Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Life in our little cottage in the country

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Where Bloggers Create

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Welcome to my creative spaces – thank you to Karen, the creative blogger who is the sponsor of this fun party. Please click on the link to find a list of all those participating. I, for one, always love seeing others’ creative spaces.

When I first saw Karen’s post about “Where Bloggers Create,” I thought I couldn’t participate because my cottage home is so small that I don’t have a studio – I have little nooks and crannies where I create. Then I thought about that and I realized I am like many others who don’t have a designated room for their creative space – but create, nonetheless. So – here goes! I quilt, knit, crochet, decorate, garden and craft a little. When we moved to our cottage, I felt I didn’t have the proper space to quilt. I couldn’t create and I was unhappy. One day, my husband and I were brainstorming and we thought I could try using the little nook at the top of our stairs for my sewing machine. We moved everything around and much to my surprise, my sewing machine table fit in perfectly! Here is the view as you come up the stairs. The skylight adds wonderful natural light to my work area.

I recently added the skirt to the table. I took the Shabby Chic shower curtain that I was using while I was in San Diego and cut it to fit the table, added some velcro and voila!

Lambchop is my assistant.

My inspiration board
My dream sewing machine – I keep the brochure right by me; I will own this someday, somehow.

This is an old mantel I found a few years back. For the longest time, I didn’t know where I was going to use it. Then I thought about this space. Since the mantel is very narrow, it makes the perfect shelf for my work area. It doesn’t take up valuable space. I painted it my favorite aqua and now it makes me smile.





I store markers, seam rippers, templates, rulers – all sorts of things in the little set of drawers under Lambchop. You can see my Ott light and a favorite flower print. I also store things under the table. Space is very precious.


There is an angled wall to the right of my little nook. I’ve hung some photographs that I love. The three in the top frame were taken on my wedding day. The black and white photographs are of my late brother and I. Every year we would go visit Santa at our local department store and a picture was taken of Dave and I along with the parents. I’ve always loved them and finally got them framed last year.

Remember- this space is on the upstairs landing in our home. As you turn the corner there is a wall between the two bedroom doorways.

I bought foam insulation board, covered the boards with flannel and tacked them to the wall. I now have my own design wall. The table in front of the wall is my cutting table. You can see that it folds down and takes up very little space. I can wheel it into our bedroom on the left if I need to open it to its full size.
A piece of my beloved McCoy Pottery holds my rotary cutters and scissors.

In the office/guest bedroom/husband’s recording studio, I have a closet full of yarn, fabric, supplies, ironing board – you name it. I also use this old farm table for other types of creating. I have a feeling I will be using this table for work on my dollhouse.
Among the things on the table top are a photo taken by my late brother, Dave, of a beautiful rose and a quote by Martha Graham about the creative process.

And here is where I blog – supervised by Scout, of course!
Thanks so much for visiting! My intention has been to show that you can always find a little space, no matter how small your home is, in which to create. Of course, I’d love to have my own studio and maybe I will some day. But in the meantime, I think I’ve prettied up my space and made it very cozy. It works.

Comments

  1. Claudia, I LOVE the space you have created for yourself! Just from knowing you on-line, I can tell it is YOU! What a cheerful place to sew! Remember how you and I bought the same dog beds? We also have the same Simply Shabby Chic shower curtain!! What a great idea to use yours as a table skirt now that you’re back at MHC!! It was so much fun seeing your studio/office!… Donna @ An Enchanted Cottage

  5. Can I say how much I love your little sewing nook?!! It looks like just a wonderful place to sew. I think we love the same colours, Claudia – LOVE that mantel and that chippy table!

  6. I just adore your creative sewing nook and the table skirt! Whenever I went upstairs it would be hard for me to not stop and sit down at the machine to work on something. So inviting and a perfect use for the space!

  7. Claudia, your creative space and mindset are amazing. Whenever we would be looking for a new house I’d always be thinking “Where am I going to put all of my stuff?”. You show that it doesn’t take a lot of space for creativity. Thank you for sharing.

  8. Claudia, I just love your little space…it’s so cozy & comfy! Your little cottage is sooo cute too.
    But that’s expecting from such talented artisans such as you and your husband!!!
    I’m so nosey that I read several of your posts…you saw Paul? How exciting! And I love your pups and your dolls…I love everything! I’ve enjoyed my visit here and thank you for sharing!!!!
    everything vintage

  9. Claudia, what an absolutely charming workspace you have! It could be featured in a decorating mag! I love everything about it!! Lampchop is just too cute!! Hugs Marsha

  10. You have been so creative in making your own creative space! You should be quite proud to have carved out your own “little niche.” I use to be all about quilting, until a car accident caused surgeries to my right thumb, and now I seldom quilt. But truly enjoy looking at the ones I made in the past. Also, I use a Singer Featherweight, my prized sewing machine I wrote about a few weeks ago, and it just sits on a shelf! My blogging space is also my living space and my library and craft room. So you can cram a lot into one space if you’re organized, I’ve learned! I love your blog and have added it to my blogroll! So glad to find you.
    Brenda

  17. Ahhhh …. heaven, so peaceful … your colors are my favorites, puts me in a tranquil state instantly.

    Another “organized” artist … I’m a little envious … I seam to be the only one creating in a Schizophrenic environment ; )

    Great job!
    I’m moving in …

    xo
    Jill

  18. It’s a beautiful space Claudia! I love the colors and of course lambchop! Very inspirational,Thank you for sharing!
    Becca

  23. I feel like I just watched a great episode on HGTV. I love your space! I would love to create there. Thanks for sharing! Rhonda…

  26. Wow! So glad you joined the party so I could find you! My first time here and will be back. Great Space! Thanks, for sharing! Hugz, Z

  27. Hi Claudia,
    I am so happy that I found you through this wonderful day in blogland. Your creative space is just perfect. I love what you did with the shower curtain.
    My kind of gal.
    So….If I have a sewing question can I come to you?
    Hugs
    becky

  28. Hi Claudia,
    Your creative space is so cozy. May I move in? It’s precious with special sentimental items which really tugged at my heart. I haven’t thought of Lambchop for years (thank you!). I especially love the photos of you and your brother with your parents and Santa. Thank you for sharing, I really enjoyed it a lot. I’ll be back later to look more (saving my favs for later this weekend).
    xo~Tracie

  37. What a sweet serene place to work in and my fav color too. I love the bunny by the way. What machine are you using now? I love the little space you carved out for yourself!

  39. That little space is darling, darling, darling, sugar!! What a creative mind you have to make it so special. Thank you for your visit and comment on “where bloggers create”; it was so nice to meet you.
    xoxo,
    Connie

  40. I love your creating space! Sewing is dear to my hear, not that I very good @ it…lol!
    Well, it looks to me like we all create and craft from the same blood.. I have been getting more & more ideas, with every blog I visit..lol
    Huh..like I really need more ideas to fill my brain!!

    Thanks for Sharing you Creative Space.

    {ttfn}
    Renee

  41. You really do have a great little space there. It reminds me of a space I used to have in a house I used to live in. Perfection! I’m so glad you did decide to share your space with us!

  42. I love now you found space for your creative ventures. We always find a way, don’t we? I also love your beautiful aqua color. I’ve never used it, but it always makes me smile!
    Stop by for a visit.
    Hugs from Blogland,
    Donna

    PS. I’ve joined your followers list, so I’ll definitely be back! ;D

  44. Oh Claudia…I love your little sewing nook! In our last home I didn’t have a studio either…so I had to find nooks and crannies. I even took over the hallway…hehe…but it can be fun to be creative within a small area. I love your “spaces” and that farm table is lovely. OH and I will trade blogging spots with you any day…what I wouldn’t give for that cozy chair and a laptop!

  46. I LOVE you cubby. It looks sooooo functional. I also love you background on your blog.

    cindy-stitch-n-stuff.blogspot.com

  47. Hello thank you for inviting me over today and I think your space is lovely. I love the green table and the pottery is wonderful
    Thanks for stopping by
    Blessings
    Rebecca

  50. your space may be small but what it lacks in size it makes up in character. I love it and I love the aqua shelf – when you get tired of it I’ll be more than happy to take it off your hands.LOL
    Hugs,
    Penny

  51. Claudia,

    You’ve done a fabulous job of providing your creative spaces! I, too am planning a design wall..gonna get the insulation board as you have done.

    I couldn’t pass up participating even though my studio is in the remodeling stage right now. I am late with my post because at first, like you, I thought NOT to enter since it was not finished.

    I changed my mind this afternoon and asked Karen to add my name to the list! What fun this is seeing all the creative and inspiring spaces.

    Please drop by to see my studio (in progress).

    Stephanie

  52. Absolutely love your space!!! Lambchop!! I have a pink bunny like that too!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Hugs, Lisa

  53. Yes, you’ve certainly inspired me who is one of those with a much smaller space. You’ve done such a beautiful job despite the space limits…love the design wall idea. Hope you get your dream machine soon!

  54. Thanks for sharing!! I love that cute little bunny…and LOVE your slip covered chair…so cozy and comfy!!!

    miss ya!!!
    sending big ((((HUGS)))) your way!!

    ox,
    Joy~

  55. What a perfect solution! Small spaces are so special. I love small houses more than large houses. You have done a fabulous job making something so pretty at the top of the stairs! I love your color scheme.
    Create on!
    Jayne

  56. Dear Claudia…You are so right!!! Just to carve out a tiny little spot in your home to create is the most wonderful thing, and even more wonderful? Just. that. you. create!!! I LOVE this nook that you’ve created….so sweet and cozy ~ surrounded by all that you love, and with little Lamb Chop by your side ~ anything is possible!!!! hugs and love, Dawn

  57. I love the space you have created for yourself. The sky light is such a bonus. You have done a great job combining display and function in a small but beautiful space.

  58. Claudia,
    Thank you for stopping by blueskies!
    Your spaces are testament to the fact that we need, need, need places to create. A+ to you for finding a way to do so and another A to your husband for sharing his creative spaces.
    Lynn

  59. i think you do a great job working with what you have!! and everything is so stinkin’ cute! LAMBCHOP??!!!! Oh, my gosh, I remember Lambchop.

    i loved seeing your workspace, claudia!

    warmly, jan

  60. I loved your small space. There is great light there.. Love the skirt for the table.. Love your sweet nook. Thank you for coming to visit me.. You are right.. we could have some fun creating.. Happy Creating..

  62. This is so very pretty. Your skylight brings the brightness in to your sweet space, love it! It has pizazz with your pretty colors.

    Blessings,
    Linda

  65. Claudia what a wonderful space! It’s so neat and organized and I love the soft colors. Very peaceful and beautiful!

    Cathy ♥

  67. Oh sweetie…what a dear nook! I didn’t always have a full room in which to create. For years and years I did my BEST WORK in a place just like yours. Love it!

    Thanks for sharing with us all!

    Hugs, Rebecca

  68. Your little nook is just right for your sewing, and so pretty too! I love the skirt on your sewing table.
    I’m sure Lambchop makes a great assistant!
    Thanks for the tour of your sweet space.
    Karen

  69. You may say it’s just a small place but I like it. i think it’s a darling spot and a perfect spot. The natural light that comes from the top sure brightens the area. i also like the the soft blue.

    How cute is it to store your tape measures in a cup? :-) (Hello to Lambchop!)

    Li

  71. Hello Claudia,
    Tere was so many studios to see, I am still doing the rounds…Your space is pretty. I love the shabby chic Hydrangea pattern. Like the idea of the folding table too.
    Thank you for sharing!!
    Sonia

  72. I am amazed by your little space. You are so creative and ingenious! I also love your color scheme. The little decorative touches just add to the coziness. Great job you’ve done in creating a great space in a small area!

  73. Great little crafty space. And called hubs in to drool over the Paul McCartney concert. He will be in Dallas mid August…be bad we don’t know ‘your people’

    Cheers, Candy

  76. I am so impressed with your innovation. When we need a place to create we find a way don’t we? It turned out just beautifully! Thank you so much for coming to my party. You have really helped make it a great success!

    Karen
    My Desert Cottage

  77. A very creative use of space; lovely colors! Love the skirt on the sewing table….
    Scout looks to be a good supervisor!
    I didn’t get my studio photographed for this event, but I am having a giveaway on my blog this weekend for “Christmas in July”. Stop by if you like PINK! :)
    ~Becca~

  78. My Dear Lady, I had a hallelujah moment viewing your skylight sewing nook! I think I might be hyperventilating! Simply enchanting. 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
    http://www.lifeafterdarkjewelry.blogspot.com

  79. Claudia,
    A very LOVELY space, great use of color, and love the use of the shabby chic shower curtain, I use those also at my windows….the beautiful fabric can’t be beat!
    Thanks for sharing your space…

  80. Love that chair and that great shabby blue table. It all looks like a wonderful space to head to with a cup of white chocolate coffee and a sketchbook of ideas! :D

    -c
    yapping cat

  82. Hi Claudia, your space is so precious. I love the colors. I also wanted to say that before I lived in my current home built by my husband and me, we lived in a smaller house and my sewing area was small and at the top of the stairs like yours. It’s good to know we can create in any spot, isn’t it? ~Kathy

  84. Claudia, your space is as sweet as cherry pie! I love the reinvented shower curtain and all of your doo-dads – especially that pink rabbit!

    thank you for sharing more glimpses into your charming home!

    xx
    becky

  85. Your creative space is great. You have made the most of it.I love your soft colors too.Have a fun day.
    Jean in virginia

  88. Well, I’d say you’ve done an amazing job of using the space you have. I love your sewing nook…and how wonderful to have a skylight in there! The folding table in the hallway is ingenius, and I adore your farm table!
    Hugs, Debi

  90. I love all the robins egg blue in your space! One of the little girls in my daycare has that same lambchop…she calls it bowbow and it has been dragged around SOooo much, it is a brown lamb! I am taking my time working thru all the creative spaces…and Pink Sat. too. Thanks for visiting and becoming a follower!!
    Blessings~LillySue

  92. I love every inch of your little nooks and grannies. Sorry I’m late for the tour. I’ll come back with an excuse when I think of a good one.
    xo-jj

  93. You have a wonderful creative space. I love your green painted table and your colors are just perfect. What a lovely place to sew and create.

  94. Hi Claudia, I really love what you have done to make special creative spaces for yourself. The little nook is adorable and feminine – I love the shelf, and of course the Shabby fabric skirt. I think your post is an inspiration to all of us – we can find a place of our own!

  96. i LOVE this! i love when spaces are just so utilized to their fullest. i love the shower curtain and want to buy one now, too! the mantel, the photos, LAMB CHOP! it’s all wonderful and very very claudia!

    i will go to sleep now (it’s 12:27 a.m.) before i gush myself silly!

    xo

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