Modish

Handmade Spaces: Shari Baubien

The holiday rush is coming to an end (at least here in blogland- now in real life it begins! :) and so I'm pleased to slow things down a bit and share the workspace of the delightful artist, Shari Baubien with you all.  Let's take a peek!

What do you create in this space?
Through countless layers of paint and collage, I create rich, soulful works with a distinctly folk art flavor. Each piece delivers an art experience full of both texture and meaning.

Where is it located?
If you were to come over for a visit and step through the front door of our home, you would find yourself smack-dab in the middle of my studio. A few years ago and with my husband’s blessing, we converted our living room into my workspace. I’ve never regretted it for a moment.

You see, I spent all of my previous time at a tiny table wedged against a wall between our kitchen and family room. My supplies were stashed throughout the entire house – literally wherever a square inch could be found. Completing a piece ensured I got a pretty good workout as I raced up and down and back and forth to retrieve whatever it was that I needed.

Since appropriating the living room, however, things are much better. For starters, my new space rises two stories high and is flooded with fantastic northern light. ALL of my art supplies are stored in just one room now and I have a gigantic table on which to spread my canvases. A brand new easel has improved my ability to work large. I also enjoy being in the physical center of our home. Sure things get messy, but I delight in walking past my art space on my way to cook dinner or glancing over while watching evening TV. I’m reminded of the joy painting brings me and I’m often able to problem-solve during this down time as well. This space fits my needs perfectly.

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
I primarily use acrylic paint by Golden. I’m partial to their Fluid Acrylics for layering and their Heavy Body Acrylics for more opaque applications. I recently took a class introducing Golden’s newest line called Open Acrylics. I’m really excited about the possibilities these paints offer for blending, as the drying time is substantially longer than “conventional” acrylic paint. 

When it comes to painting surfaces, I prefer to use Dick Blick’s Premier Gallery Profile Canvas. Other studio must-haves include: gesso, gel medium, UVLS gloss varnish, collage materials, ink and a heat gun.

What inspirations do you keep nearby?
I surround myself with the artwork I’ve collected from other artists. These beloved pieces remind me that I’m not alone. In a sense, it’s almost like having friends in the room with me, cheering me on.

A few other devices I employ to ensure that I stay inspired may seem simple, but they do the trick for me. For example, I corral all of my supplies within beautiful containers. In addition, I try my best to keep my work table as clean as possible. Maybe it’s equal parts inspirational and practical, but an organized space makes starting each day infinitely easier. Lastly, my sketchbook is never beyond arm’s reach. I record my thoughts, make loose drawings, and even glue in fragments from magazines if a particular color combination or composition catches my eye.

What do you like to listen to/watch when creating?
I must confess that I prefer complete silence while creating. As I slather on color and build up the layers of a painting, the process itself becomes a thing of rapture for me. Any ongoing noise such as television or music distracts me and I don’t feel as connected to my artwork. Instead, I choose to create in a way that I feel fully present and engaged. So that means everything gets turned off… except, of course, my emotions!

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
My heart swells with love when I enter my handmade space. It’s a pure reflection of who I am at my very essence - just as the artwork I produce there is. How could that not make me happy? Of course there are moments (and even days) when I procrastinate, wonder if I’m good enough or worry that I will make “bad” art. However, those fears quickly dissipate upon entering my handmade space. Because it was created with love and as a celebration of my creativity, it will always be a safe place of protection and nurturing.

To view the lovely artwork that Shari creates here, visit her website or her etsy shop!  You can also learn more about her and her work on her blog.  Thanks Shari, for sharing your space (and cute Corgi!) with us :)

Handmade Spaces: Sprout Studio

Today I'm so happy to bring you a glimpse into the creative space of one of my long time favorite crafters and artists, Jenifer from Sprout Studio!  Jenifer creates all manner of cute things for you and your home and has an amaaazing space to do it from in the even more amaaazing city of San Francisco!  Let's take a look, shall we?

What do you create in this space?
i create all manner of things!  mostly i use it for making my found image necklaces & bracelets and whatnot for sprout studio & also my collage based artworks.  i also sew here (albeit novice-ly) & collect all sorts of inspiring ephemera to look at and inspire.  i've also been known to break out the paints, watercolors, linoleum cutting business, tee-shirt printing, illustration stuff, felting, ...ya know, all manner of creative business!

Where is it located?
i live in an old converted warehouse (an old hat factory actually) so i live where i work.  my husband is a master scheme-ster and builder so we built the "deck" in our loft space as well as all sorts of other things, but underneath the deck loft is my studio.

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
the list would be crazy long if i listed everything, but generally speaking:  mod podge, paper ephemera, tapes, scissors, paints, sharpies, watercolors, fabrics, sewing machine, xyron, paintbrushes, reclaimed wood panels and trim........& much more!

What inspirations do you keep nearby?
i like to pin up all sorts of visuals that inspire me.  aesthetically speaking these range from images from art books, magazines, design journals or photos snapped of wandering around in san francisco. 

i also like to have a good amount of books - art books, old vintagey kids books, design annuals, illustration books, etc... the other stuff i surround myself with is artwork by the huge list of admired artists i have and have been lucky enough to purchase some of their artworks.

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating?
mostly i listen to music - i'm all over the place in my music tastes (just don't play that new country stuff! ;))  so i have a wide variety depending on my mood.  lately i've been all about pandora though; i simply love plugging in a music muse and listening to what else comes up.  occasionally i'll watch a movie while doing more mundane things for the business.  i don't own a tv so i'm never watching that!

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
sometimes i feel overwhelmed; i'm not the neatest artist in the world so i feel that urge to have everything cleaned up which can inhibit that creative urge.  however, a lot of the time i'll spread out beyond my studio into my living space and can get lost for hours paging through old books and paper flotsam & jetsom looking for just the right string of words or image for a collage or necklace piece.

i love my studio - i always feel lucky too to have a space all my own with all my creative stuff around me.  i just need an intern or a maid to help me get a little more organized -- any takers?!  :)  since i work full time it's always a challenge keeping up with the tidy factor :)

Be sure to stop by Sprout Studio and the Sprout etsy shop too for goodies galore!  There's a sale going on in the shop right now and lots of inspiring (and inexpensive) gifts to be had.  Thanks Jenifer, for sharing your wonderful space!  ps: Nice to see I'm not the only messy person around here! :)

Handmade Spaces: foundling

I'm so excited to share with you today the space of one of my favorite handmade creators, Betsy from the foundling!  I've long been a fan of Betsy's work and it was a best seller in my now closed Modish shoppe... I always imagined the place where Betsy created her goods, made from reclaimed materials, to be one filled with found treasures and vintage delights, and well, I was right!  Let's take a peek and see where she creates her magic!

What do you create in this space?
I make jewelry inspired by an ethic of reuse and a love for all things old.  I also use the space for my sewing, collage or painting projects.

Where is it located?
The studio is in an old, refurbished warehouse in the River Arts District here in Asheville, NC.  It's a great little neighborhood with lots of other artist's studios, restaurants, a brewery and a place to hear live music.

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
I use some typical metalsmithing tools, like a saw, hammers, a torch, lots of different pliers.  Because my work combines several disciplines I also have the things I need to work with paper and fabric.  It's almost like having three different studios smashed into one.

What inspirations do you keep nearby?
I love the materials I use in my work so I keep them out where I can see them.  The piles of fabric and rows of old books make my fingers itch a little. A quilt top pieced by my great-grandmother, a rusty yellow auto parts display and stacks of tarnished silver serving pieces are all out for me to see every day, as well.

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating?
I like to have something playing while I'm working, but there's no telling what it will be.  Lately I've been excited about country music from the 70s and early 80s, the blues hour on my local NPR station, and an Arcade Fire album I can't stop listening to.

You can see all the beauuuutiful jewelry and accessories that Betsy creates here on the foundling website and in the foundling etsy shop.  And psst: head over to the jewelry section of the Modish Marketplace to find out how you can get 20% off your foundling order!

Handmade Spaces: Kaching Design

Today I have the space of Pearlyn Tan from Kaching Design to share with you.  It's an interesting one, in that she creates her artwork here and also cuts hair!  Hmm... a good way to bring in more art buying clients?  Perhaps!  Let's see how she divies up the art space with the hair space, shall we?

What do you create in this space?
I make the things I sell in my online store and also do haircuts out of this space. It is half art space and half haircutting studio. I mostly draw, sew, make collages and silkscreen posters, cards and tshirts.

Where is it located?
I converted a house basement into a studio split in two for design and hair. I built a dividing half wall to separate the spaces yet keep them together. I put in a larger window to let in more light.

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
I've tools in the studio for hair and design: hair cutting shears, flat iron, blow dryer, combs, clips, other hair related equipments, silkscreen set up, cutting mat, printer, laptop, button maker, sewing machine, power drill, various wood saws, router, etc



What inspirations do you keep nearby? 
Magazines, my sketch book, music and a window.

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating? Or is silence best?
I usually shuffle my ipod selections or listen to online radio.

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?

I feel lucky to have a space like this just downstairs. The time just flies by when I'm in it.  It's my sanctuary.



To see all the cute prints, apparel and original artwork that Pearlyn creates here, check out the Kaching Design website!  And right now, you can receive a free poster with a purchase over $50, or a free linen tote with a purchase over $100!  See her site for details.  Thanks for sharing with us, Pearlyn!

Handmade Spaces: Little Flower Designs

Oh do I have a treat for you today!  A behind the scenes studio tour of one of my favorite shops, Little Flower Designs!  Created by Linda Johnson, Little Flower Designs is full of beautiful pottery with adorable hand-drawn designs that I have long since oohed and ahhed over- in fact, Little Flower was one of the very first shops I blogged about here over 2 years ago!  Both this blog and her work have evolved a lot since then- let's take a peek at where Linda's beautiful designs are born!

What do you create in this space? 
I design and make nature inspired pottery with a focus on dinnerware. I also create functional and decorative items like platters, vases and holiday ornaments.

Where is it located?
I am very lucky to have a home studio, it is in my basement which for now works out very well.  We live in the suburbs of Philadelphia, close enough to enjoy the city but far enough away to have a nice yard with room for a dog and garden.

What sort of tools/equipment do you use? 

My main tool is my hands, I also use many small hand tools that are designed for working with clay. My main pieces of equipment are the potter's wheel, slab roller and of course the kiln.





What inspirations do you keep nearby? 

I do a lot of sketching and keep them close by when I'm working. I also pick up bits of nature, including acorns, leaves, flowers and branches to look at in the studio. I have photos of my family, art postcards and small art pieces on a cork board above my drawing table that I often sit and look at when I need a little break. I also take a walk or 2 each day around my neighborhood and find little inspirations while out.  



What do you like to listen to/watch while creating? 

I do it all!  I am in the studio from morning to evening and mainly listen to the radio all day.  I listen to an alternative radio station (Y-rock http://www.xpn.org/yrock-on-xpn/home) that plays everything from 80's hardcore and new wave to current indie bands.  I love the mix.  I also have a tv in the studio, I won the tv in a raffle so it just ended up in there but I admit, I do turn it on!  I often turn on the news.  Silence is also good, my ears get tired and sometimes it's nice to just be in my own thoughts while working.

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
Most of the time I feel motivated, ready to get my hands in the clay, sometimes overwhelmed, overall, very proud to be an artist and blessed to have a space to work in. I have been making small improvements to have a better work flow- that has brought a great calmness to the studio.



To see more of the beautiful items that Linda creates here, check out the Little Flower Designs shop!  She's having a special free shipping promo right now too, until the end of Nov!  Thanks Linda, for sharing your wonderful space with us!

Handmade Spaces: oldyarns.

Today I'm pleased to share with you the work and space of Australian artist, Kristina from oldyarns.  She works as a lawyer by day, but relishes in finding and reclaiming vintage linens, crafting a new story from materials that have already seen so much during their lifetimes.  She works on her line at nights and on weekends, simply out of joy.  Let's take a peek at where she makes it all happen, shall we?



What do you create in this space? 
I make, although I rather like to call it 'reclaim', bed linens and home-wares using antique and vintage manchester sourced from all over the world. My inner bower-bird scours flea-markets, op-shops, antique stores, estate sales (and ebay!) for old tea towels, hand towels, table cloths, runners, doilies, sheets and handkerchiefs - looking for a new home. Many of these pieces, like hand crocheted doilies are not commonly used for their original purpose anymore, but it seems a shame for them to lie neglected. I marvel at the quality of their materials - pure linens, French, damask and irish; blends like linen métis and hemp linen - and their craftsmanship - rolled hems, embroidered monograms, cut-work, all done by hand. To me these linens carry the soul of the hands whom made them and speak of the tears wiped away, the dishes dried after a family homecoming dinner, a child wrapped warm after his bath, a hanky waved as the trained pulled from the station....

Once I have found the original linen, I then take pure linen fabric, vintage textile or even re-used potato sacks to create new pieces - pillowcases from a pair of antique French torchons (tea towels), a baby throw from a monogrammed hand towel, cushion covers with a cross stitched doily, cushions and grocery bags using souvenir vintage tea towels. Finishing touches are added with a monogram ribbon, self-covered buttons and cotton tape. These linens are for those desiring a return to functional home-wares made of quality and integrity - their added gift is asking us to imagine the march of life they have witnessed on their journey. I have honored their stories - their old yarns - by naming each collection after an old book: spring 2008 is the "The Golden Treasury of Longer Poems".

Where is it located?
My handmade space is at my kitchen table* looking out the window of our beautiful third floor art-deco apartment in the inner city river suburb of New Farm, Brisbane, Australia. The building is about 80 years old with incredible ornate ceilings and polished floors. It is easy to be inspired here. I work as a lawyer by day and workshop oldyarns. in the evenings and weekends.  I wish I could devote more time to my reclaimed linens, building my range and store; however there is also something lovely with it being almost an indulgence. I am quite protective of the little time I do get with my oldyarns.! *By the way, the table I sew at was made by my Mr from his 'aroundthekitchentable' range, using a reclaimed old wooden door. We are a crafty pair!

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
I sew on an old Bernina Minimatic machine which belonged to the mother of a good friend - it must be older than I am! But she is reliable and steady machine, her basic functionality in keeping with the utilitarian nature of the original manchester I am reclaiming for the oldyarns. range. In complete contrast at the other end of the table is my wonderful Mac which helps me a whole bunch with my etsy store and for time spent idly meandering my way through all your lovely blogs for inspiration and encouragement...

What inspirations do you keep nearby? 
I find I get inspired just watching (can that be right? - they do almost seem alive) and touching vintage linen manchester, so I have boxes of my finds close-by. I also keep photographs, old postcards and tear outs from magazines to evoke a thought or memory and piles of shells, pebbles and sea worn glass for their tactility.  I always try to have some fresh flowers, even if just a single stem of jasmine in an old medicine bottle. Ah the smell of spring!

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating?
My sewing table is just next to the kitchen so often I am lucky to be working away while my Mr is cooking our Sunday roast, the comforting noises of home. Sometimes it's music (José Gonzáles, Lisa Ono, Ben Harper are a few) and sometimes it's the quiet of the wind in the trees outside the window. And occasionally, when my sister visits, its the sound of children from her lovely boys as they 'help'.

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
A mixture of feelings - from anticipation and excitement, to shyness and hesitation, to calmness and comfort. I find true joy in working with these linens, bringing their histories home for use in our everyday.

Be sure to stop by the oldyarns. shop to take a peek at all the goodies that Kristina creates here!  Modish readers can receive a 10% discount by mentioning 'Modish' at checkout- valid until Christmas!

If you've got a handmade space you'd like to share with Modish readers, email me at jena{at}modishblog.com with the subject "handmade spaces" along with a few photos to share!

Handmade Spaces: Le Coccole

Today I have a wonderful little handmade space to bring you from Giusy, an Italian crafter who sells her cute fabric wares in her Dawanda shop, Le Coccole di Giusypatch!  She's also a participant in this month's Modish Marketplace, so after the interview, head over to find out how you can get free shipping on an order from her lovely shop!



What do you create in this space? 

In this space I reload my energy, it's magical.  I am sit in front of the sewing machine for a moment and ideas come to me. When I don't have much time, I simply write or sketch a design on my notebook. Here is where my creations, the bags, the wallets, are born.  It's where I developed the idea of the moleskine's cover, while I was taking notes on my large scratch-book; and then smart phone covers, pouches etc.  Everything that has a seam, is born here!

Where is it located?

As I’m an independent artist and as I can’t afford a brick and mortar shop in my country, I have a small studio in my house that is just 2 x 2 meters.  It is separated from the bedroom by two panels of plasterboard so I can have the privacy needed to sew up late, without disturbing my partner.  If you're wondering where I keep the rest of the fabric (and I have a lot) or finished bags and accessories before send them out, I have a separate cupboard where I can keep all my treasures!

 

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
My sewing machine is my best friend here!  I have fabric, a sewing machine and tools for cutting like the mat, rotary cutter, scissors...Needles and threads are essential, without these I could not do anything. For the rest I use materials of good quality and my hands, the most precise tools of all :)

 

What inspirations do you keep nearby?

I take inspiration mainly from fabric designers and from what a particular fabric and texture can give me.  As a good Italian, I like to combine fashion with practicality.  For example, my bags are designed both to be carried in the evening and during the day- they're not too sporty and not too elegant. Another source of inspiration is technology- I am fascinated by all the tech instruments we use daily.  I take inspiration from these things while trying to keep traditions intact.  This is why I wanted to create, for example, mobile phone covers!  Using environmentally friendly materials like cloth and pure padding cotton, which makes it impossible to generate static electricity and discharge the battery, for the most modern phones like the blackberry or Iphone.

 

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating? Or is silence best?

During the spring and summer I have millions of birds flying out in my garden, so I love to listen their songs.  At the moment, after the swallow's migration, I like to listen the "Mamma mia!"  soundtrack, do you know Abba?!  Their music is great, and it makes me smile.  If I'm not at the sewing machine, but at the iron board, you can see me dancing in my small studio, he he!

 

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
As I wrote at the beginning, here is where I reload my energies... when I'm in my studio I am relaxed, all the tensions accumulated during the day thin out because I'm finally in a place I love deeply, where my creativity is free to go out and take its "shape".



Too see all the wallets, bags, notebook covers and more that Giusy creates here, check out her Dawanda shop!  And you can read more about what goes on behind the scenes on her blog!

If you've got a handmade space you'd like to share with Modish readers, email me at jena{at}modishblog.com with the subject "handmade spaces" along with a few photos to share!

Handmade Spaces: Panopoly

Taking part in today's handmade spaces feature is the lovely Lynae from Panopoly Creations!  Lynae works out of her apartment in San Francisco and aside from a small workroom where her kiln is, she has no actual "dedicated" space to create her wares.  She makes most of her items on a portable lap table sitting on her bed, couch, the floor- where ever there's room to spread out!  It's a situation most of us can relate to, I think- let's see how she makes it work for her!

What do you create in this space?
I make small stoneware ceramic items like rings, pendants, beads, buttons, little bowls and dishes, and animal sculptures.

Where is it located?
I work out of a San Francisco apartment that I share with two others--my fiance and my good friend. My handmade space is split into three different sections. We have a workroom that houses the small kiln where I fire everything, as well as some larger tools.  Then there's one corner of my bedroom, where I store all of my wares, most of my tools, my molds, and all of my glazes. In front of that, I stow the third section: a small portable lap table. I actually make my creations on this--I work sitting on my bed, the couch, or the floor, depending on what I'm doing and where there's room!

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
My primary tools are my hands, but sometimes they need a little help.  I use a lot of different sanders and needle tools, and I make shape and texture impressions using found objects. I also have a few sets of metal letter/number stamps. My biggest, most impressive tool is my slab roller! It's a medieval construction of steel, cable, pulleys and canvas, and takes two people to operate.

What inspirations do you keep nearby?
I draw a lot of my inspiration from my book collection, and I also have an enormous binder full of poetry that I've dutifully copied, handwritten, from books and other sources since I was 12. I like to keep my home filled with interesting sights, sounds and smells. And whenever I'm in a real rut I like to go out and have little adventures in local parks or wilderness areas--or best of all, any kind of abandoned or disused place.

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating?
I'm always watching or listening to something while I work--silence makes it feel like a chore. I have to admit that I watch a fair amount of reality TV while I'm working; it's the only time I do it.  I'm really a big film and TV buff, and generally take full advantage of my Netflix subscription.  Right now I'm on a big "Star Trek" kick.  When I'm in a music mood, I listen to artists like Nick Cave, Neko Case, Tom Waits, Antony and the Johnsons, and Current 93.



How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
All in all, I guess my handmade space is really just a state of mind for me--the mental place I go when I'm creating wherever I happen to be physically. I usually feel intensely confident and sure of myself while I'm making things--but then once they're drying or in the kiln, I usually go the other direction and worry that nothing I've made is any good. My handmade space is a refuge from the doubts and uncertainties that plague anyone trying to make a living from their craft.



Take a peek at all the lovely little creations that Lynae makes here in the Panopoly Creations shop, and learn more about her and her process on the Panopoly Creations blog!

If you've got a handmade space you'd like to share with Modish readers, email me at jena{at}modishblog.com with the subject "handmade spaces" along with a few photos to share!

Handmade Spaces: Kennedy & Friends

I have a lovely, colorful space to share with you this morning from Nathalie of Kennedy & Friends Co!  Nathalie makes fun and vibrant tutus for little girls to play, dream and dress up in, and she creates them all here... let's take a closer look!

What do you create in this space?
In the atelié of dreams (as I call it) I create tutu skirts and cotton ballerina dolls (both of which I sell) and many items for my home, gifts for friends, or just something special for my little girl, Kennedy.

Where is it located?
I call home the beautiful southwest Missouri.  My atelié is located in a spare bedroom in our basement.  We just recently moved to a 5 bedroom home and I'm thrilled to have my own space to create.

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
I use a Pfaff sewing machine and Pfaff serger, and an Olfa rotary cutter.  I could NEVER EVER live without my rotary cutter.  I'm studying Cell & Molecular biology in hopes to become a physician.  When my friends joke about me "the soon to be scientist" making tutus, I say I have just, for a short time, switched my love for scalpels to my love for rotary cutters. I don't know who invented this tool, but I thank you!  I'm also very passionate about photography so I always keep my camera nearby.

What inspirations do you keep nearby?
My daughter.  She is a keeper.  Besides her, I'm inspired by the colors of nature and I also like to have colorful things around me (as you can see).  Color inspires me.  I have always believed that a world without color would be a very boring one.

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating?
I give credit to my love for color and eclectic taste for music to my upbringing in gorgeous Brazil.  I love Samba, of course, it is in my veins, but also like anything from classical to pop music.  I'd say here lately the British band, Muse, has been playing a lot on my iPod.

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
I feel a rush to make something with my hands - to turn tulle into twirly skirts, to turn cotton into a dress, to turn felt into a doll.

What a beautiful space Nathalie, thanks for sharing it with us!  To snag a pretty tutu for a little girl in your life, head to the Kennedy & Friends Co etsy shop, and learn more about what goes on behind the scenes at the Kennedy & Friends Co blog!

If you've got a handmade space you'd like to share with Modish readers, email me at jena{at}modishblog.com with the subject "handmade spaces" along with a few photos to share!

Handmade Spaces: Manic Trout

I'm very excited to share with you today the awesome creative space of Sierra from Manic Trout!  I've been in contact with Sierra for over two years now, as she was one of my first sponsors on this here blog (thanks Sierra! :)  It's been a treat to see her line develop and expand over the years, and watch her finally get the praise she deserves for creating it.  So, let's take a peek into her land of beads of baubles, and see how she creates the Manic Trout line!

What do you create in this space?
I design and make all of the jewelry for Manic Trout as well as do all of the business/web/marketing for the online shop and blog in my studio.  I also paint when I can find the time…which these days are pretty rare.  Once a month I have an open studio in here, and found it easier to just keep a “shop” set up in the corner…so now its even part little store!

Where is it located?
I live in an apartment which was once the Dr’s office on the first floor of what was his very large house…my studio is the room you enter from the street…which was the waiting room, so its twice as large as the rest of the rooms and can be closed off from the rest of the apartment if there are people here.

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
I have oodles and oodles of beads, stones, charms, chains and findings in a mix of materials and ages.  I also collect non traditional jewelry materials that I try and incorporate into jewelry…for example I am currently working on a line of necklaces made from vintage silk scarves and I use tons of vintage buttons…I love buttons! 

As far as equipment goes I have a drawer full of pliers and files and my dad gave me a huge rolling manly red toolbox which is filled with all the big stuff…hammers, drills and big cutters…torches and even a few saws.  I have also recently set up my sewing machine in a permanent place as I have been really into textiles.  For the office part of the studio I could not function without my Mac, digital camera, printer, scanner and my newest toys…a digital scale and thermal printer which enables me to do all of my postage online…this saves me sooo much time at the PO!  There’s a lot of stuff in here…this has been my studio for three years and I am dreading ever having to move….although I am out growing the space rapidly.

What inspirations do you keep nearby?
The entire studio is filled with eye candy, in fact I have girls night in the studio rather often as my friends all love to play and look around in here so much.  I have three main inspiration boards, which I try to update monthly from the large stack of magazines I subscribe to.

I read a pretty large amount of blogs, where I find endless amounts of inspiration…photography, design, color, fashion and the day to day nuances of life are all incredibly inspirational to me so I try to take in as much as I can.  I keep sketchbooks of images that are too small for the boards and will flip through them for inspiration so I keep them in a corner or the studio as well.  I also have an enormous amount of design and photography books, but I keep all of those in the living room.  The materials themselves are a pretty big part of my inspiration…if I start playing around with something like a pile of buttons I will usually create something with them pretty quickly.

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating?
I always have music or a movie playing on my computer…and its all really randomly scattered to some degree…although if I am really focusing it is usually pretty mellow and on a low volume.  I have been really into Feist and Cat Power recently and I have always been a fan of working to classic R&B.  I am trying to get into talk radio, but I haven’t found something that has grabbed me yet.  As far as movies go…I tend towards indie films and romantic comedies….some recent faves have been “Broken Flowers”, “Juno” and “Me and You and Everyone We Know”.

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
Even when I am overwhelmed with how much work I have to do, I am always very comfortable and happy in my studio, and as it's in my apartment and I live alone, I spend all of my time in there including eating…even when I have friends over we tend to gravitate to the studio…it’s a very fun space to be in.  Basically there is always something to look at or do, so if I am home and awake, I figure I might as well be doing it.

To check out all the pretty jewelry that Sierra creates here, head over to Manic Trout!  And you can learn more about Sierra and her inspirations on the Manic Trout blog.

If you've got a handmade space you'd like to share with Modish readers, email me at jena{at}modishblog.com with the subject "handmade spaces" along with a few photos to share!

Handmade Spaces: Candied Fabrics

Today I have the colorful and inspiring space of master quilter and crafter, Candy Glendening of Candied Fabrics to share!  She has an awesome space with an amazing seweing table that is sure to make you seamstress queens drool.  Let's take a closer look and learn a little about Candy!

What do you create in this space?
Art quilts as well as "Everyday Art" - which right now means Notepad Folios, and bags of all sizes. These bags (totes & messengers) all have rectangular shapes, and I use the large flat area as a canvas (literally, they are made from hand dyed canvas) to make a little art quilt that has another function, whether to hold a notepad, just your wallet & cell phone, or everything BUT the kitchen sink. I also do home dec sewing for my home here as well. The other part of my studio is the patio out back where I dye all the fabric that I use in my art, as well as velvet & silk scarves, more "Everyday Art".

Where is it located?
My space is the 4th bedroom in our house. It came with an expansive built-in desk when we moved to Southern CA a little over 4 years ago. My window overlooks the backyard, so I can keep an eye/ear on the kids when they're outside playing.



What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
My 2 sewing machines (Bernina 1530 & Juki TL-98Q), an iron, rotary cutters & scissors.

Wow, this room is full of stuff, but the list of tools isn't all that big...what is the rest of this stuff??? ;-)  Ahh - fabric and thread! And interfacing! And batting! And books! And magazines! And notions! Did I mention fabric?!

What inspirations do you keep nearby?
Although I've stopped using commercially designed fabric in my work, I still can find myself at a vendor with some fabulous fabric, and I'll buy a small amount, usually 1/4 - 1/2 yard. Instead of folding them up and putting them away, I drape them on dowels that hang on a big 4' x 4' piece of pegboard right in front of my sewing machine, so I can enjoy them. I'll also use this space to drape a few pieces of my fabric together when I'm thinking about a color combination. They can sit together out of the way of where I work but very visible so I can mull over whether I like the combination.

I also keep a digital scrapbook - I basically download pix I see that inspired me on a blog or in a catalog/magazine into a folder on my computer, whenever I'm feeling especially uncreative, I'll go flip through the pictures and be inspired all over again.

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating? Or is silence best?
If my husband is home or the kids (Liam is 11 & Logan is 7) are not, I'll listen to the music I've downloaded onto iTunes...I'm loving this new Genius feature of iTunes where you can choose a particular song and it'll make a playlist of songs that are similar in your library. This way it mixes up my music I never would take the time to do myself, and keeps it all in a certain mood, that I've chosen for that moment in time. What I can't do is listen to anything that requires me to follow along, like a podcast or the TV.

Of course, the vast majority of the time I'm home with the boys and then it's silence so I can listen for the "silence" that all parents dread - the sound of something being done that they're not supposed to do so they're doing it very quietly (like maybe: drinking Hershey's syrup straight out of the bottle, or playing on the computer with no sound when they're supposed to be doing homework.)

Writing this makes me realize one of the reasons why I have begun to work in the manner I do now - I no longer am making huge quilts that require hours of continuous machine quilting, because there aren't enough gaps in the noise for me to aurally keep track of what my kids are doing! Good to know! (for me at least!)

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
Hmm...when it's all neat & tidy and I've got some time, I get all excited because I have this beautiful space to work in. Then while I'm working in it, I'm happy when I can reach out and quickly access exactly what I need. Having created in lots of less optimal spaces, I really appreciate the space I have now. When I've had to stop work on one project and pull out some other things, I get all itchy & cranky - too much clutter seriously makes not a fun person to be around. I'm slowly learning how to not have this happen, but it's definitely an uphill battle.



To see more of the goods that Candy creates in this wonderful space, check out her blog and her etsy shop!

If you've got a handmade space you'd like to share with Modish readers, email me at jena{at}modishblog.com with the subject "handmade spaces" along with a few photos to share!

Handmade Spaces: Paper and Cloth

I have lots of great handmade spaces to share with you over the coming weeks, yay!  To start is off today, we get to see behind the scenes of Paper and Cloth, a lovely little shop filled with hand screen-printed papergoods made by UK artist, Christine.  Let's take a peek into her pretty English space!

What do you create in this space?
Mainly I create my screen-printed (gocco) stationery but I also play with making mini-books, dabble in a bit of sewing and do the odd bit of writing as well.

Where is it located?
I'm very lucky to be able to have my space in our spare bedroom. It's a lovely light and bright room with blue painted walls (and a cuckoo clock!)

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
Mainly my gocco and my laptop for designing and creating my stationery but also scissors, glue and my stapler for journalling/scrapping.

What inspirations do you keep nearby?
I have a big inspiration board on my desk which is mainly for colour inspiration but it also has a few pieces of art from some of my etsy friends pinned on it. I also have my scrapbook which is full of images from magazines. My laptop is also a god source of inspiration with lots of saved links and photos (mainly about weddings as I'm getting married next year!)

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating?
I usually have the radio playing or play songs via iTunes on my laptop. Sometimes I listen to podcasts like Craftypod too.

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
Happy and inspired :)

Handmade Spaces: Liz Mathews

Today I have the delicious dark green studio of Liz Mathews to share with you!  Liz makes wonderful jewelry out of sterling silver, hand-colored artist's lucite, gemstones and more.  Let's take a peek at where she gets it all done!



What do you create in this space? 

I create all of my jewelry (start to finish) here in my green studio!  Not only does the creating go on here, but it's also my office space. The business side of my business is run from the desk located just behind my jewelers bench. Any other kinds of crafts I may be into doing also happen here!

Where is it located?

My studio is located in an extra room in our home. I have everything I need right here! I can work until 2 am, and be curled up in bed within 5 minutes :)  I share my studio with my boyfriend who has his office area set up on the other side of the room. It's a small space, but it works!

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?

I use all of the traditional metalsmith tools; torch, flexshaft, hand tools etc. You'll also find an array of crafting supplies here, gocco, beads, stamps, thread....

What inspirations do you keep nearby? 

I have binders full of clippings, images, postcards and other things that inspire me. Because the space is so small, I try not to keep a lot of stuff out. One of my favorite things in our house is my postcard rack, which holds the postcards of many artist's work I have collected over the years. It's always fun to look through. They inspire me creatively, and make me think about marketing too.

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating?

Always music.  And a wide variety too.

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?

I love my studio! It's a great space to escape to, be creative, and play.



You can shop for Liz' beautiful jewelry designs in her etsy shop, and learn more about her on her blog!

Handmade Spaces: Creations by Cat Jewelry

Today I'm pleased to share with you the handmade space of Catherine from Creations by Cat Jewelry.  Catherine took over her garage to find a space of her own and says, "It's not the greatest, but I get a lot of work done here!"  Just goes to show how you can make any space, from a corner of your living room to a garage to your bedroom floor, work for you.

What do you create in this space?
I create hand-fabricated Silver Jewelry and fused glass pieces.  I love working with metal and fire~ and it is always fun to experiment with new techniques.

Where is it located?

My jewelry studio is in the garage which is attached to our house.  I've kind of taken over my husband's space with all of my stuff.  I joke that now I have more power tools than he does!

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?

My absolute favorite tool is my jewelers torch.  For a while, I had different cheapo torches that didn't really serve my needs.  After doing LOTS of research, and talking to LOTS of people, I finally decided on the perfect torch for me.  I love it!  I also got a flex shaft tool a few months ago that I cannot do without now.  It can pretty much do anything you want; just add new attachments.  I have lots of hammers for texturing metal, a kiln for fusing glass and firing metal clay pieces, a polishing motor, and various punches, dies, and stamps.  There are other things that I would like to have, or are on my must-have list, but my studio serves my needs for now.

What inspirations do you keep nearby? 

When I made my first sale on etsy, I purchased a print from Allison Strine on etsy to celebrate.  Her art is very inspiring to me.  And the fact that she has been so successful at what she does is inspiration as well.  I also hang up various paper-crafting and mixed media items that I create occasionally.  I don't only make jewelry, I also dabble in lots of other arts and crafts, and I love to have some of my newest creations hanging on the wall to inspire me.

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating? Or is silence best?

I have the speaker cradle for my ipod in the garage.  During my "day job" I am a music teacher.  I have always been involved in music to a great degree throughout my life, and I love music of all types.  In my ipod I have everything from Broadway musicals, to country, to rock.  Different days deserve different music!

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?

Most of the time, when I enter the garage I cannot wait to sit down and play.  I love being out there creating.  It is kind of like a zen state whenever I have silver pieces laid out and I fire up the torch.  When I am stressed it is so nice to sit down, flip through my design notebook, and begin creating. Occasionally, I may get blocked.  I think every artist does.  At those times, I will find other ways to jumpstart the process.  One big source of inspiration for me is gemstones.  If I am stuck, I will look through my little box of treasures and I swear the gems will talk to me.  I see in my mind what needs to be created with it.  Whenever that happens, I feel euphoric!  My studio is my place to escape and imagine!



To see more of the beautiful jewelry that Catherine creates here, be sure to stop by her etsy shop, Creations by Cat Jewelry!

Handmade Spaces: Cathe Holden

(for full tour, click "continue reading" below)

I'm pleased to share with you today the beautiful and inspiring handmade space of Cathe Holden, graphic designer (and mama) extraordinaire!  Here, Cathe creates her Home Grown Logos as well as works on other art and craft projects, which you can keep up with on her blog, Just Something I Made.  I've gotten so many ideas for my own space by looking at Cathe's, I can't wait to set up my office again (hopefully in a new home, soon!) and make it even more inviting.  Hopefully you'll find some inspiration too!

What do you create in this space? 
The primary purpose of my little studio is to have a quiet space to design logos and other graphic design related projects for my clients.  Most recently, I have rediscovered my love for crafting.  I now craft jewelry, decorative items, stationery, personal gifts and anything that strikes me at virtually any moment I’m here.  I mostly enjoy crafting with vintage items, ephemera and graphics. One day soon I look forward to selling my crafts.

Where is it located?
Up until a few months ago, my studio was located at the end of our bed. After years of laundry mixing with art files mixing with craft supplies, it was time for a change. My wonderful husband carved a niche out of our garage to create my little slice of heaven. It is so quiet here, and I have a large window that I can watch my children play and listen to all the different birds that live in and among our redwoods.



What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
My primary tool is the Mac. I work almost exclusively in Adobe Illustrator, and print from an Epson desktop printer. Other tools include a soldering iron, my little cordless Dremel, hammer, various jewelry pliers, my trusty papercutter and my beloved X-acto knife.

What inspirations do you keep nearby?
First and foremost are my stacks of sketchbooks busting with ideas I’ll never have enough time to explore. I have a cork “inspiration board” that is quickly getting overloaded. I am thinking of corking the entire wall because I just can’t stop adding to it. Also, my door that although looks wooden is actually metal (bonus!) and makes the best magnet board for my inspiration board overflow. I keep my large library of inspiration in our living room. It is full of art, design and decor books as well as an extensive section of current, old and rare clip-art books. I also collect rare sign-painter books filled with beautiful lettering and design.

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating?
When I’m working on the computer, I listen only to the sounds of nature out my window (and the occasional dog barking or leaf-blower). When crafting, I am always more inspired by listening to my favorite radio station, KLOVE.


 
How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
When I walk into my little space still fragrant with the scent of new sheet-rock and paint, I feel overwhelmingly blessed.



Well I, for one, can't wait to for you to start selling your crafts, Cathe! Judging by your vintage style, I have a feeling they'll be right up my alley!  Thanks for sharing your beautiful space with us!

Learn more about Cathe on her blog, and if you're in the need for some fantastic logo design, head to Home Grown Logos to take a peek at her work!