my tiny studio in reflection . . .

After a month or so of beginning a blog and developing a little jewelry studio, I find myself even more excited about what lies ahead. It has been lovely to visit so many spots in the world. I am making progress forward in something that, while separate from my family, can accommodate the many demands of being a mom. The laundry hasn't stopped, the running to dance classes continues, food shopping keeps getting done and I am still coordinating my mothers' group. But, I have found something that is unique to me. An opportunity to use my brain muscles in new ways while still treasuring the gift that it is to be with my sweet little girls at home. This week has been full of surprises. I have made new friends and am so grateful for the lovely women that have chosen to follow and support me. I am grateful to their example, their advice and their guidance. I have honed my blog a bit. Added favorite music through Playlist. Participated in my first Blog Hop through MckLinky. Joined several Mommy Blogging Communities and hope to meet more friends there. I have opened up a PayPal account and ordered my very own "Grab My Button" from Oh My Gluestick. (So excited!) I held my first giveaway and look forward to hearing from "the mommy" with her mailing address. I photographed and crafted more jewelry. I am crafting two speciality orders that will be completed by next Friday. Finally, I began my Etsy shop. This is a great feeling. It is exciting to be part of a giant community. I continue to look forward to continuing to honor all that is pretty and to making connections with other moms. May your weekend be blessed! Thank you for being you!

it is time . . .

I feel officially ready. It is time. Yes, it is time for my own grab button. ;) After a few weeks of getting my feet wet, I am tickled at the thought of having my own button to share. It is with great anticipation and excitement that I am going to go peek into "Oh My Gluestick's" sister site, She Inspires, http://sheinspires.blogspot.com, to place a button order. And, while I am there, I simply must take a minute to visit everything else in her Etsy shop. :) Just lovely, lovely treasures. And, my new goal? An Etsy shop by this time next year . . . ;) Tiny steps forward, sweet friends, tiny steps forward. Now off to "She Inspires" . . . oh, please come follow me! Her absolutely picture-perfect button is to my left . . . have you SEEN all of her pretty buttons?

craft spaces . . .

I would love to see your craft spaces! As many of you know, I am in the process of carving out a craft nook in none other than my tiny laundry room. I am grateful for any space at all. Do you have some great pictures, links or inspiration? I would love to see your ideas. :) Going to walk down Wal-mart's organizing/laundry aisle for some cross-purpose ideas . . .

crafting "The Studio" . . .

It has always been a challenge for me to figure out where to bead. My house, while pleasantly spacious, is not tremendously large and being a Florida home, has no basement or attic to speak of. I yearn for a giant white room centered around an enormous flat country kitchen table (in black) and covered floor to ceiling with shelves, cubbies, hooks and the like. (132" x 42", 5 plank, thick top, large taper leg, midnight black, light rub, light distressing at http://www.cottagehomemaine.com/) Bright lights, whitewashed furniture and tons of built-ins. A huge brightly-colored rag rug and a small refrigerator filled with Diet Green Tea. Doesn't this sound great? Well, since I don't have this kind of space available, I have decided to bond with my nemesis, my laundry room. It is small, but I am glad I have one. There are about six shelves that were loaded to the brim with my daughters' dancewear and shoes, Girl Scout parts and random craft items. No more! I stripped everything off of them, lined the wire shelves with extra tile squares that I had waiting to be put to use, and cleaned everything in this small room. Draping pretty ribbons I have accumulated for my craft show in the Fall created a sweet nod to ambience. I placed an extra wireneck light on the waist-high shelf and have named this "My Studio". From humble beginnings, :), humble beginnings. It feels good to be organized. I am inspired to expand. A shelf here, a few hooks there. Another couple of weeks and I'll post a picture of the "tiniest jewelry studio in the world." :) So nice to see everything, all of my parts, looking so pretty and so accessible. No more crates jammed in closets. Now, to find an inexpensive stool and a set of hooks for necklaces, ribbons and more. I also need to trick out my display case. Happy hunting to me. :)