the Studio

Late in 1986 it became apparent that we needed more room. Our comfortable apartment was perfect for two but a bit cramped for a family of three. So began the hunt for a house.

We looked at all sorts of homes. The offerings went from fixer-upper to are-you-kidding! All price ranges, various neighborhoods...what an education. We had been looking for nearly a year when one day, our realtor phoned to tell us that he thought he had found a house that would be perfect for us. Located in northeast Pasadena, we found the house just below the foothills.

It was not too big, two  bedrooms, two baths....a perfect first home. Being new to the house purchasing market, we looked through the house, talked about it and looked at the backyard. It wasn't until they showed us the basement room that it became obvious that this was the house for us!

Fast-forward to now...my studio .... my sanctuary.



Just inside the door of the studio...



So many supplies and tools! The bins on the left are sewing supplies and unfinished quilting The stacks of drawers at the back are loaded with rubber stamps. Under my work table, drawers full of scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies. The file cabinet to the left, my mother gave me years ago...lots of project ideas are waiting in there!    

My work table...between projects, of course. Against the south wall is the new, industrial shelving that Charlie bought for me. Thanks to Tim Holtz, we learned we could find them at Cost Co. What a difference the shelving makes! Scrapbook paper is sorted by color and theme. The stack of bins next to the door? I am sorry to report....all negatives! Yes...from the Kodak Brownie Box camera days to that 35mm era. It would be great to have them all digitalized!

This is the desk my cousin, Charlie, gave me when he moved. It is perfect when I need to do a small project or write a letter.

In this corner, on the left, is my die cutting Vagabond (by Sizzix), lots of banners, and artwork by Whitney. To the right are all sorts of books, misc. treasures, the telephone (yes, it has a dial and still works!). Oh, and some fun string lights for that extra inspiration.

This bulletin board is an eclectic collection of ephemera, trinkets, doo-dads ....you name it! Inspiration is everywhere...especially in my studio!

I love this little space...it affords me an escape to explore mixed media, try a new project, write ....and sometimes, to just be.....me.

These are my Mouseketeer ears from the late '60s.