Thursday, July 23, 2009

Where I Create

I am participating in the exciting blog party Where Bloggers Create being hosted by MY DESERT COTTAGE....so...

Imagine me {making snowmen, yes snowmen!} in an unfinished basement...AKA, my studio...




surrounded by unmatched, trash-find wood shelves, working on Costco folding tables...




filled with stuff collected over many years...




some of it planned for a specific project...




some of it collected for future projects...




some of it just because it was cool, neat, cheap, interesting...




fun, or free...




and some JUST BECAUSE...




as I get older...




I am more willing to actually make things with all this stuff...not so worried that it will be all gone...not so worried that I won't find more...




Now I make things to sell so these bits and pieces can have a new life, and other people can ENJOY THEM.

72 comments:

  1. Yes, it is a challenge to actually create rather than enjoy the pile. I tend to give away things I make so I can see them once in awhile ;-)

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  2. I love what you say about not worrying about the stuff being gone... or that you won't find more... I really need to embrace that!
    Thanks!!!
    ~Amy

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  3. Hey Joan, actually I'm going through the same mental process about using and creating with the things that I've been hoarding. I've been collecting vintage trim forever and now I'm starting to add it to the vintage stockings I started making for the holidays and am selling the rest at a local antique shop,it's time to share. Love your blog as usual! Happy Trails
    ~The Sweet Gardenia

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  4. Wow..., so many treasures in your "basement". I used to make photo lampshades + lamps, but not anymore..., but still have all the sockets, rings, papers, inkjet fabrics, etc. in a closet. I wonder what to do with them or where to "give it away"!?

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  5. How fun! Would love to see all your creations you come up with!

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  6. I smiled when you wrote I don't worry it'll all be gone....not so worried I won't find more. There does come a time when you don't feel that fright to finally do something with the things you've collected.....but it can be a long time coming.
    I was going to participate in where bloggers create .....but omg what a mess to clean up!lol

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  7. Neat stuff. Can't wait to see what you do with it. And you're right, there's usually always more! ;-)

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  8. I love your junk treasures!! My little escape place is in the basement too!!! But I like it and no one goes in there but me so I can clean it, mess it up, or just leave stuff anyway I want!!!

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  9. I love the way you captured your space. I haven't quite reached the stage your at - I tend to fear that I won't be able to replace or find more. I too create in the basement but, when I am in my little area I completely loose myself. Thank you for sharing. I truly enjoyed your post!

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  10. You have some really fun stuff in your studio, can't wait to see more.
    ♥ Teresa

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  11. My life is just bits and pieces....that I'm trying to consolidate into one balanced masterpiece called My Life.

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  12. I can only dream of having a space totally to myself to create..how I would love some. I have finally reached that point as well..I love to create and craft,and need to do more. Especially with my fabric stash..I probably have as much as a fabric store..so I need to get busy. You have inspired me..thank you.
    Happy crafting..

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  13. If ever you need to clean your basement out, I can be over if five minutes!!!!

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  14. I have a hard time letting go too. :) Love the first photo!! Visiting from Julia's party. :)

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  15. I can't wait to see what you decide to do with it all!

    Feel free to check out my brand new craft blog at http://www.oopsicraftmypants.blogspot.com.

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  16. great photos.. and great studio too! I love the tickets! hehehehe

    have a great weekend

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  17. You have so much neat stuff to work with!

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  18. i love all you have here...neat and great stuffs

    Enjoy your weekend

    ♥Ita

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  19. My husband and I save things all the time for future projects!!! We call them "come in handies"!!

    My Show n Tell is all about blue glass. Come join me if you can find time, I'd love your company! And, have a super Friday.

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  20. Love all of your tinkets. I would love to go shopping with you! LOL Thanks for sharing.
    Cheers

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  21. Well what little I saw looked good. As a former fellow unfinished basement crafter of 25 years I am happy to finally have my own room in the light of day. However I admire you collection of things!!

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  22. Oh, such a treasure trove of fun stuff! I think its great that you accumulate and then create with all your treasures! Thanks for the tour!

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  23. Unusual collections. I want to see what you're creating. Who cares if your workshop is the basement, call it your studio, that's what it is.
    Mama Bear

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  24. Great stuff! I always buy 2 or 3 of everything! lol I'm always sad one it is gone! But, have to embrace that it is put to good use and there is always more. I enjoyed my visit! Thanks for sharing. Hugz, Z

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  25. What wonderful collections you have!!! Great blog too, I'm so glad to have found it.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Karen

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  26. I just love how you wrote this post. Events like this help me to find neat people like you, and I am a new follower. Can't wait to see what you do next. Pay me a visit some time. Rhonda...

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  27. Aaaaaah, but it truly is all in the details. I love your objects and how you have showed them off like an inspired artist. With your eye for photographing your treasures you could create anywhere! Thank you for creating such an inspirational post.
    Karen

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  28. So many goodies to play with, love where you create and that you don't worry it will all be gone.

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  29. Wow what great finds around your studio! Love the tickets stacked neatly! big hugs

    toodles-
    sarah

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  30. I love just looking at your stacked treasures. But creating with everything would be terrific!

    Please stop by The Old Parsonage anytime.

    Enjoy
    Leann

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  31. Stopping by from Julia's Hooked on party.


    I would love to wander around your basement but since I cannot do that am going to follow your blog and see what kind of crafting trouble I can get into. :)Thanks for sharing!

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  32. I'm loving visiting everyone else's creative blogs today to see how they're inspired, where they create and what they make.
    Thanks for the tour today. Hope you'll be able to stop by and visit me, too, through Karen's list.
    Hugs from Florida to a fellow blogger.
    Donna

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  33. Very fun! I love "bunches" of little things too. Those metal tags are great. I bet you have such a good time down under! My friend has a basement studio and we have a great time in it.

    Great to meet you and I will be back.

    Kim

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  34. what wonderful goodies. I Love to collect all this fun stuff to. and sometimes even use it!!LOL
    Lynn-trashtotreasureart

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  35. Love seeing all your goodies...The rolls of tickets are SO COOL! Thanks for sharing!
    Blessings~LillySue

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  36. You have some neat stuff to create with! Looks like fun!

    Shannon

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  37. I love your collection of art supplies and your attitude to use the good stuff knowing it opens that way for more to come your way. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on creativity. Have a great weekend!

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  38. So many interesting things. I wouldn't know where to begin.

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  39. Hi Joan. I know exactly what you mean. I have things I'm apprehensive to use because I might not like what I come up with and then the piece is wasted. I'm trying to get over that. Thanks
    so much for playing with us today. Have fun blog hopping!

    Karen
    My Desert Cottage

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  40. You are so right about creating as we get older! It's okay to let go a little of our things. Thanks for Sharing you Creative Space.

    {ttfn}
    Renee

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  41. Cool bits of this and that. When do we see what you make? Curious as to how you will use some of these things.

    As you know...I am a follower and you are my SPECIAL BLOG OF THE WEEK.

    Basement Blessings, Candy

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  42. It's all the bits and bobs that inspire you that make a creative space!! I also like how you are *using* your finds ~ I'm trying to do that more as well!
    I didn't get my studio pulled together quite enough to photograph for today's event, but I will be hosting a Christmas in July giveaway on my blog tomorrow (Sat), if you'd like to stop by!
    :)
    ~Becca~

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  43. So many inspiring trinkets. Endless possibilities !

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  44. I love your treasures.. How fun.. Keep Creating! I will have fun following your adventures in creating! Thank you..

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  45. Thanks for sharing pieces of your studio. I liked what you said about using things and not being afraid that you will run out. I NEED to tell myself that ALOT:)
    Dancingly, Denise
    A Day In My Life at
    www.dancinglydenise.typepad.com

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  46. What great fun goodies you have! Thanks so much for sharing!

    :-) Molly

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  47. Oh, how I love that scrolly frame and the foriegn coins. You can stop by my studio at:

    http://judysturman.typepad.com/in_his_grip/2009/01/stitches-by-sturman-studio-makeover.html

    I am lovin's this party!

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  48. I love love love what is in your studio. I can only create from abundance, I bet you too! Thanks for the beautiful photos. Have a happy and inspiring day at all studios. Nice to meet you!

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  49. So then i am not so crazy- holding on to things that are perfect for something- but may be more perfect for something else, but oh woo is me will i ever find more?? How lovely it is to find i am not alone! and yet still hoping that phase will end!
    great show!
    thanks for the share!
    :o)
    Tracey

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  50. love it! all of your collections are so neat. I have a hard time with hoarding but just recently realized that there is always going to be something I like just as well, or better, so why not share.
    please come visit me too!
    :) Missy

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  51. Hello
    Nice to meet you and thanks for having me today. Love your collections and it is fun to use it but I have been doing this for quite awhile now and I don't find the stuff like I used to! But good thing my tastes change and I find beauty in something else. I always feel better when there is something new that moves me.
    Blessings to you
    Rebecca

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  52. Wonderful touches to your room and I especially liked your words about not worrying about being able to find More of the stuff but to use what we have and to create and share what we've created. So true!

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  53. Your snowmen in progress are so curious and delightful! I can't wait to see what happens with those marvelously bottled creations. What a beautifully creative space you live in! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance at this lovely event; please do stop by for a visit soon!

    Enjoy the party!

    Warm Wishes,

    Natasha
    www.lifeafterdarkjewelry.blogspot.com

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  54. Hi
    I had a shop in Geneva called Simply Posh and if you are the Joan I am thinking about I have been to your house many years ago and bought a collection of wax flowers I believe. Were you in a shop called Shore Birds or something like that down from The GreenHouse?
    Very cool shop.
    Rebecca

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  55. Love all the treasures that you've collected and your willingness to work with them and not worry about what tomorrow might bring.
    Thank you for sharing.

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  56. Oh, I would love to come and dig through all your treasures! Can't wait to see what all you create!

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  57. Looks like a creative person's dream.
    Such fun.

    Becky K.
    Hospitality Lane

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  58. I'm here to say hello and visit your space! A lovely place to create!!! And so many supplies!!! :O)

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  59. Hey there,

    Nothing wrong with working in the basement...finished or unfinished! You have great stuff. :0) That is one thing we seem to all have in common...."LOTS of Stuff"!! :0)

    Please come visit me to see my "studio in progress"..I just recently moved into our home and have been remodeling going on three months now and it's not finished yet....but it's getting there!

    See ya soon,
    Stephanie

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  60. Love your "stuff" - and lovin' the snowmen!

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  61. *sigh*. So much wonderful eye candy! Thanks for the peep into your creative, crafty little world! :D

    -c
    yapping cat

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  62. As I was scrolling down your delightful post, when I got to the image of the star flower shiny things, I actually gasped. Those. Are. Amazing. Love getting your comments. Thanks for keeping in touch.
    xo
    Pam

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  63. Such a nice place...I feel so inspired look at everything. The photos are beautiful....

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  64. What wonderful treasures to create with. Definitely a fab vibe in your studio!

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  65. Love your "eye candy", chickee. Come visit and giggle with me........
    xoxo,
    Connie

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  66. You have some really fun things to play with! I want to come over and play!!! hehe Thank you for sharing with us, I look forward to seeing your tutorials! LOVE the hose sprayer photo holder! I hope you will stop by my blog to ans see my new Studio!

    Artful Blessings,
    Kathryn

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  67. What a fabulous space to create in!

    just beautiful post!

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  68. I love all of the "junk style" goodies you have!! What a great collection for inspiration. Love your style....very cool. ~Nan

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  69. What a great collection of things you have!! I love how you said that now that you are older you are not afraid to use your finds! I think I am starting to feel that way!! Thank you for sharing!!

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  70. your stuff looks pretty interesting just around without even being turned into something else. In my house, such piles would just look like junk. At your house, it looks like art. I like the presses most.

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  71. What a fun space and what a fun person you are! My kinda girlfriend! Thanks so much for the tour!
    bunny hugs,
    shell

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  72. Great photos and creative space! I'm excited to repurpose my ENTIRE space which is such a hodge podge of books, computer & writing notes, scrapbooking supplies, fabric and sewing notions, quilting stuff, mixed media and paints of every kind, my newest quest--charm making and jewelry and last, but not least, all the tubs and boxes for my first graders that won't fit in my classroom.

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