creative space

by | Sep 26, 2015 | Artistic Endeavors, Running a Business | 12 comments

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This week has been “one of those weeks.”  Not a bad week.  Just a very busy week and things kept getting shuffled around…a doctor’s appointment I forgot about, a kid home from school, cancelled and rescheduled meetings.  Too much to do, not enough time, not enough sleep.  I realized on Wednesday night that I hadn’t eaten a meal all day.  I had just grazed on apples and cheese and crackers.  And, by the time I realized it, I was too tired to do anything about it.

I know so many of you can relate…busy families, demanding careers, full calendars.

I find, that on the weeks that are really packed, I have trouble finding the time, the space, to be creative.

 Words don’t flow as easily when I’m writing.  Ideas stall.  Apathy creeps in.  Everything is more of a struggle than it was last week, when I felt fresh and inspired and ready to take on every new possibility.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been taking some time here and there to work on the studio – my creative space.  I want that space to not just be a literal creative space, but to be a place where I can recharge, be inspired.  A refuge during a week like this.  A place that stirs the creative juices.

We’ve been cleaning out the stash, letting go of things that will sit for far too long without being worked on.  We’ve moved some furniture around and thought through how we use the space to make it a more efficient, beautiful place to be in.

We’ve created a little “refreshment” area with an antique dry sink and the cabinet Jeff & I built with reclaimed doors.

And it was a perfect place to hang the drying rack I found a few weeks ago.

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I found a timecard holder that is perfect for my MMS Milk paint color cards/how-to guides.

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And we used the revamped workbench to set up a nice shipping area.

The little clip-on lights are from Ikea, but I actually purchased them off eBay.

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The sign is very special, because it was my very first sign for Mustard Seed Interiors.  I brought it with me to the first Old Lucketts Fair I sold at by myself.  It also hung over the pavilion I sold out of in my first space at Lucketts.

Me and this piece of door have been through a lot together.

I’m looking forward to Monday morning…hearing the chimes as I walk through those doors into the studio, light spilling across the floors, music cranked, brush in hand.

Until then, I’m going to take a lavender epsom salt bath, make sure I eat three squares a day, cheer at my boys’ football game and enjoy some fallen leaves and fall weather.

Enjoy your weekend.

PS – We did the shoot in Megan’s office today and I am so pleased with how the space turned out.  One client room makeovers is now under my belt!

I’ll post the full reveal Sunday night, but here is a sneak peek…

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    12 Comments

    1. Chrissy

      I like how you framed the magazines with your articles next to your “office” space. And I bet Meghan keeps going back into her office space every whipstitch just to look at how beautiful it is.

    2. Anya

      It seems like now is a busy time of year for a lot of people.. finding that balance again with a school schedule, starting to get ducks in a row as fall settles.. I’ve been out of my mind at work, too. But I can totally understand how this space could soothe all that craziness and get your creative juices flowing. This is one of my favorite ‘space evolutions’ that you have shared – seeing the place where you work and create and how you have pulled together not only a functional space, but a beautiful one as well. Enjoy your PA fall weekend, I feel like they are precious! 🙂

    3. Dorene @ Seasonal Chapters

      I am the type of person that is so much more productive when I have my own little creative place to escape to when I need to work on something. Therefore I loved the glimpse into your studio and the way you are making it a space that inspires you. I adore that drying rack and and the way you found a home for it where it serves as the perfect display piece and has a functional purpose as well. Enjoy your weekend and use the time to recharge, take care of you and focus on family.

    4. Kris

      “Down-time” and quiet are essential to creativity, aren’t they? Wishing you space and time to recharge this weekend!

    5. MaryLisa Noyes

      The dry sink is absolutely perfect with the drying rack! I really believe that when you surround yourself with the things you love in your creative space everything that comes out of working in that space is better. Right now my creation room is the overflow spot for things that are being saved up during my kitchen remodel.I know it is temporary ( as the contractor is to have the project done before Christmas) but it shows me how important that room is to me. I thought of using it as a walk in pantry but I decided early on that I need it MORE for a place to work on the projects I love.

    6. Laurie

      I like the additional weathering your sing now has! I have found that too much stress makes creativity impossible. A nice empty space, with no one there, no stuff to do, time to lay down and let the mind wander on an air mattress can really help though!

    7. Sarah Phillipps

      I love your work space and I love that you have your magazine features framed! Your little story about your sign/door at Lucketts was super sweet, too.:)

    8. Krista

      I love your workspace, you’re both so talented. Can’t wait to see the “reveal” on Sunday night. So looking forward to it! Have a wonderful, restful weekend!

    9. Denise

      Hi Marian,

      I so love what you are doing with your pieces, paint, fabric and everything. I want to do something similar but in a coastal style. How did you get to the point where you could go shopping and buy items for Luckettes and other shows? I really don’t have any income to back what is burning in my heart to do and I don’t want to borrow money to do it. I remember reading in one of your posts that you were on a limited income too.

      Again I love your work and the feeling of hominess, love and family I get from your designs.

      Thanks,

      Denise

    10. Cindy

      I’m in love with this post…. The whole idea of making your space more healing and calming to your spirit, a place to calm, ground, and regroup. …. and it looks amazing. I love the ikea clip on lights, and awwwwww to your Mustard Seed sign.

      Cindy

    11. Jane

      Hi Marian! I’ve been wondering if you plan to host a holiday “open house” in your studio this year? It would be great for your fans/customers to be able to visit your space for a change – and for those who can’t….GIFT CERTIFICATES! Best of luck at Chapel Hill.

    12. Lauren Baxter

      Great space, It looks so cozy, relaxing and somewhere you can escape to create. Can’t WAIT to see the reveal I have anticipated it for a while 🙂

      Lauren Baxter | Lovely Decor
      xx

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