I have a brand new happy place. Okay, it’s not completely new – but it sure feels better than ever. Several years ago, as I began professionally selling my art, I took over our dining room table with paints and papers. Pretty soon, there was crap everywhere – and we realized I was using the room far more for my art than for dinner. So, we renamed it “the dudio” and I had free reign to fill the table with my art supplies. They eventually spread to different corners of the room…and even into the china cabinet. And, upon the advice of Feng Shui goddess Carole Hyder, I started to fill a wall with art from friends. It was great to have space where I could create, but it still felt like a dining room with a giant – albeit cluttered – table in the middle.
In recent months, I’ve toyed with the idea of renting out studio space somewhere or leasing an office a few miles from home – just to have a place that feels like mine, where I can feel equal parts focused and inspired. But my heart kept leading me back home, where I can still be available for the kids after school or refill my coffee cup as often as I want or, heck, work in my pjs. My studio assistant, Claire, lives nearby and is happy to pop in, even on the weekends. So, someday I’ll fly the coop, but it doesn’t feel right right now.
So, last month, Brad suggested we just turn the dudio into my full-fledged office; push the table against a wall, move a desk in, move the printer in, rearrange the room, officially make it mine. He helped me do it and has been such a cheerleader through the transformation; I am so grateful. I have spent tons of time over the past few weeks going through papers and piles, re-organizing my work life. It feels so damn good.
And it’s definitely not a dining room anymore! I can make art in there, blog in there, teach ecourses there, imagine in there. It feels magical to me, like a place where possibilities are endless. Wanna see more?
I turned the chandelier into an art mobile just by hanging tiny pieces of goodness from artist friends. Sitting beneath it feels amazing, and I love being watched over by this angel made by soul sister Lori Portka.
Yep, that’s me – as a little girl, reminding me to play each day. I’ve tucked little treasures in the window panes of the china cabinet, which is full of supplies (dishes and glasses we never used have been relegated to the basement).
I wish this for all of you – a happy place of your own. What part of the place where you dwell can become even more of a retreat for you? How could you turn a room or corner or closet upside down to make it something unexpected and totally divine in your life?
*****
Before I go, I wanted to give you a quick tip about Instagram, which I used to take all the pictures above – but I hardly shared any of them on Instagram. Sometimes, I like to use the app’s filters and frames for family pics or photos for an upcoming blog post – but I don’t necessarily want them to be public yet (or at all). So, what’s the trick?
On your smart phone, go into your settings and turn the “Airplane Mode” ON. Then, go into your Instagram app and take a photo, add a filter (if you want) and click to share it. It will immediately say that uploading the pic “FAILED.” Click on the “x” that appears to delete the pic from Instagram.
Okay, here comes the magic…go into your regular photos on your phone and – voila! – you’ll see the Instagram pic is in there! YES! Your phone saved it, but Instagram couldn’t grab it because it had no wireless connection allowing it to grab it. Go ahead…do a happy dance. And then go back and turn your Airplane Mode off. See you (or not!) on Instagram!
What a lovely organized studio. It looks so comfy and inviting. I have to share my computer room with a piano but that is okay because my piano displays my handmade jewelry so that if I get company, they can see what I do in my spare time.
I loved seeing little Liv. So cute! And the Instagram tip = pure awesome. Sneaky sneaky. ha.
Beautiful, Liv – congrats!!! It looks wonderful and totally matches your style. I love it and can’t wait for a personal tour! Love you.
What a beautiful and special place for such a beautiful special lady! (thanks for the Instagram tip too!)
I am over-the-top inspired! Thank you for sharing!!!
Looks wonderful…I can see why you enjoy creating and just “being” in there! Thanks for the instagram tips, too. I have been putting off opening an account for the privacy reasons. I had no idea there was a way around it!
big happy swoon
over this magical place
where you stretch out your wings!
so glad for you, Liv:):):)
excited about all the goodness
getting ready to be born there,
Jennifer
Great tip on the instagram use! I just love your new space. I’m enjoying a similar process here at home, as you know
It is really nice to have a space to work/”be” in that’s just mine.
That Brad is a keeper!!! Your new space looks great. New space = new energy! Can’t wait to see what’s next from you. <3 KBS
Yep, you’ve inspired me to do the same… I completely emptied our office over the weekend (totally surprised my husband!) and had him help me rearrange the furniture and transfer non-art things OUT! I got some storage from Michaels and am slowly adding everything back exactly where I want it. The lighting is softer, the decor is artsy and whimsical, and I can see all my fun supplies, which makes me super giddy. I absolutely love it!
i love your space. Great idea just to push the table out of the way. lol i have a sewing cottage in the backyard– gets a bit chilly in the winter.
What a great space. I can imagine all sorts of creativity happening there.
I absolutely adore your new space Liv. Congratulations. How inspiring. xo
It looks lovely!
Great space! Beautiful! And I especially love the Instagram tip. Clever!
Sweet Liv,
Love the new, spruced up space! Thank you for sharing it with us, and for the wonderful Instagram tip! I often Instagram photos in batches for the same purpose (blogging), and am going to use your tip!
Thanks, Laura! I know – that’s my favorite reason for the Instagram tip; sometimes I’d rather not show all the photos that may be appearing on my blog the next day!
Your inspiration turned into action and now I’m done! Check it out if you feel like it. And thank you, Liv. http://www.poeticaperture.com/2013/01/28/revealing-my-new-create-space/
Camera + is another GREAT photo app with lots of cool filters, frames & editing options that I like to use.