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Monday, September 22, 2014

Studio Tweaking

Our kitchen reno starts in one week and we've been doing some prep 
work in anticipation of it.  Funny how tearing up one room can
turn into a chain reaction around the entire house!
The shelves and drawers in the dining room were coming out
and I thought I could make good use of them in my studio!
So, out they came from the dining room.
See Slate?  He never misses anything that is going on here!



The row of old dressers has served well for all kinds of storage for
many years.  I originally picked them up at a thrift store for $5.00
and wasn't ready to get rid of them yet.  They got a fresh coat of
paint, new knobs and some brass label holders.
The shelves we left as is, since the color still blended well.
The only thing I bought were the bins, which came from Walmart.
The room works much better for me than before with a little more
room to work on projects.  Lots more storage space and much better
organization, too.  Everything is put away, but easy to find.












I feel inspired to be creative every time I step in here!

The new floor in the kitchen will continue through the dining room,
family room and front foyer, so all of those rooms will need to be
emptied this week.  I'll spend my spare time emptying kitchen
cupboards and drawers and deciding what can go to the thrift store.
  Let the fun begin! ha.

Also, thanks so much for all the birthday wishes!
My birthday was like it always is, gorgeous autumnal
weather, the entrance of my favorite season and a brand
new year for myself.  Lovely!
Love you guys...thanks for helping me celebrate with
your comments, facebook notes, ecards, texts, etc.
The youtube song was great, too. ha.
I even got a snail mail card from across the pond!
xo








78 comments:

  1. BRILLIANT repurposing. Those shelves and drawers are much too useful to get rid of. It's like they were meant for your studio. House renovation is, to me, more labor-intensive than moving. But when it's over, oh so worth it!

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    1. I'm so glad we did this! I like the look much better than if I had purchased new cubbies or shelving that is so popular now for craft rooms and studios. Old is so much better! ha.

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  2. Your studio looks great! It's so neat and organized. Your renovation will be well worth the effort. Don't work too hard!
    Glad you had a good birthday : )

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    1. I'm really looking forward to the reno. It will be worth all the craziness and mess!

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  3. That is the most organized office/studio I have ever seen in my life. I could spend hours in there. Love all the 'personals' sitting around. Obviously, you are a big bird lover. :) Looking forward to seeing your kitchen reno. Slate knows that his help is very needed as he snoopervises. I think I missed your birthday post, Betsy. I hope you had a wonderful birthday. Wishing you a great year ahead. Hugs, Deb

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    1. I moved into this studio months ago and it was great but I didn't have it laid out in a good way that allowed me to work and think. This is much better....it fixed the storage problem and gave me space to work. Much better! Snoopervise!!! I love that word! I know you have a few snoopervisors yourself! haha....

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  4. I love it, I love it! You have been so busy...kinda, Huh? I want to organize our basement like this...I hope I don't get too old before that happens so I can enjoy it!

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    1. Oooh...that would be great...do it! I want to see photos! haha...It turned out better than I expected. It's the organizing that really helps...everything right there and labelled and easy to get to. Much better than those plastic bins with lids everyone is using. ..they are organized but not really convenient, especially if they are stacked. I'm a little OCD about it all, obviously. lol....

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  5. I love the kitty helper. Our kitties always loved it when we moved furniture or cleaned the house. They are the best helpers.

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    1. We had LOTS of help. I wonder what they will think about the kitchen being torn apart. lol....

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  6. So glad you had a lovely birthday Betsy!
    And you are going to have a lot of work there but Im sure you enjoy:)

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  7. The studio looks great; I love all the storage and your special touches. I hope everything goes smoothly. You will be all set for the holidays!

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    1. You're right...we'll be all done just in time for all the holidays, which will be really nice!

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  8. I like it, your studio puts mine to shame. I particularly love those stained glass lamps (Art Deco); surely you don't need two? One would lokk nice in my studio . . . . .just saying. I noticed that pretty little book marker with your name on it just behind the computer screen.

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    1. I'd have to trade you one of my lamps for one that you made! haha. I think I would be getting the better end of that deal!
      You like that book marker? I do, too....one of my most favorite people made it and sent it to me earlier this year. ;)

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    2. The bookmarked is beautiful and look like a nice person I know make this beautiful caligraphy too:))

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  9. Wow! You and the Mister have been busy! Can't wait to see pictures of the entire re-do after it's done.

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    1. Fortunately, we have a contractor doing the rest of it. ha. We figured a professional might be best and we could do a little of the work that needs to be done beforehand. That way the plumbing will work and the lights,....lol.....you know how I always say Murphy's Law is attached to the hip of the mister. :) But yes, we were busy on the studio and it felt good using those pieces again instead of throwing them out. Yay!

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  10. that looks wonderful, a lovely creative space!!!

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    1. It's so nice to have a spot to call my own and work on things instead of on the kitchen island. ha.

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  11. Wow - it looks beautiful and organized. I can't believe you got those dressers for $5! It all looks creative and wonderful.
    Happy Birthday!

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    1. Those dressers were an amazing find. They remind me of the ones we had in our bedrooms when we were growing up. Paint and knobs really transformed them and it's a ton of storage.

      I've had a lovely birthday, thanks! :)

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  12. What a transformation - it is a wonderful studio and I can see you are inspired to do great things in that room for your business.
    I had no idea it was your birthday today - Happy Birthday Betsy and hope you had a wonderful day with the family and the big kids coming over . . . . :)

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    1. no idea? are you sure about that? :)

      I had a lovely day. Lauren made dinner...it was delicious! The girl can cook! Yum! They came with dinner, fresh flowers, a gift card and dessert. I feel spoiled! So fun!

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  13. Wow, that turned out awesome indeed
    There at your feed
    Can't not be creative there
    And Happy Birthday indeed at your lair
    Slate looks happy with the empty shelf to play on
    Then you took it away, what a con lol

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    1. I knew you'd like the organization
      here at my plantation!
      Everything neat and tidy, too
      here at my studio zoo.
      ha.

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    2. OCD loves it
      Organization is a hit

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  14. I adore your work space! Such great organization and I also love those old stone crocks!

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    1. I've collected those old crocks for years and they work great for storing spools of ribbon and packing peanuts. They are SO heavy! ha..I got a good work out dragging them around the room. lol....

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  15. Your studio is a feast for the eyes!

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    1. Well, thanks Janice...I do go in there and just look! haha....and it's fun to work in, too!

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  16. Wow I'm impressed! Can't wait to see the kitchen reno!

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    1. I'm pretty excited to see the kitchen, too! But first comes the mess! haha.

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  17. Holy Hannah! Have you been busy. It looks soooooooo great, Betsy! I always thought it looked pretty special when you updated it a while ago, but this is amazing. You need to be featured in a magazine! And I do love Slate as he keeps an eye on the Mister. Ha! Kitties never miss a beat, do they?

    Now... I wonder if that bookmark is from the talented Keith? Lovely. Sounds like Taylor and Lauren spoiled you and you deserve it. Happy what's-left-of-your-Birthday! Hugs and Kisses <3

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    1. I told you I was busy in the studio! haha. I'm loving this, too...you know me and old things. You put them all together and it does create a look that can't be done with the new stuff....fits perfectly with my style and job with the auctions. And so nice not to have to spend a ton of money....I already had it all and just had to repurpose it. And yes, Slate...what a cutie....always there to see what's going on. What a gift he is...he was on the boys' bed again tonight trying to snuggle down with them. haha. They don't panic so much anymore and actually smile and giggle! They don't want him to stay, but seem to understand that it is cute that he wants to sleep with them. A little progress!

      Yes, Keith made that...I just love his calligraphy...he would never brag on himself, so I will for him. :)

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    2. New always looks so... new! Like you, I love everything old. Seems to have more character and heart. And if I do get something new I tend to distress it to make it look old. Ha! I am so happy to hear that the boys are becoming a bit more comfy with Slate. Who knows what might happen? Slate has such sweet patience... maybe he knows he is making a little headway so he keeps edging his way in. Too cute. Keith's bookmark fits right in - wish I could do calligraphy. I am looking at the photos again and taking in all your objets d'arts - they look great in your studio. You must feel so proud to have it all organised.

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    3. Laughing at Harry's Pringle Attack! Oh my.

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    4. Character and heart....yes, I love that. I like how my studio looks like it's been there for years....broken in and cozy. And the pieces have a story, too....starting with that old desk which I can still remember being in my father in laws office when I was in high school. New stuff around it just wouldn't blend as well.

      Oh, Harry! It seems he was in trouble all weekend! He was probably glad to escape on the bus this morning! Ha.

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  18. Happy birthday Betsy....
    Your workroom looks awesome! Get crackin'!
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  19. AIl I can say is Wow!

    Laurie

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  20. That is brilliantly done. It looks neat.

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    1. Thanks so much, Raj...I'm enjoying it a lot. Did you notice all the birds? Ha.

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  21. Hi Betsy - that's amazing and just looks like a new room and so 'just you' ... fantastic you can re-use items .. and $5 and still in use - great! Gosh Slate is really helping out in more ways than one ... that's brilliant news. I could spend hours here ... just browsing your shelves and studio space! No wonder you feel so creative every time you step into it ... cheers Hilary

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  22. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE! your creative space, Betsy!! It is beautiful and rich with inspiration!! Happy belated birthday! blessings ~ tanna

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    1. Thanks tanna! Aren't you going to say it needs more color? Haha..

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  23. Slate reminds me so much of our last cat Oliver. He was my father's shadow, so Dad called him "Buddy". He "helped" with anything Dad was working on. I can still see Dad sitting at a card table with parts all over it, and Oliver lying in among them. Sometimes he positioned himself on the parts, and Dad would sit patiently waiting until Oliver finally decided to remove himself. Lynne in NC

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    1. Oliver was a wonderful cat! How sweet! Some cats just seek you out and want to be part of your daily routine. My first cat was like that.
      I'm a little worried about Grey. Haven't seen her in a week! :(

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    2. I'm concerned, too, Betsy. It isn't like a female to wander off for long periods of time. Let's hope we are worrying for nothing. Maybe she and Rocky have eloped. Lynne

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    3. She will disappear for 3 or 4 days at a time but never this long. Yes, eloping with rocky is a great way to think of it. I wouldn't blame her a but for doing that! Ha.

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  24. WOW, your studio looks great! You always do such an amazing job at repurposing things. I love how you maximize what you have, and make it look awesome while doing so.

    Belated birthday wishes, Betsy! Your looks and actions are those of a young woman! :)

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    1. Thanks, yuji..I really had fun doing it and all that storage and work space solved the problem I had in there...worked out great!

      Ok had to laugh...my auto correct changed yuji to yuck...twice! Lol.....

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    2. Haha...still laughing at that...so glad I caught it before it published.

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    3. Haha, though I have been called worse. :)

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  25. Wow, great organizing skills..I love it! And happy belated birthday, Betsy.

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    1. Thanks, Betty! Now it's back to the mundane chores of dusting and laundry! Ha.

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  26. Well it sounds like I'm late to wish you a happy birthday! I'm glad to hear it was a lovely one :)

    OK- I LOVE your studio!!!!!! Those shelves and drawers are perfect!! I can't say enough good things about the entire space. It's just lovely and inspiring!
    I needed that inspiration too- I've been working on creating my own studio for months now, and I am nowhere finished. I seem to have all these pesky other responsibilities like shopping, cooking, cleaning and parenting rotten teenage boys that keep getting in the way! ;) BUT, I do a little tiny bit every day and hope that is will actually get done some day!!
    I am so happy that Song Sparrow Treasures has such a lovely homebase for you!

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    1. Just keep plugging away at it! I've found that it becomes a work in progress and as you work in there you may decide somethings you imagined aren't so great and you have to keep working it until it feels right and lets you be productive. Take pictures! I love your style and can't wait to see the journey!

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  27. I don't want you to think that I didn't like your drawers and shelves before, but they look so wonderful in your studio!! I think I prefer them there! A great addition for you with so much storage and organisation. I love your pickle crocks too, they are beautiful, you must have a full set I should think. I hope that the reno goes well and that you love the results!! xx

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    1. I've always liked the old drawers but do think they look tons better now with the paint and brass details. Now, on to the real mess! lol....

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  28. What a smart way to reuse those shelves and drawers. Your studio is just to die for. I love that Slate is helping the Mister. I love reading all the comments back and forth...like sitting around your kitchen table with a bunch of friends. Love and Hugs...Martha's gone, the surprise party for Don's niece from Sweden is over, and now I'm packing for our trip to see Tristan......Happy Trails.

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    1. You're doing all kinds of fun things! Enjoy that baby!

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  29. What a lovely and very organised studio space you have now. It is so satisfying to repurpose things. Sounds like you have a lot of work to do to prepare for the renovations but it will be fun too. I quite like decluttering, once I get going.

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    1. I love decluttering, too! And when everything is removed from those rooms, only the things I truly love and need are going back in...the rest will be carted off to the thrift store!

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  30. That's amazing.. wonderfully creative. I could use your great ideas. Wanna come visit? ;)

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    1. Absolutely! Wouldn't that be fun!? I'd trade you for some photography tips! :)

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    2. I'd do that in a heartbeat! :)

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  31. I love the bins. And the desk. And the crocks. And the plates. And the shelves. Oh fine. I love the whole thing.

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    1. Haha...me, too....gives me a place to put all of my old stuff.

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  32. What a wonderful Studio! I had to go back and see the great "after" pictures from the first time you changed-up the room, what a fun place to work.

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    1. I like it much better! And if you type "studio" in the search box at the top left, you can find the first post easily. Or click on studio in the label cloud at the bottom.

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    2. Thanks for the tip about the search box at the top, I tried looking at the cloud at the bottom of your blog but didn't see the word Studio. You've been very busy! I'm working on my own room also, just don't know how to organize all of the "memory" things and what is important enough to keep. Ha!

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