BEFORE

AFTER

I always enjoy before and after pictures.  I am now moved in to my home studio and wanted to share some thoughts and photos with you all here.  It has been a long journey of construction, permits, electrical re-routing, water heater moved (and then broken), stairs added, insulation installed, drywall assembled, painting (in-laws came to the rescue and helped for this massive chore), and endless organizing.  PART 1 and PART 2 of these posts can be found by clicking on the words.

Putting everything back that we moved for the construction as well as making places for all my studio and teaching supplies has been overwhelming.  Not to mention that our entire house is covered in fine dust from the workers sanding the drywall.  It sounds like I am complaining, but the time spent on these tasks has been more than expected when what I really want to be doing is sinking my hands deeply into my work.   It will all come together eventually and have started working in the studio even though it is not completely set up.

I  DO want to thank my whole family for helping to move this process forward, especially my super patient husband. It would have not been as fun without the support and laughter through it all.

So far, I am VERY glad to have my tools and workshop supplies in my garage below my studio.  Before I had two workshops – one at home and one at my studio in North Charleston, which was often frustrating with the flow of my work because I would lack supplies when I needed them (always saying ‘damn, that’s at home’ or vice versa) and would need to stop in the middle of an idea.  I felt elated yesterday when I consolidated all my tools, hardware, wood, sandpaper, and stains.  Seeing it all together just reinforced my decision that the home studio is the right choice for me.

Today I set off to continue my new series of work.  I have made a goal to complete thirty new pieces by the end of this year.  BIG plans are in the works and having this home studio brings me comfort, convenience, and inspiration.  Here are a few pictures of the space set up so far…..

Books and supplies are always on hand. I put all my knitting yarn in the tall case with drawers we used to use for CD's.

I got the idea of putting my flat file on casters from Laura. I am using it as a working table that I can roll into the center of the room.

The "wishes" from my exhibit last fall surround me as I work on the couch. A wonderful inspiration!

This table was built by my Dad to fit into our first tiny apartment kitchen in Somerville MA. Now it fits perfectly in this nook.

Hope you are all finding inspiration in your creative spaces!

Tina