On this bright and sunny day with temperatures below freezing, I want to invite you into my home where it is warm and cozy! I want to show you where the Magic happens.  My New Studio!!

I have just spent the last five days remaking my studio. It is now  clean and organized and ready to be used to its fullest!! I have revamped not only the studio but my thinking on how it should look and function, and I have also changed my organizational system. I believe this new way will make things much easier to find, and make the process of creating much more enjoyable!

Now for a brief virtual tour:

I am fortunate enough to have a large well-built cabinet. This was previously housing my computer, books, and all paper work. I hated that it took up so much space and none of it was dedicated to my art. So I decided to move everything to the desk in my kitchen and I would move this cabinet out. Then I have a great idea and thought I don’t have to use this cabinet in the traditional way, I can make it part of my room….the focal point! So the transformation began…

When you first walk into the room and turn left you will see my fabric area, which is now all neat and organized according to fabrics. The large drawers and baskets on top hold the larger pieces of fabric while the small units next to the cabinet contain scraps of fabric separated by colors.

Look how nice and wonderful all the fabric looks, and now I can know in moments what I have and don’t have!!

Next is the units that hold the fabric scraps, all labeled, with my ribbon rack on top. Behind it and to the right is a closet which I am not showcasing because it can only look so good.

As you turn the corner you will find my ironing board in its permanent spot. No more lugging it around and trying to find a spot for it!!  I am probably most excited about this. My dream would be to have an ironing board that drops down from the wall, but I am unsure if that is possible? I love my ironing board and iron!!          And no your eyes are not deceiving you that is a “Hula Hoop” hanging up on the wall.  I read somewhere that if you get up and ‘Hula Hoop” for ten minutes every hour you can take inches off your waist! So now I do just that…well not exactly… I am nowhere near ten minutes more like 2 or 3 minutes tops…but I’m working on it!

Above the ironing board is a window that looks out to my amazing flower garden with a large shelf below it. I have put on display some of my favorite things. The painting in the back was painted by the talented Cally Traversari, (her Etsy shop is http://www.etsy.com/shop/callyscreationsuk ). I purchased this painting from her and I just love looking at it each and everyday.  I have also displayed the cactus’ that I have just finished. I crocheted them and really enjoy what they bring to my creative area.  I think their cute!

Snug between the two windows is my real work station. On the back wall are glimpses of my inspiration. My sewing machine (which I love, like I love my ironing board and iron), and my table for cutting fabric.  The american flag in the background is one I designed and made a few years ago(hand quilted and embroidered), and it reminds me often of how fortunate I am to be living in America!!

Now are you ready to see my cabinet………………………

Here it is…all incorprated into my studio. I purchased cloth baskets so I could separate all the supplies into different areas. Papers, buttons, yarn, hand sewing supplies, trim, ribbons and such. Each one is labeled, so anyone(my sons) can find what they need. I now have a small section which holds a selection of shipping envelopes, so I don’t have to dig into a large box looking for the size I need.

The desk area is set up so I can write notes of “Thanks” to my customers and to work on the computer!!  I love it!!

So that is the end of the tour,  what do you think of my studio? Do you have any ideas for me to improve on my studio? Is your studio organized and being used to its full potential? If it isn’t I hope my studio can inspire you to revamp yours and make it all it can be!!

Hope you enjoyed your tour of “Black Raven Creations Studio”!