Finally, A Place To Create.....

Well, it is finally done (well, maybe never done, right?) But, my little creative workspace (should I call it a studette?) is now a workable space. After all winter of my dear, sweet husband, building me a very long table, buying storage bins, and sorting through all of my "stuff", I think I can say, I have a studio.

Now, this is not a grand studio, by any means, but, is a great little place for me. My house is small, but I do have 3 bedrooms, and have no children at home. So, I did take one of the bedrooms and carved out a space against a wall, and took over the closet.

Forgive the quality of some of my pictures, but I've been taking them over and over again, without alot of luck.

My husband took an unfinished interior door (Lowe's), and added legs and trim, and painted it white. Underneath are plastic drawers. Yeah, I know, plastic, yuk. But, this is the most workable solution for me. At least I can keep things organized. In my closet, I have 3 large shelves and more plastic bins, to hold even more "stuff".

In this big cupboard, I have alot of my quilts, fabric, linens on the top. In the bottom half, I have magazines, paints, and misc.

Around, the room, I tried to use every nook and cranny. The little white stand by the bed is not filled, and is waiting for more "stuff" to be bought. The vanity is just a place for my pretties and inspiration.

Shelves above the table hold my jars and dishes full of "yet to be used" supplies. I don't have alot of wall space in my room, so I use this 3 tiered stand for "Inspiration".

A white planter and white milk glass jars atop a mirrored dresser tray hold buttons, beads, notes, and misc.

A sweet angel picture, that I absolutely adore, sits on the shelf, watching over me. Apothecary jars are filled with lace, forget me nots, and old millinery. Pink refrigerator dishes are ready to be filled.

If you are looking for a good desk lamp (in silver), that has the new natural daylight bulb, go to Lowes. I think I got it for $30. And, it is a nice size, and the head of the lamp moves up and down to give light where needed.

An old wire basket sits atop a stool I got on one of my very first auctions, years ago. Of course, I paid too much for the stool, as I got caught up in the excitement. But, it's a keeper.

On my desktop, I use an old toast holder to hold my punches and some tools. Can't have too many pens, either, right?

And for that "all too precious" old wallpaper, I have an old wood bin. Just perfect for keeping it safe!

I found some old sewing machine drawers at a yard sale a few years ago, and found some great old hardware at the Washington Antiques Fair last year. So, I had hubby put the hardware on the drawer. It holds some of my postcards and old photos. This drawer sits atop an old set of wallpaper covered drawers that Heather gave me. I just love it. Of course, it holds "more stuff", like glass slides for my future self-taught class on soldering, more paper, and misc.

Well, that's a tour of my little studio. Hope you all gained a tip or two. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!

Blessings,

Kitty

xox

Bits of This and That.....

I recently went to an antique show and got just a few good pictures of some beautiful merchandise they were offering. It was a fun affair that I took my Mom to. Heather wasn't able to go that day, to her dismay, because this is an annual event for the women in our family! Isn't this Victorian dress just wonderful?

Look at that teeny-tiny waist. They tell me the mannequin was a size 6, and the dress would not meet in the back, so it must have been a 4! How wonderful to be that size. How did those victorian women do it? After all, corsets can only go so far....

The hat below, I believe is from the 20's, and it is just gorgeous with all of those beautiful millinery flowers. I've never seen one like it, and with a price tag of $125, I'd have to say, it is definitely worth it.

This darling settee has such beautiful lines. Can't you just see this at the end of a victorian bed? Or in a French room, under a window? (Sigh.....)

And who can get past all the beautiful blue transferware. Such a yummy blue, at that! Well, I wish I had taken more pictures, but I got caught up in the moment and forgot to take them. So, for now, and until next year's show, these will have to appease me...

I wanted to share with you the latest addition to my "little studio". Actually the studio consists of a very long table and much storage, which I am in the midsts of taking pictures to share with all of you.

Madai, my very good friend from Forget Me Nots from Wren Cottage made the "NEST" banner for me, and I think it is just the most perfect touch to my mirror and little studio.

It came wrapped up in a little package, inside the tea died envelope. Folded in half was a page from the book "The Secret Garden", and inside this page were these sweet little tags, a darling paperclip and some Earl Grey Tea! Just the most thoughtful little gift! Thanks every so much, Madai....

And if that wasn't enough, look at the sweet little butterfly collage girl she made on the outside of my package. Oh so sweet!

Finally, I am showing all of you a few things I picked up at the antique mall recently. It was not a day of finding alot of bargains, but it gave me "the fix" I needed. Hubby and I decided to take the hour drive to the AAA-76 Antique Mall in Ravenna, Ohio. But, unfortunately, I didn't read the map right and we ended up doing a big round-about! But, we had a fun day, just the two of us, and made it into an adventure. After all, we ate at the Cracker Barrel, how can that be bad???!!!

Paper for crafting, and the little book is ALL in French. Actually, I got 2 and am sharing with Heather. Below are sweet pictures that I can't wait to use in my paper art.

And, I couldn't go home without at least one old millinery hat. I was lucky to find this beauty with the roses and the 2 large flower pins.

A few more books, gardening, and a book of Psalms, and a sweet little Victorian book that when you open, it is a little chalk board.

So, that's been my adventures for the last few weeks and hope you enjoyed sharing this with me. Wishing you all a wonderful rest of the week and beautiful, sunny spring weather!

Blessings

Kitty

xox

The Official Heralding of Spring.....

Today was the day my husband and I and my Mom took the long-awaited trip to the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh. We have not been to this wonderful Victorian style conservatory in quite a few years. Additions have been made to its "mastery of glass", and with bated breath, we entered its doors!

The flowers alone were enough for me. But the urns and statues holding precious flowers of all shapes and colors were nothing but jewelry for these vintage and lovingly cared for pieces. The angel on this urn above is just gorgeous!

There were waterfalls, a new rain forest wing, and oodles and oodles of flowers! Such inspiration, such color. It made you want to go home and tear up the dirt! And of course, make that annual promise - "I will plant more bulbs this fall!".

Here is a picture of the main conservatory, not showing are the three wings that go out behind and to both sides of this wonderful structure. There are gorgeous blown glass pieces intermixed in the display with the flowers, and a night show, is definitely on our agenda.

The orchid room is nothing but fabulous. Here is a sampling of these beauties....

Enjoy the rest of the show. I know pictures don't do nature justice, but my words sure do fall short.

And in my Etsy store, I have newly listed these fabulous paper doll books. They are in great condition, for those of you loving vintage fashion and, of course, Marie Antoinette.

Hope you all have a glorious week. Talk to you all soon....

Blessings

Kitty

xox