The Great Studio Re-Do ~ Before & After... Phew!

BEFORE PHOTOS are first :)

I realize that over the past year I have been so busy working and painting, that I have neglected the aesthetic quality of my studio. Deep inside I ached for new furnishings and a new look, but never seemed to want to put the money down (for fear of making a mistake ~ I'm not a big shopper, nor an interior designer). I shopped at IKEA and browsed online, but could never find the perfect set-up.

When I would walk into my studio, I would feel an overwhelming overwhelm (!) and would just go straight to the painting area ignoring all else. The packaging and shipping process was fairly smooth, but I knew it could be smoother.

The children's area drove me completely crazy ~ and this photo (above was taken half-way through the re-do process, in August 2010) previously the boys had a three-drawer plastic bin holding their Might Come In Handy supplies, and it was transparent (get the picture? MESS). I could hardly stand it. The basket under the kids craft table is now our Might Come In Handy box.

I needed some more shelves for products, in order to keep prints and cards protected from children and dust. I was vacuuming my studio at least once, if not twice a day (and may still) to keep it as clean as possible. The studio is the place where prints are printed, orders are packaged and gratitude and love is shipped off.

In the past month I have purchased another high-end printer in order to create larger archival prints, and also (with the prodding of a good friend, and the urge to "de-post office" my boys) became fully capable of shipping at home.

THREE CHEERS! This is a wonderful development.

These new additions to my business called out for a completion of the studio.

I knew the studio needed help, but couldn't make the time. SO, over the past week, and with a giant push this last weekend, I neglected all of my paintings and my clients (sorry, it had to be done) and put the studio right. Right where it needed to be. I desired my studio to feel as successful as I felt (to put it honestly).

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I like to call this The Great Studio Re-Do, and I did it all for well under 100 bucks.

I refinished my desk (above) ~ I considered purchasing a new one, but relish the idea that my stepfather built this one for me 19 years ago.

(now you see the packaging and shipping department :)

This project involved stripping and painting a lovely new (old) drop-leaf tea table I purchased at a second-hand store (see above), and sanding and re-staining the kids' craft table top (see below). Sanding off a year's worth of dried paint blobs really reminded me of my shoulder muscles!

Of course, the painting area is still a mess, but that is required for creativity! At least it is an organized mess.

I share these images because I know a lot of folks are like me :) we love to see before and afters ~ and I LOVE to see progress. So, enjoy and don't mind my embarrassment, as I know the "before" photos are a bit lacking in creativity :) Thank you for sharing in my accomplishment.

Love & Sincerely ~ Katie

Setting Boundaries - The Studio is Open... or Closed?

When we moved into our new house in late June, I was stoked that I would have a studio with, among other wonderful features, doors that close… !

I mentioned this more than once while chatting with collectors, friends and fellow artists – it seemed most people thought that my excitement about the doors stemmed from the fact that I had an urge to go inside and close the doors – sending a signal that “mommy is working, leave me be!”

It’s amazing how many times I heard that idea stated to me when I raved about my closing doors. However, the real reason I am excited about my lovely studio with closing doors is for the blessing of being able to CLOSE my office – CLOSE my studio, CLOSE my option to work!


No urge to lock others out of the studio (as a matter of fact, I love to work while my children bumble in and out), but to lock ME out of the studio!



I find one of the hardest parts of working at home is the “obviousness” of how much work needs to be done – you can never escape it. Every time you walk past your work area you are reminded of that email you need to send, that painting that needs photographing, that composition that needs ‘just a little something more’.


I have always struggled with the ability to set boundaries for myself – and I have been self-employed and working from a home office for

almost seven years.


That is seven years of work, work, work (more so, of course, before the kids were born).


“Sure I’ll make dinner, just let me quickly list this on Etsy.”

“Sure I’ll read you that book, I’m going to just real quick check my email.”

“Yes, I’m coming! I just need to upload these pages to my website!”


Now, I’m not saying that this is necessarily (always) a bad thing – I am proud of the way I am able to use my time without procrastinating or wasting much of it (see an upcoming post about Procrastination, coming soon).


BUT… My personal life does pay.


So, one of my first purchases when we moved into our new house was going to be an “OPEN/CLOSED” sign for the studio – something I could set to tell MYSELF when I could and could NOT enter the work space.


That was the real reason I was ecstatic about having a studio with doors.


Last weekend, my son and I decided to play with Sculpey (wonderful sculpting medium by the way) and I made my sign!

It was fun and he enjoyed taking photos of the process. I crafted the letters from Sculpey, baked them, painted them, mounted them to a painted board and glued on a ribbon. Simple as that.

I’m happy with my sign, and happy to say that it IS helping me to set my boundaries. If I develop a respect for this little sign from the start, then I know that I will become more disciplined, thus more efficient.


RIGHT? :)


How are you setting boundaries in your work/family life? Do your kids/husband frequently take a back seat to that juicy contact you met today? Does dinner burn while you are quickly sending a promo email (my hand is up)? Do you feel like your studio/office/craft area/workspace OWNS you?


It’s time to set some boundaries – work will always be there. I say this as a reminder to myself, as well.

Today, I closed my studio for the whole morning, which turned into the whole day! I just played with my three-year-old while his brother was at his first day of Kindergarten - until something pressing (in the studio) kept me from making dinner on-time!


Have a relaxing evening and REMEMBER! TWO NEW 8x8s are coming tomorrow morning!

Love & Sincerely,

Katie

Sneak Peek at the New Studio - plus Free Cards Friday!

Welcome to the weekend!

The transition is complete, and here, I'd like to introduce you to my new studio in East Vancouver - the place where magic is bound to happen - a place where I can stretch my legs and my wings, stand back from my paintings, learn, experiment and grow.

I thank YOU for your support over the years, allowing me to believe in myself, to dream, to draw from your stories, emotions and positive influences.

I thank those who own paintings (and have given them as gifts) and prints and cards, those who have entrusted me with their emotions and their memories, Thank You.

Without YOU, this new place would not be..

For those of you that are local, I would LOVE to see you next Saturday and Sunday (the 11th and 12th) at English Estate Winery in Vancouver Washington where I'll be visiting for an Art & Wine fair (12-6 on Saturday and 12-3 on Sunday).

Last year at this show, the paintings went very quickly and the experience was completely fulfilling. I value the collectors I made last year at this time and I invite you to come and visit, drink some wine, view a myriad of local artists and vendors and get your hands on some 8x8 paintings (from the 85 8x8s for $85 collection) as well as prints and a supply of brand new card styles.

I hope to see you then!

Please feel free to call me with any questions: 360.261.0874 - this is a Kalama number, so it is long distance from Vancouver.

Remember, this is Free Cards Friday - so comment on this post and you are in the running!

Have a happy and safe Fourth Of July.

Love & Sincerely, Katie