Where People Create

Judy Levin's Studio

2012-01-24T05:31:00.000-08:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I am an artist that works in a variety of mediums. Currently I'm re-visiting one of my very favorite mediums, watercolor. I also paint with oil and acrylic. Clay is another medium that gets pulled out often at Lot 5 studio. I sculpt and create functional pottery, both wheel thrown and hand built.

Where do you do your art/crafts?
My studio is in the basement of my home in Northern Virginia. I feel very fortunate to have my workspace so close as I can go to work in my pajamas if I like and or stay up all night if the creative juices are flowing.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
Organization is a constant battle. One way I discovered that forces me to put things away is to contain them in an attractive manner. I like to use vintage containers as well as modern plastic containers that wipe clean easily. For some things having a clear container makes all the difference as I can see what's in it and not have to pull it out to find what I'm looking for. In a clay studio having lids helps too, clay dust gets into everything. I love finding the perfect old chest of drawers at a yard sale that will hold my paints, or a metal rolling cart that moves around the studio and be where I need it as I move around.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
The Perfect thing to motivate is to invite people in to see my space. Who doesn't clean for company ;) Twice a year I participate in open studio tours & also have an open door policy. Not knowing when or if someone may pop over for coffee and an art chat forces me to keep the creative chaos to a minimum.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
I learned this one from my mother as a child. I could only have three toys out at once and if I wanted to get out a fourth I had to put one away. It works for art too. Also the phrase "a place for everything = everything in it's place" is very true. Find a home for whatever materials you bring in immediately, that way things don't pile up. Also there's not such thing as too much shelving and pegboard is a gift from the creative gods that will make anybody's life easier ;)

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Only if I actually can't move around, then I get a little nutty. When I'm in the middle of a project the clutter doesn't bother me, but I can't seem to start anything in a cluttered space. One thing that does get me stressed is if somebody else has been in my space and moved my tools around so I don't know where they are. I'm not going to mention any names ;)

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
Open and white, clean floors and lots of electrical outlets and windows. Actually I would just be happy to have drywall and shelving right now ;)

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?
I think I'm very fortunate that I will try anything that my imagination throws at me. If there is something that proves to be difficult, I'll figure out a way to be able to do it. Isn't that part of being creative :)

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
I've been coveting the Billy cubby shelving system from IKEA, something about those white shelving cubes stacked to the ceiling just make me drool. I also want to paint the cement floor, then expand my wall/shelve and drywall and more electricity.

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?
Yes, I have an etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/lot5studio?ref=si_shop a web page lot5studio.com and am on facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Lot5studio stop by and say hello :)

Thanks to Trudy for talking the time and effort to answer my questions and take photos of her studio, Thank you!

Diva Gone Domestic's Studio

2012-01-19T11:10:00.000-08:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?

I spend most of my time creating various paper crafts and wedding stuff. I love scrapbooking, card making, etc. I also love home décor projects. But lately, I have been designing lots of wedding stationary collections.

Where do you do your art/crafts?

I am so lucky to have my very own studio. (I say studio because it sounds so much more grand than craft room! J) In the summertime, I tend to take over the back yard with various home décor projects.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?

Recently, I purchased a lot of the storage cubes at a local craft store. Everything has a place and is labeled. If I don’t have a specific place for it, then I find one and make sure that I label it accordingly. The great things with the storage cubes is that they look attractive, can be relabeled when you reorganize and can grow with your arts & crafts!

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?

When working on a specific project, I don’t worry about how disorganized and messy things get. I may make a complete mess out of my room but create something wonderful! BUT, one thing I have learned about myself is that in order to start a new project – I need to have a blank slate. So my room is always clean and organized before starting a new project. It’s kind of like an artist starting with a blank canvas and fresh paints.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?

Before my craft room re-do, I had a couch/futon with a coffee table and I spend my time crafting on a board. I did this for about 4 years. I loved it but then one day I realized that I get a project or two done but spent most of my time surfing the internet and watching tv. I had all of my supplies tucked in various boxes or in my closet and it made it difficult to find anything. I rearranged my room A LOT but couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t happy with it. Then one day I realized that I didn’t have the workspace I needed and I couldn’t find anything. So my big tip is to play around with different room layouts and organizing methods. Eventually you will find one that keeps you sane and motivated!

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?

No. Not if I am able to come up with something spectacular in the process of making it a mess! Since my reorganization, I have not bought double supplies or lost an important tool like I used to. I think that being disorganized stressed me out but not making a mess.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?

So glad you asked! I have been BEGGING for a craft cottage when we get a new house (which should be in a year or so). I would love to have my studio separate from my actual house. Something like a guest house or a large loft apartment above a detached garage would be perfect. I would like to actually have a printing room/office for my designing and craft room for scrapbook crops. Of course, a small kitchen so that I can store snacks wouldn’t hurt either!

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?

My husband is so sweet when it comes to my projects. If I need space to do something, he generally gives up his wood working area or part of the garage. I’m pretty lucky. But I think I would have a lot more tools to make things easier to mass produce a lot of my items if my space was larger.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?

Other than my craft cottage itself, I truly can’t think of anything I would need at this time. My husband bought me an amazing DSLR camera and letterpress machine, his parents got me an professional color laser printer and my parents got a large guillotine cutter for cutting multiple sheets of paper… my wish list was wiped clean for Christmas!

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?

Website: www.divagonedomestic.com

My Blog: www.divagonedomestic.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/divagonedomestic

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DivaGoDomestic

Thanks to Tara for taking the time and effort to answer my questions and take her lovely studio photos, Thank you Tara!

Star Hitched Wagon Studio

2012-01-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?

I guess the easy answer is mixed media artist…I am a jewelry designer, a creator of bath and body products, a scrapbooker/paper crafter, and I love playing with clay and paints as well!!!

Where do you do your art/crafts?

What was once designated as a formal living room, connected to our formal dining room, on the main floor of our home.

How do you keep all your supplies organized?

Lots of different fun pieces!! I love to mix new with repurposed vintage pieces to store things. For example: Tart tins to store my beads. An old metal kitchen cart to hold baskets and tins of messy art supplies, my sewing machine, and my big shot. Old tool boxes to store even more supplies. Harlequin tea cups to hold small olds and ends.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?

Well since I am in the space that was once designated as a “formal living room” and because it sits right off our front door – that’s about all the motivation I need. I want it to look like it’s a part of the house – not just some messy chaotic space. If I keep it tidy between projects then I won’t have to worry about the mad scramble to organize/clean before company arrives….

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organized?

For me it’s a place for everything and everything in it’s place…I’ve spent a lot of time over the last couple of years searching for cool storage pieces so that everything is easily found and then can be easily put away.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?

No!!! As long as it’s a creative mess – that doesn’t bother me at all. Now if I am just being lazy and not picking up between projects then yes I might get a little stressed because there would be no room to create!

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?

I have to say I really love my space right now – but if the sky was the limit…I would want just a little more space. I’d have stamped concrete floors. I would love a sink with stainless steel counters and built in cupboards/storage. I would have a table for paper crafting, one for jewelry design and another large table for messy projects like painting and working with clay, and then I would have a jeweler’s bench for working with metal. My dream space would also have a very large closet for storing finished bath and body products while they wait to be shipped or sold at a show. Lots of fun art work on the walls and antique pieces for storage. Sounds pretty perfect to me!!!

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?

I get to do everything I want to do…for messy silver projects I have a small space at our work bench in our garage. So I am very lucky!!

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?

A large armoire for storing supplies that don’t need to be out on display!!!

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?

Yes!!! http://www.starhitchedwagon.com

A Big thank you to Stacey for answering my questions and taking the time to photograph her FAB space! Thank You!

Where People Create are looking for rooms/spaces to feature.

2012-01-12T04:12:00.000-08:00

Any one want to show off their studios?

We would love to see where youwork, we love messy studios, tidy studios, big studios, little studios,wee corners, sheds you name it, we want to see!

...so contact me at:amgartstudios@gmail.com

Requirements photos of your workspace, studio or where you work on your art. About 2-6 photos are ideal you can e-mail the photos or just send links to the photos.

Also the following questions must be answered:

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
Where do you do your art/crafts?
How do you keep all your supplies organised?
How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?
What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?

A photo of your work can also be included at the end of the interview if you wish.

Thanks for reading and I hope to get an e-mail soon!

...and in the meantime make sure to check out the studio spaces, desks and other maybe inspiring photos on our Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/wherepeoplecreate

Ruth Crean - Nice Day Designs Studio

2011-10-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I make lots of different things. I started out in fine art, over the years I've done illustration graphic design and fashion, but few years ago I started to do much more crafts. I sell a range of women's accessories like brooches, earrings, pocket mirrors and badges at a weekly market, The Limerick Milk Market. I also make up-cycled and customised clothes which I sell in Avaluk Boutique in Inistioge.

Where do you do your art/crafts?
We rent a two bedroom house so that I can use the second bedroom as my studio. I spend my days either at my computer desk, or my craft desk. Since I also sell three days of the week at my stall I do a fair bit of sewing and badge making at the market too, to try to catch up on work. Our house is over 150 years old but it was refurbished to be used as a design office. It has a nice mix of the new and old, and it also has fantastic light which I love.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
I recently swapped our bedroom to where my studio used to be, it's a bigger room but it was very dark. The move was a great excuse to get all my supplies organised at long last. I'm a ridiculous hoarder, so I find it hard to tame my inner magpie and get things ordered. I took a trip out to Atlantic Homecare and bought these simple pine shelves, they are great for housing all my boxes of trinkets. I then bough lots of plastic and cardboard boxes.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
Because my partner moved to Cork for a year to go to college, last year I was stuck with having my studio in my bedroom. I never want to go through that chaos again, so whenever I feel the studio start to get messy I just think back to the nightmare of that room and I remember that a few minutes tidying is worth the effort for my long-term sanity.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
These boxes that I use are great. Since I do so many different crafts it's handy to have the supplies for each of my different projects in their own boxes. Then if I'm having a brooch making day I just lift out my thread box and my felt box. It makes it much easier to keep the different areas separate.

I also have a postal station, it makes sending out etsy orders a lot easier. I have my pre-made thank you notes, with my envelopes, cellotape, business cards and return address labels all in a little unit. It takes up very little space but it has really helped as a time saving method, I'm no longer searching around the whole studio for my tape.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Yes! I'm not a naturally tidy person, I find I have to fight the urge to create a crafty nest around myself. But it wouldn't be possible to make all the different things that I do if I lived like that all the time. My partner John is good at nagging me to clean more too, which helps! This space is a lot more organised than what I had last year so I have high hopes that it has a better chance of staying neat(well as neat as I'm capable of anyhow!)

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
I really love my new room, the light that I have is amazing, my desk faces out onto a wall of glass and there is 5 skylights above me. I would love more space(wouldn't everyone!) but I feel very lucky to work in the room that I have. I also like that my computer is in a separate room, or else I would sit whiling away the hours not getting any work done.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?
I already do a lot of different crafts, I think it's time that restricts me more than space. My degree is in printmaking, and I really miss that, but I just don't know where I could find the time to do it, all my energy is focused on my business. I also miss having time to paint and draw, I try to bring some of it into my work, but I miss making art just for the sake of it.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
Over time I want to add more pictures to my wall, it's an organic thing, I hang up pretty cards, postcards, prints and artwork from friends. I also want to get some prettier boxes to replace some of the dingy cardboard ones that I have. I also plan to buy a wall planner from Design Birdie to hang near my desk so I can help to organise my brain a little bitter better!

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?

Nice Day Designs: badges, pocket mirrors, and wedding favors

Nice Day Supplies: buttons and crafting supplies

Blog: my daily crafty ramblings

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Thanks to Ruth for taking the time to take photos of her studio and answer my questions, Thank you!

Cherry Blossom Tattoo's Studio Space

2011-10-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

Here is the updated craft room of Cherry Blossom Tattoo's Studio Space. The first feature was back in Feburary!

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I'm a fine art photographer, doing what I like to call 'comtemplative photography'. I love to focus on the little details and overlooked places.

Where do you do your art/crafts?
Well I am out and about all over getting those shots in lovely natural light :) Very little is set up in the studio. Though I do crop and slightly tweak my work at home on my trusty laptop.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
Most of time everything is kept in the big storage boxes that I take to the market every week. I could not live with out my laptop and extra portable harddrive (to keep my images safe). I only order large poster size prints and frames when I need them to keep clutter down though I do always have a good selection of greetings cards tucked away on my shelves. I recently bought another shelving unit which holds my cameras, their battery packs, all my envelopes, postcards and lots of mount and board.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I need to be sure I take everything I need to the Market every Sunday so that I don't end up forgetting something, that is motivation enough for me. My studio is also my yoga room so it needs to be quite clear and calming.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
I think that if you are regularly at craft fairs of markets, like me, it simply makes sense to keep as much as possible in large portable containers. It's handy for moving about and you always know where everything is. One of my boxes is for products, the other is all the paperwork, wrapping, business cards, props and stands etc I also keep a tight reign on stock levels and never have too much of anything if I don't need it.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
YES - it's impossible to do any Yoga when you can't stretch out, ahaha. Also I am always tired, always, so Sunday mornings have to be easy, everything ready to go or I really do get stressed. Never touch anything in my room!

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
As with anyone - it would be bigger, right? I would LOVE it to be a mainly glass outdoor room at the bottom of a garden (in a warmer climate). There would be lots more space to hang my work and thus use it as a gallery, plus I would love to take portraits so one area could be sofas etc.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?
I would love to make my own frames. But with my permenant double vision saws and power tools are really very dangerous in my hands!

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
It sounds really silly but I want one of those card display stands that spin around. Then I could see all my greeting card stock really easily. I'd get loads of use out of it at the markets too. But mostly I'd just like to be able to go to the shops and buy confidence!!

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?

Photography Blog
Etsy Shop

Thanks a million to Carrie for taking the time (again) to take photos of her studio and answer all of my questions!

Felicia's Scrapzville Studio

2011-09-10T05:46:00.000-07:00

What kind of arts /crafts do you do?

I started off as a paper crafter, I was introduced to 12x12scrapbook pages but that was short lived – now its altered art and mini books.Then I did an online mixed media art course and haven’t looked back.

Where do you do yourarts/crafts?

When my family couldn’t eat their dinner because theycouldn’t find the kitchen table under all the “stuff” we built a desk andshelving area on the landing. Its tiny but organised.

How do you keep yoursupplies organised?

I keep most things in boxes or baskets, things that I useoften are on open shelves. Occasionally I go through the boxes and findsupplies I’d forgotten I had, in that respect baskets are better.

How do you keepyourself motivated to keep your space tidy?

Because the desk area is so small it’s a case of having to –while I’m working a lot of things get left on the floor and the desk iscluttered. In between projects I always tidy everything away.

Any tips on how tokeep art spaces tidy and organised?

No, but I’d be happy to hear some!!

Do you get stressedout when your space gets in a mess?

Only when I start to loose things , when tools get lost inthe junk, then its time to clean up the mess.

If you could haveyour dream space tomorrow what would it look like?

Well, (big dreamy sigh…) it would be a room that is lightwith a stove to keep it cosy, two desks, one for the computer and printer and abig table for creating. Also a kitchen Island (because sometimes its nice topaint standing up) and loads of shelves for books and cupboards for storage. Ohand a place to keep my sewing machine set up permanently, and an armchair fordays when you just want to drink tea and read art books.

Is there any craftyou would like to do but can’t due to limitations of your art space?

Yes, bigger paintings! And I’d like to try quilting but thattakes a lot of space.

What is the next bigthing on your wish list for your art space?

I’m pretty content with what I have, unless we happen tomove house any time soon and then the room described above is my wish!

Is there a websitefor people to see or buy your art/craft?

Yes, my website is www.scrapzville.com– there you will find a link to my Etsy shop, my blog and the gallery, there isalso a contact page there.

Thanks to Felicia for letting me publish her studio photos and for taking the time to answer my questions. Thank you!

Arabella Proffer's Studio

2011-09-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?

I paint figures and portraits that get classified as somewhere between neorealism and pop surrealism. I work in oils on a pretty small scale.

Where do you do your art/crafts?

I have a studio I share with my best friend (who is a fiber artist) inside an old Templar car factory in Lakewood, Ohio. There’s still an active machinery in the building, but 2 floors have been converted to studios for all kinds of people.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?

I have little drawers and bins, but I keep everything out in the open most of the time. People are usually shocked how little I have in terms of paints, pencils, brushes and chemicals.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?

I’m the opposite of a hoarder! I hate clutter. I’ve moved cities so many times that it helped to train me to throw things out or give them away if they are not needed. So far in my studio the only stupid non-essentials I have are a few pinatas and a collection of toys on one shelf. I really should use those pinatas, I kept meaning to fill them with booze candy.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?

Limit the amount of furniture so that way there’s less space for clutter to accumulate. I have one desk, a few chairs, one tiny set of draws and a place for my books -- that’s it. I don’t buy in bulk, I only get supplies when I need them, and replenish when necessary. Taking things home and rotating is good (books, artwork, magazines) but it also helps to imagine, “what if I had to move tomorrow?” would you really pack up everything, or do a lot of things need to go?

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?

Oh yes! Especially being in an old factory, there’s concrete dust and lint stuff floating in the air, so I’m always dusting and it never ends. I’m like Joan Crawford, when I find a layer of dust or a cobweb anywhere I freak out. I’ve chilled out about it more recently, there’s only so much I can do.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?

The same as what I have, only with climate control (the sun in the summer is a bit much), and polished floors.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?

I can do pretty much anything in my space, I wanted to do some screen printing, but I’m still on my oil painting kick and I don’t think it will stop anytime soon.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?

A shop vacuum! But, then that’s just another possession/thing I wouldn’t want sitting in my studio when not in use; that’s how much I hate clutter.

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?

Yep! www.ArabellaProffer.com

Thanks to Arabella allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

HandArt Design Studios

2011-08-18T06:58:00.001-07:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?

I like to do all different kinds of arts and crafts, but lately I've been concentrating on doing more jewelry, purses hair accessories, and home accessories with re-purposed items such as old buttons, beads, etc. I also enjoy decoupaging anything from wood to glass.

Where do you do your art/crafts?

I have a room in my home that I've converted to my office/studio. See you tube movie:

How do you keep all your supplies organized?

I purchased large boxes at IKEA and divided my supplies per category in each of the boxes. In addition, I have installed shelves inside my closet to allow for more organizing bins and boxes. I also purchased a bookcase, and a closed that I use for organizing my supplies.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?

Doing a re-model and making the space look beautiful are motivating factors for me to keep the
space clean and organized, although it is always a struggle.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?

Have a place for each type of supply and label it accordingly so that it always goes back to the same space. Try to keep flat surfaces as empty as possible, and use vertical space as much as possible for storage.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?

I don't like to see it messy, although it is usually unavoidable at least for a period of time. Once a project or a set of projects is finished I always like to clean it up.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?

My current space is working really well for me so I really can't complain. I have two large surfaces that I can work on. The only thing I could say is that having an even larger flat surface would be great for when dealing with large pieces of fabric.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?

Not really.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?

So far I've done everything I wanted to do in my space. Now I just want to sell what I have made so I have space to make more!

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?

Yes, please see below:

HandArt Design Studios:-
Website/Blog: www.handartdesignstudio.yolasite.com
Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/handartdesignstudios
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/handartdesignstudios
Twitter account: twitter.com/#!/HandArtDesign

Thanks to Jacqueline for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Petal to Petal Illustration Studio Space

2011-06-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

Where do you do your art/crafts?

Sometimes I work in a cafe around the corner as I like the buzz andthe banter and they serve the most delicious mochas (I have to becareful not to spill them on my work though!). Most of the time, Iwork from home in my studio, surrounded by the things that inspireme- cards from friends, tags, postcards, samples of material- anything goes!

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
I use perfume boxes to store my pens and various other materials in.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I find that I can't work in a messy space. The work I do requiresprecision and so there needs to be plenty of flat, clear space for meto work on. I can't risk spilling or knocking anything as I work byhand and one slip means that I would have to start over again!

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
Only keep the things that you need out- store everything else away.Store things away in perfume boxes, small hat boxes and even shoeboxes and make pretty labels to identify the contents.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
I cannot work if my space is in a mess- a clear space is a clear head

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
A lofty converted old warehouse with endless desk space, comfortablechairs and great lighting. Ideally a studio apartment.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations ofyour art space?
I would like to work large scale- but taking my style intoconsideration that would probably have to be a long term projectanyway.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
A shelving unit to display my collection of pattern and textile books!And maybe anice plant as well.

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?
www.petaltopetal.blogspot.comI am always looking for exciting new exhibitions to participate in orjust to admire. I am also open to collaborations with artists andcompanies alike. Please drop me a line- I always love to hear from you!

4Polinka's Workspace

2011-05-31T10:08:00.000-07:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?

I prefer crochet and knitting (but from time to time switch to sewing)

Where do you do your art/crafts?

I do it mostly at home but to knit and crochet in any place is no problem for me.

How do you keep all your supplies organized?

I use web albums (I don't keep all my works on me) such as Flickr, Facebook and my online shop at craftisart.com/4polinka

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?

I don't think my space is so tidy. Is more about getting the work done and after, during the break I can clean it up. But my yarn balls usually don't take much room. My work place is on a couch in living room where I work and at the same time stay in a center of a house life

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organized?

I keep my balls in a big stylish basket close to my couch and my tools in another box - all that it takes

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?

Better say - my hubby gets this way occasionally :)

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?

An armchair with all my boxes and baskets around me without moving them around

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?

Irish crochet. Can't imagine where I can keep the surface to pin all the motif.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?

To move out on the terrace for Summer time :)

Is there a website for people to see or buy or art/crafts?

I have a page on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Trieste-Italy/4polinka-craft and I have an online shop at http4polinka.etsy.com and http://www.craftisart.com/4polinka

Thanks to 4Polinka for allowing me to publish her photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Om Shanti Handcrafts Studio

2011-05-09T05:52:00.000-07:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I design scented bath and body products -- soap, lip balm, body scrubs, massage oils -- using all (and only) natural ingredients. I love coming up with new scent combinations, and I love trying them out, too (though, alas, I don't think I can write off my hot water bill and call it 'product testing'). Many of my products have healing properties as well, and I do a lot of research and testing to make sure that they're safe, and they work.

Where do you do your art/crafts?
Mostly just outside of my kitchen -- I worked in my kitchen in my old apartment, but my new kitchen is so small I've spread out into the living room. Fortunately I've fit most of what I need in a small space, though there's a doorway in the middle of it all.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
I have a variety of shelves -- some thrifted, some trashpicked, and one set that's built into the kitchen. My favourite piece right now is my workbench -- I picked it up off the side of the road, and then found the perfect drawer pulls at the local ReStore. I'm working on a project to lower the bottom shelf some, so I can fit taller things in it, and maybe eventually add another shelf below that one. It's just a few inches higher than my kitchen counter, which makes it the perfect height to pour tricky stuff like lip balms without straining my back.

The black shelves that hold my finished products are another thrift store find -- actually a friend of mine bought them, and then I traded my old shelves for them; they were exactly what I needed, and my friend was looking for something with taller spaces between the shelves. It was perfect!

I keep a meditation altar of sorts on top of it -- an icon of Saint Michael, pictures of my family, gifts from friends. Just some special stuff that I can focus on when I need to.

I paid eight bucks for my desk at a Salvation Army store in Colorado. It weighs almost as much as my car and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I'm...I don't want to say I'm obsessive, because strictly speaking that's not true, but I do like order. I find it...soothing, pleasing, when everything has a space, and it's in that space. Don't get me wrong -- I get messy -- but soon enough it all gets to be too much, I can't think, and it's time to straighten up.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
Find the right space for everything. The right set of shelves, the right container, the right box or bin or basket. When everything fits just so, it's easier to put it back there, and easier to want to put it back there.

Make it fun. Maybe 'fun' isn't quite the right word, but do it in ways that please you. The pen holder on my desk isn't just the right size -- it's pretty, too, and it feels good in my hand when I pick it up. The matching mason jars I use to hold my ingredients look so nice lined up on the shelves, and I know they're sturdy and reusable, too. And I love my workbench -- just looking at it makes me smile.

This doesn't have to be expensive. For me, digging through thrift stores and yard sales, looking for just the right piece, is a good part of the fun.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
OH MY yes I do. It rarely gets very bad, because I know how frazzled I get when it's all in a pile, but when I have a show coming up and five batches of thisandthat to make, yeah, it gets messy. And it's harder for me to find things, to focus, to think. Even if I don't have much time, taking a few minutes to straighten up really helps my state of mind.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
I'm hoping to move into an RV and travel from craft show to craft show around the country, full time, within the next year or so, so -- long and narrow! I've been doing sketches in AutoCAD for a while now, trying to figure out how to make things fit, and I don't even have the RV yet.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?
Everything I've tried so far is pretty small -- though I've started drawing and calligraphy, and I'd love a space other than my desk for that, so I don't have to keep shoving my keyboard out of the way...

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
More work on that workbench -- at least one more drawer, and maybe more than that, if I decide to store the five gallon buckets under it elsewhere. And more glass jars. I love how they look, and I love being able to see all of my ingredients through the glass.

Is there a website for people to see or buy or art/crafts?

You can find me at omshantihandcrafts.com (I have a blog there as well that might be of interest), and I also sell at Etsy (http://omshanti.etsy.com).

Thanks to Kate for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Tricia Stansberry's Barn Studio/Shop

2011-04-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?

I make stain glass. I like to make glass that has a twist to it. I am on a feather kick now.

Where do you do your art/crafts?

I cleaned out my barn, boy was that a job. It is so nice to walk in and put a little music on and loose myself in my art.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?

I was able to re use the workbenches that my dad built when I was a kid. They have electric outlets in them and large shelves on top. No messy wires to get tangled up in. My father-in-law built cubbies for my glass. I have enough that I am able to keep the colours separated. I have clear drawers for my embellishments. I have to be able to see it to use it. I keep everything in the area that I will be using it. I have a space for each step. I'm lucky that I do have enough space to do this.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?

I hate to waste time looking when I could be creating. It makes me a little crazy. So everything has a place and I try to keep it there. It does get out of hand at times. So when I'm waiting for my soldering iron to heat up I tidy up. It feels good to walk out of the barn with a finished project and it feels just as good to walk in and start a new project with a clean space. This way it takes the stress out of it.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?

I keep everything where I will be using it. I make every minute count. I do not waste any of my precious art time.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?

Oh yes!!!

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?

Well I don't know what it would look like but I can tell you what it would feel like. COOL AC I have a ceiling fan. When I started I used a hot plate and a light bulb for heat. My wonderful husband gave me a heater that doesn’t trip my breakers.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?

No, I haven't come to that fork in the road yet.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?

I guess I it would have better wiring and maybe some insulation.

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?

etsy.com/shop/stainsinpanes

Thanks to Tricia for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Tammy Vitale's Studio Spaces

2011-03-16T06:11:00.000-07:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
To support myself I do one of a kind ceramic wall sculputre in a wide range of pricing, and jewlery including using my own lampwork beads and ceramic focals. To play and explore and try out I also paint, do mixed media (my latest passion) and art journal (also new). Each informs all the rest and I'm always excited to see what happens when I sit down to play with nothing in particular in mind.

Where do you do your art/crafts?
In my home. I use 2 bedrooms, the basement and 1/2 the garage. I also store some of my show supplies in a big shed out back.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
The truth is I don't. I have pieces of organization; for instance my beads and supplies have stacked drawers and cups but when I'm in the midst nothing is in its drawer - its all out where I can see it. Clay pieces have been really organized with humbered bins and a corresponding list. But moving work around for shows has pretty much done away with that. For my clay there
are spaces for everything and I work at keeping things sort of organized (especially the stamps because I love them all and don't want to lose any of them), and straighten when I can't see any surfaces anymore. That's sort of my measure - if I'm to the point where I'm moving out onto the kitchen counter, I know it's time to straighten things out.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
See above - when there are no more flat surfaces, and I'm winding my way to my desk through stacks on the floor,I straighten up.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
Well, to me a tidy space is the sign of a bored or blocked artist. I can give you tips on how to get unblocked but not on how to be a tidy artist!

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
No. I look around and glory in all the possibilities stretching around me.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
Everything in one space instead of spread out on two floors.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?
No

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
As I'm now moving work into my yard (all of my ceramics can withstand most any weather - altho big wind is hard on the chimes), I'd like lots more plants and a gardner to keep them headed and pretty!

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?
Go to http://www.TammyVitale.com That's where I keep everything: Creative Resources, my blog, and a representative gallery of my work. You can also find my work on my FB
page (it's a personal page - I have a business page but don't use it): TammyTVitale. Because I use FB a lot, the pictures there stay more current for what I'm doing right now.

Example of Work: Wylde Women for the outdoors, Garden Goddess

Thanks to Tammy for allowing me to publish her studio videos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Dawn Houser's Studio

2011-02-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?

I work with different media, depending on my mood that day. I love needlework, sewing to collage.

Where do you do your art/crafts?
I try to contain it in my studio, but if you ask my kids, it usually winds up on the dining table, too.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
For smaller craft supplies, I use metro shelf units and Ii adjusted their shelves to fit two sterlite containers on top of each other. For fabrics and fibres, etc, I use the larger plastic bins and more metro shelf units adjusted accordingly.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
There usually is a tipping point where I just have to stop and organize it. Sadly, I am a bit of a schizo crafter and have different projects going at the same time. Not good.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?

Last month, I reorganized my studio and took every item out and grouped them with like items and each plastic bin has a contents label that lets me know what is in the bin.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
um, YES!

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?

I wish that I had more tables, but if I had more tables, I would probably have more projects in process so I should probably stick with what I have.

My old studio was twice the size as mine now, but I love this studio.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?
Yes, I wish I had a press, guillotine and wire-o binder.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
When I get out of graduate school, I want to utilize my garage/barn.

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?
http://dawnhouser.com/
http://etsy.com/shop/dawnhouser
And my blog is http://dawnhouser.blogspot.com/

Thanks to Dawn for allowing me to publish her photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Example of Dawn Houser's Work

C. Rae Nelson's Studio

2011-02-09T05:21:00.000-08:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?

Mixed Media, Artist Trading Cards and Art Journaling.

Where do you do your art/crafts?
My craft space is in a small walkway between the living room and backyard.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
I keep similar items together. My most used items are close by and almost everything is out where I can see it.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
With such a small space, it does not take much for it to look messy. My craft space also houses the family computer and the island workspace is where my daughters do their homework. Sharing this with others keeps me motivated to keep it clean.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
I set my space up in little work and storage areas. My craft table is where I do most of my projects and keep most of my supplies, but will use my beeswax on the butcher block (covered with a glass cutting board), where I keep all of my beeswax and paint brushes used for that medium.

I’m the kind of person who uses what I can see, so open storage works best in my situation and my purchases for workspaces and storage were made accordingly. All the furniture in my craft space is second hand, either from yard sales or Craigslist.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Absolutely yes! I like when everything is in its place.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
I really like my space, so I would keep it as is but with bigger windows.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?
I would love to have the space to start playing with encaustics, there are so many colors I would want to work with, but right now I only have enough room to keep my natural and white beeswax out and ready to use.

Also, it’s frustrating having to bring out and put away the sewing machine every time I need to use it, so I don’t use it as much as I would if I had the space to keep it out all of the time.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
A new computer and an upgrade from Adobe Elements to Photoshop CS.

Is there a website for people to see your art/crafts?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/studiocrae/

Thanks to Crae for allowing me to publish her photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Sheena Lyn Designs Workspace

2011-02-07T01:12:00.000-08:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I do sewing, corsetry, millinery, paper crafts and photography.

Where do you do your art/crafts?
Most of the time it gets done in the living/sewing room. I have tweaked one end of the living room to fit the crafty-sewy stuff :)

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
I have a lot of clear totes (so I can see the contents), big rings that I keep my ribbon on, and "Big Bertha" the old dresser I have adapted to store various fabrics in. I keep all of it fairly organized and i am working on making labels for everything.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
It's in the living space I share with my family, and the entry to our house. That is pretty motivating.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
I have a small garbage can by my sewing table for small threads and other miscellaneous trash. I also have a tote for small scraps of fabric. I always save them, you never know what you will need them for.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
LOL no! It doesn't bother me at all really, but it drives my husband crazy! It's an "organized chaos" and I know where I put everything, but he hates seeing it all over. I try to keep it tidy and respect his feelings :)

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
It would be a nice open room, with lots of cupboard space (preferably with clear cupboards so I can see inside). I would like to have a corner 'L' shaped desk to sew on, where I can keep my machine on one side and my cutting tools on the other. I would love to have my ironing board fold out from the wall.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?
Um, I don't know really. I think that quilting would probably be the one thing I would love to do but don't have space for. But I don't really have patience to do it either... so maybe that is a good thing :)

Example of Sheena Lyn Photographs that I loved

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
A dressform! I have wanted one forever, and never had the space for one. I am buying one next week, and I can't wait! Everything to this point has been done on a human body, which is not always convenient. Having a dressform will really change the way I work.

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?
There sure is! I have an Etsy shop under SheenaLyn Designs (though there isn't much there at the moment).http://www.etsy.com/shop/SheenaLynDesigns
I also have a blog that you are welcome to check out and follow if you'd like to. Its at craftysewingprojects.blogspot.com/ and it follows my process of making many of the things I will be doing in the future.

Thanks to Sheena for allowing me to publish her photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Cherry Blossom Tattoo's Studio Space

2011-02-04T01:09:00.000-08:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?

I'm a photographer and also make small flower brooches and do some embroidery hoops (I just have a love for buttons and felt!)

Where do you do your art/crafts?

We have moved into a new house and I have the beginings of an amazing craft room. Beautiful blue walls, antique oak coloured floor and a huge white desk and red chair. I love my bookcase, my grandfather made it and eventually it will have more craft supplies and less books in it. I just need a lot more pictures on the walls and make myself some more cushions etc.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?

I have a pretty cool Ikea shelf system for things, and a little cupboard to stash away my sewing machine and fabrics in another plastic tub from Ikea. Basically I think Ikea rocks for all storage items at a great price. At the moment I am also using a really old chest of drawers to keep mount and packaging in but I can't wait to get a replacement for it. Plus there is a massive built in storage area but at the minute it just has loads of stuff in it from moving house. Oh and I also know a wine merchant and have a couple of lovely wooden wine boxes too :)

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
Ah, tidy....ummmm. At the moment I'm not really engaging in the whole spending the day in the craft room thing as we have so much work to do all over the house. But luckily for me, as photographer I work everywhere and anywhere and can do stuff on my laptop or some hand sewing in any room :)

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
I love to hide things away in cute boxes and my 3 little suitcases. Eventually I will have lovely shelves and a nice chest of drawers. I think if your art space is a beautiful place to be and the furtiture and storage is loved you will enjoy using it. I also keep my craft fair props in a wine box altogether so I know where all that is at any time.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Yes, if I need to use it and it's messy I feel like I can't do a thing. A messy room = a messy mind. But I can just come into the living room etc and work somewhere else too, haha

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
It would be a lovely big room out in a large garden with a huge window for a wall looking out at the beauty and power of nature. It would have a lovely wood burner in it and a sofa and lots of shelves full of buttons and loads of art on the walls and a big deep pile rug for my dog to lounge on.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?
I would love to do more refurbishment of old furniture. But it is difficult and I can only do small items. Plus I would love to know how to dressmake (and not be afraid of my sewing machine) and upholster and learn metal work and pottery and glass work - god grief I want to do everything!

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
To get rid of that chest of drawers and get some shelves in that big cupboard, oh and more art on the walls :)

Example of Cherry Blossom Tattoo Photography

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?
I'm on Etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/cherryblossomtattoo
And I have a blog as well - http://cherryblossomtattoophotography.blogspot.com/

Thanks to Cherrry Blossom Tattoo for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Megan Franken's Working Space

2011-02-02T04:22:00.000-08:00

What kinds of art/crafts do you do?

Mainly I sew using recycled fabrics. I have a huge collection of letters and pictures taken from recycled fabric, and I design phrases and images with them. Then I sew them by hand to high quality secondhand clothing. Also, I make jewelry, draw, do photography, and (if it counts) do a lot of cooking and baking.

Where do you do your arts/crafts?
I do it all in my teeny-tiny apartment in Montreal! My living room doubles as a work space, which I find keeps me inspired even in my off hours.

At local thrift store digging for supplies

How do you keep all your supplies organized?
I'm actually a bit of a neat freak, so I keep everything very carefully tucked away. I use a dresser for my sewing supplies, a hanging organizer for my fabrics, and a closet for clothing. But I also need some spaces where I can keep random odds and ends, and for that I use a big basket and a laundry sack. I find I need to keep the things I use everyday in convenient places, but I like to have the odd drawer or bag full of miscellaneous things. Whenever I open it, I feel galvanized to create.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
Whenever things start to overflow, I just throw on some electronic music. Somehow music that makes most people dance makes me clean. I'm more of a marathon runner than a sprinter when it comes to cleaning.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Yes! When I first moved in, I kept everything neat and tidy and would freak out whenever it got at all out of order. But when my friend Tristam moved in for a month...well, even though he was completely respectful of my space and supplies, he just couldn't pick up after himself fast enough. I soon learned to compromise though. I feel like I'm a lot more relaxed about it now, even though he's moved out.

If you could have a dream space tomorrow, what would it look like?
I've always loved this store in Montreal that sells handmade clothing. There are two shop windows side-by-side. In one you can see the store, and in the other you can see where the clothing is made- in a gorgeous, spacious studio. This always seemed idyllic to me! But really I would just love a comfortable work chair and a huge table- right now my work space isn't very "ergonomic."

Photo of Megan's Clothing on her balcony another place where she crafts

Is there any craft you would love to do but can't due the limitations of your work space?
One thing I would love is an open area I could set up to take photos of my work in. In the summer I just head out to my back balcony and I've got space and lighting, but now that winter has rolled around I'm finding it really difficult to take photos I'm satisfied with. I'll probably just redo them all in spring!

What is the next big thing on your wishlist for your art space?
I plan on moving in a few months to a new apartment, and I'm really hoping to set aside atleast half a room for sewing and designing. Honestly though, I love my space as is. Only in a space as tiny as mine can you keep an eye on your cooking while you work!

Megan says about her walk along here 'it is the first thing I do everyday, and I get some of my best ideas for clothing'

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art?
I've got an Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/meganfranken
And a Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Waste-Not-Recycled-Clothing-by-Megan-Franken/134659313247477

I update both almost everyday. My Facebook page features deals every week!

Thanks to Megan for allowing me to publish her photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Balanced Crafts Studio

2010-12-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I am a jewellery artist. I make unique bead-woven and metal worked pieces.
Where do you do your art/crafts?
In a spare/guest room upstairs turned studio, beading I usually do downstairs on the couch while watching movies.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
With many, many organisational materials. Containers, boxes, folders, drawers, jars, baskets... anything you can put stuff into. Labeling is a big thing of mine, also.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I think that just comes naturally to me, the desire to organise. I think it comes from having to share a room when I was young, everything was very, "this is mine, this is yours". :P

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
Like I mentioned above, many, many organisatonal materials. I love to recycle and re-use things. Jars, baskets, anything really. Also, I have specific areas for things. For instance, a shipping area, a packaging area, inventory area, etc. It makes packaging up orders much less time consuming.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
nah, I just shut the door and walk away. I come back later with a fresh perspective.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
It would have a lot of space, a LOT of shelves, a lot of natural light and it would be nice and warm.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?
I would love a safer work space for soldering. I can do smaller, simpler projects in the set up I have now, but my dream is an actual workshop, without carpets.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
I have an addiction to tools, so there are many things on my wish list. But, the big one is a new Lortone tumbler. I've asked Santa for one and am keeping my fingers crossed.

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?

of course! http://www.etsy.com/shop/Balanced

Example of Work by Balanced Crafts

Thanks to Rachel for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Terri O' Brien's Working Spaces

2010-11-29T05:43:00.000-08:00

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I work mostly in Textiles specifically Embroidery though I like to incorporate printed fabric and hand knitting when i can, but i am specifically studying Embroidered Textiles. I also do some painting and drawings though more for research purposes. Also i like to work on images I have photographed and edit them.

Where do you do your art/crafts?
In my college studio space, at my college home in the sitting room where my two housemates (Fashion students) also work on their projects, and i also work a small amount in my home with my parents in my bedroom there - i have a much smaller space to work in though there and rarely can get much done.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
My supplies all have their place though I unfortunately have them all scattered around in my different work areas, mostly due to the fact i have to work in college and at home. I have two large boxes for fabric, and two smaller ones for sewing supplies. I have shelves for the rest of my supplies and a large cardboard box to hold my old notebooks

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
In college its a necessity to keep my space tidy so I can find what I need so i can show my tutors, at my college home I work in our living space so I have to tidy up after myself so that we have somewhere to relax or eat, at my home with my parents it is rarely tidy mostly because no one but me is in my bedroom at home.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
Tips for keeping it tidy... hmmm.... lots and lots of storage helps.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
No I probably work better the messier it is while I’m working mostly because everything is lying out for me to move around and mess with.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
A medium sized room with a whole wall devoted to storage and with a large board (or several boards) covering another wall that i could tack things up along with a rail or two for samples/clothes. Several mannequins some tailor mannequins and some plastic, and some head mannequins. An industrial sewing machine and an embroidery machine, and a table or two for working, along with a space for my laptop and printer/scanner.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?
No, if I want to do something badly enough i will make space for it. the only reason i cant do something is because i don’t know how, I would like to use a knitting machine, but do not yet know how, I plan on enlisting the help of my fashion friends to show me how to work the one in our fashion department in college.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
An overlocker

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?

Not as of yet though I am planning to set up a Blog where i will most likely post some of my work, there will be an exhibition of my years embroidery at Christmas for a short while. It is still in the process of being organised.

Thanks to Terri for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Amg-Arts Studio (Updated)

2010-11-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

Short Studio Clip

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
Collage/Mixed Media and Papercrafts, I am also studying a degree in Textile Design.

Where do you do your art/crafts?
At the moment the Art Studio is inside my house in a spare room.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
With lots of drawers, shelves, and storage boxes, everyday tools that I need I have hanging on clothes racks over the desk so I don’t have to go in search of them.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I guess with running my blog ‘Where People Create’ and seeing all the beautiful and organised spaces gives me the motivation to clean the art room and have it looking presentable. I love House and Home magazines too so if I see a study area or craft room picture in it I like I clip it out and keep and when I need that ‘kick’ to clean the room I look at the picture and get to work making it look as good as the picture.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
I find that the large plastic drawers are good so you can pull out the complete drawer and bring it over to the floor/desk where you are working and when I’m finished just slip the drawer back into place. Keep all your items grouped like all your textiles stuff together, all your paper crafts bits and pieces together that way your not running around your studio too much when working on certain projects.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
I hate clutter guess it’s my O.C.D and if it’s too bad I can’t work, I clean and reorganise the studio a lot every few months it’s the only way to find better ways to organise and have the studio work to its full advantage for you.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
We have a barn loft over our sheds in the yard which we have just got our quote to do up so hopefully soon I will have a large studio with lots of space and lots of light, the room I’m in now the light is very bad I have to use lots of artificial light. Also, need lots of plugs sockets because I run a risk of being electrocuted some day!

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?
I have all the gear for screen printing and paper making but haven’t the space at the moment. Plus with a carpet all that water isn’t a good idea. Also, with the wax pot I have to work on the floor because of lack of space and with a carpet it can be messy especially if you have a wax spill.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
To move into the loft, and get the biggest island workspace

Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?
http://www.amg-arts.com/
http://www.facebook.com/AmgArts

Missy Bonkers/Tina O’Rourke's Studio

2010-10-18T01:19:00.000-07:00

Missy Bonkers/Tina O’Rourke's Studio

Missy Bonkers is an independent Galway Based clothing label, specializing in restyled, recycled clothing, accessories and toys. Also selected vintage, handbags and bespoke designs.

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I love all kinds of Arts and Crafts, but I primarily make clothes, bags, soft toys and crochet wear.

Where do you create?
I have had various studios over the past few years, at the moment I work from a spare room/studio at home.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
I am a bit of a neat freak in all aspects of my life but my studio usually gets the better of me, I use lots of boxes, shelves and labels but when I am working on a project all efforts to keep the studio tidy goes out the window.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I would say I’m intermittently motivated, when I am working on a project I am surrounded by organized chaos, when I am done, I return to being a neat freak.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
What works for me is, when I finish a specific set of items I am making, I do a complete tidy.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Yes, after I have finished what I am making, not at all during it.

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
No, if there is anything I want to try, I usually will find the space.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
My own gallery/shop space attached to my studio

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
A huge, rambling barn with moveable walls adjusting to the space I need at any given time. Walls on wheels :)

Where can people view your work or purchase it?

http://www.missybonkers.com/

http://missybonkers.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/missybonkers
http://twitter.com/#!/missybonkers

Thanks to Tina for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Example from Missy Bonkers Collection

Nikki Designs

2010-08-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

Nikki Designs

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
Interior decorating, custom draperies, slipcovers, bedding, table linens and cushions

Where do you create?
A studio in my home

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
plastic storage “towers”, bookshelves, long shelves and plastic bins for fabrics

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I have to vacuum everyday to keep the floor clean. I use a lint brush constantly on my cutting/pressing table

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
See-thru containers and label everything!

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Yes.

Example of Nikki Designs

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
No.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
Something to slide a bolt of fabric on for rolling out onto my table.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
More artistic and pretty – everything coordinated and neat. Long dowels on the wall to hang my bolts of fabric!

Where can people view your work or purchase it?
http://www.sewingbynikki.com/
http://www.nikkidesigns.etsy.com/

Example of Nikki Designs

Thanks to Nikki for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Claire Garvey's Studio and Shop

2010-08-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

Claire Garvey

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I do fashion design, head pieces, wedding dresses, 21sts, debs, alternative designs, colour shoes.

Where do you create?
I do them in my shop. I have a work room but to be honest it sprawls into the shop as well. I have a great design team, Helen Moriarty and Mary Daly, who put up with the tight space!

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
It's very difficult, having a shop and workroom combined. It's hard to keep it tidy if not impossible! We try to put things back at the end of the day, threads in their box, matching beads in theirs, measuring tapes and chalks etc but it doesn't always work out that way.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I suppose the best thing to keep us motivated is the fact that we have to work there the next day! We have to find the fabric for the day, easier if its labelled, we have to find the orders, again easier if they are lined up on one of the tables ready to go.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
I suppose I'm not very organised. The only tip I can give is clear everything of that you don't need for the next day. Write a list of everything you have to do that day and have it lined up or in plastic bags ready to go. I also store a lot of my spare fabrics in see through containers and label them in separate boxes i.e. chiffons together, satins together, linings etc. it makes it easier when you are looking for a certain type of fabric just to go into that box. The same applies to beads, separate containers for the sparkly ones, and coloured ones in their own box.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Yes, it's very stressful. Sometimes there are so many orders on the go, the place is so small and its so hard to find anything. And also the added stress of having to keep the shop clean and not spreading to much chaos its way! I think because we do a lot of tutus and dresses that take up a lot of room we end up hanging them from hangers on the ceiling!

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
I'd love to try metal work. Never tried it but would love to try it on corsets. Who knows maybe in the future.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
I've always thought of like the Great Escape of hacking through to the next shop and having that as my workroom and having the shop I have just as a shop. Nobody would notice I swear!

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
Bigger brighter and with an expresso machine plus free delivery from Milano's piazzas! Also I would like an extra seating area. When dealing with customers they often bring alot of people with them and there is no where really to put them in the shop and also I would like a bigger changing room to accommodate those big dresses.

Photo by Edina Valentova, assistant photographer Tom Soldan, model PIYANUCH Chanphet, styled by Jemma Connelly, makeup Beata Ryba

Where can people view your work or purchase it?

http://www.clairegarvey.com/

or you can go to Claire Garvey shop to buy directly from me. Claire Garvey Designer Shop 6 Cow's Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin 8 00353 -1-6717287 Photo by Edina Valentova, assistant photographer Tom Soldan, model PIYANUCH Chanphet, styled by Jemma Connelly, makeup Beata Ryba Thanks to Claire for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you! ***update if you like Claire's work you can now vote for her on: Ireland Top Designer*** http://blog.fayedinsmore.com/irelands-top-designer/

Ekta Aggarwal

2010-08-16T07:17:00.001-07:00

Ekta Aggarwal

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I have been working as a fine artist since 2000. My medium is Oil On Canvas.

Where do you create?
I work from home. I have a big room which I have converted into my workspace. It is ideally suited for painting as it is well lit, spacious and the floor and walls are a very light colour almost white.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
I like to keep all my supplies neatly organised in separate boxes. I spend a few minutes daily cleaning my brushes and organising my stuff.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I feel that a neat and tidy workspace allows for better work and also provides inspiration to create beautiful art. The pleasure of working in a clean enviroment keeps me motivated to keep my space tidy.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
I try and clean my art space on a daily basis. I find that spending a few minutes cleaning the workspace before starting and cleaning and putting all the supplies back in place before leaving the workspace in the evening saves a lot of time and energy in the long run.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Yes I do get stressed out when my space gets in a mess as there is no joy working in a messy environment. I prefer a neat and clean space any day.

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
I would love to do pottery but cant do due to space limitations and also it needs a different kind of flooring.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
My dream space would be away from the city in a picturesque setting with a nice big window from where I can enjoy the beautiful scene outside while I work at my canvas.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
I am looking to buy a music system for my art space so that I can listen to music while I paint.

Where can people view your work or purchase it?
http://www.ekta-aggarwal.com/html/home.html

Thanks to Ekta for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Amy Buchheit

2010-07-29T07:14:00.000-07:00

Amy Buchheit.

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I mostly do acrylic paintings, photography and the occasional sculpture. I also make hand crafted cards for holidays. (I enjoy making them for family, and sell some as well).

Right now my living situation and studio space is in transition, so I continue to largely focus on photography. This takes less space and supplies - all I need is my camera, computer and Photoshop. (In addition to the toys and other items I'm photographing.). When I do get settled/back to painting ... I will have plenty of reference photos to work from, as well!

Where do you create?
It depends on the project. I have had a small room (8'x10') that has doubled an art studio/storage and office for the last 10 years. When I'm painting, I'm there, as well as when I am doing the corrections on my photos. (My marketing/sales work as well.)

When I'm making hand-crafted cards, I set up in the living room on the coffee table. I have a large coffee table, and it is simply more room to spread out/more comfortable for me to work there.

For sculpture projects I can be working in the living room and/or outside on the patio or under the carport.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
I have a flat file atop a 6 drawer dresser in my office/studio, and numerous stacking plastic bins as well as a closet organizer. The drawers are labelled with what is inside so I can find things quickly and easily. Shelves and a file cabinet help keep my reference books and office records in order

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I wish I kept it tidier, actually With the studio and office being in the same space I find it difficult at times. Especially with my "office" cat, Bitsy ... she likes to help out by knocking all stacks of papers onto the floor.

It is important to keep as organized as possible. It is not fun to need something *now* and not have a clue where it is!

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
Label label label. Everything needs a place. I find if it has a label, I am less likely to put it somewhere else. Another tip? Put it back where you found it!

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Mostly, no - because of my helpful kitty cat, there are often papers everywhere. I just do my best to get to them ASAP and in the meantime, work around them

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
Not really - I find the limitations are less on creating, and more of a storage issue. I can find ways to create larger projects as needed, particularly when the weather is decent (as noted, I have worked in the carport!). But unless it has a home the minute it is finished ... where am I going to keep it? That ... as well as how I'm going to transport it ... is what limits the size of my work from getting too large.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
1,200+ square feet of space, high ceilings, stocked with every supply I need in well-organized spaces, open feel to it. One floor (no stairs). A cosy reading area near a kitchenette in one section, that way I can flip through reference books and read trade magazines in comfort, plus entertain gallery owners and reporters (as well as friends who stop by).

An enclosed space with excellent ventilation with basic power tools for woodworking (jig saw, chop saw, table saw, sander, etc.) and all the tools I need for building. The equipment would be top-notch and collect dust as the cutting was done (where ever possible). The room would be sealed so that dust doesn't penetrate the rest of the space and get on works in progress.

There would be plenty of room to hold small workshops as desired, or to have other artists over for meetings.

Of course, there would be extra-wide doorways for moving larger pieces in and out, and windows looking out into the surrounding gardens. The office would be attached but in a separate space.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
High quality laptop computer, high quality scanner, high quality color printer (so I can print small photos and prints as well as documents

Where can people view your work or purchase it?
Oh, yes several. The Etsy site (listed at the bottom) will be opening again within the month - hand crafted cards can be purchased there!

My fine art can be viewed at all the other locations.

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/24984610@N07/
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amy-Buchheit-Art/190707613301
Myspace: www.myspace.com/amybuchheit
Website: http://www.amybuchheit.com/
Etsy: (on vacation, coming soon!) http://www.etsy.com/shop/AmyBuchheit

Amy is also at present running a contest on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?saved&&suggest¬e_id=428633137200&id=190707613301

"It's a Shame for You", digital photography, copyright 2009 Amy Buchheit All Rights Reserved.

Thanks to Amy for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Joyce Garvey's Garden Studio

2010-07-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

Artist Joyce Garvey

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I'm a painter mostly oils and mixed media and I create painted glass objects.

Where do you create?
I paint in my garden studio and if the weather is good, in the garden itself!

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
I'm not a great organizer and not remotely tidy, but do try to keep my glass paints and oil paints in a separate part of the studio...sometimes not very successfully! I have one of those easels which has a big wooden box attached though which is handy storage.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
Hanging wet non canvas work out on the washing line is a good tip as long as you remember to bring them in again!

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
My favorite artist is Francis Bacon so I remind myself of his studio and don’t get stressed at mess! My husband does though if I'm working in the garden...He doesn't seem to like the new look purple grass!!

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
I LOVE where I work but of course would love abigger space and urgently need a bigger custom built sink.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
A bigger custom built sink.

Where can people view your work or purchase it?
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/joyce-garvey.html
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000948679930&ref=search

Thanks to Joyce for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Calling all Artists! Craft People etc…

2010-06-29T05:52:00.000-07:00

Submissions for ‘Where People Create’ are Wanted!

Requirements photos of your workspace, studio or where you work on your art. About 2-6 photos are ideal you can e-mail the photos or just send links to the photos.

Also the following questions must be answered:

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
Where do you do your art/crafts?
How do you keep all your supplies organised?
How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?
What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
Is there a website for people to see or buy your art/crafts?

A photo of your work will also be included at the end of the interview.

If anyone is interested, please send the required details and/or any questions you have to: amgartstudios@gmail.com

Thank you,

Ann

Katie M. Berggren's Studio

2010-05-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

Katie M. Berggren

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I use acrylic paint on canvas to paint intimate moments of motherhood – using brushes, my hands, palette knives and sometimes cloth as instruments

Where do you create?
When we purchased a new house a year ago, we made sure it had a 3rd bedroom with a big window that I could use for my studio. It is better than I imagined with double doors and a lovely neighborhood view.

Before this house, I painted in my laundry room, squeezed between the sink and the dryer, before that – the kitchen table. I believe that we can make amazing work anywhere we choose. It seems logical sometimes to wait for our ‘ideal’ location before we begin, but why not get going wherever you can make room?! I come from humble beginnings, and am forever grateful for the space I have now. It is simple, but it is my space to create.

Over the last 5 months, I have moved my kids’ art table into the space as well – I have less room now, but we can all create together, which is nice.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
I have a counter top that I set my canvases on while painting (vs an easel). The counter has 6 drawers and 2 cupboards where I store my extra paint and brushes, packaging supplies, cards, prints, glues and tapes. The paints and brushes that get used every day live right on the counter – the brushes in glass jars, the paint bottles just hang out.

I used to put everything away each night, but now I find that it is inspiring to have things ‘at the ready’. Sometimes my only opportunity to paint arises when my kids are putting on their shoes or finding their helmets for a bike ride – having the water and paint out allows me to jump in for just a quick moment!

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
When I come into the studio to work each day (while the kids are off playing, or sleeping at night) I frequently do some organizing before beginning. This helps to get me in the mood to paint, and I find I can’t do my work quite as well in a mess. I am a bit of a clean freak/clutter phobe, so the studio (except for the kids’ area) stays relatively clean and clutter free. I have no problem tossing things from the studio that don’t belong. Anything that might inhibit creativity!

When the space is messy, paintings can become in danger of ruin, and the whole business feels and runs more professionally when I stay on top of little messes that grow.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
Keeping brushes corralled in glass jars, bristles facing up – drawers for paint bottles to rest in, with their colors labeled on the top of the cap. I stack my unused canvases in the coat closet and the in-process canvases neatly against the wall.

I devised a board (which I painted to match the accent walls in the studio) that I drove nails into about 10 inches apart throughout the board. This board rests on my counter, leaning against the wall and allows me to hang my paintings of various sizes while working. I can have three smaller paintings hanging at once – keeping the counter clean and the canvases safe.

I use shallow boxes to keep tapes, glues, pens and such organized in the drawers and there is a special drawer designated for ‘inspiration’ where I keep my sketchbook and journal and any notes I write – this way, I always know where to find them. It is a messy drawer, but that is okay.

In the office area of the studio, on the desk, I have a nice basket that serves as an in-box – I throw anything in there that has not been put away yet or needs to be attended to – then clean it out once a week. This way, items, notes and such do not get lost on the desk.

I have a potted plant on my desk where I clip checks that need to go to the bank (so they don’t get lost) and that is also where I stack orders that need to go to the Post Office.

I feel it is very important to keep systems and keep it simple, but I battle daily with figuring out which systems work.

One habit that does work for me: every couple months, I put on a movie and do a load of production. I prep boards and bags for prints, I place envelopes with cards, I print labels and adhere them to shipping envelopes, I prepare promotional materials and print notepads. This way, when orders come in, it is a streamline process of getting them ready to ship.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Yes, but less now than before – it used to drive me crazy when any portion of my house was less than tidy. Over the last year I have relaxed a bit as I have realized (as I think all mothers must realize at some point) that even if I vacuum now, the floor will just need to be vacuumed again in the morning.

I am also working on using my time more effectively as I realize time is money and is absolutely unretrievable. I am finding that I am surviving letting the kids’ studio table remain messy – I then spend my time painting vs angrily stuffing away their art supplies – also, when some items are left out, they come into the studio and get right to work – what is more beautiful than little kids happily and creatively crafting?!

I do get uneasy and overwhelmed when too much begins happening at once. When this feeling emerges, I have a serious purge session where I frantically clean everything, sort, toss, recycle and donate to my heart’s content. I ALWAYS feel much better afterwards.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
I am so happy with the space I have now, but if I could I would take the current space and add some shelving, a pretty floor rug (over the hardwood floor), better lighting and a larger space for my boys’ art table and supplies.

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
Nope, and I have turned some pretty big paintings out of my little studio!

Where can people view your work or purchase it?
The Online Shop is located at http://www.kmberggren.etsy.com/ where 8x10 prints, 12x15 giclees, art cards and glass charms can be found.

My website for a bunch more information is http://www.kmberggren.com/.

Example of Katie M. Berggren’s Work

Thanks to Katie for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Your Charmed Life's Workspace - Her Kitchen

2010-05-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

Your Charmed Life’s Work Space

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
Hand stamped personalized necklaces.

Where do you create?
At home, in my kitchen.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
Several tool boxes and bead organizers

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I am still needing to learn this secret ;)

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
Best tip, would be to put away tools as you are finished using them

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
I keep a pretty levelled head and takes a lot to stress me out

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
A room JUST for my business that comes with a work bench!

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
would love to get into cutting sheets of sterling and brass, however at this time space is a issue.

Example of Your Charmed Life

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
Work bench forsure!

Where can people view your work or purchase it?http://www.etsy.com/shop/yourcharmedlife

Example of Your Charmed Life

Thanks to Your Charmed Life for allowing me to publish her photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Angel's Hair Studio

2010-05-11T06:03:00.000-07:00

Angel’s Hair Studio

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I do many different type of art and craft. From original painting to prints, greeting cards, home fashion products( cushions, jewelry and photo trees, etc.) My goal when I started Angel's hair almost 3 years ago was to create a young and multicultural home fashion brand made from handmade and fair trade products.

Where do you create?
In my home studio, but depending on what I am creating, it can be in any part of my home :)

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
I hardly keep my supplies organized :). Usually, the fabrics I am not working on are in a suitcase, because I have so much fabric and not that much space, I only keep in my studio the ones I have an immediate need of.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
Again, hardly!! It is usually when the space is so disorganized that I can't find what I need that I take a break and take a few hours cleaning and organizing. These pictures were taken one of these days :). I have to say that I feel more comfortable when it is a little bit messy around!

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
I am not the right person to ask for these kind of tips. I can just say that the more containers, boxes and wardrobes you have, the better it might be,

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Depending at which point. I think everyone has its own standards. As I said, I feel only comfortable when it is a little bit messed up around. But yes, when I arrive at a certain level of mess, I start feeling stressed out

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
It would be outside of my home, with 2 separate spaces, one for clean works, and the other one for works that are less clean.

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
I think I would love to make sculpture and wood working, but this is impossible now in this space.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
Maybe a potters wheel.

Where can people view your work or purchase it?Yes, my work can be found at:
http://angelshairgallery.com/
http://www.angelshair.etsy.com/
http://en.dawanda.com/shop/angelshair
I also have a blog: http://theangelshair.blogspot.com/
A facebook page: http://www.angelshair.facebook.com/
And a twitter page: Http://twitter.com/angelshair

Thanks to Mariam for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Susan Moloney's Art Studio

2010-05-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

Susan Moloney's Art Studio

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I do a little bit of everything! I'm a painter, mostly, and I've been doing some stuff with clay and plaster, but I also make plush dolls called "weirdos" too.

Where do you create?
I have a studio set up in my basement. My friends call me "the cellar dweller" ;)

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
I am the messiest worker on the planet, but we JUST remodeled my studio and I was sure to arrange LOTS of storage places!

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I guess I don't. I usually just work until I realize I'm drowning in stuff....then I sort of go on a tidying up rampage.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
I am VERY lucky! I got to design my own space and sketched everything that I wanted. I had two worker bees that built all of the stuff for me! I made sure to put DOORS on almost everything! Before we remodeled, I always had open shelves for all of my stuff. I think it looked really cluttered and messy that way...even though I knew where everything was (I was constantly organizing). I love having most of the stuff hidden! (even though I have a lot of stuff that isn't hidden too...I just have a lot of stuff!)

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
I don't know if I would call it stressed out. More like confused. I can't find anything and I'll end up with papers glued to my elbows. That's when I know it's time for the tidying rampage. ;)

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
This is a dream space for me! I can't believe it's mine, really! I sit down here, smiling like a looney, looking at it! haha! But, of course, there are always things you would like to have that you can't...like bigger windows...maybe not be underground?

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
I love to paint BIG paintings. It's exciting! and it gets your whole body movin! but I have had to go much smaller with my work. I just don't have anywhere to store it.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
New windows (they won't be big). We have really old windows and they are falling apart. We held off on finishing the window sills until we could replace them... but I'd also like a new dremel tool, and that saw gizmo that dremel makes...I'm hoping Santa will bring them for me, because my husband says I've spent enough on the studio! ;)

Where can people view your work or purchase it?
Yes! My very first Etsy shop is susarto. ( http://susarto.etsy.com/ ) where I sell my weirdos and some prints and things.

Last year, I opened http://susanmoloney.etsy.com/ because my newer work didn't really fit in with the plushies. I wanted it to be seen on its own.

Besides building the studio, I had been concentrating on getting more work together for galleries. I will be exhibiting them in June at Highwire Gallery in Philadelphia.

I was posting those on my blog up until January when the renovations took over. The whole renovating process is on my blog too, if you're interested in that sort of thing ;) http://susarto.blogspot.com/

Oh! I almost forgot! I opened a 3rd Etsy shop called SanfordSalvage. There isn't anything in it yet, but I will be putting in a lot of vintage items and supplies now that I've got myself sorted! :)

Thanks to Susan for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Example of Susan's Work
Video Tour of Susan's Studio

Noreen Crone Findlay Studio

2010-04-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

Noreen Crone Findlay Studio

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I am passionate about the fiber arts: I design for small loom weaving, crochet, knitting and spool knitting, as well as making one of a kind cord makers and tatting shuttles. I also blog about the yarncentric life on Tottie Talks Crafts.

Where do you create?
I have a fairly large studio in our home, and we also have a woodworking workshop, too. The studio has a wall of south facing windows that passively heat it in the winter. In the summer, the hollyhocks grow up 2 stories tall, and shade the windows. We also have a wood burning stove in the studio, which keeps it toasty warm. We don't cut down any of the trees on our land. We just cut up the trees that have fallen down or been blown down and burn them. Every year, we plant many more trees to lighten our carbon footprint.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
I am a big fan of having groupings of tools and projects on their own shelves and in their own baskets. I am very serious about maintaining really good files, because I have so many projects and designs and concepts all happening at the same time. I collect neat old baskets, boxes and suitcases for project storage. and use lots of plastic bins and drawers as well. My studio looks unbelievably cluttered, because I do have a lot of stuff in it, but it suits me to a 'T'.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
That's easy: If things get out of control, it makes life way too stressful! So, sometimes, I just have to stop and get everything sorted and sifted. For me, having several small desks where I do specific tasks, works much better than having one large desk. Also, I need to have things organized on lots of little (and large) shelves, so I can keep track of tools and projects and stuff.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
It takes discipline and persistence. I really like folding tables for short term project construction or for specific tasks. I do the job, then collapse the table and put it away, otherwise, I will just heap stuff on it. I also am lucky to be able to have designated areas where I so specific things- for example, I have a 'station' set up where I shoot all my video tutorials, and another area where I shoot a lot of my photos for my patterns and my blog. I also like to have an area where I can stand to work on projects and designs. I also have 2 small desks for drawing and sketching, and a large computer desk where I heap things up like mad. And, of course, I have a lot of bookcases and shelves for storage. I also have comfie chairs for sitting and working on things, and for family and friends to sit and visit and sip tea.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Yes. When it gets chaotic, I find it really hard to maintain focus.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
I love my studio, but there are a few things that I am not crazy about. The wall of windows is challenging, as it is angled, which makes it good for passive solar, but I haven't been able to work out a system of curtaining them.That's not great, as it is hard to control glare and light levels for photography. Also, I don't like the ceiling tiles in the studio, and would rather have a wooden ceiling. And, there's a rug on the floor of the studio. I would prefer wood or cork or bamboo. I need to have lots of flowering plants in my studio, as we have long cold winters in Western Canada, where I live, so having tons of light is really important to me.

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
Not in the studio, as I am very lucky to have a large studio. But, the woodworking shop is small and congested. It would be wonderful to have more woodworking space.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
I would love to have a vintage drop front secretary desk. I am questing for it! :o)

Where can people view your work or purchase it?

My latest book: The Woven Bag is available online or in local bookstore
Website: http://www.crone-findlay.com/
Blog: http://tottietalkscrafts.com/
Etsy: http://ncronefindlay.etsy.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/NCroneFindlay
Facebook page for The Woven Bag: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=359667273444

Thanks to Noreen for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Hen and Chick Studio

2010-04-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hen and Chick Studio

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
My main medium is sewing, and my current favourite things to create with fabric and my sewing machine are dolls. Basic rag dolls, stuffed toys, and more elaborate art dolls. I am constantly interested in learning new techniques and often incorporate those into my sewing. For instance, I have recently learned to screenprint using an embroidery hoop, sheer curtain fabric, and mod podge! (Check out this great tutorial on Craftster). So I've been printing my drawings of animals and people onto fabric and making little pillow toys with them. I also love crocheting and paper crafts like scrapbooking.

Where do you create?
I feel so lucky to have a room in my house specifically devoted to storing all of my supplies and doing my crafting. It was the guest room that I converted to the office/craft room. Not long after that, even the office got edged out. I have a big, eight foot banquet table on one wall where I sew, cut fabric, write and draw patterns, and often dump newly acquired thrift store vintage fabric! I have a separate desk to scrapbook on, and then several dressers and bookcases to keep supplies in.

Even though I have this awesome space, sometimes I feel a little bit isolated from my husband and son, so in the evenings I often drag a bin of supplies to the family room and spread out a bit there so I can enjoy my family. So there is really evidence of a crafter living here all over the house, much to my tidy husband's chagrin.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
Well, organized is a relative term! I have a big upright dresser for my fabric. I have recently organized that according to colour, in rainbow order, and that helps so much. I keep the large cuts of fabric for baby slings or other larger projects in crates under my craft table, and I have several bins of seasonal fabric (like fleece and flannel) in a few totes in the top of my closet. It seems that no matter how organized I try to be, or how many totes and bins I have for fabric, there are always several yards and scraps laying around.

I love to keep little vintage tins and dishes for storing buttons, pins, spools of thread, etc in. It really helps the creative process to have pretty things to look at while you are creating.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
Well, a lot of times I just keep working around the mess, until that moment where I am digging and digging for something and can't find it. Then I snap, and just start cleaning. I keep at it in little starts and fits throughout the day or over the course of a few days, then when I feel satisfied, I go back to making. I wish I were more motivated to just tidy for, say 20 minutes a day and keep up on it, but it's so much more fun to use the time making things!

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?I wish I could follow my own advice and just do a little at a time each day, tidying as I go, but I'll work on that! But when I do get around to cleaning, it really helps to have enough containers for breaking down everything into subcategories. Baskets, clear plastic baggies, shoe boxes; they all do the trick! And label EVERYTHING.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
I am able to ignore it to a point, but as soon as I can't find my pattern, or a seam ripper when I need it, I really do flip out a little!

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
It would look eerily similar to my craft room now. But maybe more windows, built in cabinets and shelves, and hardwood floors. And magical elves to bring me supplies.

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
I took a batik class several years ago, which I absolutely loved. It felt like such a freeing way to express myself. But I can't really do it at home because it's quite a mess, with melted, dripping wax everywhere. And I have to keep my craft room two-year-old-friendly anyway for my sweet son Blake (who likes to use the craft room floor as a Thomas the train convention), so hot pans of melted wax and big hot clothes irons don't really fit that bill! Maybe when he's older, and we get rid of the carpet...

Example of Hen and Chick's Work

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
I would love more wall-mounted shelving to make better use of the vertical space! But that would mean I'd have to get rid of my pretty ornate mirror, or my big framed Piccaso print, and I don't think I'm ready for that!

Where can people view your work or purchase it?
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/henandchick
Blog: http://henandchick.blogspot.com/

Example of Hen and Chick's Work

Thanks to Rachel for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Medusa Jewellery Studio

2010-04-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

Medusa Jewellery

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
I make jewellery and fashion accessories, as well as working with different varieties of beads, I make my own polymer clay beads and love to experiment with unusual and not so obvious materials. I make brooches, earrings, cuffs, cufflinks and much more.

Where do you create?
I live with my partner in an old town house which we recently renovated. After a lot of work our small spare room became my studio and I am lucky enough to claim this space as ‘my own’. It is at the back of the house, so it’s the quietest room in the house and also the brightest. It’s a dream work space! When I am not at home, I use my old crayon case as my beading tray and a see- through carrier case for all my bits and bobs.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
Well, organising is a bit of an obsession and “Spring Cleaning” is a favourite phrase of mine. I confess that most of the time, it is unnecessary. Many nights my partner came home from work, only to look for me, lost amongst many things.

Repurposing – should be my second name. I recycle every box and glass jar that comes into my possession and find it a second life. You could say it’s a hobby of mine, which tends to take a lot of my time, just scraping off old jam-jar labels. But what a joy when I find a new life for it.

I use small jam jars to store my beads, tic tac boxes for all my findings, and yes you guessed it all the labels off, nice and uniform is the idea! I cover all the old paper boxes with nice fabric and give it a new lease of life. I intentionally buy candles in a glass containers, that later washed, serve as storage for knickknacks and can be used as tea light holders once more. Good for the pocket and for the environment. Finding a dual purpose for things tends to save space in the house.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I guess you could call it organizing OCD. I am not able to work if things are out of place. I have to admit, that in my organizing endeavours I get lost myself. Sometimes it’s a challenge to remember where I put things.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
Well, that’s very dangerous question for an organizing addict like me! First of all organizing is cheap. You just have to look past the obvious use of things. Old furniture can be resprayed in any colour to make it look like new, it can be bought at any second hand shop. I recycled my old furniture that I had in my previous job. By repainting it white we change the look and saved money. As I mention before every glass jar in a kitchen could be washed and reused in a work room. These days they come in nice shapes and sized. Tie racks are handy for holding ribbons, tic tac boxes are great for small items, they are see-through and compact to store in a spice rack for example. The lower shelf of a spice rack is great to keep your tools. Vanish boxes are great too, they come in a few sizes, once the old labels are of they can be relabelled and look great grouped together on shelf. Paper boxes can be covered in a variety of fabrics or paper to suit your interior. Take out boxes from your local Chinese restaurant can be used to store your pencils and pens. They come in a few sizes to, and if closed can be stacked on top of each other. Plastic boxes are great for fabric, for ease of access. Party favour boxes look great and are ideal for storing small items. IKEA is a great place for inspiration for small work places. They have great items to help you save space and be organized at low cost. The key to keeping places tidy is trying to keep everything uniform in colour or theme.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Not anymore, every time you can’t find something during your creative process, it is more of a reason to improve your working environment afterwards, to organize it and reorganized to suit your project needs. Creative environment is messy sometimes; it’s just par for the course.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
I am a very lucky girl to have a room to myself. I love my studio just as it is now. But if I could have one thing it would be all the tools from my father’s workshop. He is a goldsmith, so his tool collection after so many years in the industry is very impressive.

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
Not really, all I need is my lap and my little recycled tray. But then again who is not dreaming big.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
This is a tricky one. I am happy with everything I have, I have enough supplies and ideas to last me a lifetime. So the answer to the question is - healthy me in my studio. I recently had cancer, and I have learned that I am the most desirable tool in the studio!

Where can people view your work or purchase it?
Etsy Shop: http://www.medusajewellery.etsy.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MedusaJewellery
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/medusajewellery/

Example of Medusa Jewellery

Thanks to Mante for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Ruby Clover's Creative Home Space

2010-04-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Ruby Clover Work Space – Her Home

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
Well I mostly do mixed media type wall hangings, photography and decoupage boxes. Most of my things will have a mixture of decorative papers, old photos, foreign stamps, layers of distressed paint and inks and some vintage hardware. I also make jewellery and fabric flower brooches and have done a lot of window clings that look like pretty landscapes. Around the holidays I do a lot of ornaments. I decorate any type of blank thing I can get my hands on basically!

Where do you create?
Anywhere and everywhere. Once I'm in "art mode" I'll pull everything out and my paints and papers will end up covering every horizontal surface in my dining room and kitchen. And alot of the time things will actually get glued to the tables and I end up having to sand off chunks of table etc. I have horrible manners when it comes to this, it's very chaotic and confusing around here when I'm in the middle of a project!

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
...bahahahahaa!! I have no real clue where anything is, I've been meaning to jot down notes from your blog actually to see if I can get something more organized going here.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I have to have company coming over in order to have a clean house. Until I know someone's stopping by, it will remain a crazy mess. Or in this case, I was asked to be featured on your blog so I had to clean up for the occasion! All my junk is really just outside of the camera's viewfinder :)

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
Well I have alot of things in boxes, but I need to get more CLEAR boxes like my fabric bins. I can pretty much see everything inside of them. I need to do that for my paints and paper epehemera and all that small type stuff. I know that I would get alot more done and much faster if I had everything organized. And I could spend more time on artwork instead of being distracted by the mess.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Yes. I haven't been making much lately because I know how the place is going to look when I drag everything out. I have stuff spread out everywhere when I start to work and can't just put things away every night. I have to wait until the piece is done and that could take a couple weeks. Not to mention that I also have a vintage shop so I've always got old items strewn around everywhere. If you start doing craft room interventions, put me first on the list please!

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
Sunny. Bright. Alot of white but alot of color too, I love old folky patterns and Bohemian type stuff. Lots of shelves. A sewing area. A painting area. A lounging area.

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
No I don't think so, I can always do sanding and drilling and stuff in my garage if it was something huge.

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
Hmmm, don't know. Now you've got me thinking I must need something big :P

Where can people view your work or purchase it?
Etsy Shops:
Arts and Crafts http://www.rubyclover.etsy.com/
Vintage Items http://www.bohemienne.etsy.com/
Facebook Page

Example of Ruby Clover's Work

Thanks to Ruby for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Anny Fréchette Studio

2010-04-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

Anny Fréchette Studio

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?
Sewing, knitting and recycling!

Where do you create?
I have a studio in my beautiful old house. I’m a French-Canadian who lives in a small village by the St-Lawrence River a few miles away from Quebec City, Canada.

How do you keep all your supplies organised?
It’s a big challenge! I receive many left over from cutting (table waste) from manufacturer and from designer. And I have so many pair of jeans to be classified. I classify my fabrics according to the custom which I am going to make it: quilts, doll clothes, bags, etc. I put them in bags and I tidy up them almost everywhere in the house (wardrobe, basement..). I also have big cupboards to tidy up the smallest quantities and the new fabrics.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?
I try to finish my current productions before taking out the other thing.

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?
I bought many beautiful boxes to keep stuffs. Clipboards are perfect to keep my sketch all together.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?
Yes.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?
I would like very much working outside.... But it is impossible because of my sewing machines and of the climate of Quebec...

Do space limitations get in the way of projects you have in mind?
I would like maybe later to weave but it is going to need to enlarge the house...

What is the next big thing on your wish list for your art space?
I would like new colors for walls.

Where can people view your work or purchase it?
http://annymay.etsy.com/
http://lachiffonniere.etsy.com/
http://www.facebook.com/annymayeco

Thanks to Anny for allowing me to publish her studio photos and for taking time to answer my questions! Thank you!

Example of Anny Fréchette's Work