How to Have "Me" Space

"I love to create, and have done so as long as I have been able to use my hands! I had taken a long break after having my second child, but after my 3rd who I had September of 09, I had a renewed sense of purpose... (okay okay, so I was bored out of my mind and I needed an outlet!) and so I discovered Etsy....wow, what an addiction!!! "

Enjoy a visit to this wonderful Etsian's shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZigZags123

by Zig Zag 123

My name is Laci and I live in Northern Idaho, with my husband and our 3 kids, who are 5, 3, and 6 months old. I have always been creatively minded, my mother saw to and nurtured that! I have always liked to crochet and sew, but it wasn't until I found Etsy this last November that I realized that I could make MONEY at it! When I had the chance I bought up a few boxes of yarn and have been going crazy with it ever since. I collaberated with my step-dad to help me build a sort of fold away sewing cubby, bookcase style so that I had a place to sew other than my kitchen table.. I currently live in a ONE bedroom trailer with 5 people, a cat that thinks he's a dog, and a ferret who likes to snuggle with my cat who thinks he's a dog :), so there isn't much room till we build our house in the next few years. It turned out FANTASTIC and now I find myself finding excuses just to be in it!

I love to work with really soft yarns, I hate scratchy sweaters and such. I always say that it's no fun to buy an awesome piece of bling that you don't want to wear cause it gives you the itchies! I have been having lots of fun with soft chunky yarn as well as cotton yarn making necklaces, but I hope to soon be making some clothing as well. I also use a LOT of clear tupperware to organize my fabrics and yarns, and although at the moment they are getting a little jumbled, I can still see what is in them and it is a BIG help!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
My only advice is that no matter your space limitations, you can ALWAYS figure out how to have a "me" space. It may be a corner, or a desktop or a box by your favorite chair, but it IS possible.. (and SO worth it!) TRUST ME :)

Stymiepie Studies

Have you always wanted to create art?! I can remember loving to create as a kid and it being my favourite subject in elementary school. I'm happiest when I am creating and was excited to be inspired to create again as an adult. Stymiepie Studios shares her creative start and inspirations. I love her little Fairies. Leave me a comment and share what inspires you!














Enjoy a visit to her shop http://www.stymiepiestudios.etsy.com/
and her wonderful blog http://stymiepiestudios.blogspot.com/

i've been an artist since i was about 3 years old. as my mom used to tell it, she would put some brown paper shopping bags on the kitchen floor with crayons to keep me quiet while she worked around the house. the rest is history. i've never been quiet, and i've never stopped drawing. i went to art & design high school in new york city, taking the train from brooklyn every morning, thinking i was the coolest kid alive: with a giant black beret, long black coat, black platform shoes , false eyelashes and my portfolio. looking back now , i guess it freaked out the businessmen on their way to work..but i was an ARTIST!!! i handpaint gifts for kids and create custom art based on whatever inspires me. i'm into a fairy/mermaid/baby animal thing right now..it amazes me that an idea or picture will come into my head and my hand puts down what i see on paper..most of the time, it's exactly the way i want it, but when you hit that "block" it's like being underwater..the harder you try , the worse it is. i've always worked in the art field and i'm grateful that i've been able to spend my work life doing what i love. although i have a mural business (www.pixiedustmurals.com) that's taken me all over the country, my etsy shop is one of my proudest achievements..i've never had a shop before, and learning how to run this business and meet the incredible artisans on this site has been so much fun.

Just Add Memories

I just returned from a little "before school starts" trip. We had a great time and took alot of pictures. I have soooo many pictures to place in an album. My girls are growing so quickly~it's hard to find the time to put all of the pictures in albums. If you are a busy mom like me you can have someone help you out~like ...Just Add Memories.
Just Add Memories

About four years ago I discovered Scrapbooking at my church's MOPs (Mother's Of Preschoolers) meeting. The craft for the night was making a paper bag scrapbook album. I had fun and went home thinking this is something I could do. A couple of days later I went out and purchased some stuff to get started. I have been hooked ever since!I love making scrapbook albums- especially for other people. I like thinking of the smiles people will have when they look at their pages or albums I have helped them create. It is cool to create something that will be treasured for many years to come.Personally- I am my family's record keeper in charge of the pictures and scrapbook albums. My kids are growing and changing so much! I want to remember every detail of our lives together! (Corny I know!)I love the process of taking paper, adhesive, and embellishments and making something beautiful out of it.

What makes scrapbooking special and unique to me is that each person adds their own memories to the page. You can have two identical albums and they will be different because it is YOURS. With your kids, family,and thoughts and feelings.

My scrapbook room is mainly where everything I work with is kept. Paper, albums, works in progress,my "office", my computer and etc. are in this room. I tend to bring stuff out of this room to create. Usually the living room table is where I scrap. Ocassionally the kitchen counter as well. On any given night I can be found scrapping away while watching TV with my hubby and dogs by my side. Olympics anyone?

I try to stay organized but it appears to be a losing battle. As you can see! I found a great dresser that holds a lot at the dump in a "swap" area. It was free and it works. I have a cart for patterned paper and wire shelves for cardstock. I like storage bin/drawer carts. I have four of these. I just got a new one for my etsy items made and to be made. My works in progress usually go on the big table until I come back to them. I love scrapping and doing it for others is incredibly rewarding.

Check out my shop at http://www.justaddmemories.etsy.com/

My Messy Workspace

Do you love your workspace- no matter what it looks like?

No matter how big or small?

No matter how messy it is?

I do . I do . I do!

I love the feeling of walking into my creative space and feeling an instant sense of relaxation and calm. Most times my space is pretty clean because I find it hard to create when it's too messy (can't find things fast enough). I have two little girls that also love to join me in my space and we work together in "creating harmony".

Are you kidding !

If you have kids then you know it is not harmony... but they do come in and stamp or paint. Most of the time it is fun.

Here is a peek into my workspace..... this needs a WARNING attached!

Enter at your own risk!

Here are some pics.




So..... What did you think? Was it that bad? Could you see potential? I will send in an after picture "after" my exhibition. Send me a comment to let me know what you think of this site. Any suggestions for improvement?


P.S. Remember ETSY MEMBERS YOU CAN BE A FEATURED STUDIO...IT COULD BE CLEAN OR MESSY LIKE MINE! JUST CLICK ON THE RED DOOR & CONVO ME....IT'S THAT EASY! ... Great free promo and link back to your shop!

See the first blog for all the juicy info!

~Kerry~