I spent some time last week moving the new bookcases in (you can read about that HERE) and getting the studio tidied up and I realized I hadn’t shown my studio in a while. Last year, I tried out a few different arrangements (mostly swapping the desk and easel) and this is where it has ended up.
It’s pretty much right where it started, but playing with the configurations of workspaces is always useful to see if something would be more efficient. I learned that I missed having the desk at the window and that location was optimal for working at my computer and filming tutorials. I actually wasn’t filming tutorials because I didn’t feel like I had a good spot to do it! It’s a great example of how the arrangement of a room can be a huge factor in the creative process.
While the studio was picked up and cleaned, I decided to capture some “moments” that I love in the space. Whether a creative workspace is big or small, I think the key is to make it inspiring and conducive to your process and work. If you feel frustrated or hurried in your space, you’re most likely going to be too distracted to do meaningful work you’re happy with. Of course, everyone’s idea of organization and beauty is different, so it only has to be right for you. Some people’s ideal is a clean, minimal space with no clutter and an even wash of light. Others want to be surrounded by their books and tools and relish in the shadows falling on the floor from the windows. I’ll let you guess which one I am!
antique palette & papers source
You can read about my bottled pigments HERE, but I buy most of them when I’m traveling. I think it’s fun to have pigments as a souvenir.
My philosophy when it comes to tools – Why buy a new hammer when I can buy an old hammer that works just as well and already has a story?
I’m sure the hutch shelves will be filled with books eventually, but while I have the space, I set out some pretty and inspiring things.
The delicious rolls of antique ribbons are from Dreamy Whites.
My friend, Cheri, picked up these little bottles of powdered ceramic paint at our favorite antique market.
I even took time to organize and label my sketchbooks. I could see I did a lot of sketching in 2021 and I want to make that a daily habit again.
Some day I need to give a tour of all of the drawers and cabinets. I keep meaning to, but then I think I should probably organize them better and then I don’t get to it and it becomes a procrastination cycle. I just need to show them to you in all of their contained chaos and let you enjoy that some of my studio drawers are messy, too.
As you can see, my drying shelves are pretty full, but I will get some more works done over the next few weeks and will have another original art sale soon…
15 Responses
I love this inspiring space and all the facets of Marion displayed in the room. Art books, antique repurposed furniture, blue and green, useful ironstone, textiles. Ahhh, thank you for sharing!
Perfect timing… Just this morning I was on a hunt for pictures of your studio for inspiration for some of my spaces. Thank you for sharing.
MMS!
Lingering over every extraordinary space warmed my heart. The corner with the antique pallet, handmade papers, satchels, bags, mannequin with apron, including the marvelous bust, white pottery, and your chair with the geometric print pillow jumped off the page. And then, the blue toned shells in the white pottery caused my attention to linger. I will be taking more tours to find the beauty over which I didn’t linger.
With loving hope that your studio will continue to inspire your phenomenal creativity,
Diney on Mercer Island
THIS is the post I’ve been waiting for!! I’ve loved your studio wherever you’ve had it. I especially love seeing how you’ve reconfigured the studio in each new place. I’ll always miss your checkerboard floor from the last house, but this space is turning out to be magical!
I love this space!!! Could you tell me what the pattern is for the blue and white rolled papers (I assume they are wallpaper) hanging on the rack with the bags and where I could find them or something similar? I truly enjoy your posts.
Charming. Inspiring me to do better with my spaces.
I love seeing the little bottles of powdered paint! I also bought a few bottles for myself as a reminder of our Gold Rush days! So fun seeing them in your amazing studio ! Also, having helped pack up a few of those hardware cabinet drawers, I can easily say that all your readers would love to see inside!
Love every square inch of it. Such a magical space to create in!
speaking of hammers…the other day I found a hammer at my fave thrift store, it was two dollars and it fit in my hand just so, and my husband said to me “what on earth do you need another hammer for???” I told him, because whenever I need a hammer I have to hunt one down and they are never where I think they should be, soooo…this will be MY hammer, and I will keep it with the rest of my painting accoutrements, and I will know where it is, and you won’t use it because you have your own hammers and this one is mine. I am also enamoured of it because it is old, and has a certain patina, and I have already used it to close up my tin of rather expensive shellac based primer, and I knew where it was and it was just dandy.
That is so funny because years ago, I decided to have my own tool box. I’m a bit more organized and I was tired of hunting for tools and hardware I needed to use regularly, so I have MY toolbox and I even have my own drill that’s a little smaller and easier for me to handle. 🙂
Beautiful room! The ribbon that’s white and blue w the snowflake, can you share the source, please.
Thank you for sharing your lovely workspace. I love the white floating shelves displaying your artwork. Can you please share the source? Thank you.
Your studio is beautiful. I love a space that is decorated with what you use in that room. I hoping to do a better job of that in my sewing room. I’m going to dissect your beautiful room and take up the inspiration. Your kitchen is a dream. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your life. I have watched your style change through the years. So happy that you listen to what speaks to you. You are truly inspiring. God gifts us all in different ways. He has truly blessed you to inspire us.
Your studio is my favorite room in your home. So much to see…wonderful!
What would the crock with the holes have been used for?