Saturday, July 11, 2015

Where Bloggers Create 2015

Welcome to where I create!  My space is bright and colorful, full of sunlight.   I painted my walls green and orange because I needed a space to counteract the negative, violent, and stressful atmosphere of teaching science in an inner city high school.  The color green is the color of balance, harmony and growth while the color psychology of orange is optimistic and uplifting, rejuvenating for the spirit.  This creates a place for me to wind down, let go of the stressors of teaching and relish my time painting, cutting, gluing, and creating.

I enjoy sewing with various papers and  fibers which add another element to my altered books,art journals, and ATC's.

Right after last year’s Where Bloggers Create this space underwent a complete transformation.  Using wood from this old barn 

the hubby and my dad  built this beautiful work table: 


I now have space for two work areas, the computer and and where I create my art.
Everything I need during the creative process is within reach
On the top self are various projects which are at various stages of completion.  Supplies are organized and arranged on the bottom two shelves. At the bottom left corner are the art journals and altered books I am currently working in.  Above them are completed journals.  



I love books and am somewhat of a bibliophile.  This is just a small selection of them.

A newly added inspiration board with my One Little Word for this year.  My hope is to have it completely covered with inspiring  photos, magazine cutouts and postcards.  

 My ATC carousel.  I enjoy creating and swapping them.

 A vintage Rolodex featuring the rolo cards I have received from swaps.

 Postcard carousel.  Many of these are from all over the world.  I currently am involved in two series of swaps, Through the Alphabet and Theme a Week Challenge.

 Most of my creating is done in the early morning hours.  These lights add a warm glow to the room and to the creative energy.

This small alter was actually my mother's dresser while growing up.  I have intentions to refinish it...one day.

And what is a creative space without the resident cat.  This is Allistair who is normally lying across my work space or walking across the wet paint leaving paw prints across the table.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my creative space.  I would love for you to come back for another visit when time allows to see my art journals, altered books, and ATC’s.  I also have a monthly link party, Stop Pinning & Make Something! to get folks to actually making some of those pins on their Pinterest boards. And if you want to see what my work desk actually looks like (never this neat & tidy) then come and visit at What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesdays where crafters show off  what they are creating on their rarely tidy work desks.  

Linking up today with all the wonderfully creative spaces with The Desert Cottage and Where Bloggers Create 2015.

32 comments:

  1. I have enjoyed my visit.. I really like your studio and your words about your talents... Very encouraging.. your work is so inspiring... I cant wait to drop back by often to get inspired and see what you create.. Thanks for sharing your Amazing space.

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  2. Diane, your lovely art space makes me green and orange with envy. I often drop by from SOC or WOYWW, but never really realized you created altered books. I'll have to check them out one of these days.

    I had no idea anyone was still altering Rolodex cards. I confess I haven't done that for at least eight years. We might just have to do a private swap when life settles (and slows) down a bit. Thanks for showing your gorgeous space and I love that table.

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  3. Love your space...it is amazing how much we can fit into them....Will be popping back in to to check our what you are up to..

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  4. oh I love the colors you painted your walls. They're so harmonious and I wouldn't have expected it that from those two colors :) Also going to check out your messy work desk because um, I did show messy photos of my space today :)

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  5. I am getting so many good ideas (as always) from Karen's party for better storage and overall appearance of my workspace. It would be nice if I could incorporate craft items into my office in a spare room to have everything in one place as you have. I just need to figure out where I could have the computer.
    Happy crafting from # 33.

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  6. I have loved this intimate look into your creative space. I must say that I have written a poem about the color orange and the first line is "Orange is a color I despised in my youth." It goes on to say how much I now enjoy that color. I would be happy to share it with you if you wish.
    Debbie in LA

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  7. Cool space!!! I have a rolodex file as well...and I filled mine up with swaps super fast!!! You will see it on my blog tour.....Thanks for sharing!!!

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  8. I loved exploring your wonderful studio. I have to say, I am in complete awe of your reclaimed wood desk top! What a thing of beauty! Allistair is a cutie too! Thank you for sharing your space with us♥

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  9. What a lovely space to visit! Sounds like you enjoy your creative time! Thank you for giving of yourself to teach, it is a profession that is neither appreciated or supported in our country any more! I applaud you!!! Happy Creating, Cindy

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  10. I follow your blog regularly, so it is a treat to see you linked up to my favorite blog party of the year. We are soul sisters, and I admire what you are doing so much! Thanks for letting us get a peek at your creative space.

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  11. You're an inner-city teacher?? You have all my respect & admiration!!

    I love your "Stop Pinning & Make Something" philosophy ~ that is exactly why I'm not a Pinterest gal!

    Happy crafting!

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  12. Hello Diane. What a wonderful studio you have, I am in awe of your timber table, its really fabulous. I also love the ATC Carousel, i so need one of them. I take my hat off to you too being a school teacher, not always an easy job to do. Thanks so much for the tour around. Karen.x

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  13. Oh, what a lovely space to use your creativity!

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  14. Love your space. So cheerful. I love the photo of the barn. Did you hang it in your space.
    What a fabulous table. Are there more barn wood projects planned? I am going to come back and take some time visiting. I followed you. Thanks for sharing and inviting us over to see your beautiful space.

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  15. Thanks for sharing your lovely and happy space! I like how you selected the wall colors as a message to your inner creative spirit. I adore the ATC carousel.

    Say Hi to Allistair from me!

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  16. What a happy space to enter and get creative. Your barn wood table is wonderful; they did a great job and what a thoughtful gesture. Thank you for letting me in to peek around. I had a very nice visit.
    Your blogging sister,
    Connie :)

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  17. Wonderful space! Love the color use. The barn table is soooo pretty! Thanks for visiting my space and sharing yours as well.

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  18. I love that you reclaimed barn wood for your table...and shelves too?? Putting glass top on the pretty barn wood was very inspired. Love your creative space.
    Halle #58

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  19. I cannot even imagine how stressful your job is, and I think it is just wonderful that you have found a creative outlet. Your space is wonderful! I think my craft room kitty might just be Allistair's twin sister, Abby! If you stop by, I have a pic of her on my sidebar. How would we ever create without their assistance? Thank you for sharing your creative space.

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  20. Diane your studio is fabulous. I truly love that barn wood table your dad and hubby built you. What a labor of love! Thank you so much for joining the party this year and letting us enjoy your space. :)
    xo,
    Karen

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  21. I love your space! I, too, love to create with paper. I've created many ATC's over the years and traded them in swaps, so I had to borrow your carousel idea to display mine. Right now, they're hiding in a drawer. And, I love the green and orange combo for your room--so bright and cheery and ....happy! TFS!

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  22. What a wonderful space you have, Diane! That table is fantastic, not only in size but that it came from old barn wood.

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  23. The first thing that popped into my mind when viewing your creative space was "tropical paradise" I can see why those colors soothe your soul and lift your spirit. the barn wood work surface is fantastic! Your journals and paper creations are awesome. Thank you for a peek into your private sanctuary.

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  24. Oh.. what a marvelous creative studio..I love the kitty peeking out, too. Thank you for
    shaing!

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  25. What a lovely, serene space! you are an angel for the work you do. I am looking forward to getting involved in swaps again once my room is in place. The rolodex swap is something I'd love. Creative Blessings! Kelly #49

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  26. Great space! I can't even imagine the stress of teaching Science. I love the desk made from the old barn wood!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  27. Oh Diane, the l-e-n-g-t-h- of your work table ... SWOON! And how wonderful that you've given part of an old barn new life. I'm an early morning crafter too, though usually only on the weekend as I'm a full time teacher (kindergarten). Thank you so much for sharing your creative space, and the color tips! Come by for a visit when you get the chance,

    ~Michaele~

    http://twigsandtulle.blogspot.com

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  28. So nice visiting Your fun inspirational craft space. I'll be Your latest follower if You have Friend Connect by Google : ) drop by any time to visit My tiny craft space. Denise

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  29. Fun to see how it all fell in place, great shelving (sure fits a great amount of supplies)
    Thank you for the tour!

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  30. What a great space!! Love all the storage that you have on all that shelving!! Thanks so much for sharing!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  31. Your use of the old barn wood is amazing! Great creative space. Thanks for letting me visit!
    Cathy
    CraftyCat

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