Hopalong Hollow....

Hopalong Hollow, where the Blueberries grow sweet, and the moss feels soft beneath your feet.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Avalanche in the studio

Every 2 years or so I get this brilliant idea to re-arrange my studio space. I had told the Lord of the Manor, in the past, that when this brainstorm comes upon me :  "Slap me until I come to my senses and snap out of it!"   Good grief, he did NOT slap me and I did NOT come to my senses; instead  I TORE into the studio redo with great enthusiasm and lots of energy, at first.

           Four major pieces of furniture were not positioned against the walls that I supposed they should be; yes, the big desk would look best against the window with the southern exposure and the  84 inch long printers table should be placed along the east wall. HMMM... I hate the clutter of all those books being visible on open shelves and therefore they should be moved into the pine cupboard  rather than the papers and art supplies which should, in turn, be moved to the old chifferobe cupboard. Indeed, my mind is ablaze with all the dizzying possibilities!   Now, one cannot move furniture that is stuffed FULL of THINGS so All THINGS must be removed from shelves, drawers and cupboards.. and dumped into the middle of the room.
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This is when you discover just how much junk you have and vow to never purchase another thing as long as you live.

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 What a disaster! WHY am I doing this??!! Oh Well, too late now, I am knee deep in art debris.
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 What comes out must now go back in.....

 This is also when you realize that moving furniture is the easy part... it's organizing all the clutter that will kill you in the end OR send you to the madhouse. If I find ONE MORE STRAY pen or pin or xacto knife or picture hanger or notebook or paintbrush I think I shall scream! How did all of this *&%##!!!%$??? come out of these  cupboards?!
It simply boggles one's mind.
Everything, And I mean EVERYTHING must be put back again, with great deliberation and tidiness. Little by little the piles of STUFF get smaller... oh dear, I have such a headache, but these rubber stamps need to be precisely and pleasingly placed atop one another in proper drawer,

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 and reference books must be within easy reach and stacked according to size and usefulness,

  nature's gifts are all collected together and most carefully arranged upon likely shelves.

 Flosses must be put into corresponding cubbyholes

 And all the makings for Paper Gardens, Pysanki and molded chalkware and beeswax are neatly placed in the old oak Hoosier.
 I am breathing a sigh of relief as things begin to come together again.
 All drawers are marked with tags stating the contents within.
  Chalkware molds are posed on shelves in a most pleasing manner.

 I've got one more PILE to disperse.. I've been at this for 6 days and I am still sane!
 This fabulous desk came from England and I love it to bits! Look at all those drawers!
I put all my paint palettes, tubes of paints, brushes and inks and pens,etc,etc, etc in these drawers
This is where I illustrate my books, at this fine desk, ( now placed against  the window with the southern exposure, mind you)
 And look, SECRET COMPARTMENTS TOO!

This little cubbyhole is on the top of the desk and you would never know it was here if not for the tiny hinges.
There are secret cupboards on either side as well. I added the knobs, else one would ever know this opens up.

 I stashed  240  books inside this cupboard, whereas, before they were on open shelves. This is much neater. The antique storybooks I collect, with wonderful graphics, are set atop the cupboard for visual inspiration. I am a big fan of caddy cornering furniture, as done with this old cupboard.
 The Peahens are on the rooftops spying on me... or admiring themselves in the glass more likely.
The 84 inch  printers table has been moved beneath this east window. This table's length makes it a  perfect  place for cutting  scherenschnitte, making paper gardens and machine sewing.
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Six days of non stop cleaning has finally paid off.
 Now, remind me not to do this again for another 2 years... make that 5 years.




   Good Heavens, is this the same room?
Yes!... I like it.. it is so , so, so Organized.

Now I can make more paper gardens.
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 Two weeks ago, I had a cleaning frenzy on the stair landing which connects to this studio.
 I stacked all the fabric.

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I put all the patients in the doll hospital...
( also known as the Little Green Cupboard),
 and tidied all the yarns and threads
 I need to take a vacation from myself, before I get any more bright ideas.
   The really good thing is: I am way ahead of Spring Cleaning! And speaking of Spring....
 here is some sweetness. Dear little Demelza was broody and determined to have a baby. I did NOT want baby chicks till Spring, so I took her eggs away from her. Then out of pity, since she would not budge from the nesting box and insisted on staying put, I gave her 2 real eggs to make her happy. Today, they hatched and she has 2 little winter chicks. 
 UPDATE: 3 baby chicks! She had a hidden egg!
Is she happy? YES! and so is Ursula, because I just gave her a handful of corn.
Maybe you'll get an urge to clean up a storm, if so, I wish you luck!

54 comments:

  1. Congratulations Jeri to all this work ! The desk under the window is in a much better position to receive all the light to work. Your work office is very nice !
    Sweet new week Jeri !
    Hugs

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    1. It's amazing how much more light I have on the desk now... and it was only moved about 5 feet!

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  2. PS : I forgot to congratulate the beautiful mom Demelza !

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  3. Before I lay me down to sleep
    I smile with such admiration Jeri Landers! YOU DID IT! It is unbelievable that a certain sized space can occupy so many memorabilia that we artists cannot live without. Your creative space is warm and beautiful and now hopefully, to your satisfaction. I cleaned out my writing area last week and it almost feels as if I can write better with CLEAN!

    The winter chick is PRECIOUS and the look on her mummy's face is priceless! Ursula, what a sweetheart! I bid you goodnight dear friend....I've been up way past my bedtime! Anita

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    1. Anita, You are right, I too, work much better in an organized and tidy space. It just feels good.

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  4. I stand in awe; you are a whirlwind. I am quite glad that I am in good company in the method used for tidying. The desk is wonderful, where did you find it?

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    1. Charlotte, The desk was in a shipload of Antiques from England our Local dealer brought in. It is so enormous no one wanted it but me! I love that English Pine furniture.

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  5. I am smiling from ear to ear - your post just made my day! I love the hens peering in the window, all your lovely lovely STUFF! and of course, the new little feathered additions.
    I'm so glad I'm not the only one who vows to never buy another art supply!
    Could you please tell me what the paper gardens are? I'm so interested!
    Love, Debra

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    1. Debra, PAPER GARDENS! go to my website, the link is under my banner, then follow the link to paper gardens, you will like them!

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  6. I feel your pain. During the lae summer I decided to tear up my stained glass studio and paint the wall and put everything together nicely. Hubby gave in two long work tables he didn't use any more. Well I got it painted and then had to have hand surgery and then the day after I was released from that by the doctor, I blew out my knee. Had surgery on that the day before Thanksgiving. Then Christmas and visitors. I have gotten to do some straightening and putting up of stuff, but I really wanted it through back last fall so I could spend the winter actually making some stuff! Oh well, all will come together in it's own time I guess! Have a great week!

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    1. Carol, Oh Dear! What a string of unfortunate events and still no studio clean. A friend of mine is a stain glass artist who's studio is HUGE, so I feel for you... what a job that is ( and dangerous as well)!

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  7. Oh my goodness, I'm swooning. Your studio is so beautiful! could we please just trade houses?

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    1. Starr, This is the coldest house in the south, are you sure?

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  8. Years ago I would rearrange my rooms several times a year. I'd even swap rooms! But in the ensuing years I've bought pieces that can only go on a particular wall because of all the windows and doors my rooms have. Alas, only my living room can be rearranged now. I think it's imperative to change things up if one can. I decided yesterday to paint my bedroom a different color--that's my only option now. It will get its Spring cleaning early. Seeing your post has energized me to get going on it. :-)

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    1. Cathy, I've been know to swap rooms too. Sometimes, when I get a room 'JUST RIGHT" I will leave it that way for years and years, only moving smaller items from place to place. Paint? Paint is good!

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  9. Jeri, not long ago I discovered your blog...it's a treat to read. Love this post, your work room looks fantastic. with so much stuff it's great to know where it all is!

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    1. Thanks Maggie, It is nice not to have to shuffle through every drawer to find that ONE thing. Now I know the general vicinity in which to look.

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  10. I too have to "straighten and purge" ever so often. Painful but good for us to feel better about our arting things. Your room looks fabulous and I know you feel on to off the situation now. Sometimes that is all it takes to make our hearts sing. Oma Linda

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    1. Linda, indeed, it really does make my heart sing!

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  11. Oh Jeri, you make my head spin. I wouldn't be able to find a thing, but oh the feeling or cleanliness and order. I'm lucky to get things off of tables so it doesn't look messy. I too am wanting to spring clean, but with a warm day coming today, I'm going to putter around outside and do nothing which makes me feel guilty. You just can't win.

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    1. Donna, Putter away! The warmth of the outdoors is much more inviting than cleaning off the table.

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  12. Your studio looks very lovely. Demelza looks like a very proud mother with her chicks. Have a wonderful day!

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    1. Thanks Lisa, Demelza is such a lovely new mommy,She's already traipsing her little offspring around the barn floor.

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  13. Oh this is motivating! I do need to work in my "room". With a grandbaby on the way I am wanting to share my space. Love the little chick!

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  14. I should not have read your post. NOT have read your post.

    Because I decided last week that the horrible flat file in the studio corner simply has to go. As soon as this series of deadline avalanche are conquered, that flat file has to be demolished and carted out.

    The one under the east window should go there, and the glass topped table must go beside the window, not in the middle of the room. But the globe light will have to be shifted, and what to do about the ink stain in the middle of the floor?

    We lead such parallel lives, my friend. Different but so similar! We really must visit someday in person.

    Sending pats on the back of endless admiration. You have conquered! I only hope I have as much determination and fortitude. Well done, Jeri!!! Well done!

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    1. LOL! Sharyn, that is so funny, you are my west coast twin! It just adds to the fun that we are both paper cutters as well. Yes, I have conquered, now it is your turn... about that ink stain: a round hooked rug should do the trick nicely. (One day we'll meet up at the trade shows in Atlanta or NY)

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  15. Well look at you now ahead of the game, jumped us all on Spring cleaning.
    I have to say I adore all the details you have in your art and your home.
    That desk is fabulous !
    Seeing the pea fowl tickled me pink , and to have chicks now ~ WOW and big smile.
    Spring is sneaking into the hollow early , we just had a blizzard so I suspect no one here will be broody for a while.
    Congrats !
    Willow

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    1. As you know, Willow, those little chicks should not be born in the winter, but hens will be hens and have their own way even if it means hiding their nest! I hope your girls wait till Spring.

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  16. Looks wonderful. I know exactly just how much work is involved in this kind of undertaking. The best part is how satisfying its feels when you stand back and admire your accomplishment. I admire your hard work from afar :) Blessings friend

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    1. Absolutely satisfying Shelly, now that I am finished and can rest my bones. i hope I can keep it clean....

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  17. I'm inspired!!! My studio is a mess. Too much stuff and not enough storage. I'm a painter, a miniaturist, soap, lotion, lip balm and candle maker!! My studio is filled with paints, brushes, dollhouses, oils, fragrances, the list could go on and on. But now I know what I'll be doing tomorrow:)

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    1. Laurie, Your studio may be a mess, but it must smell wonderful! You need some cupboards with lots of cubbyholes and deep shelves, they are a must for those of us who create.

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  18. Jeri Landers! How I adore the looks on the faces of your animals. I swear they know what's going on around them, and talk about it amongst themselves at night under the moon! thehehehehehehehhe

    Thank you for coming back to view that garden; is that not the most glorious of colors? I too wish I could create an all-season garden as such because that is my favorite color in the garden. I just came in from shoveling the most snow I've seen in my 29 years away from Los Angeles, California! WOOOOO are we buried, but it's a whoppin' 29 degrees and it feels fresh and fabulous.

    Well my friend, dream of blue flowers and yellow chicks, brown bunnies and blue peacocks coming alive once again at the Hollow. I wish you a cozy evening! Anita

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  19. Love your organized space which is full of creative fun. Your desk is so fabulous! Ok... I'm really excited about Demeluza and the winter chicks. That made me so darn happy! How adorable that she was determined to have them. Just goes to show you what we can do when we put our mind to it. LOVE!

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  20. When I reorganize I rediscover goodies I'd forgotten and I get inspired and re-energized. However later I can't find anything because I've reorganized! So I'm slapping myself even as I read and ordering myself to leave well enough alone .

    My thoughts are also turning towards chicks! Day olds get to stay indoors for weeks anyway and by then...spring, maybe?

    Enjoy your new old studio and bask in the glory of a job well done, my friend!

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  21. Hmmmm, I know those big scary piles of stuff, the horror when you look around yourself, trapped in the center and unable to stagger to a door to run away form the mess you've made... and mumbling about "NEVER let me buy another thing as long as I live..." (I suspect I don't really mean it, so I mumble...) But it is SO satisfying when it's all back together again, pretty, clean, organized....
    It looks amazing~ Job well done, go ahead ~ take a little bow, then get a cup of tea and rest yourself! :)))))

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  22. Congratulations, that did look like a big job! It looks fabulous and i am envying your desk with all those drawers, I need something like that. But that would be too big for my tiny cabin....and winter chicks, so cute.

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  23. What a lovely room you have! I enjoy your wonderful furniture pieces, collections and your animals. They really have personality! I think I better get busy and clean up my space too.

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  24. Wow you're a busy bee! I envy your energy and enthusiasm! Hasn't hit me yet and it desperately needs to. Oh, by the way, everything looks fantastic!

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  25. I want to say thank you for visiting my blog Jeri!
    I have now added your blog to mine ~ come by again soon my new Friend!
    Lori from Notforgotten Farm

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  26. You know, you may have just inspired me to "repurpose" some furniture around the house to try and make more of the space I have. I cannot get INTO my studio right now at all, it's a total disaster. I have to figure this out (the room is only about 8x8 ft.) When I have everything put away, I can't actually get to the things I need without pulling other things out, and then it gets messed up in a hurry once again... but I have a bakers rack similar to yours that's in the basement... Hmmmmmmm..... Ideas! :) Your studio is lovely!

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  27. Dear Jeri - this room may have been a big chore but you made it absolutely lovely. I can relate because when I tear my studio apart I have the same thing...good job and done before spring so when the nice weather comes you can be out doors - definitely my way of thinking too. Have a lovely day and thanks for sharing your six days of hard work.

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  28. Good heavens Jeri, you are brave indeed. I feel quite exhausted at the mere thought! I bet you feel energised now you have had such a good tidy, maybe I should follow your example.

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  29. Oh Jeri! Your studio looks wonderful! What an enormous amount of work.. Good grief, I am tired.. What an inspiring environment you have created here. Isn't is so nice to have more light when you are working?
    I love your desk from England. What I would do to have a piece like that. It is just perfect for drawing and painting items. I love ALL the drawers! And I really like your corner piece!
    Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful images. I am in awe of your paper gardens, Jeri..
    fondly,
    Penny

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  30. Ahhhhh, Jeri....I think you just may have inspired me to clean up my sewing room/ crafting studio......nahhhh.....maybe not! Great job, though, it looks wonderful!

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  31. Dear Dimity Doormouse,
    I would be honored to have you come along with me... You are correct! I am attending the most marvelous garden tea party... Do you have a bonnet to wear? It should be a very joyful event!
    Love,
    Bebe

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  32. JERI LANDERS, how are ya....and URSULA! Look at that nose...come on over here and let me give you a rub on the nose!

    It was so lovely to see your comment earlier today, Jeri! And you too grew up with Chopin? My daddy used to play his music on the piano, while I twirled about on my toes, my muscular little legs just kickin' about! Memories indeed, and precious ones.

    Miracles happen when we least expect and I do agree that is what makes them a miracle. Let me tell you, I was stuck in snow on Thursday and it was a bear to get out, so I cried, then prayed and 10 minutes later, a stranger....a tiny woman came up with a shovel and got me out of my mess. Angels come in parkas with shovels!!!!!!!

    Love to you dear friend. Anita

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  33. I love it, and the photos you took of your desk remind me of Beatrix Potter's room in the movie "Miss Potter." It just has that same feel to it.

    Kristin

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    1. wow, thank you for that. I love Beatrix studio in that movie, it is coZy and even a bit dark.

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  34. I love seeing photos of your fur babies!! Congratulations to the doting mama :))
    Your peahens always leave me giggling...(I love your humor)...
    Dear Jeri, what a massive project! But it was worth it, and your studio is absolutely GORGEOUS.
    Congratulations... :)
    You always inspire....
    Hugs,
    - Irina

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  35. I just want to stand in the center of your creative space and let its vibes absorb into my soul. It feels so good!

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  36. Aww!
    What a collections i just wanna to visit your studio like visiting the blog. I love your blogger theme and your studio also. collection of treasure!
    Thanks for the pictures,
    Regards,
    End of lease cleaning surryhills

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  37. Amazing post... Thanks so much looking forward for more posts. If you wanna any help related to cleaning you can contact End of Lease Cleaning Services Sydney or Bond cleaning services Sydney.

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