You are a fortunate group of folks.
Very few people have been allowed into my "studio" (that's a stretch!). Mainly, because during my peak production time, this very large room is piled high with fabrics and items in partially completed stages! However, this is my "off" season. . . so I've tidied up a bit!!!
I design, construct and sell fabric seasonal decor!! I have for many years. . . and, therefore, I have amassed quite a lot of the supplies required for me to produce my wares!
Such as:
1. My beloved Bernina which has seen hours and hours and hours of use over the years!!! I adore, worship and cherish this magnificent sewing machine! In fact, every so often I stop and give it a big old smooch for the fine work that it does for me!!!
2. Pins, scissors, bobbins!!
3. IN THE DRAWERS . . . LOTS of sewing machine thread, needles, and buttons!
4. RIBBONS, EMBROIDERY FLOSS. . . all on these shelves!
5. FABRICS. . .yards and yards of wools, muslins, flannels. . . vintage table cloths. . . all ready for me and my Bernina!
6. STAMPS and SCRAP BOOKING SUPPLIES. . . contained in these white drawers. . . I don't do a lot of that craft (yet!).
7. REFERENCE BOOKS AND MAGAZINES. . . on the shelves to the left and stacked in many, many other areas of this huge room. . . not for your eyes to see on this trip cuz they are still too messy for me to share today!!
This area not only functions as a great work station, but also as a spot full of "inspiration" to me.
So this part of my post is about that. . . some of the INSPIRATION items in this retreat of mine!
My grand girl is a prolific artist. . . and her countless pictures bring me great joy!!
I recall with fondness the day I sat her daddy down (at that VERY table I use as my sewing table these days. . . then it was our dining room table!) and handed him his first piece of paper and crayons.
The HARDEE'S coffee mug belonged to my mother. I smile each time I see it. Many years ago, there was a Breakfast Club that Hardee's sponsored. Mom and many of her friends belonged to that club and would meet there on a regular basis!! They all had their own mug that they'd bring each time to use for their coffee! I can only imagine the lively times that mug has seen!!
My good friend Marian gives me a new Mary Englebreit calendar every Christmas. . . I even save many of the pages from previous years. . . I find them so enjoyable AND inspirationall and beautiful !
This vintage pattern is one of three that I keep above my sewing machine. It belonged to my mom. . . who got it from her friend "Helen". Helen was one of my mom's close friends when I was growing up.
My mom taught me to sew on a treadle sewing machine when I was ten years old.
I used this pattern to create a "robe" . . . to wear in my dorm. . . in my first year of college, in the Fall of 1965! Oh, yes, I was "stylin"!!!
My dad was truly a creative inspiration. He could fix or build anything. . . but he had a softer, artistic side, too. He was a self taught musician. . . he could play the banjo, fiddle, guitar and dulcimer. . . and he had a great singing voice.
He painted.
He fashioned "fun stuff". . . like these wooden geese! He was very proud that he was able to "twist" the necks of those wooden guys!! Oh, and the geese are standing on my mom's "button tin".
My parents were both creative. . . and certainly played a big roll in fostering my interests.
Besides the memories from my distant past. . . I have an amazing INSPIRATION board that is filled with newer memories. . .
ones that are funny, but so true. . . like this note sent to me from my friend Bonnie. We both operate on that motto!!!
Or this sign that was above my booth in The Country Sampler Store in Overland Park, Kansas, for a few years!!! It was a place that brought me so much joy and really challenged me creatively! I met some amazing fellow crafters and customers in that location. . . people that I still see at my local shows.
I love all things ICE CREAM. . . so I have a little collection of soda glasses in their metal holders. . . reminders of how ice cream concoctions SHOULD be served!
This little squirrel place card holder was the last item I purchased at my friend's shop, THE PAINTED BIRDHOUSE. She died shortly after that. She was the person that helped me get into the business of "retail". . . I made a buying trip with her to Atlanta one January. I think of her every time I look at that little silver guy!! She was truly an energetic and gifted lady!!!
My pal Bonnie is an incredibly creative gal, too! She made me the PINK tree and heart box for Valentine's Day last year. It's always a treat to be on the receiving end of her treasures!!
The birthday card in the background was one of the last ones my mom gave to me. . .she knew how much I loved rabbits!! :)
I really miss getting cards from her. . . . . .
All of you recognize the artist who created the card below. Mary Engelbreit.
Many years ago, I was Christmas shopping and saw a display of boxed cards in a bookstore. My eyes popped out at the Santa. . . and the simple message of "BELIEVE".
I purchased those cards and sent them out that year. . . keeping this one for me. I have treasured the beauty and the simplicity of the message. . . and have tried so hard to live by Mary's word!
One of the biggest thrills of my life was meeting her at a local bookstore . . I brought my card for her to sign!
Of course, the semi-tour (you've only seen half of my room!) of my creative space wouldn't be complete without a cat picture!! This time, Frankie was overseeing my work. . . along with THE STONE RABBIT!!
THE STONE RABBIT wanted to make sure I showed you a big part of my INSPIRATION. . . it comes from my supportive friends.
Several of them are pictured in this photo. . . on the day I hosted a PINK FLIP FLOP PARTY!!! They are a group of gals. . .always there when you need help and who are always ready to have FUN. . . especially when it comes to celebrating PINK!!
There you have a little view of my creative retreat.
It's not fancy, but it's BIG and it's semi-organized and it's very functional for ME!!
And that is pretty much what counts!! :)
For LOADS of fun, please visit Beverly at HOW SWEET THE SOUND. She'll have a long list of bloggers ready and waiting with PINKS to share!!
AND. . . . .
Please visit Karen of MY DESERT COTTAGE as she hosts "WHERE BLOGGERS CREATE II"!!
AND. . . . .
PLEASE visit my blogging friend DONNA of PARTY WISHES as she celebrates her 300th post with a giveaway!!!
Donna is a party planner extraordinaire. . . .so creative and fun and someone you would LOVE to have as your friend. . . or next door neighbor!!
DANA
