Where Bloggers Create - 2012
Welcome to my humble abode . . . the place where I create, where I am inspired, where I write, and where I fulfill my wildest dreams of living a creative life. Today I am linking up with the absolutely amazing Karen Valentine over at "My Desert Cottage", and joining in the "Where Bloggers Create 2012" Annual Blog Party!
Welcome
to
Where I Create.
Here is my studio. My space where all my art is born, my sanctuary, and . . . our basement. This room originally was set to be my husbands "Man Cave", as the rest of the house was clearly in my control (and decorating wishes). However the man cave never quite came to be. It was a storage room, a toy room, an office space, and about a year ago . . . became MY studio.
It's important for me to have a colorful space . . . a place that is vibrant and full of fun and full of life. Having a studio in a basement (with very limited lighting) makes it quite a challenge, though. But I certainly manage.
Cardinals have always had a special meaning in my life, so a cardinal ornament and birdhouse hangs right above my art table. Their presence in the room brings me great joy.
Right behind the cardinal is my "Inspiration Wall",
full of quotes and sayings that inspire and motivate me to keep
reaching for my dreams. My favorite quote on the wall?
"Love yourself first and everything else falls into place" by Lucille Ball.
So much supplies, so little space.
But everything has a home. . .
. . . and a place, and a reason, and a job to do.
But everything has a home. . .
. . . and a place, and a reason, and a job to do.
I love to display things that inspire me - art work from other mixed media souls,
photos of my children, their art, my art, and lots of words. Everyplace I look in my studio has a little
photos of my children, their art, my art, and lots of words. Everyplace I look in my studio has a little
something that inspires me to create.
Even sneaking a photo in of my personal cheerleaders is
right where I need them to be, just when I need that little push. 
A board with special photos of when I met a mentor and my very first blog friend, during The Creative Connection Event 2011, is absolutely cherished in this space.
One of my favorite art pieces, that I just can bring myself to selling.
Oh, yes, I scrapbook, too!
Maybe a little too much!
And a portion of my vision board, which hangs prominently on the wall in my studio.
A reminder of all that I dream for in my creative life.
To teach, to inspire, to empower, to write, to believe, to speak, to love.
There are certainly more elaborate, organized, and professional spaces out there in the world. For me, this space is pretty wonderful, though. And while it may not be as pretty as the others, I am so grateful to have a place where I can hide away and create.
What a wonderful space, full of inspiration! Thank you for sharing it here. You inspire me to work on mine. : )
ReplyDeleteStephanie
OOH.. I know sooo many people who would love to create in your space. (Starting with me!)
ReplyDeletenice! how wonderful to have a space of one’s own!!! (how did my mother ever survive without one?!) hugs!
ReplyDeleteLeanne, thank you for your kind words on my WBC party post. I love your space and I'm glad it's your studio and not a man cave (no offense to your husband). I think it is beautiful because you've filled it with things that you love and that inspire you.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Victoria from Brushstrokes
It's so nice to see that you can turn a man cave into a fabulous art studio.
ReplyDeleteDanielle
Wonderful and personal space. I can see lots of fun and creative hours spent in here. Who cares if the lighting isn't great-everything else is!
ReplyDeleteYour space is perfect! I can tell that there is so much inspiration to get creative juices going... and I must say, I'm a little envious of all of the materials you have to use..... niiiice. I don't think I'd ever leave the basement! lol! So happy to have found you at WBC, and excited to be following, now.... hopefully you can visit sometime....
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend,
Heather
stringtownhome.blogspot.com
I think you have created your perfect little happy place! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGood REAL space.Some places look like Home Decor pics.You have to have functionality as well as great storage, and not too much dusting!!Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSuch an inviting area!! It's no wonder that creative things are born here!
ReplyDeleteAwesome space, thanks for sharing it! Happy creating!!
ReplyDeleteHello Leanne,
ReplyDeleteI think you managed very well with your creative space. No matter if it is small the most important thing is that you are feeling well in this place where you can dream, think and create.
I would like to be a little mouse to see what is in your drawers :o)
Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your kind comments.
Have a creative summer. Blessings and Bonjour de France !
Hélène
Your space is awesome Leanne!
ReplyDeleteWhat a happy place you have created. That positive feeling is abundantly evident in every image.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you claimed it for yourself. And thank you for sharing it with us.
Thank you for visiting my blog/studio today.
Elizabeth
Great space, Leanne! It is apparent that you love everything you keep close to you in here. Love your storage and organization. I envy you that large tabletop to work on. Thanks for sharing your creative space!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great space.......love your collage and inspriration.....thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI think your space is pretty wonderful Leanne! It is filled with mementos of things and people that you love, and allows you a place to dream and create. That sounds pretty wonderful to me!!!! I am so happy that you shared it with everyone!! I hope you are enjoying the party!!!!
ReplyDeleteYour space is wonderful. Thanks for sharing. I love that you shared your space, with work in progress. It gives us a better idea of your creative process. Happy creating, and happy blogging.
ReplyDeleteIt was neat to see what you are currently working on. You are a tidy creator compared to messy old me!
ReplyDeleteI loved the quotes on the wall. My family is so private with what they allow on the internet. They do not want their pictures shared etc. I have 15 picture frames (some of them hold multiple photos) and I find it hard to photograph my room for things like this.
Even when i photograph my art, i have to place it in a certain way to not include their photos.
I am going to lift your idea and change some of the photos over to quotes instead. All the frames are plain black so black and white graphics would go fine. I may even change out the multiple picture ones out to scrapbook paper art with scrappy embellishments.
How you have inspired me!!!
I adore your beautiful space, Leanne!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a super fun space and how great of your husband to give up on his "man cave" so you can pursue your creative dreams! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding - your space is awesome and so much fun..... I would get so much inspiration! Thanks for sharing and I am follower!!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to come back and see what you create!
Stacey
looks like one could get lots done in your studio. You are truly and artist. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful creative space, Leanne. Love your red cardinal. He is your muse of sorts.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you had the opportunity to meet a blogging friend. I speak on the phone with a couple of my blogging friends regularly and we're hoping to get together one day. Gotta love blogging.
Thank you for sharing your lovely space.
Much love,
Marcia
What a cheery space to create in. I love the pops of red and your vision board is so inspiring. Thank you for visiting my studio and for your kind comments.
ReplyDeleteI too, love the Lucille Ball quote! Thank you for posting that. I also love all the bright colours and the cardinal. You are right; being in the basement is a challenge - light-wise.
ReplyDeleteWay better than a man cave! You have such a nice large space. I'm a bit envious of that! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
ReplyDeleteWay better than a man cave! You have such a nice large space, I'm a bit envious! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
ReplyDeleteGosh... I love how your words come from the heart. You give a voice to what most of feel at one time or another! And because of that I feel we are girlfriends already!. Funny how two people were at the same event, The Creative Connection, but only through a blog did I see that we were. And your space? It is YOU! isn't that what it's supposed to be? Oh... and I loved your showing us your vision boards. Hmmmmm... maybe I need to get to work on mine! Thanks again and if you get a chance I would love to have you drop by mine!!!
ReplyDeleteFirstly, you're OK in my book because you love cardinals (my favorite birds,ever!) Secondly, I love your space, totally digging your vision board and all the great color. Third, you work is absolutely gorgeous...love,love your painted picture frames! Thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Kristi
I say the best space is the space that works for you! And I love that pic in your embellishment drawer! I have a couple of boards just for those pics of people make me happy! I think your eclectic space is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteGotta Love Lucy! I love Visions Boards and Cardinals have a special place in my heart! Your space spells Joy ~ smiles ~
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Howdy Leanne! Oh, I am so glad to finally have a quiet moment to see some of the beautiful and inspiring creative spaces at WBC, and I must say, your space makes me SMILE!! Colorful and happy and fun - just what a creative space should be!! You've done wonders in your basement space - just so lovely and bright! And your creations - wow!! So awesome!! LOVE your Etsy shop and the bright happy art you share there!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your recent visit and comment - you made my day! I am so happy to have made your acquaintance and I look forward to much more wit, wisdom, and whimsy from you and your blog and shop!
Hugs & Blessings,
Becky
You have a great creative space! Definitely a great place to create! Thanks for the tour, great work!
ReplyDeleteLeanne - You have made a basement space so joyful by the wonderful idea to be surrounding by colors, inspiration and reminders of those you love. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJudythe