Thursday, July 23, 2009

My Creative Sanctuary – FINALLY!

Welcome Creative Bloggers!  So glad to have you visit.  And if you want to see some more amazing spaces visit my friends over at ‘Where Bloggers Create’ Blog Party by clicking on the picture.

Thank you Karen Valentine for being my kick in the pants to help me start on my nightmare room.  It’s been the hardest room I’ve yet done.  Nothing too fancy.  Didn’t even have time to paint it.  Mostly it was all about De-cluttering and Finding the Floor.  And creating a space where I could,  um, can you guess?  CREATE!  I even managed to add in a space for my little girls to visit their artistic skills as well.

Just a reminder of what the disaster area looked like around 3 weeks ago.  Not even a path to the door.  You had to climb mountains.

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And from a slightly different angle – still every inch a disaster.

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So after blood, sweat and tears.  O.K. there was no blood involved but a lot of tears.  Even carted off a huge truckload of trash to the junkyard, and several boxes to the Thrift Store.

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Are you ready?

  Here’s the after.  And Wow! Look, you can even see the floor.

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And from a different view.

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The Girls Corner…

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And guess what – I probably spent less than $100 on the whole room. 

I love my farm girl curtains.  First curtains I’ve sewed in 10 years.  Towel hooks instead of curtain rod holders.  Free stick from the yard and material from my huge stash.  Doesn’t the stick just yell country girl?

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Took the piles and piles of the stuff that survived the sort and…

Ready for my redneck moment?

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A friend got me some crates which I spent some money to spray paint.  I didn’t want black crates.  Bought a few pieces of shelving.

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Loaded them up.

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Thank you thrifted sheets and Velcro!

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Used the left over spray paint from the crates to refinish an old abused storage center.

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Then took some extra material after sewing a cover for my shelves.  Took that little bit of fabric and cut it out to fit the front of my drawers.  Slapped the material on with another favorite Modge Podge.

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I think they look great together.

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I loved being able to display some of my little creations and treasures instead of having them buried in piles of clutter.

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I know you’ve already figured this out by my color scheme was hydrangea blue and lavender.

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And when I’m not crafting on the tables I can show off some of my vintage linens like this lovely lilac trimmed hand-embroidered cutwork tablecloth I got for less than $15 at an antique mall.

Now that the room is mostly done.  The girls and I can’t stay out of it.

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I love that I finally have a calm place to go a create dreams and make memories with my girls. 

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Can’t wait to invite some of my friends over so we can get some quality girl craft bonding time in. 

Thanks for visiting.

112 comments:

caren said...

Wow! That is amazing. Such a transformation. It looks like something that is on HGTV! It turned out a nice place for you and your girls to craft. I am participating also, please come for a visit!

Shannon @ Silver Trappings said...

Wow. What a transformation. I love it. Great job!

Shannon

Annabelle said...

You did a fantastic job. I love the tree on top of the storage shelves. And the shelves are very creative themselves. This is a fun blog party!

Linda K. said...

What an extreme makeover! Absolutely love the 'curtain rod' and 'hook'! All of your ideas are super! Big space!

Blessings,
Linda

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

I'm just peeking in from the party and all I can say is...What a transformation!!!! It's so pretty and you have some wonderful and inspiring ideas!!!! I love the towel racks as rod holders! so unique!!!!
I've so enjoyed my visit of your "new" creative space, thank you for sharing with all of us.

everything vintage

Lynn Stevens said...

Wow, what a transformation.!!! looks great!
Lynn from trashtotreasureart

Rachel said...

Nice job! Isn't it such a relief when you clear the clutter like that?? I bet your mind is free to create now with such a wonderful space!

Terri said...

If I hadn't seen the before pictures it would of been hard to believe. Wow super fantastic transformation. You should be so proud.

MaygreenFairies said...

Congratulations on an amazing transformation!! What a brilliant idea for the crate storage, really well done. Thanks for sharing your lovely space. Mandy x

The Studio at Crow Haven Farm, LLC said...

What a little love and hard work can do to a room! Total transformation and a beautiful creative space! Enjoy it and Love it! Thanks for sharing!
Cheers

Willnnabel said...

Great re-do! Love the curtains. I also love the tablecloth and the inventive storage!

Claudia said...

I love what you've done. You were so honest about the before and after. Sometimes we just need a little push! I love that you and your girls can create together. The curtains are adorable!

One Shabby Old House said...

It was like company was coming and we all needed to clean up our messes...I like you went from mess to miracle.
Very nice.
Now get creatin girl
Come visit me too.
www.laceandlures.blogspot.com

Shannon said...

Amazing and inspiring!! What a transformation! I love the shelves and I love the stick curtain rod!

Karen The Graphics Fairy said...

Wow, what a difference!!! You did such a great job and all in 3 weeks time, amazing! How wonderful that you can your children can enjoy your lovely space now.
Karen

zandra said...

Wow! I wish I had remember to take a before and after! To tell the truth I wasn't as brave as you to show the before! lol Looks great! Hugz, Z

LissyLou said...

What a lovely transformation - i'll be doing that to mine soon

Trisha said...

Wow, what a transformation- the room looks huge now! It def. looks like a space where you can create beautiful treasures. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Karen said...

Girl, you should be so proud of yourself. As someone who has had the pleasure of going into other people's homes and businesses and "Clutter Busted" them, you have done well! Some people have such a hard time parting with anything, and you did an awesome job. An AWESOME job. You had a vision and folowed it. Your colors are just soft and pretty. You have created yourself a wonderful space to spend many wonderful creative hours with your girls. WHo could ask for more than that?
Great job! Great job! Great job!
HAGD! Karen

Unknown said...

You have created an amazing haven for your girls to be inspired. I love that and I love the mural and how they are already enjoying all of your hard work. Your creative room is wonderful.

Karen

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

Wow = that was some transformation. Looks like a fun place to create for you and your girls. Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

holy cow! what a redo! I love the girls corner!!! so cute! big hugs

toodles-
sarah

Sue said...

Your space came out lovely! Your daughters will have wonderful memories of creating there with you. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings~LillySue
P.S. I signed up for the party but somehow missed getting put on the list this morning..I left her a note. I would love to have everyone pop over to visit my studio too!

Karen said...

What a great studio! Thanks for sharing before and after!! Makes me want to work on mine! Love Love the words on your walls!

Kimberly said...

Unbelievable! You deserve a big gold star! I can believe there were tears. I started with a blank space and it was hard you did a wonderful job.
I love the room and your creative ways of organizing all of your stuff.
The girls are very fortunate to have such a great mom that can show what you can do in a short time on a short budget! They are watching you and giving them a space to create will go a long way in their little lives. Good for you!
Kim

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Now, THAT'S an impressive makeover, my dear! I'm sure that you and your girls will spend many more wonderful hours creating in your new space.
Thanks for sharing the whole process. I enjoyed every minute of my visit with you. Hope you can stop in and visit me today, too!
Hugs,
Donna

Jenny P. said...

So totally impressed!! I'm feeling inspired.;)

Sandi said...

Your Before is what mine looks like now. Great Job.

I love the table with the beautiful tablecloth.

Sandi
Impatient Cajun

Brenda Pruitt said...

Girl, you worked hard! And now you have a beautiful, inspiring place to create your dreams. Well done!
Brenda

Carolee said...

WOW!! You're actually making me feel like there's hope for my own space, lol....

~ Carolee

Denise said...

I LOVE the girls area...makes me want to play in there:) I feel your pain as my space was quite the black hole to begin with...you have a beautiful spcae now to create and BREATHE in! Congrats...
Dancingly, Denise
A Day In My Life at:
www.dancinglydenise.typepad.com

Jean said...

Unbeleivable what a difference a few weeks make. It gives me hope for my basement and garage. I love the blue and white , some of my favs. You did great in really a short amount of time and little money. Way to go girl.
Jean in Virginia

Melissa Valeriote said...

Now that's one extremely creative makeover! Inspiring!

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

I am almost in tears at what you have done!!! You are a beautiful and powerful person to cherish your creative world enough to create this space! I am so proud to be an artist who knows of you and you are a great spirit! Blessings.

Karen Valentine said...

You should be so proud of yourself! My gosh what an undertaking. I am just thrilled that my little party was your catalyst for change. I love hearing that you and your girls are in there all the time. And I can't believe you did it all so beautifully for so little money!!! It's just wonderful!!!

Karen
My Desert Cottage

Sandy said...

I love your transformation in such a short time. What I love the most is that you are making memories with your girls. I also love how you did this on a budget with fantastic results. Happy crafting!

a woman who is said...

What a lovely transformation. I think the organization sometimes frees you up to really flow free in the creative zone. Lovely for your kids too!

Anonymous said...

hey Fawn! your room turned out so great! love it! stop by and see my creatve space too.
:) Missy

~Becca~Bluebird Rose said...

What an amazing transformation!
I like how you made a space for your girls to create as well!
I didn't get mine pulled together enough to photograph for today's event, but I will be hosting a Christmas in July giveaway on my blog tomorrow (Sat), if you'd like to stop by!
:)
~Becca~

Trena Doll said...

Absolutely lovely! And for under $100 - super impressive, too!

Caleen said...

You really transformed your place into a beautiful creating one.. I love the Girl's place.. Also all the things you did in redoing.. Love the butterfly wings and pictures.. Love the words on the wall too.. So inspiring.. It really came together beautiful. Great job.. Keep creating! Have a lovely week.

Barbara H. said...

WOW! What a gorgeous transformation!

This party has come at just the right time -- my son is getting married next month, and I am inheriting his room for a sewing/craft/guest room, so I am looking for ideas!

Kelee Katillac said...

Ohhh....I love your shelves--so great to see your materials!!!

Thanks for getting me going!

Judy @ In His Grip said...

What a great transformation!!!!! I have one of those abused storage centers that looked about like yours until I painted my red and it is my studio too. You can visit my studio at:
http://judysturman.typepad.com/in_his_grip/2009/01/stitches-by-sturman-studio-makeover.html

This is a great party!

Jerralea said...

Wow, what an awesome change! You did great!

beautifullybrokenme said...

What a transformation! I love what you did with your room, and for under $100! My favorite thing is that you were able to make a place for 'the girls' - how fun!

:-) Molly

Charlene said...

WOW! What a transformation!!!! I did not find out about the Event in time to clean up my studio. But, you did an amazing job. I KNOW you & your girls will use this room so much. ENJOY! Thanks for sharing.

Shell said...

A beautiful transformation. Your creative space is lovely.

LiLi M. said...

What an improvement! I love the writing on the wall and the large (empty) table, I wish I could have one in my studio (and put everything and more on top of it). Well done! Have a nice day filled with inspiration!

Rebecca said...

Hello
I have to give you the gutsy award...I bet most of the studio's looked like yours before this party, I know mine did--I fought spiders and fly specks for a week. I loved the before and after pictures. Your studio is fabulous. I said now we should have an after party to show all the creations that were inspired by a clean work room.
Blessings
Rebecca

Whisperings 13 said...

OMG! it's beautiful! you are a miracle worker! I never would have had the gumption to take on that project! Wooo HOO!! You should win space make-over award! (only 100 bucks- really!- now I AM inspired!)
:o)
Tracey

Cathy said...

Your room looks fabulous and it's so full of great ideas! I love that you have a special corner for your girls. I totally understand the mess--I've been there several times. LOL!

Cathy ♥

Ps--are you still in ID? I'm in Idaho Falls and love it here!

Dosha said...

I am SO VERY impressed at your productivity these past few weeks -- Congratulations on your incredible new creative space! Your new cabinet is delightful and your special accents and decor are absolutely delicious! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance at this marvelous event.

Enjoy the party!

Warm Wishes,

Natasha
www.lifeafterdarkjewelry.blogspot.com

Susanne said...

Way to go, Fawn! It looks awesome! Makes me wish I had a fun space to be creative. Maybe after we move...

Chandra said...

Gorgeous! Great job! Also, adore the little fairies hanging from the tree...they look like the cicely mary barker flower fairies. Are they?

Chandra said...

also thanks for the tip on the curtain rod holder...awesome!

AliGripp said...

What a transformation! God bless your sweet sould for putting it all out there too!! You did a remarkable job turning that room into such a welcoming, peaceful creative space! Your sewing and that tree are to die for!! Thanks so for sharing!!

Rebecca Nelson said...

Isn't it amazing when true effort and purpose is put forth what can be accomplished?

I love your transformation. OMGOSH. Just so you know...I've had rooms that have looked like the fist photo as well. Finally...I just said ENOUGH one day...

Now if I don't LOVE it I don't buy it or keep it!

LOVE YOUR SPACE! You GO GIRL! Great job!

xoRebecca

Unknown said...

What an unbelievable change! It looks so serene and fun now.

Unknown said...

Wow, from no space to lots of space and such a pretty place. It's nice that your girls have an area - creating with Mom is the best!

Pellie / Penny said...

Wow I thought I did a lot of work to get my room done but I think you should get a prize for the biggest metamorphis. Great job. Isn't it amazing how we don't want to leave what we've created. I feel the same way about my studio ,where once we hardly would sit in the room - I now feel so comfortable in it that I hardly want to leave even to go to bed.
Hugs,
Penny

Vee said...

Thank you for showing the entire process...it was great! It's so nice to think of you and your girls and your girlfriends having fun creating in that space. I loved your homemade shelving unit...such a good idea.

The Vintage Vagablonde said...

I think the best part was you had the courage to show the before.....my spaces are always a bit cluttered.

Everyone always shows the pretties and never the real~life stuff!

Thanks for sharing and I love the after!!!

BellaRosa said...

Love your studio, gives me hope for mine :) How did you do the beautiful writing on the walls? I hope you and your girls have an amazing time creating in your new great space! Rose :)

Faith said...

I love, love, love those curtains! I'm totally digging the towel hooks and the stick. Very cool.

Keli McKinley Hansen said...

bravo to you! that was a lot of work... you're just going to thrive in that space... and your little ones are adorable.

you should take a bow... bravo!

A Fanciful Life said...

That was an amazing transformation. Could you come over and do that to my garage - lol?! I like the curtains too and showcasing the vintage linens. Nice space!
Sharon

Debra said...

WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! What an incredible tranformation! What an unbelieveable amount of work! The end product is fabulous and when you invite your friends for crafting I would LOVE to be there! :)
Deb

maryboys said...

what an exciting post! i couldn't wait to see what "developed" and i wasn't disappointed:) your girls are precious, too...

mary

Linda said...

Wow you have been so busy what a lovely creative space you have found, a great transformation.
Cheers Linda

Luisa Migon said...

I'm here to say hello and visit your space! A lovely place after the tranformation!!! :O)))

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Congratulations! You were brave enough to show before and after pics. You really ended up with a beautiful space. Thank you for sharing it with us all. I'll be back later to check it out some more and take in every detail.
~Tracie

Sara said...

I'm as amazed at the number of comments as I am at the makeover! You did a spectacular job. I love your creativity and your thriftiness. Well done, friend!

Love Bears All Things said...

I like what you did with the curtains. I'm thinking I need something like that. Anyway, my room is a work in progress so I'm visiting all of you to get ideas.
Mama Bear

KV Creative Designs said...

Wow! What a transformation! I bet you feel so much better! I know I did! Mine was a lot messy too! Hope you will stop by and see my new Studio!

Artful Blessings,
Kathryn

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hello there,

Well, I feel so much better now! I have a room on the lower level that looks like your first photo! A ton of my fabric in big contractor bags, plastic totes, etc...but my excuse this time is that I just recently moved into this home and have been remodeling for almost three months!

I totally love the transformation that has taken place in your studio...what an inspiration it is for me..I have MUCH to do and it seems like it'll never get done but I know it will..

Thanks so much for sharing and please drop by to see my "studio in progress"!!

Oh and I love the Crates and Shelving idea!! What kind of crates are those?? I could do that downstairs very easily....but most of the crates I see are flimsy and would not hold up under the weight of fabric..please let me know so I can see if I can find them.

See ya,
Stephanie

Kristal said...

I give you the Golden Cup Award for Most Improved and Most Inspiring Studio! I am so impressed! Great, great job! Love everything you did. And I just envious of the cowgirl curtains and especially the cool curtain rod, I was going to ask you where you bought it from, but I guess it's from Mother Nature! Very cool indeed! Sadly, I didn't have three weeks to get ready, but my studio looked close to yours in the beginning. But I'm working on it now.
Oh, and I still need your addy, please... :0) Have goodies for you!

Becca said...

Great transformation! I'm sure you and your girls will get many hours of enjoyment out of your new dreamy room :)

Nancy said...

Wow, I don't know what I'm most impressed with, your room or all your comments? Totally fun! Now I know why I haven't seen you at the track as much! However, I'll be there Monday morning at 7am! Thanks for the inspiration on your room too! Way to go!

Geralyn Gray said...

Good for you---this was great motivation for you. Your room came out wonderful and you must be so proud you did all that beauty for $100!

Anonymous said...

Your room is sooooo pretty! Your colors are calm and inviting. I love the shelving idea - so clever! - I love a bargain! My husband just finished building me a dream craft room - I wish I had known about this event today. I am so happy to have my own place to create. It makes me happy! Hugs, Patti

Holly Campbell said...

Your space is absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing it with us. Thank you also for your kind words while visiting my blog. (I am still working my way through the tour of the many wonderful spaces out there. . .)

Embellished Bayou said...

Wow, what an incredible transformation! I love the blue colors and you did an excellent job on the storage cubbies!

Desires of the Heart said...

WoW!!! What a transformation!! you really put it in high gear and used such clever organizing ideas!! Love the crate and shelf idea and the cute cover. And you "Word Wall" looks great too and such a good idea to use the sprapbook paper!! Thanks for sharing and visiting my blog! Linda

Cindy said...

Holy cow...you have indeed waved your magical wand. Looks like a lovely spot to dream and play! You did an awesome job gurl! :D

-c
yapping cat

Anonymous said...

I love your room and the great budget loving ideas you came up with for storage. I will be sure to stop back by after looking at all the wonderful "studios" for much needed inspiration.

Connie said...

What a transformation, sugar!!! Wow, just stunning after the "makeover", honey......Love it!
xoxo,
Connie

Carole said...

Bravo to your transformation. What a before and after. Mine still looks a lot like your before shot. You've inspired me to really get my act together. Love the idea for the storage area and showed my husband so he could do that in our basement too.
Keep up the good work!
Carole

RavenM said...

Beautiful :)

French Cupboard said...

Oh my stars - you put some serious work into getting ready. I was worried that I wouldn't get the air conditioner moved from one window to the next before the party but you really worked! It looks amazing. I love that you used velcro with the cabinet curtain.

Blessings... Polly

icandy... said...

You are amazing!!!!!!!!!! How cool is that transformation?! Congrats to you and enjoy that newly found creative space of yours! It looks so fantastic!!

Hugs,
Christina :)

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

Just amazing how you created your wonderfulstudio in 3 weeks - bravo!

Summer Gypsy said...

Wow!!! A truly organized space to create lots of art in! Well done!
:)Marilyn

Arrow said...

It looks great!

Marina Capano said...

What a transformation. I love it. Great job!

xoxo

Mary S. Hunt said...

you should get transformation of the year award!
happy creating!!
adorable little artisans :)

Anonymous said...

VOILA! That is a lovely, inspiring and addicting little room--way to make it over and make it lovely and useful!

V I N T A G E O L O G I E said...

This is GREAT! I so love the before and after shots ... what an awesome job you did!! Keep up the good work and enjoy ALL of that creative SPACE!!

xo
Jill

Anonymous said...

Everything looks great!-I actually am stopping by to let you know you were one of the winners at my Mad Hatter Tea Party-If you e-mail me your address I will send the party favors.

congrats!
Stacy

Pseudo said...

Followed link under the blogher ads. Loved watching your room transform.

Printersdevil said...

Wow, what a great room. Love it!

chicroses said...

You did such a great job for your craft room. I like the area for your girls to craft with you. I should make an area for my little Hattie Jane. Sally

Jen said...

Wow! What a fabulous job you did! I am COMPLETELY impressed. It was almost like one of those makeover shows. You had me enthralled to the end! Congratulations!

The Gathering Room said...

I guess there is hope for me yet!! nice job!! Cindy

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

I can't even tell you how much I admire you for posting those first two photos. You are a Hero! I also admire your bravery for throwing SO MUCH out. You deserve an award my friend. Take a bow!
M.L.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

What an amazing transformation. Although you are only the second site I've visited since I learned about this event, I was floored to see the before and after photos. I can see why you would never ever want to leave.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

What a transformation! Beautiful job! Congratulations!
bunny hugs,
shell

paperbird said...

You have a wonderful creative space. You have great ideas and your transformation is amazing. Thanks for letting us peek.

Jessica Rodarte said...

I love your space, and love that you showed us the transformation. What a great, creative room! :)

Her Art Nest said...

Wow! What a transformation. I had your "first look" going for over 20 years, and finally put it all in order two year ago. I lost so many things in the piles I had accummulated. Great accomplishment to you and hope you enjoy working in your new creative space! ~Nan

Artzy Heart said...

I'm so glad my daughter introduced me to the Desert Cottage's Where Woman Create so I could find your spot. You give me hope that I can organize some of my STUFF. I realize that a huge problem is my reluctance to dejunk as you have .. your space lovely.

TwoHeartsTogether said...

that room is a dream! Love what you did with it. T