Happy second day of February, everyone! After several spectacularly frigid sunny days, the thermometer is registering a bit more warmth. It was cold, and I mean cold this past weekend. The dogs are handling the change in sleeping arrangements fairly well; perhaps a bit better than their mama.
I’ve been playing around in the ‘studio’ lately. I always put studio in quotes because, let’s face it, it is not like all those gorgeous studios I see throughout blogdom. I don’t think Where Women Create will come calling. It is not a separate room. Or a large space. It is the small hallway on our second floor. We are space challenged here at MHC. However, where there’s a will, there’s a way…. that’s my motto.
After much consideration, I decided to hang the reimagined bulletin board here. (I will be creating another one for the living room.)
Just a few things on it at the moment – when something inspires me, I will add it to the mix.
This gorgeous ribbon came from Andrea Singarella. Her blog, Everyday Beauty is simply gorgeous. I fell in love with the soft pastels she uses in her creations. The ‘C’ is from my friend Elyse and the bird was created by my friend Joy.
Vintage Chick button from Joy – Vowels print from my friend Heidi.
A McCoy pot full of pens, markers for quilting, a seam ripper, millinery flowers and tags made by Jill at Gypsy Brocante.
While shopping for Christmas presents, I found this little framed beauty. I love that vintage graphic. The ballerina in a little jar is from Linda Crispell.
The starfish and cherub are from Vintage Sue. The Carl Larsson prints are from IKEA – I used them in my temporary digs in San Diego.
A beautiful watercolor from Helene and a little pink chick from Elyse.
My ribbon board – full of favorite quotes, cards and notes from my blogging friends, my Ravelry button from Rhinebeck, a button from Heidi’s shop.
One of my favorite quotes – ever. I’ve carried it around with me for several years. Oh, and my Paul McCartney ticket. The red button came as part of the wrapping on a little gift from Amy at Inspire Company.
More quotes, cards and a photo of my best friend Laural and me taken a few years ago in Manhattan. Laural and I have been best of friends since I was 12 and she was 13. She lives outside of Chicago and is also in theater. My nails no longer look that nice – I went back to my real nails, for better or worse.
Blogging friends make such creative tags and I’m starting to gather them together in one spot. Some blogger had a post about using these tags in her studio space and darned if I can remember who it was!
There was a play on Broadway in the 40’s called Claudia. It was a big hit and was eventually made into a movie with Dorothy McGuire. There was a sequel made called Claudia and David. I’ve always known about these movies because they influenced the names my parents chose for my brother and me. A few years ago, my antique dealer friend Suzanne found this original program from the Broadway play and gave it to me.
I saw this piece in a shop over two months ago. When I went back recently, it was still there and so reasonably priced that I snapped it up. It is beautifully embroidered and is a doilies roll. Was that the way doilies were stored? I’ve kept in on the roll but I may hang it somewhere.
The sewing corner of the studio. There is also the design wall portion but I haven’t really changed anything there. As I finish this post, I am taken by how many of the items that are a part of this space are from my blogging friends. My life has been enriched by your friendship.
This is my happy place.
I love what you did with your bulletin board , it looks great in your sewing area.
Blessings!
Gwen
What a lovely piece of heaven you have there, Claudia, filled with lovely treasures.
((Hugs))
Marsha
Love the bulletin board, Claudia! Yay!
And your studio is filled with the most gorgeous goodies. I’ve “met” many of those you’ve mentioned via the internet. Small world – I guess we’re drawn together like glue and glitter. :)
Have yourself a wonderful day!
Zuzu
What a treasured space you have. Love all the goodies. You bulletin board looks great and is perfect with the teal shelf next to it. Love it. I also, love all those fun tags. I need to think about this one too…..
Thanks for stopping by my garden today. Love to hear someone like my macro water/flower pictures. I’ve only had the lens since Christmas, so I’m practicing for my first trip out into my garden in the spring. I can’t wait.
Sweet Wishes for a Cheerie Day,
Kate – The Garden Bell
Oh Claudia your bulletin board is pure perfection and I love all the elements you added, aren’t Andrea’s ribbons gorgeous? Your little slice of heaven is stunning!!
Thanks for sharing all your lovely goodies with us, makes me want to rush home and gut my room! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Love and hugs,
Karyn
Isn’t it amazing how much comes from blogging friends. That is what I discovered too when I went through my office!
You know I think you are wrong and I think Where Women Create should be calling soon! It is funny you posted this as I was just puttering and getting ready for my “room” to be open so I can fix it up. I have loads of treasures like these from sweet blog friends and they will be the inspiration for my room! I have a board with all my favorite little things, groups of tags and just finished a small board for business cards of they lovely ladies that I have bought or won great treasures from! It makes me smile to look at it all! Your “studio” is lovely thanks for sharing. It made me smile!
Hugs, Lisa
I love your gorgeous studio area! You have made it charming, colorful and fun! Great Job on the bulletin board as well. Cindy
I love it Claudia…it may only be a little space tucked away but it is one of the most beautiful ‘studios’ I have ever seen….I really love it.
The board looks great with the bits and pieces on it yet still showing the music.
Gad the dogs seem to be settling down…your turn to get used to it for a little while now xxxx
Hey where is a picture of your wonderful, talented, beautiful sister?
Your tiny ‘studio’ is delightful, sugar. Just goes to show you how small spaces can be made ‘grand’! I really think it’s darling.
BUT what is MLC? Ya lost me on that one, chicke. Oooooh, I love the little pink chick perching on the picture frame. All in all, it’s a beautiful place and I, like you, will never be featured in WWC. But I’ve got Love Bunny so I’m waaaaaay ahead of the game. Hah.
xoxo,
Connie
I also just listened to your hubby and I really like his singing! I hope he makes it big….
xoxo,
Connie
Claudia,
I love your studio! It is so pretty and charming! Your bulletin board is so beautiful. I love the covered chair and all of your little collections! What an inspiring little nook!
I hope you and your husband are doing well!
Mandy
Your little studio is just lovely. A very pretty space to sit and create!
I LOVE your happy place….
and the VOWELS print…i have it too…mine is just black and white…i think i’ll color it in with colored pencils..looks cute with some color….
enjoyed all of this Claudia, your place looks so great…we like the same things, my dear….
and YES ! ME too..it has been such a pleasure to make such wonderful blog buddies…certainly has enriched my life….that’s for sure !
more later, my friend
kary
xxx
Claudia~It may be a corner in the hallway of your second floor but it is lovely. I have just spent so much time looking at all the sweet details of the photos from your “studio.” I love it all. I feel peace and serenity from it all!
Thanks for sharing your very special little space.
Claudia,
You soooo under-estimate the beauty of your space. I poured over each and every picture, enjoying each and every detail. Lucky girl, you.
Dawn
P.S. You asked about the lamp over my kitchen sink. I actually won it at a silent auction at my parents’ church and so I have no idea where it came from. I gave it a good once-over and didn’t see a manufacturer name on it. Luckily no one at the auction has my taste and so I was the only bidder.
I recently discovered your blog. I just love it. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your lovely home and buddies with all of us. I’m still laughing over the story about the snow angel. Believe me I think most of us relate to the man’s best friend everyday trails. We also have a little shelter pal…a Jack Russell that has completely taken over our home. To think she was kicked to the curb then we brought her home. She doesn’t believe me how lucky she is haha.
Kathy
Kathy
Your studio is very inspiring to me right now Claudia…since I just moved and my studio shrunk about 3-4 times less the size…it is a glorified walk in closet really. But knowing you do it {possibly with even less space} gives me LOTS of encouragement ;) Love your bulletin board too!
HI CLAUDIA,
YOU HAVE SOME REALLY NICE IDEAS. YOUR BOARD LOOKS GREAT HANGING ON THE WALL. IT IS DRESSED WITH JUST THE RIGHT STUFF. I AM GLAD YOUR BABIES ARE OK ABOUT SLEEPING DOWNSTAIRS. IT’S TRUE, YOU FEEL MORE PAIN THEN THEY DO. YOUR STUDIO LOOKS GREAT, I HAVE A CORNER IN MY BEDROOM, AND I JUST LOVE IT. YOU TAKE CARE. RIZZI
Hi Claudia,
Love your memory boards. They are so personal and really pretty, too!
All your treasures together in one place, how lovely for you to such a special spot just for you.
Just a reminder about Wed. Gratitude tomorrow! You can link in anytime from now on…
Hope you’ll join in.
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
wow. i love your studio. it is so pretty and you make great use of the space.
how fun to see things from me! my girlie office is the same, full of treasures from blog friends. it is all so amazing and heartwarming to me.
i love andrea’s things — her logo, her packaging — perfection!
enjoy your sunny, wonderful studio!
xo
elyse
What a cute space, full of all your little treasures. Love the bulletin board; one of my favourite colours! Have a beautiful day.
Blessings,
Sandi
Great pictures Claudia, and your room looks so sweet and bright. I love your skylight. I just took pictures yesterday of all the stuff you sent me and will be posting them today, hopefully, as well as other very important items. Take care,
Meri
I love your studio area Claudia!! Everything looks so pretty and I love how everything has a personal story!! That makes it even better, I have been wanting a ribbon from Andrea too! She is just so amazing, I adore her! You have such yummy colors too, pink and aqua, the best!!
Hugs,
Amy
Your studio is so neat and tidy – are you really that organized? I’m in awe. And I love how many gifts and goodies you have from blogging friends.
Stay warm
Leann
I love what you ended up doing with that, Claudia! It looks just right and so unique. And all your pretties from blog friends. You must think of each one when you gaze at your space. (And I want to add that I can read this font so much easier. My eyes are getting old!)
Brenda
Hi Claudia,
I can see why it’s your happy place. I can’t decide what I like the best, it’s all good that’s for sure. I love that you shared and explained what each item means to you and where it came from ~ very neat! I’ll have to look for the Claudia movie with Dorothy McGuire (she’s such an under-rated actress in my opinion). Thanks for sharing, this was heart warming to me!
xo~Tracie
I love your studio space Claudia! It is so cheery! I love what you did to your bulletin board. I love mine and want to change it sometimes but everything is so special that I leave it as is. Glad the dogs are doing well. I hope the days get warmer for you.
Hugs and glitter, Patti
Love your studio space! It’s you and your friends, it’s loved and used and it’s sooo pretty too!
So many, many things made me smile. I like the board being used.
You and the kids have a good evening.
Lynea
Oh I adore everything about your studio!!! Your bulletin board did turn out so sweet. So much fun to have a space of your own. xo
I looove your studio! It looks like such a creative space. I loooove that slipcovered office chair!
Hugs,
Jill
I just adore your studio!
What I wouldn’t give for a dedicated space such as yours, *sigh*…
Have a wonderful Friday!
Anne
OMGosh! I adore your studio. I’ll be so excited when mine is finally decluttered and organized so I can start making it really pretty and “me”. ♥
It looks like a happy place, but then, I think that your entire home, does. It is nice to have a little corner of the world that is ours to do what we want with, isn’t it? I sort of think of a blog as being that sort of thing too. Our little corner of the world, to explore our feelings, and creativity, and to meet kindred spirits. There is so much inspiration to be found, if we take the time to look.
Your world is lovely, and inspiring. Thank you for all that you share.