Tuesday, March 1

Confined creativity

Sometimes being stuck at home is a good thing.


 I managed to do some creating while treating the sick.


Inspired by a new cabinet card & some vintage pressed flowers , I made this little collage.

About six months ago I found this box of botanicals on etsy.
There are about 30 specimens, all amazing & perfect.
For a long time I couldn't bear to use them.
I would just take them down, open each yellowed sheet of wax paper & stare!! 
 But following Karla's lead, I'm using the good stuff!
This precious girl was also an etsy find.
The keywords I searched with were
'tiny shoes'.
Please feel free to add her to your collection!
I also changed my studio for the umpteenth time!
 Cannot think of a better thing to do while under quarantine!
(during photo)
 This change was a result of a suggestion from Dawn who thought I could use more surface space for work & display. 
She encouraged me to bring in 2 more desks, & 2 bookcases & a few other pieces.
She was right! I love it.
The big desk on the right belonged to my Mother.
 It's very old, & very big.
It's pretty dinged up, I'm trying to decide if I should paint it.
The best thing about my new & improved art room is the sewing nook!
No more kitchen table sewing for me!
The 'nook' was originally a wet bar.
A must have for all 80's homes.

  The bark cloth panel hides a pass through into the living room.
I guess that's how you pass the Whiskey Sours to your guests!
 I'm still tweaking, I need to paint this bookcase white.
And hang more things on the walls.
 But I love having all of my supplies right at my fingertips!
I always include a 'Bolton' knock off in my re-dos.
Can you find one here?
 I stole borrowed this utility light from the garage & used an old doll skirt to shade it.
 Unfinished work hangs waiting.
 Collections.....
& obsessions!
Thanks for the positive thoughts & wishes for my kids health.
Their all at school today & so far no calls from the nurses office.
Yippee!




48 comments:

Rhonda said...

Hi Lisa,
I'm a huge fan of yours and it hit home when you said you couldn't part with the botanicals, I truly understand. I, as well, have just learned to part with my favorite pieces and collections.

I love your studio and a sewing corner or area is a must have.

Thank you so much for all the inspiration your blog brings.

trash talk said...

Oh yeah babycakes...I see! You're all "wired" up perfectly!
Love that cabinet with the fabric stashed in it and I love, love, triple love your piece of artwork.
Debbie

Unknown said...

Looks Great Lisa and you know what Erma Bombeck used to say use the stuff or someone will find it in a drawer when you are long gone and you just saved it and looked at it once in awhile. I'm using everything! Hugs, Can't wait for your class! Marilou xo

BECKY said...

Wow Lisa! I am in awe of your amazing sewing nook, and your sweet "tiny shoes" creation!

I also think I would have a very hard time using those dried beauties!! But they sure look great as a design element!

Hope your week is going well. I have been kind of a lurker here...coming out of hiding now! :o)

Becky

Gail said...

What a darling space! Makes me feel more motivated..I'm about halfway through my studio update and it makes such a difference, doesn't it?
Sometimes our styles change a bit as do our supplies so we need to move things around to make it easier to work and create.....great job!
And yes, I spotted your "Bolton" touch...I love her too!

The Robin and Sparrow said...

The books mounted on the wall is so creative! I immediately looked around my little studio to see where I could do the same. LOVE it!

Wanda @ Just Vintage said...

The little collage is so pretty. Love the flowers you chose to use. I have trouble using The Good Stuff, but pressed flowers are meant to be used. Those I can do.

I love your shelves and cubbies, but the Tutor/Henry M. Blossom one I might, just might, be coveting. I think I'll save a picture of that for a future project.

HI! I'm Tabitha said...

hi lisa,
i just luv ur redo . i am in the process of the same thing..
I would love to order the kit for paper cowgirl since ur class sold out faster than i could get to the computer...uggg....
hugs
tabitha

Dorthe said...

Hi sweetie,

Oh you have a wonderfull place to play and work in- Lisa.
I love your "sewing corner" so cosy, and filled with all kind of beautifull materials-and creations. And it is great to get ideas from friends, having another new eye on the "problem"--
Your collage is gorgeus, and so special, dear- love how you used wax on the dryes flower,--- I DO SO follow you in sometimes "forgetting" to use those old lovely collections-that we know,will not be found next day!!!
Dear friend, I am glad to hear the kids, at long last are off to school :)
I wish you a very wonderfull week- dear Lisa.
Big hug-Dorthe

time worn interiors said...

Those are some great changes! I need more surface space in my studio!
Theresa
aka:tot

Unknown said...

your mixed media collage is oh-so-adorable! and i love all of the additions to your studio. it's lovely! so happy that the kids are better and back at school. enjoy! :)

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

YAY !!! School is such a
blessing !! I bet you never
thought it would be ... wink :)
I love your collage and love
your studio !
I just have to get my hiney
in gear and organize mine ~
it is such a disaster area ~

See ya in a couple of days
to hit the road ~

xoxo
Lori

Vicki said...

Love the new collage with the dried flowers. I was actually looking on Etsy tonight looking at dried hydrangeas and such to decorate with around the house. The studio really looks great. You had plenty of room to add on. So glad the kids are better!

Charlene said...

Lisa, So glad kiddos are on the mend. And the image you shared is divine. THANK YOU! Love what you did with it. And your studio redo is wonderful!!!! I would love to come see it all finished. And I have to tell you I ADORE the way you did the ribbon over the sewing machine. What is that piece? A bed frame? And Hubby drilled the holes for the dowel rod????? I need a way to control the ribbon & seam binding. I want to redo my studio so badly & get rid of the wall paper. Also, the fish tank of buttons... LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I did a pocket pillow for a swap & used your transfer method. Still love it best. I tried the Citra Solv & it wasn't for me. Hope you'll stop by to see the finished treasure. HUGS! I miss you & Pat. We need a shopping day. But, not sure when I could fit that in now.

Beth Leintz said...

I noticed the sewing nook right away- so nice to be able to leave the sewing machine up and out. You're going to have so much fun filling up those shelves and making vignettes- love the sheet music cabinet next to the sewing machine.

Bolton inspiration: books wired to wall ala Rose's ironstone platters as seen in ME Home Companion....

debi said...

I'm happy to hear that the kids are okay...and that you found some time to create! Love the collage!

Your studio is beautiful!! Love the sewing nook...now you've got me wondering how I could do something like that in my room. You have so many fun, wonderful things!

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

HOw nice that you get to use your mom's dress! And I think a bar is the best place for sewing. I'm such a bad seamstress that i need a drink when I am done. Why not just drink while sewing?

Unknown said...

I love the workspace re-do. I, too, am looking for ideas for my work studio/craft & sewing area. Functional but decorated. Please visit me at my blog thecrankyqueen.blogspot.com I would love for you to follow and leave a comment or advice. Have an awesome week. tiff The Cranky Queen

Pat @ My Tattered Elegance said...

Hey girlfriend, your studio looks awsome. Looks so inviting and easy to work in. I know it's been rough with all that sickness you'll have had, just glad everyone is feeling better. Love your collage and all the things you have hanging around. The spools of ribbon look great. I took out that chest of drawers in my red craft room and put in a huge shelf to hold all my fabric. I am like you, I wanted everything at my finger tips and able to see it. Also made me some more lace bins.
I moved into the new booth today. It nearly killed me, but it looks good. I have to go back in the morning and tag some of the new things. Going to try to work on some new things this week and finish the new pillow I have started.
I miss you, Charlene and Lori. Maybe one of these days we can all get together for a girls day out. I am ready.
Take care, hugs, Pat

Unknown said...

Love your collage.
It is hard to part with the good stuff, but the good stuff makes great things!
More work space is always good.
Michele

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

The collage is beautiful and your studio is full of wonderful goodies~ love all the work surfaces!

Tina said...

Love your new collage piece Lisa. It´s so beautiful and love all the details.
Your work room looks so wonderful. So much great stuff - awesome
Wishing you a wonderful day sweetie
xo Tina

Little Leslie said...

Every thing you do is yummy. I mean Yummy. Just gorgeous. I guess, sometimes, it's a good thing to be stuck at home.

Alba Linea said...

this all looks so great and creative! love it very much! best wishes and a creative week! di
;0)

ShabbyChicShaz said...

What a beautiful studio, so inspirational, you can't help creating something amazing in there :)

Unknown said...

Hi Lisa,
Your collage is beautiful...glad you took the risk and used some of the "good stuff". Your studio is wonderful...love the decoupage along the top of one of the bookcases...I may steal that idea for my craft room! You rpost has so many ideas in it that I had to look at it over and over to appreciate them all. Thanks for all the inspiration you provide!
Cheryl at My Sister's Cottage

Anonymous said...

Dear Florence (Nightingale, that is), it looks great!!! Just lovin' all the old furniture, chippy and comfortable looking. Your collage turned out beautiful and it's easy to see why with all of your supplies at hand now. Confinement isn't such a bad thing, huh! ;-) Not that you need "forced" creative time. Seems to me you don't need a nudge. It's innate.
Big warm hugs! Hope the flu bug flies out of your house fast!
Diane

lala said...

I just love how your studio is changing, such a fun place to work. I also love the old photos in the fishbowl - great idea! I have one just sitting in my garage, but now it is going to be sitting on my coffee table filled with lots of old family photos - such fun to browse thru!

creativelenna said...

I hope everyone stays well now! You have really been through a long bout of sickness. Glad you are okay, still creating beautiful things. mmm! Your studio is grand!!! :^ ) lenna

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Glad to hear everyone is feeling better! Your new creation is beautiful as is your place to create in!!

The Tin Rabbit said...

Oh Lisa...It's perfect! I love how everything is so perfectly organized and pretty with all the vintage touches... I want to tear my studio apart and redo it! And of coarse, your collage is gorgeous,love the way the wax looks on the Queen Ann's lace...beautiful! Glad everyone is feeling better! xo, Ann

Rebecca said...

Lisa it all looks fabulous!!! Love your work space. I will be redoing my studio come spring - can I steal some ideas??? I haven't been able to do much sewing for the mess yet!
I am almost done with the computer room, will be posting that next, love the Bolton steal... hmmmm would work in my computer room too :)
Wish we could work together... wouldn't that be a blast!
Have a great evening and glad the kiddies are good. I have been down with a cold all week but am better now
Blessings
RE

Sue (Vintage Rescue) said...

Oh, how I love the "Tutor" bookcase. Now I have a new plan. Thanks, as always, for the inspiration!

Karen Valentine said...

It all looks great Lisa! So glad your kids are feeling better! I wish I had more room to add an extra desk and bookcase! Lucky you! Hope you stay healthy!
xo,
Karen

Riki Schumacher said...

Very nice studio, beautifully organized! LOVE the piece you made and the sweet girl is too cute. Take care, Riki

Jaime Haney said...

So glad your brood is feeling better. What a little masterpiece you've created during quarantine though ;)

I am just in awe every time I come look at your studio. It is fantastic. I love the addition of your mothers old desk.

Tiny shoes... who'd a thunk it? makes me re-think my tags that's for sure!

I have added a tab on my blog for the Sisterhood of the Traveling Book. I'll have a badge there soon, too. Come see when you get a chance. I can't wait to see what you'll contribute to the book when it find its way to your lovely studio! :) Jaime

The Feathered Nest said...

Ohmygoodness girl!!!!! I'm in LOVE with the shelves with the old sheet music! And how perfect that you placed the oval print right in the center too....I'm so glad you've gotten your gorgeous collections out where you can enjoy them!!!!!! The new art piece is so beautiful Lisa ~ absolutely breathtaking....and I am SO glad the babies are finally all well, whew!!! I know how it is to have a bunch sick at the same time :) Now, I've got to go back and study the pics again sweet friend, hugs and love, Dawn

Claudia said...

That bookcase 'tutor' is making me a wee bit jealous! Love your space and your sewing nook is perfect, Lisa. Who the heck needs a wet bar, anyway? I love what you've done with everything and by the way, am so glad to hear the kids are all better.

xo
Claudia

Sonya Badgley said...

Hi Lisa,
So glad the trio are back to school and you got to play in your room! I love your collage...the dried flowers are wonderful with the wax on them. Thank you for the image of the little girl too.
I love what you've done in your craft room. I've got to get to work on mine too! It looks like a cyclone hit it! I need more storage pieces and at least one more (big) table for working on too. My problem is that I have about 15 projects going at the same time...:)
Have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Sonya

Annabelle said...

Sometimes being confined makes your mind work overtime....

The collage is gorgeous and adore the Queen Anns Lace and Yarrow flowers, beautiful aging in colors.

Now your studio is something I would luv having....cream colors are a fav of mine.

I bought the book "Book of Inspiration _ Where Women Create" and I think they missed you?


Thanks for the resin tutorial, much appreciated.

Hope your and the kids are doing better...take care.


Annabelle >A_<

June said...

You are one multi-tasking nurse Lisa. I love the collage!!!
I spotting my Carol Bolton wire hung books right away.hehe can't get that past a Bolton lover like me! You have made magic in your studio Lisa. Love it!
sending you hugs today...

Shopgirl said...

Your posts are lovely, and we do get a lot done when we are stuck at home. You have done some really pretty collages, it is always so nice to come see what you are doing.
hugs, Mary

Miss Gracie's House said...

Lisa,
I love your studio...it is so crammed with beauty and inspiration...If I ever get through the rest of my house
(purging and cleaning) I AM going to create a space like this! I'm going to go back and study (drool) some more now:)
Rene'
THANKS for the sweet words about my grandbabies!

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Like Claudia said, who needs a wet bar? Your creative space is fabulouso!!!

Hope the kiddies are feeling better! I am on day 6 of being down like dog. Stinkin' flu!!

love ya,
Becky

LizlovesVintage said...

Hi Lisa,
Wow, you did a nice job of fixing the space to suit your needs. Your Vintage fits right in. Love it!
xx Liz

bigeyedchick said...

PLEASE don't paint your book shelf! Even though it has a sheet music theme, I like the contrast it has against the other white pieces. Love the whole re-do! I wish I had a room in my house for something like this!

Laurel in MN

Rose ~Victorian Rose ~ said...

Lisa, Oh my goodness you are ORGANIZED !!
Am trying so hard just to get things that I am very tired of..packed away in largge plastic storage boxes...and put away for my Fall Garage Sale.
And I could not help but notice the white boxes you have with the oval window in them. May I ask where you purchased those...nice idea to be able to see a bit of what is in the box, for the odds and ends that I wish to keep on my shelves.

Thank you,

Rose

Aleta said...

Hi, I am new to your site. can you tell me if Artful Pages is an open ended class? Can I join at any time?
thanks!
Aleta