Where Women Create

If you really want something you can figure out how to make it happen.
~Cher

A few weeks ago I was in a tail spin trying to get my studio ready for a visit from Jo Packham,

now most of us have her book "Where Women Create" but I was honored to have Jo along with two photographers (Wanelle Fitch, Marina Artiste) along with Jenny Do and Kristen Robinson (who's heavenly studio's were photographed before mine) all jammed into my personal space!
I have not fully soaked in the entire experience of it all... but it was one amazing day! to be surrounded by brilliantly talented women who are all passionate about there work and life is intoxicating to say the least!

Wanelle Fitch, Marina Artiste, Kristen Robinson , Jo Packham, me, Jenny Do
toasting at the end of the photo shoot of my studio.

When I was first asked to be part of Jo's new magazine that is based on her book, I flat out said "NO WAY!" then went on to say...

"My studio is not that kind of a space its a working studio not a inspirational studio"

Then I thought about my space, and it occurred to me how it came to be almost 10 years ago, I was working out of a small closet in the house and kept the over spill in the garage, I desperately needed more space as my artist endeavors started to grow. This caused a dilemma that was solved when I decided to set up my space in the one of the bays of our three car garage.
I truly believe that if we need something in our life we find a way to make it happen.
Yes I dream of one day having a 2000 square foot work loft with amazing natural light along with huge cutting tables and room to roam, but my small space works and ever inch is utilized and loved!

So would you like a little peek into my space? the place where I go to create?

I took this photo of Photographer Wanelle Fitch in my studio.

My space is long and narrow I have two working tables and lots of shelving, here is the table where I have all my beads and jewelry supplies all close at hand, I work on my layouts for my fabric art and I paint and do messy stuff on this side.
I keep my markers and beads in plastic boxes in over head shelving, the beads are sorted by type and color and are priced out by the bead.

On my jewelry desk I keep more beads in Multi drawer parts storage organizers , along with my jewelry tools with in arms reach.

This is my sewing side, I really keep this desk as a zone for sewing and I also use my lop top here as well.
a few of my favorite rubber word stamps and inks along with
a little peek at my ribbon draws and seed bead collection.

here are a few close up views of my sewing table.
The mannequin ( a gift from Nancy) hold WEDDING Trade Beads and conus shells both are a great point of inspiration to me.

This old ladder holds some of my hand dyed fabrics. The old suite cases hold more of my hand made fabrics. I hope you have enjoyed a peek into my creative space and as soon as I know of the release date of the new magazine I will let you know!

(close up of hand dyed fabrics)

I am a solitary person at heart, I think more within myself...
its hard for me to put into words just how I feel.

I have been so fortunate,
my life has been so full of amazing opportunity's!

I almost have to pinch myself so I know its really all true.

its...
as if...
my dreams and my life
have become one~