Where Bloggers Create Party!!

Before I begin my post I want to say,

Thank you Karen Valentine for hosting this great event!!

Now, on to my creative space.

I do not have fancy, or matching shelving units,
although I would love to, and maybe someday I will.

And, I just sized down my class/art room,
from 12x22' to a 12x11' space,
so we could add more display to the store.
(that is where I do most of my creating, and teaching.)

Guess you know that means there is some serious purging,
and organizing going on, which is not close to being done.
But here is a bit of it, and some tips for using space well.

some before pictures:




What a mess!!!


So, here is my now 3x8' work table.
(was 3x14'!!)
This is in the middle of organizing,
but it is usually pretty messy with crafty stuff anyway.
(I am NOT a tidy creative person!) =)

I have wonderful room with two windows,
lots of white walls, and 4 full specturm light fixtures
on the ceiling.

Here is a wall of make shift shelves that are
not quite organized yet.
If you click on the picture, in the middle you will see an oldie but goodie.
It is a clock I painted in the early 70's.
Just one of those things you cannot part with.
And on it's shelf, my very own jack set from when I was a kid.

Here is the bit that is done.
organized my books and old calendars,
used baskets to hide things (I mean beautifully store items)

Here is another section I am working on.

And here is a bit of it almost done.
have to make labels for drawers yet.
Here is space saver idea:
There was a little bit of space above the Plasticine bins I was using.
I put a thin shelf across the top of them,
and it is just right for those little plastic bins
I keep some of my buttons in..

To the right of the drawers i put some lace.


I picked up these bins for 10 cents each.
They are great for storing misc. pieces.
I can see right in to what i have. Wish I had 20 of them!!

Another space saver idea:
Use peg boards on ends of cupboards.

And my paint holder is great!
My sweet fella made it for me.

another tip:
Make use of every little cubby hole.
See the space between my paints and the chipboard shelf?
papers fit perfectly in it.

And sheets of buttons fit between cupboards I have stacked two high.

And here is my favorite piece!
Love all those plastic bins,
and,
they were FREE!!

And here are some of my favorite creations:

love making my own bird nests, and putting
them in and on unusual things.
My newest collage.
Box Nest
mini nest and cloche
Framed nests
flower nests
Oh, and pin cushions, and Scripture jars,
and a lot of other treasures.


And I would like to say,
It is not where you create,
or even what you create,
but it is doing it with your whole heart,
and enjoying it every step of the way.

Thanks for visiting my place today.

Blessings to you all

barbara jean