The Studio
Well, here it is. This is where I spend my days, The Sugar Shop.
I picked up the bookshelf at a local antique store for $150. It was poorly white-washed, with gobs of butter-yellow paint slathered on the details. Isaac re-finished it for me and built the base for it to rest on. Yep, that's right. He built that footed, four-door cabinet-base up there. It now has a gently-distressed cream finish -- far better.
I store my art supplies, sewing notions and wool felt in there. The yellow boxes above hold less-frequently-used items, like velcro and grommets, linoleum blocks for stamp- carving, elastic and cording.
In fact, I have Isaac to thank for most of the other furniture as well. He not only built the cabinet, but the computer table, sewing tabletop and shelves as well. And, of course, there's the green chandelier and the turquoise mirror you know all about.
The pink walls are subtley mottled with bit of cream and a splash of funky metallic gold here and there. The large frame resting on the ribbon shelf is decorated with Isaac's grandmother's old sewing notions, and it's covered -- a fun piece to study.
A row of red-lidded jars above the computer table houses most of my ribbons. And my buttons and whatnots are tucked away in the happy green drawers on my sewing table.
The tall green work-island has a ton of storage, with cabinets and drawers on each side. I brought this piece home last summer as a solution to The Shuffle Kerfuffle. I store my sketchbooks and rulers in one drawer and keep the other drawers sacred for quick clean-ups. (Translation: they're messy-full of random un-finished projects.) These cabinets contain art papers, zippers, vintage linens, interfacings, unfinished quilt-tops and stationery.
Toss a few of my favorite things into the room, and I'm right at home: pink floral pitcher, tacky 70s apple tin, vintage red floral trays, crocheted monkey, ornate cookie tins, photos of my babies. Are you playing I Spy yet? Let's see, what else: pink toy sewing machine, antique wooden spools, gold velvet chair and a tissue-paper corsage from my son. My studio.
oh it's so beautiful Heather!! I wish I had a space half as inspiring and tranquil. It's soft, but not cutesy, it's pleasant, it's relaxing but not sleepy...I just feel so inspired by the colors, the 'feel'...it's lovely! No wonder you are so creative ;)
Posted by: Tuesday | February 21, 2007 at 03:34 PM
Delurking to gasp in awe and wonder. What a beautiful space.
K.
Posted by: Chookooloonks | February 21, 2007 at 03:36 PM
That is the prettiest studio I have ever seen. Each picture is more inspiring than the previous. My goodness ~ I'm having serious studio envy.
Posted by: Andrea | February 21, 2007 at 03:36 PM
Its beautiful Heather, just like you. I want to come & play, as mine is still in reorganization/painting/ building mode currently. But thank God for the handy husbands! Yay, Isaac!
xo,AM
Posted by: Anna Maria | February 21, 2007 at 03:37 PM
WOW!!! This has got to be THE most beautiful studio. You are so lucky and I am so jealous! I have been checking your blog daily for these photos and they are so lovely.
BTW I just discoverd your blog a few weeks back and this is my first comment. I love your style and your writing. Thank you for such an inspirational blog!
Posted by: suneeta | February 21, 2007 at 03:41 PM
Well, I feel like I've just been through a magazine article without paying the cover price. Wow. I want to work there.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | February 21, 2007 at 03:41 PM
If you spot a puddle or two as you lead us through our little tour, its just drool. Because I'm drooling. I'll be sure to clean up after myself before I leave... but I don't ever want to leave.
That's the best room in the history of best rooms. Can I live in it? I'll sleep in one of the cupboards. :D
Posted by: Sarah | February 21, 2007 at 03:52 PM
If you spot a puddle or two as you lead us through our little tour, its just drool. Because I'm drooling. I'll be sure to clean up after myself before I leave... but I don't ever want to leave.
That's the best room in the history of best rooms. Can I live in it? I'll sleep in one of the cupboards. :D
Posted by: Sarah | February 21, 2007 at 03:53 PM
beautiful!!!!
Posted by: Andie | February 21, 2007 at 03:53 PM
This is the most amazing room. Filled with the same creativity you give each and every project. I love it. Thank you for sharing it..and giving me inspiration each time you post :)
Posted by: Ingrid | February 21, 2007 at 03:56 PM
Heather, your room is gorgeous. It is the prettiest studio I have ever seen. Thanks for the lovely pictures and descriptions.
Posted by: Lori V | February 21, 2007 at 04:02 PM
what a dream room! It's simply stunning and a work of art in itself! Love it! thanks for sharing all the fun nooks and crannies.
Posted by: Megan | February 21, 2007 at 04:09 PM
Wow, so beautiful! I am deeply jealous and in awe of your studio!
Posted by: Christine | February 21, 2007 at 04:10 PM
i am just blown away...gorgeous, colors are so fab, the chair & chadelier are to die for, but...what is the pattern on the too-cool pink purse....love it!!!
Posted by: paige | February 21, 2007 at 04:12 PM
Love it! I am currently working on my studio now. Thanks for some great ideas.
Posted by: Alison English | February 21, 2007 at 04:15 PM
This is so gorgeous - I'm so jelous!!! And I love your green table. That is so amazing. And question: Do you have to buy your fabric or do you get it free since you designed it? I've been wanting to know...
Posted by: Candace | February 21, 2007 at 04:15 PM
You have my dream studio, super jealous but in a good vibe sort of way!!!
Posted by: Stefanie | February 21, 2007 at 04:20 PM
It's beautiful. I expect no less from you!
Posted by: Carrie Sommer | February 21, 2007 at 04:32 PM
How beautiful. I'm moving in!
Posted by: Biscuitbear | February 21, 2007 at 04:35 PM
What a fantastic studio! I think it's such a blessing to have things your husband has built for you in such a dream of a place. After viewing your pictures, the word that is paramount in my mind is "delectable!"
Posted by: June | February 21, 2007 at 04:36 PM
I absolutley love that studio..that is my dream place:) Did youmake those purses?? Love those too.
Posted by: Shabbyjuls | February 21, 2007 at 04:58 PM
Sugar Shop indeed.
SWEEEEET.
Posted by: Amy | February 21, 2007 at 05:06 PM
Oh ...YUM! Thats all I can think of when i look at such a studio. It reminds me of all the gorgeous colours in an ice cream shop!
So beautiful...
Posted by: Rosie | February 21, 2007 at 05:06 PM
*sigh*. You've given me lots to daydream over!
Posted by: beverly | February 21, 2007 at 05:13 PM
Okay, so now I have Sugar Shop diabetes, and I just don't care. It's like some parallel universe, but instead of being insanely jealous I'm just so glad someone gets to live the dream.
Posted by: Megan | February 21, 2007 at 05:13 PM
absolutely stunning! enjoy your new studio. you deserve every cute piece of it.
Posted by: michal | February 21, 2007 at 05:16 PM
Simply GEORGEOUS, Heather!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Laurie | February 21, 2007 at 05:21 PM
Just gorgeous!
Posted by: claire | February 21, 2007 at 05:27 PM
OMG! That is the most gorgeous room I have ever seen. I am absolutely green with envy.
Posted by: Stephanie | February 21, 2007 at 05:28 PM
wow
Posted by: gleek | February 21, 2007 at 05:31 PM
I have been trying to design a craft space in my head before I tackle the project...you have given me lots of ideas!! Love your space. Did you make the purses? And, do you sell the pattern?
Posted by: Posey | February 21, 2007 at 05:40 PM
You're my hero. I wish I was you. Or at least that that was my room. :)
Wow, it's just PERFECT.
Posted by: Michelle | February 21, 2007 at 05:41 PM
Oh my the jealousy I feel right now looking at your beautiful studio. It's so gorgeous!
Posted by: Jennalee | February 21, 2007 at 05:55 PM
Soooo inspiring. Thank you for showing it to us. It's really helped me place myself in my own future studio.
Happy creating in your beautiful space.
Posted by: sappmama | February 21, 2007 at 05:58 PM
You have GOT to be kidding me! Wow, wow, double-wow! This is the most beautiful studio I've ever seen. And to be so organized! It must feel amazing. Thank you for being so inspirational.
Posted by: Linda Lu | February 21, 2007 at 06:12 PM
it's like a fairy tale studio. Love it!
Posted by: amandajean | February 21, 2007 at 06:12 PM
Thank you for sharing your adorable studio with us! It's really lovely!
Posted by: Miz Booshay | February 21, 2007 at 06:12 PM
I love your studio! Considering the fact that I work from the dining room table I would think I dropped dead and landed in heaven in your space. Simply beautiful!
Posted by: Melanie Taylor | February 21, 2007 at 06:33 PM
it's no wonder you come up with such wonderful ideas. with a studio like that it is easy to see how you get inspired. totally jealous!
Liz
Posted by: Liz Taylor | February 21, 2007 at 06:34 PM
Oh yes, I am drooling!!!
Posted by: beki | February 21, 2007 at 06:38 PM
Wow, what an amazing room. I would never put all of that together, you did a fantastic job! I think the mirror is my favorite part...and the green island, that is awesome.
Posted by: Heather | February 21, 2007 at 06:39 PM
it's absolutely georgous!!!thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Heather H. | February 21, 2007 at 06:48 PM
Absolutely beautiful! I can't imagine a more idyllic and gorgeous room to create in.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 21, 2007 at 06:49 PM
OH MY GOODNESS! It looks like a boutique not an office/workspace. Great job, it is beyond lovely.
Posted by: lsaspacey | February 21, 2007 at 06:50 PM
hi heather, this is a gorgeous studio! i'm super envious!! you did a fabulous job with the space and i'm sure you'll find loads of inspiration there.
love your work.
Posted by: blossom | February 21, 2007 at 06:54 PM
It's beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing. What a wonderful space to create in.
Posted by: Shaylind | February 21, 2007 at 06:59 PM
Oh, you are teasing us with that purse again! Please, please let us know when you think you will be able to sell that pattern. Pretty please!
Posted by: lsaspacey | February 21, 2007 at 07:06 PM
Breath taking, seriously, just breath taking!
Posted by: Gina | February 21, 2007 at 07:25 PM
Wow.So very nice!
Posted by: pam | February 21, 2007 at 07:27 PM
Heather,
This is all just... LOVELY.
g.
Posted by: g. | February 21, 2007 at 07:30 PM