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Sugar Lump Studios

Art by Nancy Maxwell James

{Where Bloggers Create 2013}

July 11, 2013

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It is time again for the annual “Where Bloggers Create” hosted by Karen Valentine of My Desert Cottage. I would like to thank Karen for hosting this wonderful event online and the hours of work that go into it. I know we will be visiting many gorgeous studios during this event and I am looking forward to it.

 

I’m excited to share my own “wee studio space” during the event this year. We moved to our home in March 2010, and I had to give up my Old Sunroom Studio

 

While I do miss having a room to myself, I love the location of our new little house and the beauty that surrounds it.

 

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I had my studio originally set up in our living room area, but I missed my Ikea Expedit for storage. While my basement has daylight windows, it is not finished and I wanted to be in the hub of our home. I also decided to purge quite a few of my supplies so they could fit into a smaller space. I truly believe that less is more now that I have done this. I do have some supplies down in the basement, but 95% are all contained in my studio area.

 

In October 2012 we painted our bedroom again then moved the majority of my old studio items into a half of the master bedroom.

 

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I call this piece my “Birdhouse Shelf” which is one piece of a coordinating set I have. Some of the jars hold mementos close to my heart…old skeleton keys belonging to my Grandfather and lace, antique buttons that belonged to my Grandmother. Every once in awhile I open them and pilfer through to think of how old they are.

 

The old sewing machine drawer contains a photo of my Grandfather Orla Ford taken when he was a baby in 1899. It is one of my many cherished family heirlooms. The art deco box was given to me by my Mother-in-law when she found it at a flea market.

 

An old vintage suitcase, fabric heart, letter “N” and Somerset Magazines……

 

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Since my wee studio area is also part of our bedroom and I also have pets, the majority of my supplies have been stored in boxes. It also helps me keep things more neat and tidy. If I have my own studio room again one day, I can’t wait to display items all over!

 

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I change the vignettes on top and inside my Ikea Expedit quite often. I love this unit! It is the most versatile and practical storage and the best investment for my studio (or a home) I have ever made!

 

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A vignette with things dear to my heart…the Steiff bear in a Christening gown was a gift to my daughter from her Great-Grandmother as a baby, a small china doll my Mom gave to me one Christmas long ago, and loose buttons…you will find button stashes all over my little space because I love them so!

 

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One of my published altered books and a Petoskey stone…they can only be found in a certain area of Michigan and it reminds me of my love for the Great Lakes.

 

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A vintage scale displays an altered album made by an artist friend and a wee fairy jar brings whimsical wishes…

 

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The birdcage was in my parent’s condo and when my Mom moved she gave it to me…I gave it a coat of shabby white paint…

 

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The large case holds larger lace remnants…

 

 

Little garden boxes contain supplies for my mixed media art

 

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Old book and music sheets are contained in a galvanized tub with cabinet photos…

 

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This is the back side of the Ikea Expedit shelf. On the bottom you can see the drawers that contain my supplies and in the cubbies there is cardstock.

 

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The altered Fira drawers hold more lace, small collage images, embellishments, and bead supplies. I love these little cubbies and was sad when Ikea stopped manufacturing them…

 

 

 

A photo vignette contains my first date with hubby, a small fabric heart box my daughter gave to me years ago, old books and a few altered bottles…

 

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My Alex drawers keep supplies and messes under control. Nothing pretty here – but one of the most practical pieces of storage I have ever owned…you can find them at Ikea.

 

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Paper cutters, templates, and extra tools all within handy reach…inks, glitters, and various stamping supplies…paper punches and a divider box filled with embellishments…larger collage images to pilfer through and find something to create with…and some of my rubber stamp collection.

 

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A side view of the studio area…the garland over the window displays some of my favorite cabinet cards and hand-made hearts.

 

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A small antique table that belonged to my Great-Grandparent’s holds my sewing machine and a few other odds and ends.

 

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This little cake tier was another family heirloom from my Grandmother’s china cabinet. She knew I loved purple like her and shared special pieces with me before passing away in 1985.

 

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A heart shaped carnival glass bowl holds a collection of vintage rhinestone scatter pins. The bowl was given to me by my Grandmother-in-law who has since passed away.

 

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Thank you so much for stopping by to visit my “wee” studio space. I love spending time here and hope you did too! I can’t wait to visit the other creative spaces during “Where Bloggers Create 2013”!

Filed in: storage, studio • by Sugar Lump Studios • 48 Comments

About Sugar Lump Studios

I am a dabbler. I love to create using all sorts of mediums...pattern papers, stamping, fabric, assemblage, collage, altered art, a never ending smattering of whatever strikes my fancy in whimsical moments. I find creating allows my soul to be fulfilled and love to spend hours in the studio.

Comments

  1. Terri

    July 11, 2013 at 6:38 pm

    Hello Nancy,
    Your art studio has really turned out well! I love that you found more space for yourself. You do have a great basement though, lots of light. But I know what you mean about wanting to be around the heart of the home. Everything looks so neat and tidy. I think you have such a lovely sweet style. The bucket for the old papers is fab. And I love that scale! All your art looks perfectly displayed as well as your most treasured family heirlooms. Your family memorabilia really adds warmth and love to your space. Thanks so much for letting us peek into your drawers and cubbies!
    Hugs,
    Terri

    Reply
  2. Laurie

    July 11, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    I love how you incorporated your studio into your bedroom. I really need to organize in mine, and you’ve given me many awesome ideas!

    Reply
  3. Create With Joy

    July 11, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    What a stunning art studio you have – SO many beautiful things! I love your ideas and your love of lace and beautiful boxes, which I also share!

    My post is also up – please stop by for another “Early Bird” tour!

    Create With Joy
    http://www.create-with-joy.com/2013/07/where-bloggers-create-2013.html

    Reply
  4. michelle

    July 11, 2013 at 7:49 pm

    your creative haven just speaks to my soul sisath! truly! (do i spy the original cabinet card of that sweet baby face in your header and your avatar??) wow…SO lovely! i could spend countless hours creating here! “merci” for the inspiration! this was such a pleasure! ;)

    Reply
  5. Saucy Chick Sherry

    July 11, 2013 at 10:58 pm

    Thank you ever so much for showing me around your wonderful “wee” space. I am convinced it is not the size of our space but the creativity we engage in when in our space. Yours is beautiful and very well organized. Having your cherished family heirlooms displayed where you can enjoy them is my very favorite part of your space. Creative Hearts are Happy Hearts Dear…

    Reply
  6. Carmen

    July 11, 2013 at 11:15 pm

    Hi, Nancy. I really enjoyed looking at your creative space. Your Ikea Expedit shelving unit is awesome. What a great piece that looks good from all sides. Love all the shabby chic decor… :-)

    Reply
  7. ~*~Patty Szymkowicz Magpie's Nest

    July 11, 2013 at 11:46 pm

    You and your beautiful art room are so inspiring and beautiful dear Nancy.
    There is so much magic that comes out of any place you decide to create something special…
    I think I may need some of those Alex drawers …
    might be time for a trek to Ikea…
    thanks so much for sharing with so much to admire and enjoy.

    Happy July dear one ♥
    oxo

    Reply
  8. suzy

    July 12, 2013 at 12:34 am

    Hello Dear Nancy
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful and well organized space with us. It is amazing how little space we need really as long as we have enough storage space. I love that you use all of your family treasures in there to remind you of your ancestry.
    Now I can visualise you sitting at your work desk creating your most wonderful treasures.
    Hugs and love,
    Suzy

    Reply
  9. Jeanette

    July 12, 2013 at 8:20 am

    What a lovely crafting space you have :) I too craft from my bedroom and I love it, just the right size, thank you so much for sharing
    – Jeanette

    Reply
  10. Anni

    July 12, 2013 at 10:06 am

    Oh Nancy so many wonderful and beautiful things you shows, it’s very inspiring to see your creative place and it is so well organized, thank you for visiting me, wish you a lovely weekend.
    Hugs Anni

    Reply
  11. Lovey

    July 12, 2013 at 10:40 am

    I absolutely love…love…love your studio…you are very organized and it’s beautiful!

    Reply
  12. Glenda

    July 12, 2013 at 10:45 am

    Fantstic space, I still have to load mine on my blog. hopefully tomorrow, thanks for sharing your very lovely space, I love all the pieces that have emotional attachment to them

    Reply
  13. Amy

    July 12, 2013 at 11:05 am

    Such a delightfully space to be creative.
    Surrounded by treasures,memento’s how could one not make all the beautiful
    pieces you do,and do so well.
    Love the bird shelf too.I have bird cages around my studio so I can pretend it’s
    spring all year.
    Loved the tour,Hugs

    Reply
  14. Linda K

    July 12, 2013 at 12:04 pm

    what a positively GORGEOUS and organized space Nancy!! How could one not be creative and happy there!

    Reply
  15. Lynne Moncrieff

    July 12, 2013 at 12:16 pm

    Dear Nancy
    What a thrill it was to step inside your “studio” and take time to absorb all the little details. Life is in the details and that is evident here with the beautiful way in which you acknowledge the love for your heritage.
    Gorgeous colours throughout and so beautifully organised, that is what struck me, everything has a place. My wee nook is out of control (so lucky I can close a door on it all) but I see this and it inspires.
    So enjoyed my time with you in your creative space.
    Wishes
    Lynne
    P.S. Far too HOT at the moment. Doesn’t resemble Scotland at all lol.

    Reply
  16. tina

    July 12, 2013 at 1:57 pm

    Love your very sweet and charming creative space, right down to every little detail! Love your birdhouse shelf, and I thought your doll and teddy bear were especially adorable!.. Thank you for sharing! ~tina

    Reply
  17. Dorthe

    July 12, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    Hello dear Nancy!
    What a beautiful and lovely studio you have managed to create in your bedroom space,- so filled with beauty all around, and lovely creations of yours! It looks quite big in the photoes, but as you sau it is tiny, I must say you made a most fantaSTIC place for you to create and enjoy in! I so love your “birdhouse shelf” what a gorgeous piece ,and very special, I love birdhouses also. You are so good organized Nancy, and with place for every piece ,in drawers and beautiful decorated suitcages and boxes. I love your banner, and the sweet photo of you and your husbond!! Thankyou for inviting us into this very beautiful and creative space,-
    Hugs from Dorthe.

    Reply
  18. Kelley

    July 12, 2013 at 5:58 pm

    You studio is creamy, dreamy wonderful. Thanks for sharing your special world.
    Kelley

    Reply
  19. Chris C

    July 12, 2013 at 6:36 pm

    Hi Nancy,
    Thanks for sharing. Your studio is lovely and so organized! I hope to redo my small space in the next few weeks (other de-cluttering going on elsewhere in the house right now). I enjoyed the tour!

    Reply
  20. Gale

    July 12, 2013 at 9:24 pm

    A very serene and pretty place to be creative!

    Reply
  21. "her" and Romeo

    July 13, 2013 at 12:26 am

    Hi Nancy! Thank you for visiting our studio and your kind words!!!

    Yes, you did indeed see a Corona typewriter. I love old typewriters but mine don’t have the wonderful history that yours does! Lucky you!!!!

    I think you really did a wonderful job fitting your creative space into your bedroom!!! Love the colors – I have a similar blue and white theme in my bedroom as well!!! Such peaceful colors, I bet your creative muse is inspired by the color alone!

    And Ikea?!?! Oh my GOSH! I LOVE all their storage solutions and their furniture and their small items. Yep, LOVE it ALL! I can spend a whole day in that store just wandering around. That’s where we purchased our slipcovered sofa and chairs. Best purchase ever! And I have looked at the same shelf unit – love that it can be used as a room divider AND the little drawer stack that reminds me of an architects cabinet.

    Thank you for sharing your creative space! Have a great weekend!

    “her” and Romeo

    Reply
  22. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions

    July 13, 2013 at 7:23 am

    You’ve done a great job incorporating your creative space in with your bedroom, Nancy! I love that bookcase piece. It works perfectly for storage and a “wall”. I also love all the things you have displayed on it, especially the altered books. I haven’t tried those yet, but would love to. Thanks for sharing your space!

    Reply
  23. Celestina Marie

    July 13, 2013 at 8:45 am

    Hi Nancy, Your creative space is gorgeous. I love all your special touches and creations. What a talent you are. Love the unit from Ikea. I am actually going there today. I would love to have one of those. Your studio is so cozy and inviting. I could spend a lot of time there and I am sure you do. Love your jar art and the darling suitcase and the music chest of little drawers. You have awesome organizing pretties. So many great ideas for storage. Thank you for sharing. Oh and I love the wall color too. So pretty with the white.

    Thank you for stopping by and your kind comment. Have a great weekend.
    Hugs, Celestina Marie

    Reply
  24. Marianne

    July 13, 2013 at 9:14 am

    I had to move my stuff back down to our basement because DH did not want to see all my stuff. I would love a cute little corner like this in my bedroom.

    Reply
  25. tabitha

    July 13, 2013 at 9:44 am

    Nancy your studio is so wonderful…I love how you store all your pretties…
    hugs

    Reply
  26. Duni

    July 13, 2013 at 10:33 am

    Hi Nancy!

    everything looks so pretty and feminine! I love it! I love how you displayed all your knick-knacks – so charming! I’m seriously considering getting that Expedit storage cabinet from IKEA :)

    Reply
  27. Alexandra Eitel

    July 13, 2013 at 10:43 am

    Your craftroom looks fantastic Nancy. I have the same cabinett from Ikea :)
    Have a nice weekend
    Hugs Alexandra

    Reply
  28. Susan

    July 13, 2013 at 10:59 am

    Don’t you just love Ikea? Now I’m thinking of Swedish meatballs and Lingon berry sauce, cinnamon buns and the big breakfast! I’m bookmarking your space for future reference. I have been dreaming of the day I can Ikea-fy by craft space. I do like a cozy spot for working on projects. If I need more space – Well the dining room table is put to work. Thank you for visiting!

    Reply
  29. Michaele Sommerville

    July 13, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    A storage lover myself, I certainly appreciate the lovely shelving, bins, drawers and trays. You know what makes them beautiful? All of the keepsakes from your family and the personal touches you’ve added. What a wonderful space.

    Michaele (Twigs and Tulle)

    Reply
  30. Incipient wings

    July 14, 2013 at 2:19 am

    Gorgeous studio space! I love the muted colors
    And how well you have everything organized.
    It’s beautiful!

    Reply
  31. Debbie-Dabble

    July 14, 2013 at 4:20 am

    Thanks so much for stopping by! Your creative space is very well organized and filled with lots of goodies that hold sentimental memories which I adore!! A beautiful and efficient space indeed!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

    Reply
  32. Jann

    July 14, 2013 at 10:24 am

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful little studio, Nancy. You have made great use of a small space, and arranged it to look so adorable and cozy! I love all the sentimental family touches-so precious. We are in an apartment after selling our home last year and now are looking at buying a small 2 bedroom, (homes are very expensive where I live), and I was trying to imagine what I could do with the boxes and boxes of art supplies I have in storage. I have never really had a “studio” myself-just had all my craft stuff in a bedroom before. I will have to go to Ikea and look at their storage units. Perhaps I can get my life organized soon–you have always been a great help and inspiration to me!

    Reply
  33. Debbie Kaste

    July 14, 2013 at 10:26 am

    Oh Nancy, your room is so lovely! Everything has a place and is so neat and orderly. I could use some lessons from you. Thanks for the tour, it was so fun!!!

    Reply
  34. Kathy

    July 14, 2013 at 10:59 am

    You have done a remarkable job of utilizing your small space! I am really impressed with how functional and pretty, at the same time.
    Thank you for visiting my little blog today and for your kind words. Enjoy the rest of the party!
    Kathy

    Reply
  35. karla

    July 14, 2013 at 11:17 am

    Lovely!

    Reply
  36. cindy craine

    July 14, 2013 at 11:50 am

    Where oh where do I begin……..with that great huge piece! I love how you filled all the cubbies with everything you could imagine! I really like the photo banner. I have been collecting, “ghost photos” as my husband calls them and I can never walk by a photo display without stopping. I’d love to know where you found all those bins and boxes, what a beautiful room! You did a great job Nancy!-xox-cindy

    Reply
  37. Marsha Albee

    July 14, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    Nancy,
    What a FABULOUS studio you have. It inspires me to create. I LoVe your wall color and the Altered Book that you posted. I HAVE to make myself one. I just have never taken the time.
    Thank you for sharing your amazing talents!

    Reply
  38. Julia - Vintage with Laces

    July 14, 2013 at 2:29 pm

    Hi Nancy, I don’t know what was wrong but I couldn’t enter your and some other webpages for several days. I’m sure it was a problem at our side and I’m glad I can finally visit you again. You have a great studio space in your bedroom and everything is so well organized. Your storage solutions are wonderful and you’ve surrounded yourself with lots of beautiful things. Thank you for sharing!
    Hugs,
    Julia

    Reply
  39. Annette

    July 14, 2013 at 10:41 pm

    I love your wee space! What a perfect example of function, beauty and organization. I think it shows just how creative you are.

    Reply
  40. Linda

    July 15, 2013 at 11:34 am

    Hi Nancy,

    I love your creative space! You have a beautiful spot to create!
    Gives me organization ideas! Have a wonderful day! XO Linda

    Reply
  41. Elizabeth Johnson

    July 15, 2013 at 1:04 pm

    Hi Nancy. Your creative space is beautiful. I especially like the music covered drawers. I have also just purged a lot as I prepared for my move. I agree. It felt good to share my junk with someone else! Thank you for stopping by my studio.
    ~Elizabeth

    Reply
  42. Tammy

    July 16, 2013 at 1:19 am

    I like how you have used the cubby shelf to separate your bedroom and studio space. Since they are shared areas, it makes sense to have everything neat and tidy and displayed so beautifully. You’ve done a great job! Best wishes, Tammy

    Reply
  43. Sue

    July 16, 2013 at 7:14 am

    Hi Nancy! Out of such a “wee” space comes such “big” and beautiful art. You always inspire me. Sue

    Reply
  44. Terry

    July 16, 2013 at 1:56 pm

    How can you create in such a mess??? Oh how I love how neat, clean and lovely your creative space is! If you saw mine, you would be floored! Of course that is if you could find floor space! Hugs!

    Reply
  45. StasaLynn

    July 18, 2013 at 12:55 am

    Beautifully sweet space…. great light and I love all of your collections! Thank you so much for sharing. Take care.

    Reply
  46. cathy @ ma vie trouvee

    July 18, 2013 at 10:00 am

    It certainly does not look like a wee studio space! I really enjoyed peeking into your studio – you have a lovely creative space. and I love how you altered the Fira drawers. I could play in your studio for many hours! Cheers from Singapore. ps your cards in your most recent past are absolutely beautiful!

    Reply
  47. Mari

    July 28, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    Wow that’s really nice what you did with your end of the room, really beautifully sorted and displayed. Love your shelving that looks like it made of old wood fencing(?) and the lights colours and more white on white sure makes the space feel airy and light. Very nice!!!

    Reply
  48. Maureen

    August 1, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    What a wonderful place you have created! I adore the birdhouse shelf – it looks like an old picket fence! I also love all the birdhouses and especially admire that you have family treasures too. Lovely space!

    Reply

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