Thursday, July 14, 2011

Where Bloggers Create 2011~ how exciting is this?!"

Yes, I will be brave and invite the world inside....:)
Hello, and welcome to my studio at Little Beach Designs! This photo shows just a small sample of the types of art I love to create in my studio space....journals, collages using new and vintage elements, and some mixed media pieces also.

Welcome inside my studio...aka "my happy place".
My name is Gail and I'm lucky to have had my own space for creating for about 3 years now. I'm a self-taught artist who adores working with old paper and vintage finds. I  love altering items and assemblage art, and I collect tons of things some of which I sell in my Etsy shop. 

I adore old wallpaper lingerie chests of all kinds! I also adore old trunk inserts (thanks to my best friend Melanie for gifting me some of these!)

She also gifted me this awesome old luggage piece with a floral lining...

I feel blessed to have an entire room of my own to create in...I've filled it with thrifted goods and boxes of all kinds to hold my old things..

This room didn't used to have any cabinets, they all came from my dh's old office....can you say lucky? Tons of storage in here..however I did feel the need to take the doors off, just makes it easier to access things down below. These are Simply Shabby Chic curtains found at Value Village for a song and re-purposed to fit where the doors used to be...I sewed on some vintage glass buttons for interest.

I always buy old spools of string when I find them...I re-purposed the newer craft box by covering it with my favorite old wallpaper and then putting a spool of string inside...pretty and practical.

I love finding old cigar boxes with pretty graphics for storage, you'll see a lot of them in my studio.

Some of the paper ephemera I love to collect.

I also took the doors off the space right above part of my workspace, I find it helps me a ton to be able to see what I'm searching for, either in labeled boxes or see through vintage lockers...you can also glimpse some small vintage jewelry boxes on the bottom that are all labeled with more supplies that I use frequently.

I was lucky to find all these charming ladies at a thrift store!
I re-covered the old wooden organizer with vintage wallpaper.

These items are in my window, all my cabinet cards and some buttons (the storage drawers are yet another thrift find that I covered with wallpaper).

A shot of my work desk and thrifted footstool that i found for $10. I usually stand while I work, but sometimes I need to take a break!

Yet another fabulous gift from my best friend Melanie! This is a great old barrel covered with gorgeous old wallpaper that I store my wallpaper in (at least some of it)! I've acquired a ton of old wallpaper, it's my favorite medium to create with.

A little vignette on my dresser....doll heads and old leather doll bodies...I know, not everyone's cup o' tea, but I love them! These are being displayed in another trunk insert that I found at Monticello in Portland.

I added lots of old photos of my mom, whose been gone for a few years now...it's comforting to me to have her presence in my studio.

This window has always been a problem for me! Although I love it because in the afternoon the sun streams in here like crazy (lucky, I know!), the window itself is not pretty and it's surrounded by brown paint! Some day I'll paint it, but for now it's covered in old paper pages......:).

This wall right behind my wallpaper stash is covered with old ledger pages from an old Mason's ledger...just taped up for now.

My newer small dress form is all dressed for the party! My sweet friend Amy made the paper crown for me and I love it!!
The necklace is a treasured piece that I won (did I mention I was lucky?) from Shari Replogle, a fabulous artist! 

This is the other side of my room, again I've removed some of the doors so I can see my supplies. Tons of paper and books...

This awesome metal cabinet came from my best friends store (it used to be green) and it holds a TON of supplies for me, mostly paper. As you can see, I'm also a sucker to floral wallpaper storage boxes of all kinds.

Lots of old sewing machine drawers hold all kinds of items that I need to finish labeling.....

This is a notions corner, it's where I keep a lot of crochet trims and bakers twine (can you tell I love it?) The blue chest on the right is one I found at a garage sale and it was covered in some ugly 80's wallpaper....I wondered what was underneath...glad I looked!

I found this great old barkcloth shoe bag years ago, it holds a ton of ribbons and trims...I also love the old floral knitting bags, I only have two so far.

My "VINTAGE" pennant that I made using old wallpaper and sparkle letters...

I try to use each and every inch of my studio, behind the door I've stored more stamped ribbon and vintage trims..

One of my inspiration boards....unfortunately it has to go behind the door because I literally have no wall space in here because of all the cabinets (no, I'm not complaining!)

A further off shot of my workspace, I love to decorate the doors with old photos and postcards, etc....

I was lucky to find this chippy mint green dresser at a local vintage mall for a good price, it holds tons of supplies.

Some of my cabinet doors with old ledger pages, put where I can enjoy them every day!

My closet doors used to be louvered bi-fold doors that were a pain to open....now they're history and I've added some Simply Shabby Chic shower curtains for easier access. I'm lucky to have two dress forms, the small one was my first found at the flea, the second came via ebay from the east coast...

Love these old children's cases for small paper goods...

Lots of white buttons....

I found this tiny pink mesh wire 3-tiered hanger at the thrift store.

This old wooden cash register drawer is a recent find and I love to have it on my work desk holding different items I like to use...

This box is one of my favorite finds ever!  It combines all my favorites...tattered silk ribbon, red and white paper, a gorgeous print, and some fabulous trim.


And last but not least, I found this stunner at Goodwill, glad I checked out the inside, otherwise I would have kept on walking!
I'll be using this beauty to store all my "Where Women Create" magazines....:). Thank you so very much for coming to visit my space. And thank you so much Karen for hosting this fabulous party once again! It's just the kick in the pants I need to get my space organized!!!!

52 comments:

A Treasured Past said...

Hi Gail, you have the most spectacular creative space EVER! Tam x

Kim said...

Hi Gail..

I am sitting here drooling in envy seeing your beautiful studio. What a fabulous collection of vintage goodness you have collected and I just love all of your beautiful storage ideas. I could spend hours and hours in your studio just looking through all of your beautiful things. I myself have just a craft table set up in my spare bedroom, upon which sits the darling wallpaper covered chest of drawers I purchased from you last year :) so I have to say I am quite jealous at the moment. Thanks so much for giving us a peak into your studio.

donna!ee said...

wow gail, what an inspiring studio you created! thank you much for sharing...blest be :)

Doni said...

Hi Gail! Can I just say "YUMMY!!!" I love the wallpaper covered storage pieces all over your room!! Now where oh where do I find wallpaper that pretty??? I have GOT to get me some of those!! Your creative space is such inspiration!! No wonder you create great items!
I've loved visiting and lingering in your room. thanks so much for sharing!!!
Blessings, Doni

melanie said...

your room is gorgeous! It just looks so very great...I love all the changes you have made! I , too, could spend hours and hours in there...
melanie

Rhonda said...

Wow Gail, that was amazing. I'm in love with your first dress form, I've been dreaming of owning one like it. Did you name her?

Thank you for sharing, it feels like I know you a little bit more. : )

The Old White Barn said...

Oh, my - so many gorgeous things in such a yummy space! I often walk right by old cases - bet I stop and take a second look now that I've seen how pretty they can be with a little imagination! Thanks for sharing.

Susan

Leaping Frog Design's said...

Amazing studio Gail...I love all your storage. Beautiful!!!

Seawashed said...

Wow you have a huge space and lots and lots of stuff. I did not know Karen was hosting this again already. I participated last year. Thank you for sharing!!! Yours is the first I've seen.

Jill Marcott-McCall ~Feathers & Flight~ said...

Gail, your Studio is Fabulous! A Wonderful Space for Creating!Thank you for Sharing!!
Hugs
Jill

Anonymous said...

Hi Gail. Thank you for stopping by and visiting my studio. I LOVE yours so much. You love all the things I love. You have found some real treasures and you put it all together so perfect. I'll be back to visit your blog. love it.

Tina said...

You have a wonderful studio Gail. So much room and so much pretty stuff. I love all the old containers and boxes you have for storage and the old suitcase too. And all the old dolls parts. Loved seing everything.
Have a wonderful day
xo Tina

Claudia said...

Gail, I love your space! So many wonderful storage ideas - love the wallpaper chests - and so many wonderful treasures.

When you see my studio, you'll see I have the same shower curtains in my space. I cut them up and used them as a skirt for my sewing table.

xo
Claudia

Pretty Things said...

There's not a thing in your studio that I wouldn't want to take home! The books, the suitcases - yum. Seriously, pack it all up, send it over!

I hope you'll have time to visit my spaces...

http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2011/07/where-bloggers-create-2011-pretty.html

Doni said...

Hey again Gail!! Thanks for jogging my memory! I didn't even put the two together!! YES!! That was your sewing box I now have proudly displayed in my craft room! I LOVE IT!! It has some sisters to keep it company, but I'm in love....
and I'm honored that you recognized it! HOW COOL!! Thanks so much for making the connection for me...it's more special to me that way.
Blessings!
Doni

m i c h e l l e said...

OH MY! Please be advised that this comment shall serve as notice that I am moving in!!! LOVEITY LOVE your space so so so much! Everything! Amazing! Thank you for inviting us in!

blessings said...

Holy Moly!! That's amazing! I'm drooling over all your dad's cabinets. You are SO lucky. And You're about that great minds thing. =) Beautiful window coverings! Beautiful everything!

Blessings... Polly

blessings said...

I mean "Your RIGHT about the great minds thing" duh..

Rebecca Nelson said...

OK...you are kidding me! Right? This is fabulous! LOVE IT ALL! Flipping out crazy over your space. Just gotstah follow along. K?

xo~Rebecca

Junk Fairy said...

Hey Gail, thanks for stopping by my blog!! Yes we do like the lot of the same things! Your space is amazing and your collections, can you say "priceless" I'm a follower now!! I'll keep in touch!
Happy Junking
Eloise

Vicki said...

Gail what a room! I really love it. That green storage cabinet is amazing. You have so many treasures (last two pics are great finds). I really enjoyed seeing all your collections. Thanks for having us over! xoxo

Anonymous said...

I really like how you took regular objects and covered them with vintage wall paper or old leger paper, and made them your own. Your space is so beautiful, and you have such a lovely collection! Thank you for sharing!

~Alli

Lily's Lace said...

What a fun visit! I love your space and all the wonderful goodies! And the metal cabinet, perfect! I love how you have decorated and used your space to make it look so cozy ! Great job! :)

Holly Loves Art said...

OH wow! I LOVE it here! Everything is so darling and wonderful. Your little dollies tucked up tight is precious. Such a special and comfortable creative space to be in! I'm following you now so we can keep in touch.
Cheers!
Holly

Leanne said...

What a very pretty space! The wallpaper cabinets, the sewing machine drawers, that gorgeous box toward the end, even the shower curtains (brilliant idea)... Just very lovely!

Recycled Rita said...

Oh Gail! It is all so pretty! I could just bring a sleeping bag and hang out in there for days! I love,love,love your new header also!
hugs! karen....

bertie said...

I just fell in love with your studio! I love every inch of it and your collection of goodies is so charming. I love all of the colors and use of different fabrics..the boxes...the treasures...ok...you just made it hard for me to walk into my studio and not feel like I have to go buy more trinkets! I hope you will stop by and say hello and see what a studio looks like before it is a grown up like yours! blessings...I realllly enjoyed your post! bertie
www.queenbartistry.blogspot.com

bertie said...

Sorry..i forgot to tell you that I am now a follower and am putting your lovely site on my sidebar of favorite blogs on my site, as well. Loving it!

Unknown said...

soooooooooo lovely! i especially love the metal cabinet, old drawers and all those cabbage roses everywhere!

Jo said...

Such beautiful treasures! Thanks for the tour.

Thespoena McLaughlin said...

What a fun and wonderful space Gail! Thanks so much for sharing, I so want an old dress form, I have a newer one that I collaged but it's just not the same thing. Hugs!

Karen Valentine said...

It is absolutely charming with yummy vintage goodness!!! You have some really great things in there (many of which I'm coveting) ;)
Thank you so much for joining the party!
xo,
Karen

Unknown said...

I love your collections of dolls and doll parts here and there. All of your stuff together is so fabby. I bet you have one creative blast working in this spot. Thanks for showing it to us all. *smiles* Norma

Gabriela said...

GORGEOUS ROOM! Aren't we lucky those of us who can have a special room all to ourselves!

lala said...

Hi, just found you from Where bloggers create and instantly became a follower! Just love your space, so many delicious goodies and treasures to play with. Now I am going to make a cup of tea and read all of your previous posts.

kluless said...

Your room is gorgeous and i simply adore the way you display all your treasures. I will be back!!

Donna said...

Great studio, lots and lots of fun stuff to work with!!!!

Terri said...

Lovely vintage studio. I was admiring those sewing drawers...way cool. Love how you have your things stored and I really liked that vintage banner...Thanks for the lovely tour of your creative space!!!!

marie said...

Amazing creative space...I love the variety of storage pieces you use! Th set of metal drawers is awesome...it looks great painted white. I think the vintage wallpaper is my favorite of all. Thank for the tour - I'll be back to poke around a bit more!

Rochelle said...

I love everything in your space! You must have a lot of fun creating in this room!
Cheers
Rochelle

Unknown said...

What can I say.
I so just love every single thing. Lots of beautiful things, lots of fun things. I love how you have taken doors off, this gives it such a great look. I love all the wallpapered boxes, drawers and storage units. I love how you have mixed vintage with some antique items as well. I think this is a new look!!!
Thanks so much for sharing your marvelous space.
I am a new follower.
Michele

Rita Barakat said...

SO many wonderful things to look at in one space! I love vintage too! I bet you love spending time in here!

Creative Grammie said...

You have an absolutely beautiful vintage workspace. What you call your footstool, my grandmother had one of those in her kitchen that I used to sit on all the time. I love all the fun things you collect and use I'm sure.
I've had a wonderful time visiting with you, thank you for sharing your space.

romance-of-roses said...

Wow, delightful studio. I especially like all the little dolls you found at a thrift store. I love dolls of all kinds. I recently found a couple of thrift stores that I didn't know about and bought two sweet little dolls. Thank you for the tour. Hugs...Lu

Anonymous said...

Loved visiting your amazing studio! It was a wonderful tour...thank you for sharing! I love all your treasures!

Boxwood Cottage said...

Hi Gail,
so glad I finally made it over here to see your echanting studio! I'm especially fond of all your beautiful drawers, the sheet music over your window, your sweet baby doll head vignettes as well as the old luggage piece and pretty lined old suitcase! I just had to pin some of your pretty and inspiring pictures over on Pinterest.
Your art journals are amazing too!
Sending you very happy Summer wishes from Germany
Carola

Something Special said...

I am drooling here. I love all your spectacular vintage goodies. Your studio is fab fab! I sure love all your vintage wallpaper crafts. Come say hi over to my blog. We have lots in common.

Maggie said...

Your little dolls in the wooden organizer won me over! As I scrolled through your post, I fell in love with your space....I want to come over and see it all! You have really found some wonderful vintage treasures, and all of your storage is fantastic. I see that you're from Oregon...me too, in SW Portland. Hope you visit my space, too. It's taking me forever to get through Karen's long list, but so glad I found your blog!

maggie
http://www.themagrag.com

EVERYTHING ANASTACIA said...

It's taking me a while to hop over from blog to blog, but I'm enjoying this party.
What a beautiful space you have going there. I L O V E your old sewing machine drawers! Your place is awesome, so organized!
I'm glad I stopped by. Hope you'll get a chance to hop over to my humble space.
Regards,
Reina
http://everythinganastacia.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I adore your creative space, it is filled with so much beauty. Your collections of wallpaper is stunning and your storage cabinets make me drool:)

xo,

Abby

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

What a great creative space you have.... filled with so many vintage beauties!!
Thanks for sharing!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Mary said...

Oh my gosh what a lovely space!! I love the idea of the suitcase for mag storage- the framed inspiration board- the floral papered old drawers (I'll have to use that tip for some of my ugly, plastic storage!) No wonder you feel inspired working here. Thanks for sharing! ~Mary