decking the studio

I'm sorry, I should have warned you before posting a scary sight like that. Isn't my studio looking fabulous these days? Ha. To be fair - it doesn't generally stay like this for more than a day. It's too small of a space for me to keep it in this state for too long - I start knocking over jars of buttons and tripping over iron cords - and well, that's no good. Rather counterproductive in fact.

So it got a little tidying yesterday, and then a little sprucing up for the holidays. I'm spending many wee hours of the night in here these days, so I figured it might as well look like the holidays in here.  (The socks - I have a feeling you'll ask -  are a pair my great grandmother knit for one of her sons in the war, but he came home before he could use them. Though, I'm not entirely sure how accurate that story is - my grandmother had a wonderful imagination. Regardless, I've always pulled them out at holiday time - you can't see the pretty red striped trim from this angle, but they're very lovely.)

I've been greatly inspired by all the lovely wreaths out there. Just a few - Alicia's, Manda's, Betz's, Aprill's and  Jen's (which I saw in person last night at Shop-a-do - they are lovely, indeed). So this is my little version - strips of fabric, rickrack, buttons, felt and ribbon wrapped and pinned around a foam wreath base. The bird ornament in the middle is from Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts. I'm loving that book this season - I've been making lots of these birds to attach to gifts (oops - secret's out).

And now - back to the holiday crafting!

Comments

[angela]

Mmm...Always feel all warm and cozy when I read your blog... Merry Crafty Christmas!

[bex]

Oh. I have a spare room that looks remarkably like your first pic. Unfortunately, I don't see it looking like your second pic any time soon. Hhhhhmmmmm.
Happy Holidays to ya...

[qalballah]

Oh I was waiting for the run down on how your evening went - no pictures??! *sulks*

[jen j-m]

yours looks lovely, amanda!
and it was nice to see you last night - i am so tired today...the music got pretty loud as the evening wore on.

[asti]

Oh, I'm so glad I'm not the only one. When you knock your coffee over on the ironing board you know you've got to tidy..... from bitter experience! It's a nice mess though (not the coffee....)

[Helena B]

How do you do it? Can I have one ounce of your energy please?

[janet clare]

Mess is stress as they say!
I wish I was a tidy worker... your studio looks very festive!
and I was going to ask about the socks!

[Mary]

It looks so festive! I love how there's a touch of family history mixed in, too; makes it even more special.

[Dominique]

I love shots of messy rooms. Creativity needs mess, enjoy it!

[heather]

i have to comment on your messy photo because i love your ironing board cover, did you make that? so pretty.

your wreath is great and the holiday cheer up in the studio is a very festive and inspiring idea!

[Stephanie]

The wreath is lovely...along with the dress in the photo! Such beautiful things...

[SOULEMAMA]

heather -

yes! Mine was is a very sad and stained state, so I took it off and traced it onto this IKEA linen to make a new one, with the drawstring around the edges to keep it tight. It's holding up quite well so far - though I think a more canvas-weight might have been a better choice.

[Beth]

Mmmm, that red and white wresth against that beautiful blue wall!

I'm glad to hear you had such success with an ironing board cover - gives me the confidence to do mine which I've been putting off!

Beth

[Natalie]

I felt such a happy sigh of relief that the soldier never had to wear his socks in battle... all the more poignant symbol of peace. I would learn to knit a pair just like them, if I thought it could bring my brother home. In your studio I cannot see the mess: I see production and process, creativity and inspiration... love it!

[Hyena In Petticoats]

What a gorgeous, wonderful, colourful mess you have there....
I wish my studio looked as good as yours when it's it total disarray!

Love the wreath, too - the best I've seen so far, hands down.

yum!

xxxx

[Heather]

Oh, thank goodness I'm not the only one with a messy studio this time of year! Although I haven't picked up since early Dec.!

Love the ironing board cover, coincidentally I am recovering mine with some Ikea canvas...but it will have to wait until after the holidays to finish. It is in one of my MANY piles!

Love your wreath!
Happy holiday crafting!

[cindy]

I think we can all relate to that chaos. My studio is the same color. I love it! I've had those little birds on my mental to do list for ages. It looks great in a wreath!

[julia]

looks beautiful! i too am clinging to last minute patchwork and quilted gifts for many of my holiday gifts.

[jess]

thanks for supporting the shop-a-do, it was a fabulous turn out with lots of fabulous vendors and shoppers. happy holiday crafting!

[Helena]

Ohmy!!!! I am so glad to see a creative mess other than mine. It seems to explode and have a life of Creative-zilla. We are enjoying the notes on the kids. Lil'A is tooo smart.(the dress) The little guys are super as well. Take care. XOXO

[geek+nerd]

Beautiful! I love Jen's wreath - I wish I could have gone to the shopping event last night, but I had Nutcracker tech rehearsal!

[blair]

I really love that wreath and the fabric on top of your bird. Are you sleeping these days?

And, um, how did you get in and take a picture of my studio like that?

[Meredith]

Always love a peek inside your studio...and it's funny. I just bought a little craft kit to make a garland with spools and crochet beads for MY crafting spot! So I was thinking the same way! Have a great day!

[Melissa]

it looks beautiful. I have been thinking about making a wreath, but I doubt I will get to it this year.

[Chole]

Oh Please post more pictures like the first! I've been getting a complex from reading your blog & seeing all the perfect pictures. It's so nice to see that it's sometimes messy too.

~Chole

[m]

LOVE the wreath. Another thing to put on next year's to-craft list...

[kendra]

So great to see a well used studio space! Looking behind me, mine looks all too clean. I'm relying on a lot of other crafty ladies to provide my presents this year. I think the kids have been needing too much of my time this year, which is just fine....next year I'll be back at it.

[Amy]

I really love your wreath - what a great idea! I'll have to try that sometime soon. I've got the Last Minute Patchwork book on my wish list and I think I need to order it today :)

I spent HOURS yesterday trying to get our spare room set up as my crafting/sewing area and I just can't wait to have it ready and useable. Sewing at our diningroom/kids craft/homeschooling table has been chaos to say the least :)

[joleen]

That's what my studio looks like, now! :) I keep dragging projects to all different parts of the house for space. ;)

[Amber]

What a pretty wreath! I must get that book, Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts. I keep seeing the beautiful work from within it.

My studio/bedroom is beginning to look very similar to your photo--Ack!

[bellablue]

I love that wreath!! My mom just made a really cool wreath with vintage fabrics. I'll try and send you a pic. I am feeling SO behind in the holiday crafting department. However, you know me... I'll procrastinate until the last minute! xox.

[Shannon B.]

That wreath is darn near the cutest thing ever. I'm totally inspired! Clean the house or run to the craft store for supplies.....hmm.....

[Rosemary]

Love the yummy colors in your sewing room. I got tickled at your comment about your grandmother. Mine is very imaginative also. We can't beleive anything she says cause she loves to embellish to make things sound better! LOL!

[Aimee]

very festive wreath...may have to run out for a foam wreath today!

[Mel]

I LOVE your wreath! If it were in a shop, I would buy one in a heartbeat (hint hint). Merry days and nights to you and yours during this season.

[Anne]

lovely caotic! Looking at all wonderful fabrics I have a question for you, soulemama; or anybody who reads this: is there anywhere on the internet you can buy organic fabric? cotton, linen etc?

[jaana*maaria]

This wreath is so special, love it!

[Heather Wilson]

i just cut out some of those little birds during the boy'd naptime today! i hope to get them sewn together once they are in bed tonight. Your studio looks lovely!

Have fun in the old port tonight! I think the snow will keep me home since it is a 25 minute drive. What a perfect evening for Merry Madness though! I think the light snow adds a wonderful touch.

[~ Junkyard Jennifer]

Wow. Amanda ~ Your new banner is gorgous! And I like your display (in the 2nd picture).

[Tonje]

I love your wreath! It's gorgeous.

I've just read your crafting with children category... wow... I just couldn't stop reading. I just love childrens art! My eldest daughter (5) has made books for everyone for christmas. I love her books sooo much I hardly want to give them away... lol...

Keep up the good work. Your blog is truly inspirational.

[erin]

love your wreath and the bird. fun to make, aren't they?

[suzie sews]

These little birds are popping up all over the place, I am so loving all the different colour combinations...it looks super in the wreath...adorable and so easy to make...
Love the work space...hey for once I actually look quite tidy in my area...
Enjoy your day

[Morgan]

Love the wreath! (book was in the mail on Tues.)

xoxo

[Kim]

I always feel inspired when I read your blog - I love your home, it alway seems so welcoming - I want to come live with you :)

I have linked to your site from my blog - hope you don't mind.

Kim

[Shula]

Oh, WREATH!!

I'm not a Wreath Girl, but I'm going to have to make one, I think.

That is beautiful.

[Lynne Nelson-Berg]

I am so glad that i am not the only one who finds herself surrounded by such a mess at times. I just done know where it all comes from...lol

Love your wreath. I made one too this year
http://enjoythewait.blogspot.com/2007/12/lot-of-cooking.html
its not completely finished yet but at least it is up in the house.

Merry christmas to you and your family.

[LindsayChristine]

Your studio looks like an absolute dream. Keep creating. You inspire me. :-)

[Justyn Rebecca]

your studio appears to be the same color as my bedroom- Hidden Spring ;) Love it....