Winner, winner... chicken dinner!

Who came up with that saying anyway?  Well, its just funny so I had to use it!

A big thanks to everyone who left comments for the Studio Summer 2011 magazine giveaway!  Mr. Random N. Generator was called in for the occasion and picked.... 

Congratulations Pam!  Your copy of the latest Studios will soon be on its way.  Please email me with your mailing address so that I can get that sent to you speedy quick.  Autographed or not?  Phahahaha!  I hope the magazine inspires you with useful and creative ideas for your space!

Cousin "Mimi" - I have to say you cracked me up.  I counted nine, yes nine uses of "pick me" in just three comments!  I can just see you with your hand waving about!  "Ooh, ooh... pick me!"  Dad and Aunt Helen are asking for copies... maybe one will make it your way soon... hint, hint!

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"Studios" Giveaway!

No, I'm not giving away a studio!  But, I am giving away the latest Studios magazine!  I apologize for asking you two days ago to come back and then I wasn't even here yesterday to answer the door.  My day got away from me.  

So here's the skinny:  You'll have several chances to enter the giveaway and win the Summer 2011 issue of Studios Magazine:

• Reply to this post and let me know the favorite organizing solution that you use in your creative space.
• For a second entry, reply to this post and tell me where you create.
• For a third entry, blog/tweet/Facebook about this giveaway and come back to this post to share the link.

I'm not going to ask you to follow my blog, but I always appreciate followers!  The giveaway closes at midnight on May 31, 2011 and a winner will be chosen at random and announced on June 1st.  

If you aren't familiar with Studios magazine, you may have seen the Cloth, Paper, Scissors publications.  Same company - Interweave.  This magazine retails for $14.99 and is full of wonderful pictures, articles, and creative ideas.

Thanks for coming by and good luck!

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Whoo Hoo... the wait is over!

Does this clue help?

Yay me!  My studio was featured in the Studios Summer 2011 magazine under "Studio Vignettes"! 

I emailed photos last Fall to be considered for submission in Studios.  I received a reply the same day and was asked to submit fifteen photos and information about my studio by February 15th.  That deadline came so quickly and then.... I thought today would never get here!  I believe they hit the newsstands and stores today.

 

 

It was such a fun process and I have to say it is super-cool to see my creative space in Studios.  I love this magazine!  I just pour through them time and again and get so many creative ideas from what others have shared.  I hope I was able to do the same.  Thank you Studios and Lindsey Murray (Assistant Editor; Special Projects, Quilt & Paper Division at Interweave)!

A few other shots of my studio...

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks so much for coming by!  Tomorrow I have some more exciting news... for YOU! Pin It

Pink I think

I like pink.  Enough said.

 

 

 

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Studio Bunting and Chalkboard Re-do

My chalkboard/magnetic board needed a new look.  I made some magnets that I intended to put at the top corners and possibly string ribbons across and down each side.  Nope.  Wasn't working for me.

So, I grabbed a few scrapbooking supplies and went to work.  Unfortunately, I don't have a Silhouette or Cricut so I had to do some of it the old-fashioned way.  I really had fun though with the process.  It was one of those "slow down and enjoy it" kind of projects, not "hurry up, dinner needs to be made" kind of projects!

 

I used three different papers, ink to age the edges of the bunting and letters, vintage seam binding and  buttons, stickers, and pearls.  After I affixed the letters and stickers, I sewed the seam binding to the button and then glued on the buttons.  Voila!

 

 

I also made some little yo-yo and button  magnets.  They are so tiny and cute and will hold up some pretties if I ever decide what I want to add to the chalkboard.  I kind of like it the way it is right now.  Simple.

I need to write some sort of inspiring or profound quote, too.  Do you have any you would like to share?

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My studio needed a lift!

Someone suggested a while back that I get some type of lift for my sewing machines so that I didn't have to break my back getting them from under my counter and having to put them back again.  I have thought about that for some time as it was great advice.  Since I do not like leaving much out in my studio, I am constantly taking the sewing machine and serger from beneath the counter, setting them up and then reversing the whole process.

After some thought, research, and planning, I have exactly what I need - a lift!  I purchased this lift from Rockler.  It is most typically used for heavy duty mixers. (I love the way flour is sprinkled all over the counter and lift, but the mixer is pristine and clean!)

My dear friend, Richard (who has done the large majority of remodel in my home including my entire studio) installed the lift for me.  He is wonderful to work with because first he listens, then he helps plan and calculate, and finally he completes the jobs better than most "professionals".  He builds things well and to last.  I'm pretty sure I could jump on my counter top and it wouldn't budge!  That's saying a lot!

Here is the space before adding the lift:

And voila...

This lift holds not only my very heavy Janome 9700, but my Evolve serger as well.  And, I can leave them in place and sew from both machines.  I just swivel my chair around.  Or stand at the serger which I can do every once in a blue moon!

I had intended to paint the shelf of the lift but decided instead to cover it with fabric and then a heavier vinyl.  So, late at night when everyone was asleep, I got out a few of my tools.  Who says a gal can't use tools?  You should see my toolbox - it rocks!  And yes, Gingher scissors and a sewing awl are serious tools, too!

And voila again...

 

 Both machines

 

The picture makes the room look pretty small, but it really is very spacious.  I even have room to add my acrylic sewing table next to my machine and onto the counter and I have room to my left for cutting and pinning, and also behind my chair where I iron.  The power cords run on top of the lift and under the counter to the plug.  I can move the lift up and down without bothering the cords and even better - without having to plug them in or unplug them.  (I do unplug them from my machine so there is no power serge to harm them.)

  

Now I can just put the pedals on the lift, cover the machines, pull the handy handles to release the machines below the counter, pull the curtain and everything is tidy again.  

After installation, we noticed that the lift shows slightly through the curtains.  This is because the weight of the machines makes the lift settle in that position.  So, after even more thought, I have decided to turn that portion of the counter space into an actual cabinet.  It will bring forward the lift by about three inches, giving me a little more space on the table.  It will also encase the end of the counter space below, add doors, and eliminate the curtain in front and on the side.  I will post about that later!

Thanks for stopping by.  I appreciate your time and enjoy your comments and suggestions.

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