Friday, June 18, 2010

Enter My Studio! And Win Some Art!


WELCOME!
Welcome to my studio!  Yes....it's below ground level.  The steps to the basement provide the walking tunnel to creative freedom.  This tiny ledge and wall on the way down have become my daughter's art gallery.  In this space are my favorite artistic endeavors created through 15 years of her life.  Every medium is covered....every subject matter is exploited and my, oh my, has improvement and skill increased.  This area provides a visual stimulant of color, memories and quirky style. Just the right  creative appetizer for what will eventually lead you to the buffet of fun!
View from the bottom of the steps.




Close up photos of the results of art teachers instruction. Cool stuff!  Thank goodness art is a part of her daily school experience.  It all starts with a crayon, glue and some macaroni!
This framed instruction is hung at the bottom of the steps!  I found these vintage alphabet cards and spelled out and framed the theme of my basement.....Come Play!


The door to my studio greets you with this simple phrase.  A regular vendor during the Ga-Zillion Mile Yard Sale paints these simple little board signs.  Love her words....


The actual room is about a 10x10....but, it is filled with stuff if placed end to end might circle the globe eight times.  I can cram 50 items into a shoe box sized rubber tub....loose it...forget about it....and accidentally stumble across it while looking for something else, and scream like it is Christmas and Santa just brought me the piece of junk I've been dreaming about.  This little shelving duo is oozing with goodies!  




The top shelf is a flashback to my childhood! If you have any interest in Gumby, Ms. Piggy, Pez, all things bowling, a barrel full of monkeys, cabbage patch babies, plus a metal fridge with food decals on the door, this shelf will speak to you!  The color...memories....and texture delight me completely!


Notice the "DivaStar" in the original package gazing from the bulging blue eyes....yes, her name is "Alexa".  As a child, one of my biggest beefs was the inability to stumble across my name on stuff.  I yearned to own a key chain...pencil....leather bracelet or Christmas ornament with "Alexa" emblazoned across it.  My best friend "Jane" had the pick of any spinner rack.   Let me tell you "Alexa" was on notta'.  But, at 38 years of age, my 7 year old daughter gave me this as a Christmas gift.  It warmed my heart!  I feel certain a big headed doll that only says obnoxious fashion phrases like, "I'm a fashion guru", "I like beautiful hair extensions" and "Love me, love my style" is not quite the iconic Ms. Piggy I wanted to associate with....but, my name is officially emblazoned. Whoop, whoop!


Willy Wonka was my favorite childhood movie and yes, my daughter begged her Dad to get me this for Easter.  My little bunny gave me this full of golden wrapped chocolate bars.  Candyland was my favorite game, and my honey gave me this lunch box in the right corner.  Detecting a pattern of patterns?


My studio closet closed...


My studio closet opened and maximized!


This is the epicenter of my creative madness!  My little Stickley 'styled' desk is pleasantly placed in front of the only window in the room.  Art provides drapery for the late afternoon sun.  


The chair (a.k.a. rolling throne) is simulated, cow hide, with a comfy square pillow that totally contradicts all things around me, and defines the opposite style of everything I create....."Simplify"!  Since when I'm in there, my booty is sitting on the word....therefore, its essence is only obvious in embroidery....not in style!  Contradiction....yippee!


Bird's eye view of the epicenter!


You just can't have enough pens, pencils, needles and planters.  Oh, the planters.  The floral soup can holder was created by an artist friend.


Surrounding yourself with works from your favorite artists is very important to me.  The late Howard Finster is one of my favorites.  I only have two pieces but, each is quite awesome.


These four little people (artistry on a squashed soda can) are fantastic!  The name of the artist escapes me (many apologies), but the artistic line is called "Cannibals".  Love them!



Yes, this is a tie...and yes it has a monk painted on it.  I purchased this from a high school artist during a fundraiser at my daughter's school.  I thought it was so odd and couldn't go home without it.  His name was written in a language I couldn't read....sorry.
Not to steal someones wording...but, this is my "inspiration" corner.  Things I really like, manage to find a home stuck in this board.  Clearly, I like texture and color!  Call me a maximalist! Writing is one of my
favorite forms of creativity!  An abundance of color and whack-a-doo stuff seem to stimulate my need to speak like I think.  Not necessarily eloquent...but, me.
 

Since my space is relatively small....I'm a huge fan of fishing tackle boxes.  Display space and shelving is a premium in my domain, so once I'm in a creative zone, I line the tackle boxes along the floor and open them all up! Instant hardware and findings in complete view.  
This is a doll head.....


this is a doll head on craft.
(little creative humor...argh, argh)



Let's now tip toe through some art that was created in my abyss of junk.  There is no doubt the end result of my assemblage of stuff strongly reflects the environment from whence they come.  
I tend to create small things....because the bulk of the pieces can often be created while in the car, sitting on the bleachers of a volleyball game, or sitting outside.  The little stitchy birds were made at Notre Dame High School while sitting on the steps of the gym.  My daughter was at volleyball practice.  Found the silver freezer lid at a junk sale...glued the music on the back about a month before the birds were created...freezer lid needed something interesting...one day while staring out the window I threw the stitched birds on the work table...it landed on the freezer lid...bah-dah-bing!   Union of the two!  So deeply thought out...don't you think?  I'm never a victim of "over analyzing"!!

I LOVE PIN CUSHIONS!  I am a wee bit over tired of the tomato version, so one day I started beadazzling all my little planters, vases and most any open container.  This was the end result!  Great gift to give a fellow stitchy person!
This piece was HUGE for me...it was 16x20...very three dimensional for me!
Back to normal working size for me....9x9!  Loved the little plastic puppy!

No clue how this came to be....had an extra cigar box....stuff laying around.....it all came together!  Kind of quirky, yet fun!

Win This Little Piece of Art!


If you have taken the time to possibly read....thumb through all these photos....give me your attention...there should be some type of reward.  The above piece of art with the key, bird and the fabulous quote:

"Distinction is the consequence, never the object of a good mind."
-Alliston

can be yours!!  Simply leave a comment at the end of this post to be a part of the drawing.  Don't forget to leave some type of contact information if you happen to be the lucky recipient.  I will need to find you!  Drawing will be June 23rd!


There it is....my studio!  Thank you for stopping by....please come back!  Thank you to Karen Valentine of My Desert Cottage for the opportunity to share.  It's been fun...and sometimes a little lens peaking in  is great motivation for clean up.  My creative buffet can get a little messy.
Fun! Fun!




77 comments:

scrapwordsmom said...

I simply ADORE your studio, Alexa!! It is so amazing. Creative, funky and FUN!

That cowhide chair is the best, too. And I noticed you are using one of those girl head statues for your pens/brushes...we have one of those somewhere. Had it growing up!! Lots of fun memories!!

And I would be so EXCITED to win a piece of your art!!!:)

Leslie

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

Oh I can't believe I'm the first commenter! You know I am a hugs fan of yours - love all you do and it's fun now to "see where the magic happens"!

I think is sooo great that you've displayed your daughter's art work so beautifully!

Anyway, having your artwork for my own art room would be great - and mine is ALMOST as full as yours! I seem to spend so much time looking for (and discovering!) things, I feel like that quote:
"She spends so much time tunning her fiddle, she misses the performance"

LOL

Lataina said...

I love how you have your daughter's artwork displayed. Such a colorful, fun way to start the journey into your space and start creating. I also love how you use all sorts of tidbits to give life to your artwork. It's all so great.

I don't have a blog, but here's my email: lataina923@yahoo.com

Iris =)

Renee said...

I love your room. This is so fun seeing where others create and getting an idea or two for finishing organizing my room.

Howard Finster's home/studio is not far from where we live. I've been there with my daughter. I want to take my granddaughter some time this summer.

Celestina Marie said...

So nice to meet you and I had such a wonderful time visiting your creative space. The art gallery of your daughter leading to your space is a wonderful idea and use of space.
Love your artwork created from the special treasures stored in your unique boxes. Great cowhide chair. It looks so comfy. So glad you have a doll to treasure with your name!
I would love to enter your giveaway. How very sweet of you to offer a gift.
Have fun at the parties and I hope you can visit my party too.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

zandra said...

Oh my gosh! So many nooks and crannies...lol Loved my time at your party! Enjoy the other parties! my 411: yenduc@aol.com
Hugz,
Zandra

Queen Bee said...

What a great studio! I am crazy about your cow hide chair! I love black and white! So many fun things to look at too! Love those heads! They are too much fun! Really neat space! Thanks for sharing!
Queen Bee Studio

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You are seriously one funny lady. I love how you are able to pack a lot of stuff into a small space, too. Yours is lovely, functional, and oh so fun to look at. I haven't heard of half the things you have collected, but I have heard of Pez containers. They are adorable, as are the other beauties from your childhood.

I can really relate to Alexa. Well, sort of, at least. When younger, I could find Beth or Liz personalized items, but no Elizabeth. Looks like your name finally came into fashion!

I'm simply crazy about your art. I plan to return once I get through a bit of this madness and take a better look at your pieces. I sure love what I see, here, though. Thanks for sharing this really eclectic and inspiring space.

Unknown said...

Love the color AND the pop can art but I love what you made the best!! For a downstairs studio you get a lot of light!

Myrna said...

Well, I was gonna leave a comment anyway, telling you how fabulous I think your studio (and your art) is..and now I even have a chance at winning one of your wonderful pieces!! Lovely studio! Wonderful blog!
Blessings!
Myrna

Peggy K said...

Hi, stopped over from Leslie's "Words of Me" blog. How very neat to see your creative space!! I scrolled thru the post, went back to the top and scrolled again, and again...each time catchintg a little bit more!! And I sit here with a smile on my face. Thanks for sharing with us!!! I'll definitely be back!

Kathy said...

I love your studio and artwork. And the fishing tackle boxes - hmm - maybe that will solve some of my problems, lol.
Your first commenter got it right - its funky, creative and FUN! Thanks for the motivation and ideas.

Karen Valentine said...

Hi Alexa! What a fun quirky place you have! How could a person not leave there with a HUGE SMILE on their face??? Thank you so much for sharing! We needed a fun, wonderful, colorful space such as this on our tour!!
xo,
Karen
My Desert Cottage

Uncanny Festoon said...

love the playfulness bookedmark so i can return for another visit




Joy............always!

Halle said...

So colorful and creative...awesome! Your work is very cool. I'll be visiting again for sure!!

craftyles said...

I love your fun space. Love the childrens stuff(I have a lot of that too) second childhood I guess. I'd love to be in your drawing. Great artwork. Thanks for the tour!

Caleen said...

What a fun place. I enjoyed looking. Thank you for sharing. Love the chair.. The fun childhood toys are so fun. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing your wonderful space.

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh you are soooo funny! I love your sense of humor. The doll head 'on art' is just hilarious - you're my kind of artist! LOLOLOL What a great mom to keep all that art over the years and feature it prominently down the staircase - love it!

Janet said...

What a fun studio you have! I think I could spend hours just looking at everything.

And your art is great! I'd love to win a piece of it.

Pellie / Penny said...

What a wonderfully whimsical room, I loved your use of humor with the doll head on craft.
Thanks for sharing your room and yourself with us.
Hugs,
Penny

Crystal said...

You have a great studio..thank you for sharing! I enjoyed looking at all of your toys too.What a sweet daughter;)
I am looking forward to visiting often!!
Cheers~
cyclona66(at)aol dot com

Kit said...

OMG!! When I read your comment on my site saying we were Kindred Spirits, I had to jump thru all the other comments and come right over and visit. And you are soooo right! You have a Mr. Bill doll too! And I just have to find a chair like yours.....LOL Your space reminds me of mine. You definitely have a new follower in me. Kit

Rebecca Nelson said...

This is a true artisan's studio! LOVE IT!

About the doll...PRECIOUS!

Thanks for visiting!

xoRebecca

Lori said...

Oh wow! What a FUN room! I am so jealous of all the memories of your childhood that you have around you! Your room is full of eye-candy that I want to put my hand through the computer screen and touch, feel and smell everything! And...your creations---they're FANTASTIC! I'm thrilled I stopped by--I'm so inspired.

Unknown said...

Your studio is just the cutest! I love all of the color. And your chair is just adorable! As is your art!!

Unknown said...

Your work space is so much fun! I really love it. And it's so colorful too. Thanks for sharing!
xo
Janet
Janet's Creative Pillows

Geralyn Gray said...

You have a very fun and whimsical style.....and the art you appreciate.....the art on the squashed cans were the highlight for me......never seen that before! I would love to win your giveaway......love the bird on it.....it really is sweet!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I think your studio is great, Alexa ~ from the gallery of your daughter's art to the framed old alphabet cards {love that idea} to all your lovely pieces!

Tania Pelletier said...

Wow! You have got some really neat things in your studio and I love your artwork!

Come visit mine when you get a chance!

Tania

Theresa Plas said...

Oh Giggles and FUN touring your creative space! So great checking out all the oodles of treasures you've collected and your pieces are beyond sweet! So generous of you to offer a giveaway...I'd love to win!

Rebecca said...

*F*U*N* and *C*H*E*E*R*F*U*L*
What a wonderful creative space you have! Thanks for sharing! Come on over to see Where I Create!

Creative Blessings,
Rebecca

Her Art Nest said...

What a fun place to create. I am impressed with all your goodies, and your daughter's gallery. What a cool idea! I'm so glad I stopped by! Enjoy your tour....Hugs, Nan

Angela Weimer said...

What a wonderfully colorful and crazy fun studio you have. So much wonderful inspirations and I absolutely love your art wall of your daughters art through the years. What a wonderful idea. Your creations are fab too! And your give away is beautiful and very generous. thanks so much for the wonderful tour and have a wonderful weekend. Angela
http://www.pagesbythesea.blogspot.com/

Sandy said...

Quirky, colorful, and tons of fun describe my view of your creative space. I love the art wall depicting your daughter artful journey. What a delightfully fun space, thank you for sharing.

Betty said...

Oh my gosh!! What a fun space. I can tell you have a good sense of humor just by looking at what you collect!! Thanks for the tour!

Beth Akins said...

Thanks for the tour of your creative space! Lots-o-fun to be had there! Your daughter's art journey is a treat all in itself. And the bonus of the chance to win that great piece of art! Fun trip through this post. Hope I win!

Decor To Adore said...

What an amazing space you have created! It inspires me to add to my own crafting area.

I adore all of your storage solutions.

apinkdreamer said...

wonderful studio and fantastic piece of art! i'd love to win!!!

Unknown said...

I love your creative world and it looks like you get a lot accomplished, very fun! Love your sense of humor also. Enjoyed my visit, please stop by some time when you aren't creating, this blog hoping party will take some time! I plan on seeing each and everyone! XOXO

Julie Ranae said...

Your creative space reminds me alot of my own...lots of things we love to create with everywhere we can find a space, but organized all the same...if not for real, in our minds : )
Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your lovely pieces...I can be found at Julie's Open Window and at
julieranae@hotmail.com

Baxter's Mom said...

What a fun, fun studio...I LOVE it! Please come by and visit Baster's Mom for a peek at my studio...

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

What a wonderful fun studio. Your inner child is in full bloom! ♥ I adore your mixed media art...please count me in for your wonderful giveaway.

I would love for you to visit with me and stroll through my studio..it's been a labor of love to put together and now after a year in our home putting everything together as it should be I feel like I can "spread my wings" and fly!

Have a wonderful day,
Stephanie ♥

Brynwood Needleworks said...

I certainly enjoyed your interesting tour of your creative space. Your daughter is quite a talent, too! I'm a pincushion collector/creator, so you got me with that photo for sure!
I hope you'll visit Brynwood and see some of the pincushions in my collection. Explore when you get a chance. I love your giveaway gift and would love a chance to win it. I'm having a drawing on my WBCII post, too, so stop by to enter.
Blessings,
Donna

Debby said...

HI Alexa,
What a fun, bright creative space you have here. I have really enjoyed my tour. I can just tell that you love to have a good time while you are playing in your studio. Thanks for sharing with us.
Debby

Gracefully Vintage said...

Your work is great, i like the whimsy touch, love the doll heads too- and OH I love your closet- i have a few of those too, and some drawers too, Great blog, and so many creative ladies out there- Happy to have met you at the party I am a new follower and will be back over to see some more of your designs
Karryann

Star Vasquez said...

I love your studio. I'm in the middle of moving mine from one room to another and your studio provides wonderful inspiration!

Star
starvsqz@msn.com

Anonymous said...

I can't decide what I love most about your creative space! It's all so inspiring....ok so maybe the wall of art heading down the steps....it is stunning!

Amber Leilani said...

i love the quirkiness of your space! so much color and just happiness. and i love the fact that you say you sit on the word "simplify"!!!
your work is fantastic - adore the stitchy birds!
thanks for sharing your space and your work!
amber

joy said...

Hello, Alexa! What a delightful space you have in which to create your adorable and creative pieces! And, that wall coming down the stairs featuring your daughter's artwork is just genius! What memories for both of you! Would love to win this creation of yours!

Isabel said...

I enjoyed all the vintage toys:O) You have an awesome studio...love the chair:O) Thanx for sharing Isabel

Thespa McLaughlin said...

love your collages. "Doll head on craft!" you crack me up, LOL.

Prencie said...

Fun, fun!!:) I love it!:)

Lynnae said...

What an exciting, fun studio. There is so much to look at! Thank you for sharing it!

Anonymous said...

Oh what a lovely craft space. x

Kateyed said...

Alexa,
I would love your little piece of art! I love your space...it is so funky and has treats everywhere. I can really relate to putting things somewhere, loosing them, then finding them. I also can see from looking at your studio, that it is time we funkify our studio because that is who we are. You are an inspiration!

If you wish, come and visit the blog of my daughter and me. We are only three months old (blogging) but have been making jewelry for fifteen years.Our blog is about much more than our jewelry...our life, our other artistic interests, estate and rummage findings...you know!

http://katsuijewelry.blogspot.com

Suz

Melly said...

What a fun space to create in, I love your throne..hehe..so sweet!
Thank you for allowing me to visit with you, I hope you have a lovely day!
Melly:)

Cherie Wilson said...

Playful so playful! Thankyou for the tour and I really enjoyed the artwork you shared.....the Xtra large stitched one and the little doggie one below are my favs! Thankyou for the great inspiration. Color does it for me too:) XO

Gail said...

What a fun space, full of just about anything a girl could want. I especially love, love your daughters art gallery what a wonderful tribute to her.

fiberdoodles said...

Oh what a fun place to be! Thank you for sharing it with us!!

Natalie Jane said...

JEALOUS!!!!

I just want to come over and play in your studio for a while :)

Robin said...

OOH! Do I have a tummy ache! I always over indulge at buffets! Where to start? I love your daughter's gallery! The apple don't fall far from the tree. What does simplify mean? something naughty I'm guessing.Pin cushions, buttons and bingo cards, oh my! I so love the cigar box but am a little afeared of that dolls head! You don't need to bribe me with a beautiful piece of art to stalk I mean visit you but I would be thrilled to have something you created in my space. I want to come play at your house! Hugs, ~Robin~

diana smith said...

Your studio is so much fun! Thanks for showing us where all the magic comes from. Thanks for sharing and would love to win a piece of your art. Diana

Creative Grammie said...

You have such a whimsical studio! How fun it must be. What a great epicenter you have too.
Thank you for the great tour, I enjoyed it very much.

Lynette Killam said...

Oh, your studio space is brilliant! I love everything about it..it's bright, beautiful, and bursting with energy. I am a 'maximilist' too...adore the walls covered with paintings, and the lovely artwork you've made. I am slow getting to all the studio spots on the tour, but yours was definitely worth the wait.

I laughingly empathize with you wish as a child to have your name on things. I was never able to find my name either! I threatened to become Jane, but my mother wasn't having any of it...

I will definietly be back to visit again...

Lynette

time worn interiors said...

I love crack heads!
Theresa

Lurena Sheary Williamson said...

Fun place - love your sense of humor and adore the "doll on craft" piece. Keep on collecting! Yee Haaa

The Polka Dot Pixie said...

I love the color and energy in your studio. What an inspiring place to create!

Mari Brown and Colourblob said...

Welcome to candy land (makes me feel ike a kid again : ) I just love all the pops of colours in your space and the stiched art work is very good, love it.

Scrap Krazed said...

I love your creative space, it is very very fun. And I love your art, you are very talented. I loved reading what you wrote, you are very funny. Thank you for posting, it was so fun to drop in. Terry Frias

Baxter's Mom said...

Thanks for stopping by Baxter's Mom and for your nice comments!!

Tricia said...

Everything about your studio is delightful and I just LOVE your sense of humor. I am so loving your artwork, girl!! I have gotten some inspiration by browsing your blog. I mostly have been doing altered books, but after looking at your work, I think I'm ready to tackle a truly 3-D piece. I think it is really cool how you have your daughter's artwork in your staircase. I have the same thing from my 3 kids - although my 24 yr old son just took down one of his pieces that apparently I appreciate much more than he does. LOL! Thanks for visiting my blog.

Blessings,
Tricia

Tins and Treasures said...

Good Morning,
Your artwork and your studio is so bright and cheerful. It looks like a fun place to visit.

Thank you for sharing your creative space with us. Have a wonderful weekend. ~Natalie

Sherry said...

I am just getting around to visiting more of the many creative spaces. I enjoyed my visit here with you and love your creations. I am so sorry to miss the deadline for your drawing. Thanks for the tour, it made me smile.

Jennifer Dixon said...

I LOVE your studio! What a great place to create! I can so relate to your studio and how it defies the laws of space! Isn't it fun to stumble across something you had completely forgotten about?! I love that you have your daughter's art gallery on display! I have an artistic daughter as well and I think it is so important, and exciting, to nurture their creative souls!

Thank you so much for sharing your great space and your beautiful art! I am a follower on your blog now!

Happy creating! :)

Nancy said...

Doll head on craft....guffaw! You have a fabulous creative space and some great looking art pieces. Thanks for the tour! :)Nancy

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I love that your supplies would circle the globe that many times - laughed out loud when I read that! My studio is in the basement too and, although I would really like a window, it's fun. Thanks for inviting us to tour (and sorry I'm so tardy at getting around to everyone).

Mary Smith said...
This comment has been removed by the author.