Let There Be Light - WBC Take 2

If you read my previous post, my original entry for the Where Bloggers Create Party, you'll know I had some electrical difficulties producing a dark studio. Since there was some interest in how I found ways to fit a 20' x 20' studio into a 9' x 9' room, I am sharing more, now that the lights are back on.   I have tried not to repeat what I already showed you in the WBC post.  So, if you didn't see those, you can do that here.

The biggest secret is to go UP with everything!

In moving from a spacious space where light and room were generous, to an itty space where everything seemed a frustration and challenge at first, I learned to look from a different perspective at what supplies should be out where they were visible.  In my large studio, I loved having everything out and visually available at all times.  That was no longer an option.  Well, actually at one point I did have my stainless steel shelves on one wall and the printer/scanner shelves (which is just like the cat's bunk beds) were out.  But I found that in this tiny space, all that utility felt very uninspiring.  So the closet houses the printer/scanner shelves and the large stainless shelves filled with mixed media supplies.  I also have some less than lovely plastic drawers in the closet holding decorative papers and odds and ends.  

My antique dental drawers filled with pencils

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I had to think through what I really use on a regular basis.  Could this still be convenient in the closet or does it need to be in the room?  Maybe less than convenient in the closet (the printer and scanner) but maybe worth it to not look at it every day.  Does it really need to be on top of the work table or could it just be in a handy place close by?  I play with mixed media art but artist's pencils are my premium medium when I work professionally.  So having the pencils out and available is most important.

I use altoid tins to hold my most used colors of Derwent Artbar and Derwent Intense blocks.  They take up less table space and are great cases for travel when I want them.

   This is a vintage laundry table.  The top is porcelain so paint just washes right off.  The drawer holds markers.  

This little folding tray is so handy.  It extends my work table.  It is easily moved to the desk should I need it for drawing supplies or beside the sewing machine.  Or I can just fold it up and put it away if I need the room.  I have one more I use sometimes but I think its in another room right now.

Kenya and Rose in the bunk beds

This vintage ironing board folds up and takes up little space.  But I can easily set it up when I need an extended table top to spread out supplies or finished pieces.

My daughter's ballet shoes

 

The folding drawing board substitutes for my drafting table.  It works fairly well as I rarely work larger than 11" x 14" anyway.  I loved my drafting table and I did have it in here for a while.  But there was hardly any room to walk.  I realized the real need was for a drawing space that could be elevated at an angle and a safe place to leave the paper while a project is not yet finished.  The table top board solves that need without taking up 3' x 3' of the room and it can be moved should I need the desk for other purposes. 

Cigar box for drawing supplies

I love vintage objects.  Previously I had the luxury of being able to place them in my studio just for the purpose of inspiration.  Many boxes and jars were empty.  I just loved looking at them.  But in my new small space everything has to have a purpose.  So if there was something I really wanted in the room I found a job for it.

Matchstick holder for drawing brushes

Lydia, Studio Supervisor in charge of holding the floor down

I love rocking chairs.  I found that I neeeeded a rocking chair in my studio for it to feel right to me.  But, of course, there is no room for it.  I do kind of have a thing for rocking chairs.  I have 7.  This one is the most light weight one making it easier to move about if necessary.  My sweet husband, the Poet, bought me a keyboard that I can hold on my lap in my rocking chair and a large monitor.  So, this can be my desk chair.     ---I know, I know........

Kenya, my muse

As I said before, the sewing machine tucks away neatly on the typewriter shelf.  And there is room underneath inside for my light box.  

 

The bookshelves are hardly seen but are still available.  They are behind the door and beside the desk.  They hold up the chair my daughter Kate made that holds the tv.  

Some finished pieces available to purchase.

 

I want to recover this chair but don't have the sewing skills to do it properly.  I welcome suggestions or ideas!!!

 

And then when all the necessary things were in place I found a few places, mostly on the walls, to add a bit of decorative fluff just to make me smile.  

Bo.  The Old Man.  

 Thank you for indulging me this 2nd run through.  I am still learning how to make this space work more efficiently and yet maintain an air of creative whimsey.  It is a growing experience.




Wind and Honey Creations
Creative Pencils - Online Drawing Lessons

Where Bloggers Create 2015

 

 I thought I was going to miss the Where Bloggers Create Party for this year. My studio was a mess and I didn't think I would have time to clean it up. But I ended up with some surprise time. So, I'm just a bit late but I'm scooting in here in the last minutes. Yea!  Thank you Karen Valentine for letting me sneak in.  **After writing the previous words last night the breaker broke for my studio.  I only had one light on so don't know what the deal is.  But the problem seems to be more complicated than just flipping the switch in the garage.  So I was waiting until morning to take my pictures but have found they are still fairly dark.  I've used the ones that are less dark and tweaked them in Photoshop trying to get a bit more light.  I do apologize for their lacking in quality.)

If you've followed this event for a while now you might remember that I used to have a large sunny room for a studio. (see that studio here) Then we moved and I had a room that was much smaller. (see that studio here) Well, we are still in that same house but I found I couldn't work in that room. I needed sunshine. So, I've moved to an even smaller room with only one window.  What in the world?!!   But, at least the sun shines in!

It has been quite an adjustment and I have had to rethink pretty much everything.  For one thing there is very little room for fluff.  You have to start thinking about just what is necessary.    But I do love that sunshine.   The view isn't amazing but I need to be working and not staring out the window anyway.   In this room, where space is of a premium, the cats have bunk beds. 

I do find that at least once a week I wonder if I couldn't find a way to fit my larger work table into this room. I get my trusty tape measure out and check to see if the walls have gotten any longer since the last time I measured. And, once again I see that there is no way to fit that large table in here. Actually, the truth is that I usually have a messy table with only a small workspace -- whether the table is large or small. A lot of the larger table was filled with the cat's baskets.  And if you can see Rose the black cat in this dark photo you will see that she still prefers the table to her bed.

My antique dentist drawers had to go on the lower level.  (You can see more about them in better light here)  When your space is small everywhere is potential for storage.   I can still use them here.

I kept one of the 2 teacher's desks from the previous room.  I love how the typing table in this desk works to keep my sewing machine. And then when I'm finished, it just tucks right back where it came from.   If I did not use this large desk, I could fit my large work table in.  But I'd lose that way cool sewing cabinet.  So, we make choices..... and then we live with them.   (This picture is from the last time I shared.  The light wouldn't let me get a good pic today of the sewing machine out.)

 

My daughter made this chair that the tv sets on in college. It was a sculpture class and they were supposed to make a chair that represents themselves.  So, I guess this is a portrait of my daughter that sits beneath a painted portrait of her on the wall.  I never realized how redundant that is until I typed it here. 

 

And then about every other week, I think I might want to bring my drafting table back. But I use a tabletop drawing board that works quite well and the drafting table is only sentimental. So, I guess its really about learning to be content and making things work, making them enough. I have several creative decorating plans for this room. That will give us something to talk about next year.   And hopefully we will have light next year!!  

Thank you for joining me in my little studio today.   I've loved having you here in spite of the complications.   By the way, the lovely design for my blog background was created by Karen Valentine using my art.  Its been a few years and I keep thinking I should have her redo it.  But I really like this one so I just keep it.  She does professional personalized work.  If your blog needs a little boost, I recommend Karen for blog design.   

 
Wind and Honey Creations
Creative Pencils - Online Drawing Lessons

Where Bloggers Create 2012

This guy's been waiting for me to give him a little canvas
for a long time.  He's a study in patience.

Its a party and you're invited!  Karen Valentine of My Desert Cottage is having a blog party called Where Bloggers Create.  The point is to show off the space where you create and then to visit where other creative bloggers work.  It is great for inspiration, new ideas for decor and for organization, and for meeting new friends.  Come along and join in on the fun.  Bring your cup of tea and a notebook.  You might want to write something down.

Pencils!  Better than eggs in this basket!

I am a pencil artist, so much of my space is dedicated to drawing space and storage to support my pencil addiction.  : )   I use a variety of types of pencils so there is a necessity for a large number of pencils.  Most of the containers they come in are less than ideal.  I'm still waiting for someone to design the perfect pencil box!  And often I purchase my pencils through open stock, buying just a few at a time.  I could toss them all into a box.  But, not only would that be less than creative, it wouldn't be very practical for finding just the right color when I'm using them and in a hurry.  --Here, in the background, you can see a brush display holder that I gleaned from Hobby Lobby.  Years ago I was teaching through the store and they were going to toss this display case out.  I was happy to help them take out the trash.  Then in the front of the picture, I've used tea tins to separate the different kinds of pencils in a basket.  

What?!!  Isn't this what a relish plate is for?

The vintage relish dish was given to me by a friend.  It isn't perfect for the pencils but it is fun, and that counts for something too.  So I use it anyway.  When I do art journaling using only pencils, it takes a variety of kinds.  I like to choose the colors for my palette and then separate the different types of pencils here.

The same friend gave me this "crystal" pencil tray.  Actually, its an old plastic dish, probably meant to be thrown away after serving sandwiches at a party.  But we can pretend, can't we?  I enjoy using it to lay out the pencils I am going to use for a project.  It just feels better when I look at it to gather the next color.  Its all about atmosphere!

My one of a kind crystal pencil dish!

This is where I draw most of the time.  Well, admittedly sometimes I draw using a board on the couch.  But, this is the official location.  The second story windows are usually open and most often there is a cat either in the basket beside me or in my lap trying to catch the pencil.  In the background you can see the wooden file cabinets that I mentioned buying last year.  They have allowed me to streamline some of my storage and I love how they look.  The large school teacher's desk is where I do much of the recording for my online classes.

Animal portraiture is my specialty.  But lately I find myself moving toward a more illustrative type of subject.  This is where the ideas that only live in my head can come to a moment of life on the paper.  I offer no explanation for these pieces.  I like to let the viewer see them in the unique way that touches them.   If you wish you can see more of my work in my Wind and Honey Shop or through my Etsy shop.

I have taught art classes to local students as young as 5 and as old as ...., well, they probably don't want me to tell you how high that goes.  But lets just say some of them are great grandmothers.  Over the years, I've taught a variety of media.  But my favorite is drawing.  I love to do all kinds of art.  But drawing always feels like I've come home. And I love helping new students learn to draw.  My favorites are the ones that have always thought they couldn't do it.  Then they are amazed and delighted at the same time when they find the lessons opening up for them.  Those moments make me smile.

Last year I branched out into teaching online drawing classes through a video format.  It really works well as the camera is just over my shoulder and everything I do shows on the camera.  My classes start at the very beginning for those with no experience.  Then I also have workshops for those who already have some drawing background.  There are classes in both graphite black and white and in colored pencils.  I have taught through Artful Gathering and also through my own site Creative Pencils.

Vintage silverware, little frames, & a nest egg!

Love these shelves!!!

I do still love to play with mixed media collage and with digital collage.  But since I am teaching so much and focusing on drawing, I don't have a whole lot of time to create collages.  But by determination, I still find little ways to work it into my schedule 'just for fun' when I need a break.

 Recently we renovated our kitchen.  There was no longer any place to keep these great stainless steel shelves.  So, they moved to the studio, where everything "stray" ends up.  Wow, all that junk that had been piled on the floor is now stacked in order on these shelves.  What a difference!

My daughter made this cool dish in her first ceramics class in college.

I made a video of my studio recently as a teacher for Artful Gathering.  I am including it here.  It will show the whole room more clearly, should you wish to see it.  

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Thank you for joining me today.  I've loved having you here.  I am anxious to see your studio and find wonderful and inspiring ideas.  I'll be there soon.  Put the kettle on.

CAPTURING DREAMS ONE DRAWING AT A TIME

Wind and Honey Creations

****By the way, my beautiful blog was designed by our own Karen Valentine.  As you can see, she does a great job and she is a delight to work with.****

Where Bloggers Create 2011

Recently as I was engaging in one of my favorite past times, blog hopping, I stumbled onto My Desert Cottage and her upcoming blog party Where Bloggers Create.  I thought this seemed like such a fun idea.  I love looking into the studios of other artists.  I quickly added a comment that I wanted to join in.  It was not until the next day that I realized my comment had come a few days after the deadline to join.  But, to my surprise, Karen of My Desert Cottage added me to the party anyway.  Thank you Karen.  I'm so pleased to join the party.

My studio is not fancy and I do not have the freedom to rip
up carpet and go crazy with the design like I'd enjoy doing.  But it is the first time I've had a whole room just for my studio.  And I think the 2 full walls of second story windows makes up for any crazy decor plans I could come up with.

Some of these photos were taken a while back.  So you may notice a difference in a few of them like the blue cat pillow and then a pink cat pillow.  I recently created a video showing some of my studio for the Artful Gathering class that I have produced.  It is quite recent and I thought fit in here quite well.  So, I've included it too.

Our house was built in 1919.  This is an odd little room off of the larger room.  It is larger than a closet but still only about 6' x 5'.  And yet, it has a window and an old air conditioning vent.  hmmmmm.....   The only idea I have is that it was meant to be a nursery just off the master bedroom.   Any ideas?   Anyone know?

I am currently in Missouri on a trip.  I found an old wooden file cabinet at a thrift store that will replace these plastic drawers when I get home.  I am in need of these plastic drawers in the room where I teach kid's art classes.  So it works out well this way.  This window blind is usually up and the cats enjoy watching the squirrels run by on the window ledges.  But I had to close it in order to take the picture.

Again, had to close the blinds to get a photo.  This table belonged to my big brother.  When he left us to go fly fishing in Heaven, I took this table to create on.  As I use it I am reminded of how supportive he always was of my art.

I keep things that I love here....my favorite dolls as a child, children's books, a doll my daughter made by hand for me when she was only 9, and a stuffed skunk given to me by my father.  

And here is the video.  I won't even have to tell you that I am an amateur at filming.  It will be evident!  : )

And now that you've been in my studio, I will enjoy visiting yours.  What kind of tea will you be serving?  Got any cinnamon scones?

Have you ever wished you could learn to draw?  I teach drawing online through video lessons.  We are having so much fun and my students are amazed at how well they are drawing and how quickly they are progressing.  Come by and take a look at Wind and Honey Classes.  You can do it too!

Wind and Honey Creations