7/11/15

My Happy Place

Hey everyone!  I'm so excited to do this post, because I'm joining a bunch of other bloggers who will be sharing their creative spaces.  Karen Valentine of My Desert Cottage is the genius behind this super-fun event.  This is the 7th year she has put this together, but this is my first time!  If you've got a creative space you would like to share, come on and join the fun!  The link is below.

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Before I even get started, I need to make a disclaimer for those who haven't visited my blog before.  I tend to use a more subdued color palette in most of the rooms of my home, EXCEPT for my craft room.  When we bought our home four years ago, I was able to choose one of the bedrooms to be 
"My Happy Place" and do exactly what I wanted to do with it.  I've had a love affair with the many shades of turquoise and knew that would be the wall color.  It is called "Surfer" by Behr.  I also knew I wanted white furniture, so IKEA and I became BFF's.  My room is 10'x12', not very big, but I have utilized every square inch.  I'm a very visual person when it comes to creating and like having most of my tools and supplies visible.  I also love doing all kinds of things -- crafting, scrapbooking, card making, sewing, quilting, and just a bit of jewelry-making.  Oh, and the other thing you should know about me, I'm rather new to photography and take tons of photos.  So, now you've been warned!   

I am so excited to welcome you to my craft room, aka "My Happy Place!"
I have this little room divided into zones.  This first collage is my "Sewing Zone."  I've used the Alex drawers & Linnmon table top from IKEA for the base of my sewing table, and have also added two of the Recollections cube storage from Michael's.  The art piece over my table was my first attempt at mixed media.  I mod podged some old pattern pieces to foam core & then added in some button cards & a few other things that I just printed off the internet.

My Computer, Blogging & Inspiration Zone
Okay, this is where some of you might feel a bit dizzy!  As we move to the left of my sewing zone, this is where I have my printer (it's sitting on four of the Recollections cubes), a little rack that holds my paints, some shelves holding all kinds of colorful items, and my computer desk (another IKEA table).  I'm using the Heidi Swapp Memory Planner this year (love this planner), so I have an entire divided tray holding all kinds of stickers & cute stuff for my planner.  My chair is a new purchase from Costco, and I really like it.  This is the only bedroom in our home that has a window facing the street, and I really enjoy being able to see what's going on in my neighborhood.....SNOOPY!

 My "Super-Fun" Zone
This is where I can really make fun-stuff.  My table & drawers are from IKEA, of course.  I like having my pens and colored pencils in jars, and the pens are sorted by color.  I use lots of different brands, so I don't mind having them mixed together.  I like my washi tape in the basket, so I can just rummage through.  My hubby mounted the Expedit on the wall, and it's so handy.

The Raskog cart and two more Recollections cubes sit at the end of my work table.  The Raskog cart holds all of my Project Life kits.  It's not only cute but also very functional....but mostly it's 
just so cute!  I like that I can roll it right up to my chair when I'm scrapbooking.

Some more views of where I do most of my playing working, no it's playing!  Like I said earlier, I like having my things visible, but I also have lots of drawer storage, and I like having it well organized.......much easier to find and use what I have.

A close-up view of the wall-mounted Expedit.

This smaller Expedit is right behind my work table, and is the right height for.......

These handy tools.

I've just recently re-organized this Expedit, adding more of the Recollections cubes on top for scrapbook paper storage.  The white bins, boxes and even the four sets of drawers are IKEA-made.  Out that door, 3-steps on the left is my kitchen & a few more steps to the right is the pot-tay!  This little room is in the perfect location for me.

Ribbon in these clear plastic jars works just fine for me.  I really like storing my paper vertically, & I have it all labeled so it makes sense to me.

 I keep some of my seasonal and specialty paper in cubbies just above drawers that hold the complimentary embellishments.  I have my paper sorted & labeled and have also added manila envelopes (tops cut off) to each section for scraps or die cuts.  The stacks of little plastic drawers (above--lower left) hold my alphas.  My flowers are in clear jars turned upside down in a drawer.

I discovered that these 4x6 Iris photo holders are perfect for containing & sorting a lot of my embellishments within the drawers.   I also use them for photos.

Do you want to see what's behind the closet doors?
This left side holds fabrics, patterns, clothing for altering or repurposing, lots of projects in process & some that haven't even been started yet.  I have my larger pieces of fabric hanging on children's clothes hanger to the side of the closet.

Laces, trims & binding in one set of the 3-drawer units, and quilt fabric that I've already cut into specific strips and squares is in the other unit.  Quilting and sewing books reside here as well.

I have four of these drawers holding fat quarters, which I like to pick up whenever they are on sale.  The rest of the drawers hold quilt backing fabric.

This is the "project" side......things that are already cut & in different stages of being finished.

This Expedit boxes hold patterns, fringe, drop cloth fabric and clothing to be altered.

We have high ceilings throughout our home, so I've used that upper space in the closet to store some of my wreaths.

This right side of the closet is more for crafty things.

I'm a firm believer that you can never have too many drawers!


I use something out of this tool spinner every day......so handy!  The paper roll & cutter are from the IKEA, where else!

Lots of stuff!

Organized stuff!

Above the closet doors......

These frames are made to hold finished scrapbook pages, and I have them filled with all my sweeties. On either end is our daughter and son when they were itty-bitty.  All the cuties in between are our six grandchildren.  Technically, you are supposed to rotate the pages out, but I did these almost four years ago and cannot bear to change them.....I love them so much!

"Simplify" was my one word for last year, and I like it right there!  My hubby, aka: The Man, just rolls his eyes when he looks at that word.  He thinks it should have been "Multiply!"  Oh well, he loves me anyway; plus, he has a shop that "over-floweth" with stuff!

And this is my hot pink wicker chair (newly painted, again) & soft afghan that would be so comfy to settle into once-in-awhile; but the little fur-baby who rules the roost and allows us to live here, has taken it over.  She was just here, but the doorbell rang a few minutes ago & she skidaddled!  Nows my chance, because I'm exhausted after editing all these photos.....whew, how about you?

If you stuck it out with me, I extend a big "Thank You."  I'm so happy you came to visit.
Now, please go visit some of the other bloggers who are sharing their creative spaces! 

I often party with these lovely bloggers:

Sunday
Dee at Meatloaf and Melodrama for Snickerdoodle Sunday



Monday
Julie at Julie's Lifestyle for Cooking & Crafting With J & J
Cindy at Dwellings--The Heart of Your Home for Amaze Me Monday
Karen at Karen's Up on the Hill for Something to Talk About
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Kathryn at The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Mondays



Tuesday
Maria Elena at Our Home Away from Home for Tuesdays at Our Home
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life  for Inspire Me Tuesday
Leslie at House on the Way for Twirl & Take a Bow
Mary Beth at Cupcakes and Crinoline for Project Inspired

Wednesday
Suzy at Worthing Court for The Scoop
Karin at The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday
Kathryn at The Dedicated House for Before and After Wednesday

Thursday
Kelly at Live Laugh Rowe for Live Laugh Linky Party
Richella at Imparting Grace for Grace at Home
Pamela at From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday

Friday
Kathryn at The Dedicated House for Anything Blue Friday


Jody & Stan at Rooted in Thyme for Simple and Sweet Fridays 







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42 comments:

  1. So many things to love about your happy place!!! I could totally use one of those tool spinners and I love the idea of storing the jars upside down so you can easily see what's in them. Genius! I had to laugh at the window facing the street...my mom often refers to herself as Gladys Kravitz (remember her from Bewitched?) when she's looking out her front window at the neighbors. Lol!

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  2. Hi Carol, You know I've sat in your 'happy and creative space' and LOVE IT! I still want to touch everything! I see you have changed it up a bit since I visited! You are so very organized and definitely use your space well! I love your hubby's version of 'simplify' :) Talk to you soon! Blessings, Cindy

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  3. Oh Carol! I am so jealous of your space.i love oil paintingand doing crafts but I have no extra room for myself. I love how organized you space is.,,Christine

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  4. welcome to the blog party! I love the airiness and brightness of your space!

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  5. You have a lovely, happy, colorful creative space.

    Happy Creating ~ FlowerLady

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  6. It certainly is a happy place, Carol!

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  7. You have a great space Carol. And I love, love, love what you call it, your Happy Place. It is a perfect way to discrive a creative space. My sewing/crafting room is my Happy Place too. Thanks for sharing. Happy Weekend.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  8. Carol---what an incredible room you have to create!!! And that's a perfect word for you as I know how wonderful you are! Can't say a lot about what this with the cast---just think you have done a super job in making your space so organized and cute! :)

    Jane x

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  9. I really enjoyed touring your creative space! The organization is great and it has so much visual appeal. I enjoy many of the same crafts and hobbies that you do and was inspired by your storage ideas. Thanks for sharing!
    Dorene @ Seasonal Chapters

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  10. A wonderful happy space! I love your organization, and all your bright, cheerful colors ~
    Thanks for the peek!

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  11. I loved seeing your room and your organization, because I have a simiiar sized room and also do many different crafts! I love how happy and colorful your space is, I can see creating for many hours here. I laughed about not being able to use your chair, I have a cat who takes whatever space is most comfortable in any room for himself, so I completely understand. Thank you for sharing your happy place with us.

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  12. You have a great "happy place". I think the colors are wonderful and cheerful. I am just new to my space and I am thinking of bright colors for it. Thanks for sharing.

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  13. This is my ideal workspace Carol, love all the storage units you've used and how everything is arranged. I have never been to Ikea but during this party I've seen some units I would like to have.
    I'll be pinning your post for future reference and I'm so glad you joined to share your studio.
    Happy Crafting.

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  14. What a fabulous "happy place".

    I wonder how many of the people linked to the party have the aqua Raskog cart? I didn't show mine because it is filled with props for the Photo Booth for my son's wedding next Saturday.

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  15. What a wonderful, colorful studio you have! I love it! After seeing so many rooms with the Raskog cart, I need to get one. I love how your room has zones. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. looks like a fun room to create in!

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  17. Hi Carol. What a fabulous studio you have. its light and airy and very very organised. Thanks so much for the tour. Karen.x

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  18. Oh my goodness, what a pretty space. I love all the color, especially the touches of lime green . . . It certainly is a "Happy Place". The one thing that I didn't see was your trophy. Anyone with a creative space this organized deserves a trophy . . . I must have missed it somewhere on your shelves :)
    Have a happy week and keep smiling.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  19. What a fun and colorful place to create! It definitely looks likes a happy place to be! I love it!

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  20. Beautiful-- amazing and so well organized. I love your wall color, and all the little touches that make it such a great place to work/play.

    thank you for the great tour, and thanks for stopping by my blog, A Glitch in Time, and your kind words.

    Best wishes,
    Gwen

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  21. Oh my gosh Carol! You were right...we are kindred spirits! I love your Happy Place! You are my new inspiration for ideas...organization, storage, and decor! I love that you are a planner girl too! I love Heidi Swapp items, although I haven't tried one of her planners yet. Did you hear the tragic news of her next to oldest son unexpectedly passing away last week? So tragic! She and her family are in my prayers. I am adding you to my blog roll and will be visiting you often. You are so inspirational and I would love to visit your space and play all day! Hugs to you my new friend!

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  22. I can see why this is your happy place, so cheerful and colorful! I could be really happy in there! So organized and so many wonderful supplies. Thank you for sharing an amazing space!

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  23. Carol your happy place is awesome!! With all that bright color it would be hard not feel uplifted!! Thank you so much for joining the party this year! You are are a wonderful new addition! I hope you are having fun and making lots of new friends!
    xo,
    Karen

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  24. What a fantastic studio:-) With all the supplies you've collected is more like a little factory:-)
    I think that I could spent the whole day there just forgetting about the whole world.
    Greetings:-)

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  25. Carol, what a beautiful studio and so organized. It is so bright and cheery! Thanks for poppin' over and comment on my studio. Wishing you many blessings.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Sheila! It truly is "My Happy Place!"

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  26. I am a firm believer of zones, too. I love your lovely and very, very colorful place. I realize I'm late visiting, but I couldn't miss this opportunity to see your beautiful and creative space. Looks like you really enjoy your paper crafts, and I am also impressed with your sewing area.

    There is no IKEA within a 1000 miles of me, so I've never even seen those cubes and cubbies, but I sure like what you've done with yours. Thanks for sharing your lovely and incredibly colorful craft space with us.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your sweet comments. I am truly sorry that you are so far from an IKEA, because it really is such a great source for many, many good things. They do have a catalog & will ship......just sayin!

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  27. I am a lover of color so I absolutely adore this fantastic space of yours!!! You are very organized and I know I will be leaving with a lot of ideas on how I can improve my organizational skills!! Love the you used a closet too!! I hope to do that in my space once my Hubby retires from the Post Office and I can get rid of an entire closet of Postal Uniforms!!!
    Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time to comment!! I am at work now but will be back to look more when I get home...

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  28. Such a fun and colorful room! You are very organized! I love that kitty has taken over the chair--they manage to find the good spots, don't they? Thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind comments!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you as well, Tammy, for visiting my creative space. So happy to meet another "kitty-mom!"

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  29. Wow-I want to come over and be creative in your space! Please come over and help me!

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  30. Your studio is absolute perfection! When can I move in? LOL 😊 I'm so inspired by your wonderful and pretty storage ideas. I'm definitely buying a label maker! I agree with your theory about never having too many drawers. Thanks for sharing your space!

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  31. Hi Carol, what an amazing space you have! So wonderfully organized! Love your pretty blue wall color and the hot pink wicker chair for Miss Abby!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  32. Hi Carol--
    WOW--your happy place is FANTASTIC! IKEA is definitely your friend, but YOU are the one that organized everything so perfectly in all of those storage pieces. I'm very inspired. I plan on painting my walls a very similar color to yours, and have that aqua IKEA rolling cart (it was irresistible when I saw it!)...so we will be twins.

    On a more serious note, I was sorry to read about your dear sister-in-law. My thoughts are with all of you in this trying time.

    -Maggie
    www.theMagRag.com

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  33. Hi Carol, you have the most amazing craft room and I love how organized it is. I would love to have you share this at our Cooking and Crafting with J & J party that I co-host on Mondays.
    Thanks.
    Julie xo

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  34. Good morning Carol. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your amazing, beautiful, and so organized craft room with us at Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
    Thanks and have a wonderful day and the rest of the week.
    Julie xo

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  35. Every time I see pictures of this room I'm just amazed! It's so organized and pretty!

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  36. This looks great! I think I could spend all day here! :)

    Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

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  37. Carol, the Weekly Feature Series is live. Head on over to check out your feature and the other 24 features from the week. Here is the link so you can check it out. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/07/weekly-features-series.html Have a lovely Sunday! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  38. Happy place is right!!! I'd love to spend an afternoon with you there... I could be very happy!

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I truly love to hear from you and try to respond to each and everyone. If you have "no reply blogger," I will respond in my comments section and then visit your blog as soon as I can.

Make this a great day!
Carol

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