Kriste and I have finally gotten through enough of the not-fun part of settling into a space and we’re now at the really fun stage of starting to put on the finishing touches and we can think through the details of the space. Something we’ve been wanting to do since day one is hang the white bunting I had in my tents at the Lucketts Spring Market. I felt like that would hide the ceiling even more (or distract from it at least) while still keeping the space light and bright. They would also add a touch of fun. I want this to be a fun, inspiring, creative space.
Now that the internet has been installed and the wiring has been run for the chandeliers, I felt like we could hang the bunting and the guys working in the space wouldn’t be rolling their eyes at the flags hanging in their faces! We tucked the ends into the tile ceiling joints and hung the center of each strand with a paperclip, so they’ll be really easy to take down.
The bunting is only over the workshop area and counter and it really adds a lot. It’s just fun! I know I’ve already used that word, but that’s what I think when I look at it. It also reminds me of the streets in Downton Abbey when they were having a parade or something.
Looking along the tables from the side view, you can see the counter. Right now the backdrop is the shipping shelves, but those will be hidden with the rolling walls soon. Hopefully Jeff will get them framed this week and my dad will do the drywalling next week. I can see it in my head and it looks amazing.
I shared about the “Green Zone” earlier this week and I decided to abandon the idea of only putting things in that were finished. I really want to be able to see how much inventory I have to make sure it’s enough, but not too much. I learned that I have enough big pieces and now I can just focus on smalls…and I really don’t need too many of those.
It’s funny…when I look at everything together, mostly unpainted, I feel like it looks like someone else’s antique booth. I don’t see me in it, yet. I think working in this order will help me with selecting the colors and finishes for pieces as well as deciding what I leave in a natural wood (since I like that, too!)
I’m bringing FOUR empire pieces to sell at The Chapel Market, if you can believe that! Two amazing dressers, one buffet/dresser and one jelly cupboard.
I also started organizing our “prop shelf.” This is where we’ll keep pieces for photo shoots and we’ll swap them out as we get tired of them.
Of course, we may never get tired of some of them!
35 Responses
Oh I see “you” in every picture. Your place is amazing and I can tell you are having FUN.
I love the bunting! Just ordered some burlap bunting for my future space. Going to paint something on it, but haven’t decided exactly what yet! Your studio is amazing!!! 🙂
Hi Marian,
I am oooooh and aaaahing as usual at your pictures and post about your studio space and trying to be just moderately jealous. My question is did you make your bunting and will you share how with the readers? I would love to see one of your great close-up shots of the bunting too! I think I have decided my dream job is to be Mrs Mustard Seed or Grandma Mustard Seed………love your ambition and blog !!!!! xoxox Karen
Good Morning:
I love the bunting, is it white burlap? I can’t tell, I would like to learn to make one, but the burlap gets all messy at the ends????
Love your props and your new space. I love your dresser and the price is right, but can you ship via greyhound?? to Boston, I forgot to ask you.
Congratulations on your new studio.
Martha
Use fray check to keep it from fraying just a bit of it works for me. Gail
Everything at your studio is really coming together so beautifully. It’s as if that place was made for you.
Oh my gosh everything looks so gorgeous! I want to move in… yes I know, not a house, but still! It has such a cozy, welcoming feeling. So Mustard Seed! Hope your trip is going well!
Hi Marian – so happy for you and your progress! Wanted to share a ceiling tile tip that the owner of a local shop did… She cut out squares of textured wallpaper (she used the kind that resembles old tin ceiling tiles) and it looks fantastic! She applied only to the center, so there is an inch or two of plain tile around the edge but it is just enough to soften the overall look that you don’t question it. But your shop will look great regardless of the ceiling! Have fun at Chapel!
Everything looks fabulous. I am especially smitten with all of your props ( I have the Southern Living At Home plate holders myself).
I would like to invite you and your readers to see my “French” Autumn wreath on my blog at: simplysantabarbara.blogspot.com
I think the bunting is cute along with your chandelier. Oh, how I wish I could attend The Chapel event. Too far from Ohio. Are you staying at that same cute house?
The bunting in the streets on Downton Abbey was from Lady Mary’s wedding! And it looks beautiful in your new space too. 🙂
I would wall off the green zone otherwise your students will be shopping your awesome finds at the studio.
It’s OK to use the word “Fun” twice-because it is! Plus I LOVE that you avoided the use of the word “whimsy” which has to be one of the top 10 most overused words in blogland and home dec!
If you aren’t having fun at work why be there?
Those buntings look really cute and add a feeling of fun (yes, it’s that word again) to the whole space. I also love the big work table in the front area. Did your husband make that?
The “green zone” is starting to come together, too… Can’t wait to see what you do with those beautiful dressers!
What a fun happy creative space.
Please tell me you are not going to paint the empire dresser in the last photo of empire dressers, it is so beautiful as it is.
Love, love, love it! Wish I lived closer and I would be in line to come to your shop!
Have you thought about covering the ceiling panels with beadboard wallpaper. You would not have to stick it on, you could probably just cut to size and slide in edges under the strips. Might have to use a little poster tacky stuff to prevent sagging.
It’s been great to watch the transformation of this space take place.
I love all the rustic details, like the huge counter (what a great discovery), the oversize paper dispenser, the library card cabinet, and the wonderful prop shelf to name a few.
The white flag buntings are a fun, whimsical touch too.
It’s a pleasure to pop in and browse.
Lisa
The pennants look cute and do draw attention away from the light fixtures.
A thought, you’ve taped off the staging area on the floor – maybe mark the same on the ceiling with the pennants shaped as letters and outlined with some german glass glitter? This would really showcase the “staging-in-progress”. If your intent is to just mark this space off for upcoming shows, you can easily take down the bunting and put it back for the next show. Oh, an easel with the show name with the space would really make it real, too!
The studio is looking fabulous! Oh how I would love a space like this to set up my jewelry studio….
Marian, It is all looking so amazing. x
Isn’t it amazing how you can “trick your eye” by using something as simple as bunting! I love to make rag garlands and hang them across the from of my shelves in my booth. I want to come to your place and play!! It is so inviting and I love the light! It will be fantastic for photo shoots. Thanks so much for sharing how you take such incredible photos. The idea for the staging area is genius! I think that will help so much, I know when I have “gone” somewhere to sell, I always take too much of one thing and not enough of something else. It’s so nice to have a work space and a living space that are NOT the same place!!!
When you mentioned not loving the ceiling awhile back, I imagined you upholstering it w drop cloths!
The buntings are a great idea! Looks festive.
It all looks like it is coming along. I love how you have the patience to get it all ‘just right’. Photos give us a real insight into the space.
Love it!
Lee 🙂
It seems as though I am out numbered, but I think the bunting is a bit too much. You have so many beautiful and inspiring items in your studio to look at I would never even think to look at he ceiling tiles if you didn’t mention them.
I am amazed at how quickly you converted an empty warehouse room to this beautiful, creative, and FINISHED space. You are a workhorse, Marian! Great job! BTW, I covet your prop shelf.
Empire dressers always sell well for me. I just wish I could find more of them. Your place looks wonderful!
The buntings ARE fun!! And goodness knows, if we can’t have fun while we’re working, there simply is no reason to get up in the morning. 😉 Looks great and I envy all that space that probably doesn’t smell like cat boxes like my garage/project space does…
WOW! what a transformation, you are on a roll. I love the bunting it is FUN, things should be fun, glad you have found your zone. I loved the bunting in the town for the wedding in Downton Abbey PBS series. Your progress is inspiring. I have been looking for a space in my town for a year now. You give me hope.
Marian, I think you’re ready to go live on HGTV or Martha Stewart! We are all so proud of you and I just love watching you blossom more and more.
Beautiful space. Same question lots are asking….what are the buntings made of and what did you use for the rope/ribbon?
Just look at this space!!! It’s wonderful, fabulous, perfect! I LOVE the bunting. It is purely delightful. Wow Marian how cool is all this…
and i promise i’m not stalking you, just catching up on posts… 🙂
Cindy
It looks wonderful! I’m getting caught up on your posts- I am smiling reading through this… I just expanded my space at the shop I’m in and criss crossed white bunting across the same drop ceiling you have 🙂 and I thought, it reminds me of the little town celebration in Downton Abbey!!! 🙂 ha ha! It’s why I love reading your blog. I love your prop shelf / trolley. Great piece.
Several people have asked: Did you make the bunting? If so, can you please tell us more about it…the fabric, the rope/ribbon, can we see a more close up picture?