Cottage Life - Time Well Spent

The holidays are over and the Christmas decorations have been packed away. (Well, mostly packed away. I can't get to the box that holds my Nativity scene because there's two feet of snow in front of the shed where the box is stored. So for now the Nativity is still on display in the cottage. C'est la vie.)

I'm always ready to get back to my everyday cottage decor after  Christmas.

Happy to have a more streamlined, simple winter mantel.

The storage boxes I mentioned in last week's studio update arrived and I organized everything under my work table into neat, stacked containers. 

I even have a small space above the stacks for odds and ends, such as a tin or a small box.

Now everything is in order and kept out of sight behind the skirt.

Thanks for all your encouraging comments on my studio reorganization and rearrangement. They spur me to action!

The colors in the new rug I'm twining remind me of a spring garden. I'm using a heavyweight cotton that tends to fray, but I rather like the rustic appearance. It reminds me of farmhouse rugs of the past. The strings you see are loose, and I'll brush those off.

This is the fabric I'm using.

One of the things I enjoy most about twining rugs is choosing a particular fabric and pondering how it will appear in its new form,then seeing it as it comes together and thinking, "Yes! That's exactly how I imagined it."

It seems to be the tradition of many bloggers to share thoughts going into the New Year. A word for the year, goals they've set, and so on. I've chosen a word for the new year in the past and shared it on my blog, and last year at the advent of the New Year I wrote a post entitled Finish Well. You can read it here. I re-read it yesterday and found it means as much to me now as it did when I wrote it. Maybe more. 

So, I won't be sharing a word this year, although I have plenty of them rolling around in my head. Instead, I'll share a quote that I wrote in my journal during my blogging break last summer. A quote that sums up what I learned during that time and what has become most important in my life.

"If you find that you're simply too busy for a daily chat with your heavenly Father, it's an indicator that you probably need to take a long, hard look at your values and how you're spending your time." ~ Hugs Daily Inspirations for Women, August 27

No matter what my plans are for the New Year, having time for a daily chat with my heavenly Father will be at the top of my list.

May 2017 bring blessings from God meant only for you.

Studio Update

Seven days ago I shared my studio dilemma with you here. The need to organize and rearrange my creative space was a top priority for me, and I'm pleased to report that I've made some progress.

The first thing I did was move the counter-height table to the center of the wall, and organize all the random stuff scattered on the floor into temporary boxes and bags which I then stowed away under the table. 

I'm waiting for  the 10 plastic stackable containers I ordered online. These will replace all the boxes and bags, make better use of the under table space, and I'll be able to see what's inside.

• 12.2"H x 13.5"W x 16.1"D

We live in a remote area of Oregon with no big box stores, so many times internet purchasing is the only way to easily get what I need. Shipping was free with my order. Definitely a plus.

Next, I made a skirt for the table.

The skirt material is a sheet that I purchased for rug making. I think I paid 25 cents for it at my favorite thrift store. It's in great condition, very soft and just the right weight to hang beautifully from the tension rods. The stars add whimsy to my studio and remind me to keep dreaming.

Two sides of the table are covered with the skirt; I left the side next to my sewing machine open since no one except me sees that area. Later I may use a small part of that under table space for easily accessed sewing supplies.

I moved the shelf unit to the corner where the table previously stood.

This, too, is temporary. I have plans to replace the shelves and the bookcase to the right of it with one piece of furniture that will hold all my fabric and supplies.

So far I've gone from this. . .

to this. . .

and I'm very happy.

So happy that I've been motivated to create some things.

Like these heart coasters for the women in my Bible study.

We've been studying Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by Max Lucado, which gave me the idea to use a heart theme for the gifts.

I also made a mug rug for a friend whose husband passed away recently. 

He was my Sunday School teacher when I was a little girl and I remember him as a man filled with the joy of the Lord. I never saw him when he wasn't happy and laughing. A great role model for how a Christian should live. His wife is a wonderful woman, and I hope my simple gift will lift her up and remind her that she is loved.

I used a tutorial I found here on the Fashioned by Meg blog, altering a few things to make it more to my liking. Mug rugs are bigger than a coaster, which is nice if my friends needs room for a cookie or other treat with her cuppa.

Photo of our cottage walk this morning.

"Sing across the winter snow,
Pierce the cloud;
Sing when mists are drooping low
Clear and loud;
But sing sweetest in the dark;
He who slumbers not will hark."
~ Lettie Burd Cowman, Streams in the Desert

Studio Explosion

You know those posts of gorgeous studios that belong to creative bloggers?

This isn't one of them.

Nope.

This is a post about my studio. My studio that looks as though Hurricane Katrina has been resurrected within its walls. As though my studio has regurgitated upon itself.

My studio December 18, 2016

I remember when my creative space was tidy and organized (I posted a tour here).

And pretty.

My studio a year ago.

Then a creative lightning bolt struck and I needed additional stuff to bring all my ideas to fruition. And before long I ran out of room to store all my stuff in total. Because, you know, my room is 9' x 10' and there's only so much a girl can do to fit her abundant stuff in a tiny space.

Source:QuotesJunk.com

This past Sunday Anne at My Giant Strawberry blogged about the re-arrangement of her lovely studio and gave a tour here. As I commented to her, it was a timely post for me to read. Expanding creative endeavors have made my original studio design obsolete, and I feel stymied by the clutter. 

I've got a new plan for my studio. It's going to take awhile to get it just the way I want it, but at least I've taken a crucial step. I moved my counter-height table away from the corner, opening up a wall for more storage space. Before I go any further I need some storage bins that are currently stowed away in our white shed. I wasn't up for trekking through 18" of snow at frigid temps to fetch them. Maybe today, as it's supposed to warm up. 

So for now I'm still moving things out of the way to get to things that are too far away because I don't have the right things for my things to be close to my things.

Did you get that? 

Every Room In The House Party - #6

"What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade." -- Gertrude Jekyll

Welcome Cottage Friends.

I'd like to say this about June:   
It's my favorite month.   I was born in June, and so was my son.   June ushers in long days, and carries us  into summer.  I want to drink in every moment of its beautiful 30 days.  Can I get a witness?

I'm so glad you're joining me today as we begin a new month and a new Every Room In The House party.  The theme this month is Guest Room/Kidz Room/Nursery.  Get ready to link up your posts covering any of these rooms.  And feel free to link up more than one post.  Remember. . .they don't have to be recent posts.

Before we turn up the volume on this month's party I want to share inspiration from May's party in the Home Office/Studio/Craft Room/Study.

The most viewed post is from Pamela at Flower Patch Farmhouse.  She shared Build Your Own Crafting Cottage or Garden Shed.  I'm so in love with this sweet little cottage.  Pamela offers free plans to make it yourself.  Isn't she nice?

The second most viewed post comes from Terry at Forever Decorating.  Terry shares her need for better lighting in her sewing room and how she met it with Give Me More Light!  This room is ultra, ultra charming.  I gleaned so many great ideas for my next craft room from Terry.

Third most viewed post Creating a Cozy Home Office/Study comes from Anne of Design Dreams by Anne. She created a lovely, serene study that highlights her own artwork.  I'd like to curl up in her easy chair and gaze at those gorgeous paintings.

Anne also shared her dream studio in  Creating My Artist's Studio #MakeMoreMakeover.  All part of a Staples Canada contest she has entered.  (Shhh, don't tell Anne I plan to steal some of her ideas in the future.) 

 Terry at Forever Decorating also took us on a tour of her Study and Multi-purpose Room.  If you like before and after photos, as I do, you'll enjoy seeing the impact she made by making over furniture and repainting the room.

And Terry treated us to a Media Room/Man Cave Tour.  Her husband is quite a collector, and Terry has displayed his treasures in a very classy way.  This is my kind of man cave. ;) 

 Penny at Penny's Vintage Home has been busy organizing her studio.  She reveals her work in two parts, beginning with Organizing the Studio Part Two (you can get to Part One from there).

She continues with Organizing the Studio Part Three.  Penny has a real knack for repurposing, creating, and making  any space she touches something very special.  I love her unabashedly romantic style.

Marie at The Interior Frugalista came to the party with her fabulous Birds of Paradise {Coffee Table Makeover}.  I really appreciate Marie's talent for taking a worn out piece of furniture and giving it new life.  This table would be so pretty in a lady's office, or a den.

If you're a mid-century fan, you'll appreciate Marie's Mid-Century Modern Side Table Makeover.  I think this sassy piece would work great for a printer stand, but I wouldn't dream of covering up those delightful graphics. 

I find great delight in seashells.  Khadija at Creative Khadija shared her tutorial for making Mirror Decoration with Shells, pearls & Stones.  Her beautiful framed mirror was created using fresh water shells she received from a friend in Cadiz, Spain. 

I got personal with my Home Office/Craft Room, and shared all the little details that make this space uniquely mine.  






Traditional Home Office by Seattle Cabinets & Cabinetry Warmington & North

And because one of my favorite things to do is provide inspiration, I shared Creating Workspace In Your Home - 13 Inspiring Ideas.  This post is chockfull of ideas for creating a home office or craft room, even in the smallest of homes. 

If you were featured this month, please grab this button.

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I want to thank everyone who linked up last month.  Your talent for creating beauty amazes and humbles me.  I appreciate you so much.

And to all who visit and leave comments, thank you.  I treasure every visit and every word.

You are all my friends. 

Okay, Friends, are you ready to party with me the entire month of June?  Can you stand it?

Every Room In The House is a monthly link-up party that has a theme room for each month.  This month we're partying in the

Guest Room/Kidz Room/Nursery

Right now there's no limit to the number of posts you may link up, and they don't have to be recent posts. They must relate to a Guest Room, Kidz Room, or Nursery; or something that can be used in one of those rooms.

Room reveals, decorating, DIY, remodels, furniture redos, thrift finds, organization, inspiring ideas  --  whatever relates to this month's theme room, we want to see it.

The party will be open all month.  Bring a friend!

Please remember to put a link in your post back to A Joyful Cottage.  That's necessary to be featured.

Ready, set. . .let's party!

An InLinkz Link-up

Joining Sunday's Best @ My 1929 Charmer

Creating Workspace In Your Home - 13 Inspiring Ideas

Where we work in the confines of our home varies based on who we are, the type of work we do, and the available space in our house.  Let's take a look at 13 rooms for ideas on how to get the space we need.

Traditional Home Office by Seattle Cabinets & Cabinetry Warmington & North

This is an arrangement that could work as well in a corner of a living or family room as it does in a room of its own.  The desk and chairs could do double duty as intimate dining.  Notice the storage surrounding the window seat.  Free standing furniture could accomplish this look.  Imagine two matching armoires on either side of a window with a storage bench underneath. 

Traditional Home Office by Mckinney Interior Designers & Decorators JDS DESIGNS

Most of us dream of a craft room like this one, but even if that's not possible we can glean organizing ideas from the photo.  This room is packed with inspiration. 

Traditional Home Office by Norwich Architects & Designers Smith & Vansant Architects PC

Have some attic space available?  This craft room under the eaves boasts built-in storage, skylights and a clean up sink.  Maybe you can't go that far with your attic, but this may encourage you to turn that attic storeroom into a much needed work area.

Traditional Home Office by Pasadena General Contractors Reaume Construction & Design

This home office is small on space, but large on charm.  The good-looking work table placed at an angle lifts it out of the realm of ordinary.  If you have a home office that needs freshening, consider a new placement for your desk or work table.

Traditional Home Office by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Tres McKinney Design

This room is a  home office, but imagine if it were a  living room.  A pretty desk and shelf unit could provide minimal yet very useable workspace.

Traditional Home Office by Tulsa Architects & Designers Jack Arnold Companies

Here's another home office that could just as easily be a living or family room.  A beautiful desk like this really makes a statement and acts as a divider to separate the functions of the room.

Contemporary Home Office by London Photographers David Churchill - Architectural Photographer

 

Installing a glass wall in the corner of a large room creates a home office with privacy.

Traditional Home Office by Richmond Interior Designers & Decorators Kirsten Nease Designs

If it seems there's no space in an existing room for a work area, think vertically.  A secretary might just do the job.

Spaces by Boston Interior Designers & Decorators Amy of Maison Décor

Another vertical solution.  Although this room is designated as a home office, the desk and hutch could easily be part of any other room.

Farmhouse Home Office by Phoenix Interior Designers & Decorators Palm Design Group

This small room barely resembles a home office.  The small chest paired with large floor baskets provide stylish storage. Placing a mirror against the wall gives the illusion of depth.

Contemporary Home Office by Rockwall Design-Build Firms Modern Craft Construction, LLC

What to do if there's no available space for an office anywhere in your home?  Consider converting a closet.  This workspace can be hidden when not in use simply by closing the doors.

Eclectic Home Office by Bel Air Media & Bloggers Whimages

This built-in office was created by bumping out the wall into a garage. 

Contemporary Home Office by North Vancouver Interior Designers & Decorators Maria Killam

Dead space under a stairwell can become a home office, too.

Have you solved your own work space problem? 

Consider sharing any home workspace post at Every Room In The House between now and the end of the month.

I'm sharing at these lovely parties:

Every Room In The House at A Joyful Cottage

Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings

Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House

You're Gonna Love it Tuesday at Kathe with an E

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life
Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage