I have a monster of a corner desk. It was a good idea and functioned well 8 years ago when I was working a day job that required me to have home office space for work related storage. Now that I am 100% self employed, I really don't need this big desk, so being one who strives to work with what I already have, I reconfigured this desk to a peninsula style. It serves as wrapping and mailing station as well as extra space for big projects

 Above is my sewing and textile art center. My big table is one of those folding cutting tables--I hated those black legs, so I got some decorator Velcro and added fabric panels for a skirt. I can store a lot out of sight under that table! Again, you will see that I organize with what I already have or can pick up real cheap. I have 2 idea boards that were garage sale bulletin boards that I covered with fabric. My large ironing board was 10 bucks at a garage sale down the street. It was a real score.
  I love that I can look outside when I am sewing. Both the thread rack and the cup caddie were tag sale finds too. I saved baby food jars when my granddaughters were babies, they make perfect button jars that I can organize by color.
 I have 2 closets. One side is packing and mailing boxes. Above is my fabric storage. I will admit cleaning this up a bit paid off. I found some fabric I forgot I had (aka new project!) and decided I could fit more fabric (aka time to buy more!)

 The opposite side of the room I have set up for Mixed Media and just about any other project that strikes me. I also store quite a bit of my selling inventory too .I do shows now and then, so many of those display fixtures are part of my office store too.

 This is where the graphic art and home office happens (obviously) Since I ditched the day job, I have seriously expanded the graphic art part of my total business. It's fun to create with the old images of the early 20th century. I have become hooked on postcards that date 1900-1950. The artists of that era were incredibly talented!

 Lastly, I pulled up the blinds to snap a pic of what I see out my studio window in our Oregon summer. We have wheat and grass seed fields on 2 sides. It is hard to see, but we also have beautiful mountains in the distance. This pic was taken in the morning, but the mountains are much more defined in the evening.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my creative studio!

70 comments:

Stephanie said...

Your workplace is lovely! I especially like the tea cups and pretty china plates decorating the walls - a sweet touch :) Thanks for sharing with us.

Enjoy your weekend.

Hugs!

The Polka Dot Closet said...

You are a girl after my own heart! I call MY creative space "Totally utilitarian", I can't work among clutter. I cannot believe how you have created so many totally functioning areas in your room, great job, now I know how you turn out such great products!

Carol

Maureen Hayes said...

I. Just read the above comment and laughed because I had intended to start,y comment with,"you are a girl after my own heart". . . Lol! I LOVE all the "pretty" rooms on the tour, and I dream of one, but I too, use what I have and like things to be functional. You have not only a great space, but a beautiful view. Thanks so much for sharing your creative space with us!

Silvia said...

Fabulous space. It looks so bright and above all tidy! But I do wonder how you can work with a vie like that!!!???? I'd be way to tempted to just sit and stare

sweet violets said...

What a nice work space you've made for yourself!!! Love the tea cup shelf and.......the view!!!

Something Special said...

oh so functional, organized and plenty of pretty in there too!

marie said...

Wonderful creative space! I love how you've created "stations" through out the space, and I really love all that nice flat surface you have to work on.

Having the word INSPIRE displayed so prominently is nice...I think I could use that kind of reminder!

StasaLynn said...

Wow! What an awesome desk... but that view! I am a bit jealous. I love that you found fabric you forgot you had! That is awesome. I think your space is beautiful and functional.... You have some great whimsy with your teacups and button jars. Thank you for sharing and I am now following you. See you later and have fun visiting!

Sandra Kaye said...

Nice view!!! Love it your space too:):) Thanks for sharing!!

Anonymous said...

That is a nice creative place. I like the "mannequin" in a corner and the view from your studio window is beautiful, peaceful. You must enjoy very much your creative space.

Hélène

Art and Sand said...

Your workspace is wonderful and I love your view.

I will have to explore more to see what you sell. I am impressed that you were able to quit your day job.

Unknown said...

very nice space debbie.. love your views... and the teacups are fab!

Betty said...

I love what you did to your room and the words Inspire above the window is perfect.

Sugar Lump Studios said...

What an awesome place to work! I love how you incorporated function and treasures. The view from your window is amazing too!
Thanks for sharing!

Nancy
www.sugarlumpstudios.com

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What a great creative space and a great view, Debbi! How could anyone not be inspired just standing in this room. I had to laugh about your cleaning up your fabric and finding some you forgot about. I also did a fabric clear out about a month ago. Now at least I can see what I've got and I am determined to use it! I love how you've sectioned off your space for different things. I need to find some small jars to go through my buttons and separate them as to color. That can be one of the things I do for next year's party! : )

Unknown said...

Great working space, large is great!

Michele

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Oh I love your creative space. With such a lovely view, I'd never get anything done!

Blessings always

Chris Flynn said...

Just lovely, Debbie.... the view outside your window is sooo inspiring. You can see sky. My view is of the dense redwoods, with teenie bits of sky peeking through. I love your work stations and will visit back many times this year.
Sweet Blessings, Chris

Valery Klassen said...

Wow, I love your studio and all your pretty fabrics. You have such a beautiful view. Lucky you! Valery

Cathy said...

What a lovely room and I love your blog! Love the wall with the china and your fabulous dressform!

Cathy ♥

Lori said...

I love your creative space. Like you, I use what I have and reconfigure it. I especially love your teacup display and the INSPIRE 'sign'. Thanks for sharing your lovely room.

Teri said...

Oh I can see this blog hop is going to be a bit of a problem for me!! So many gorgeous ideas!!! Your room is awesome and that killer view!!! Lucky you!!! I love your "inspire", I think I may have to add that to my little room! Enjoy!
Teri

Unknown said...

Olenty of light in your room. So beautiful and fresh.
Best wishes
Selenarte

ImagiMeri said...

Lovely studio Debbi, I enjoyed visiting as you seem to have some of the same interests as me.

Come on over and visit!

Hugs,
Meri

Gwen Simmons said...

Very nice, and oh so organized. Thanks for sharing. I also like the idea of using what I already have for new purposes. Adaptation and innovation are truly creative abilities.

Kathy said...

Your space looks so easy to create in. One of the bonuses of WBC is it gives us all an excuse to clean and purge and finding room for more stash is awesome. Love your manikin!! Thank you for sharing.

Unknown said...

What a great, organized space you have created! Love your view too!
Be blessed,
Lorena

Lovey said...

Beautiful!!!

Terry said...

Wow, Debbie! Your workspace is so wonderfully organized! Your view is amazing!

Devon Smith-Breidel said...

I like how you have the room divided into sections-even though I'm sure your art has all 3 elements in it. Good for you on making a living from your passions! I would looove to be in Oregon right now :)

Anonymous said...

Well I see a whole lot of pretty going on there, girl!

GREAT idea to turn the plate rack sideways! I never thought of of that.

Thanks for sharing! ♥

Ava Gavloski said...

Debbi, you have such a beautiful studio to create magic in, lovely space and lots of room to create

Karen Valentine said...

Well you say you went for function and not form... but I think it's still a very lovely studio!! Thank you so much for joining the party and letting us have a peak inside!!
xo,
Karen

Patti said...

Absolutely lovely and functional! It's fun to see how people organize!

Annette said...

What a lovely space you have! I love the idea of fabric panels around the cutting table. I'm in the process of going through my fabric and reorganizing. I found so much muslin that I shouldn't ever have to buy more. Ever!!!

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Well organized and functional, the teacup shelf did catch my eye right off.

Carmen said...

Hi, Debbi. I think your workspace is great! I guess I don't go for "pretty" either... functional works. You're so lucky to work for yourself. I love the view out your window... so peaceful. Thanks for letting me peek into your space. :-)

"Create Beauty" said...

How wonderful! What a treat to see, thank you!

~ Violet

Rhonda said...

I love your studio space, there is so much work space, I'm jealous!! And your view, priceless.

Unknown said...

What an organized studio - and such a great view!

Unknown said...

Debbi, I enjoyed my tour of your studio. Now I can see where all of your beautiful creations come from! I love all of your things! Can't wait to see your new creations! I am about to ditch my day job very soon too, can't wait! Hopefully then I can paint and create more often. Have a great weekend!

Nanna said...

beautiful studio! I'm fastly outgrowing mine, I tookit all out to twek for the party & there's a lot still out lol! love your space & all the staions
Helen

Kristi said...

Lovely creative space! I've enjoyed my visit and thanks for sharing with us!♥

fairyrocks said...

Three work areas in one room. Fantastic. I love your aqua shelf and plate rack. I still have a sewing closet, but mostly just paper craft now, so I love that you have your sewing machine ready at hand. Keep smiling and creating, thanks for sharing.

Cindy said...

Lovely and inspiring work space! Your house is just lovely! I had to take a peek at other posts... I have a Jim too! Hugs! http://connell-crafts.blogspot.ca/

Unknown said...

wow...you have so much space here! just lovely and SO organized! gotta love that view too! sigh...

bobbie said...

Your space feels so light & airy ~ as well as super organized!
Happy creating!

Marlynne said...

Enjoyed your tour! looks like a well organized workplace!

Tea in the Library said...

Your view is as inspiring as any art! I love your work 'zones'. It feels like one could walk in and get right down to work with a minimum of bother. MY craft room is multi-purpose and I too am working with what I've got. I did not think of my desk and media area as part of my craft space but you're right - it so is!

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

YOU ARE MY FIRST TOUR FOR THE YEAR 2013. LOVED YOUR TEA CUPS, YOUR HANKERCHIF COLLECTION. THOSE FIELDS ARE BEAUTIFUL TOO.

LOVE BEING AN EMPTY NESTER.

HUGS
CINDY@STITCHES

Unknown said...

Great workspace Debbi, I know that you get alot accomplished so it must work well for you and that is what counts!
Hugs and love Marilou of Lulu's lovlies

Gretchen said...

Love the view out your window. You really have organized your space to fit your needs. Thanks for sharing. I'll be back to visit frequently.

Sherry said...

My space is also furnished with items I had around the house so I enjoyed touring your great space. Thanks for sharing with us.

Maureen said...

Love the plate display and all the goodies on your shelves! And what a view... I would love to be able to stare out that window! Thank you so much for the tour of your space.

CatieAn said...

love visiting your studio. Your view is so beautiful! I love the different areas you have for different media.

Maggie said...

Thanks for the tour! I like how you've set your workspace up into different 'zones', so efficient and ready for lots of creativity! Of course your view is beautiful...you live in Oregon! (I'm your neighbor up in Portland :-))! We're so lucky, aren't we?

Zuza G said...

I love to see you beautiful craft room! I don;t have my own room, so I double like it! Nice, that you studio has stations - you dont mix all of you stuff toghether!Thanx for sharing!

The Old Parsonage said...

Loved a peek into your studio! Organization is key especially if you sell. You are a woman of many talents:)

Enjoy the rest of your day!
Leann

Unknown said...

You may have been going for function but you found pretty in the lovely displays. Thanks for the tour of your lovely craft studio.

Kadee Willow said...

I did so enjoy my visit with you! I love how you open into your space with a word... inspire. In my case, you walk into the room and see.. BE. Great minds think alike, huh! One word can trigger so much! And your views! Having lived in Oregon for two years, I know the beauty of that state. You are so very lucky to have a fabulous vista to gaze at each and every day. Thanks so much for sharing!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Debbi,
What a fantastic space!! I am envious of the amount of room you have!!
Love your organizational ideas!!

Thanks for sharing!!

Hugs,
Deb

Elizabeth Johnson said...

Your space looks very inviting. I, too, believe in using what I have and repurposing so that I purchase very little for my studio. Its fun and practical. Thanks for sharing.
~Elizabeth

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

Very nice, Debbi! Love the view, too!

Beansieleigh said...

Oh my goodness.. LOVED your beautiful creative space!!! All the lovely supplies and fabrics to play with, and I loved the decorative touches throughout the room!.. Of course, equally impressive is how lucky you are to have a beautiful view, out your window, such as this!.. Sunrises and sunsets must be breathtaking, yes?.. Thank you for the tour! I enjoyed my visit here today! ~tina

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Debbi, well it is pretty just the same. I love it and I too have to go for function but some frills do come out. LOL
You are so organized and love your collections. You have lots to inspire especially that gorgeous view. No wonder you create gorgeous treasures.
Have a great week.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Your space is definitely inspiring! Very functional and fun too. Great view from the window. I am visiting from the 'create' party at Karens. This is my first year and I am finding it so much fun. Hope you can hop over.
hugs,
Jann

Sue @ Miss Phoebes Perch said...

Hi Debbie! I love your space, and the way you have organized things, working around that big old desk. You must enjoy sewing with such a beautiful view from your window! Sue

Glenda said...

Beautiful room Debbi, I'm a bit late visiting but am going to enjoy everyones rooms and get some insiration for mine. Love your Inspire.

deb said...

I am so jealous!! My Bedroom is my craft room. It has been in a current state of transition for 2+ yrs now. Hoping this darn divorce is done soon so I can makeover my bed (old waterbed from the 70's with a book case headboard that will be chopped off giving me a couple feet of extra space). It has under the bed drawers so I can store a lot of supplies hidden in them. Like you I like to make do with what I have. People don't understand why I would keep "our" bed...cheaper than buying a new one that's why! LOL I also plan on painting it white and distressing it, same to the matching dresser that also holds supplies. The drawers will stay on that piece but plan on removing the center doors and adding baskets for storage.
I did manage to fit my 6ft long industrial folding table in there. But I definitely need more work space. It is always covered...seems I can't just work on one project at a time but have several different kinds always going. I have an old pattern cabinet my Dad brought home during the renovation of the JC Penney store in our town when I was little. He used it to store his welding rods in. Now It contains trims, yarn and ribbons. Great for more storage. Hoping when it's ALL done to do a post about all the changes. (who know when that will be? or when this divorce will be done!)
Enjoy your room it is gorgeous!
*hugs*deb

Creative Grammie said...

Aloha Debbi,
Though I'm not participating in WBC this year, I still like to visit everyones studio. I'm glad I stopped at your studio, it is gorgeous and I can see that it's very functional. That's how my space is because it's so small.
Thanks for a great tour!

Every Saturday

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The Oregon Coastline

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