This weeks winner is Adee. Congratulations!
Send Lorelei an e-mail with your address and she will get it right out to you.
This week we visit Shannon LeVart of missficklemedia.com in her studio(s)!
I would love to show you a picture of a studio that sparks radiant light of boundless creativity.
But I do not have that. I have “places”. Spots, if you will. Tucked here and there in my little house. And most of them you have to climb mountains of laundry to get to. But I am grateful I have them. These little niches in my house have allowed me to stay sane as a mother, feel cared for as a wife and have emboldened me as a woman.
I hide from the kids in the bedroom and roll clay.
I shut myself away in the utility room and whack away at metal on the work bench my husband put together for me.
I stand at the side kitchen counter and put this bead with that bead and this chain with that finding and I send these projects out to the acceptance of the handmade jewelry community.
It’s scattered. And distracting. I go into the utility room to start a load of laundry but I see patina developed on a piece of copper and the next thing I know I am heading outside to seal it, the laundry still sitting in the basket. But it works.
Somehow, I have slowly built a job for myself using my passion for jewelry making. I refuse to let my circumstances get in the way of creating. No money, no space; it doesn’t matter, I am doing what I am meant to do.
Do you have a special place in your house that you create from? Your coffee table? Your nightstand? Your kitchen table? Please tell me I am not the only one who doesn’t have an actual studio. Leave a comment letting me know where you create from and we will draw a name next Saturday for this awesome prize…
Just kidding. You don’t have to do my laundry unless you want to.
This is the piece you could win by leaving a comment; a vintage brass bezel showcasing a blue bird and antiqued ice resin, drilled and set with a brass eyelet for easy wire-wrapping.
Have a wonderful weekend from where ever you’re at!
Much Love and Respect,
Shannon
missficklemedia.com
SharonP
May 1, 2010 at 6:06 pmYou have a very interesting creative life! I think moving around from room to room keeps you on your creative toes! Much more interesting than sitting in one place for hours on end.
I started wire wrapping jewelry on my dining room table, then on to poly clay in the kitchen, then moved the kit and kaboodle to the unused living room where I now have two work tables, a kiln, clay oven, and torch set up.
We were never in the LR anyway so I put that wasted space into good use, but sometimes sneak my supplies into the family room to be near hubby and the furry beasts!
kiwiken
May 1, 2010 at 6:08 pmOh, that bird is beautiful! I would so love to win this 🙂
By the way, who won last week?
No, you're not the only one. I create my beads and pendants on my desk right beside the computer and put together my jewelry on the floor where I can spread out. I have beads and findings all over the place in several drawers and a fimo stash hanging from my book shelf. Finished pieces hang on my bathroom door, and get photographed on the window sill, next to the pasta machine… and the oven to bake the polymer clay is in the kitchen.
Spirited Earth
May 1, 2010 at 6:11 pmi had to chuckle when i read about your various studio areas…
i have always thought that if one wanted to create then some place could be craved out to do it..
i now have an Ok studio..not my dream..but a space..
however in days long ago, i was throwing pottery on wheel and had to set up a"studio" in a utility closet in one house and then upgraded to a second bathroom in an other place..both rentals by the way..
Stefanie
May 1, 2010 at 6:51 pmI work on a table you can move and most of the time it wanders trough our apartment:-)
regards Stefanie
baglady
May 1, 2010 at 7:36 pmI used to have my things spread all over too but now I have the spare bedroom all to myself! It nice because I don't have to clean it up- can leave projects laid out on the table. I'm working on making a place in the garage to work on metal. I'll pass on the laundry- have my own piles 🙂 Nancy
GailW.
May 1, 2010 at 7:42 pmhas jewelery in it,and I think it's beautiful.
mairedodd
May 1, 2010 at 7:44 pmnot even close to a studio shannon… a table in a corner of the dining room, a tile on top of birdseed containers with a cooler to sit on for a soldering station… a portable cookie sheet and work lamp for resin, to move wherever i need it to go! you do beautiful things, however you do them… and as i head to do laundry, i will drop clothes on the floor if i remember there was something in the garage that i NEEDED to do!
The Joy of Nesting
May 1, 2010 at 8:20 pmI don't have a separate studio, but with the move to paradise I finally have my little art corner. It's one side of our large sunroom. LW's computer and geek tools are on one side my art is on the other. It's a perfect arrangement for us cuz we can keep each other company without driving each other crazy!!
Pattie 😉
Mazatlan Mx.
cjvierow
May 1, 2010 at 8:34 pmHi Shannon. Wouldn't it be great to have a real studio???? I have a spare bedroom which also serves as my husband's office, his 'studio' and I get the space on one wall. My problem is too many things I like to do. Beads, rubber stamps, sewing, knitting, crocheting, etc. I wish I could settle on just one! Absolutely LOVE the bead!!! I guess another hobby is feeding the birds–so one corner of the family room and a bit of the garage are for bird seed, suet blocks, etc. I also have the help of a Siamese cat who believes she's a "fur person" and not a feline. But I'm sure neither of us would change a thing–well except to have a "real" studio just for our 'treasures' and stuff! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who's easily sidetracked 😉 CJ
EmandaJ
May 1, 2010 at 8:36 pmHi Shannon,
You are not alone, my dear. I have a sewing room, but it also doubles as a plunder room (you know, when you acquire something and it doesn't have a place — yet?)
I also have a lovely Arts and Crafts era Desk for my beads, but I don't bead there. I have TV trays that get loaded up with beading supplies and a have a go at it! When I'm done, sometimes I actually put things away — sometimes.
I have creative CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome [Flylady.com]).
I would absolutely Love to win your beautiful pendant. Please pick my name next Saturday.
Seeking Order out of Chaos,
Emanda
moonlitfantaseas
May 1, 2010 at 8:39 pmlove the bluebird pendant
Susanm
May 1, 2010 at 10:01 pmI often work on my sofa in the family room because the lighting is good. Or at the table in the dining room part of the family room. I work a lot with seed beads and I am forever dropping them evety wear – cookie sheets might be good workspaces.
Elizabeth
May 1, 2010 at 10:07 pmI am so blessed to have a craft room. It is a mess, but my mess!I like a mess around me. What a great little story.
Bellesanbeaus
May 1, 2010 at 11:09 pmwell since moving into my moms house last July and not having a deicated "craft room" I now do my clay work and beaded embroidery from the kitchen table, do my cross stitch in the living room and make my sketches for it all in my bedroom…so I am all over the place!!! lol And thanks for the lovely invite to do your laundry but mine is telling me "I'm first!" lol
SummersStudio
May 1, 2010 at 11:22 pmI have a studio that is a garage that mostly houses my kilns. I put 2 tables in the study and took over all useable office space for work space. We have no baking trays because I took all of them to bead and wire wrap on in the living room. I tumble polish on the kitchen counter. Oh, and don't even ask about the dining room table storage area. Mess, what mess? Mess is in the eye of the beholder. But at the end of the day I am happy with what I do.
Erin
May 2, 2010 at 1:20 amI do have a studio. Well, pretty much a studio. Its a spare bedroom that also houses office supplies, printers, etc for my graphic design business. But its been 90% taken over by beads, so I am claiming it as my studio!
Erin
Lucid Moon Studio
May 2, 2010 at 2:11 amI am also lucky to have a room just for my crafts. I would probably get more done if I worked in other areas of the house though! I try to keep everything in my craft room so I know where everything is…sorta, but I do pack up stuff in a travel case when I go away so I can still work on jewelry. Thanks for sharing your creative spaces, and thanks for the giveaway!!
Lisa
Rosanne
May 2, 2010 at 3:30 amLove that pendant…
I would say my most favorite place to work at is the counter/island in my kitchen. Because its open to the living room and I can hear the TV, see my husband and talk to my dog. Maybe not quite in that order, but close.
rosjoycreations
May 2, 2010 at 4:53 amThat is gorgeous! I love all your spaces, and I can see how they would be great for creativity!! I mostly use our kitchen table, as we don't have a lot of space and it is the best-lit room in the house. The other space I use often is a stable-table on my lap in my recliner. As I am very unwell, I need to have my feet elevated most of the time, and this works fairly well for me. Thank you for sharing your spaces, it is very inspiring!
Gardanne
May 2, 2010 at 5:43 amIts funny you should say nightstand. I journal and draw designs in a book by my bed, I have them scattered all over the house so I can jot down an idea when I get it.
Mary Newton Designs
May 2, 2010 at 7:46 amI'll do your laundry as soon as I get mine done!
I live with my grown son and his children, so I have a desk in my bedroom-I can barely back up my chair to get out! I hammer, patina etc. out in the garage ( usually on the floor) and in the back yard if the weather is nice and it's daytime.
You're not alone!
Mary
Eve
May 2, 2010 at 12:30 pmHi Shannon,
I used to have two studio rooms all to myself, but since we downsized, I use the kitchen table for my beading, and only a corner of that!
So your spaces actually look massive to me, can I try to win your spaces?? heehee -minus the laundry 😀 but including the brass bezel?
Frivolitea
May 2, 2010 at 12:52 pmLove that pendant. It is beautiful! And by the way I craft all over the house. I have a room in the basement, but who wants to spend their time in the basement???
FrankandRox
May 2, 2010 at 2:15 pmWell I used to have a craft room/home office but now that I'm 6 months pregnant I'm clearing it all out to make room for the baby. It'll be an adjustment to sort everything out, but I don't mind at all:)
MoonRae
May 2, 2010 at 2:25 pmSweetie, I DO have a studio and still find myself working all over the house hahaha….I do my soldering and beadmaking out in the studio and beading and all the rest inside….
Love the pendant you're gifting!!
Claire Goverts
May 2, 2010 at 3:32 pmMy supplies are scattered as well, though not quite as much as yours. I do some work with poly clay, wire, and beads. I mostly work on jewerly while watching TV with my husband so the living room tends to accumulate most of my supplies. With the clay that works best at the dinning room table, and I also have some stuff at my computer desk.
I'd like to find a spot to keep most of my supplies, so that I don't have to do a massive clean up and repack when we are having company over. Part of it is working on something that doesn't need as many containers for when I want to create while watching TV. Chainmaille is handy for that, as is Kumihimo braiding.
Parudy
May 2, 2010 at 3:54 pm'Studio'??? That word isn't in my dictionary! I create wherever I am sitting with a tray or board on my lap.
Thanks for the idea of using the kitchen counter.
Heather
May 2, 2010 at 4:38 pmShannon, hang in there. I am now an empty nester with one extra room in the house which is filled to the ceiling with my sewing and fiber supplies- no room for jewelry but I am very grateful to have the storage space and a little room I can close the door and leave a mess no one sees. Your time will come. To my husbands disdain I have taken over our old fashion china cabinet with clay and beads and jewelry supplies so of course the dining room table is my workspace and a TV tray in front of the TV is where I do a lot of hand beading, so he can get a little of my attention too. The vacuum eats up all the fly aways and my cat is a constant menace but it works. I keep my dremel set up in the garage which fortunately is an abandoned Man Cave most of the time and an old glass top outdoor table in the backyard is my, paint, seal and too messy for the house spot.
We have to feed that ravenous need to create or we don't feel whole and alive so Kuddos to you for doing what you can wherever you can and with your children at home! The best artists in the world were poor and unrecognized in their lifetime.
Lynette
May 2, 2010 at 5:32 pmYes, the blue bird is beautiful, with the little black mask.
I don't do laundry, however, I do windows !!! Hee ! Hee !
Shannon
May 2, 2010 at 5:43 pmI love the pendant!
I have my crochet supplies in my bedroom on the nightstand. I bead at the dining room table. I wirework on 1 part of my kitchen island, on the other side of the island I solder and torch. In the garage I have my kiln.
I love to work at the island because I can stand up to work, move around and still be with my family.
Catsonkeys
May 2, 2010 at 7:12 pmI am inspired by the fact that you have so much creativity in random places and times. It makes me appreciate the kitchen table working space I have. Now if I could just figure out how to keep the cat hair out of the polymer clay…
Michelle Mach
May 2, 2010 at 10:00 pmI have a work table near the treadmill. I'm afraid that one of these days I'm going to forget that I'm walking on the treadmill and reach out for a bead on the table because I have an idea that just can't wait!
Alice
May 2, 2010 at 10:37 pmI work in my dining room, which doubles as my show room when I have home shows. My photo box is up in the bedroom, and all my supplies are kept in various places around the house. I've always dreamed of having a real studio, but would rather keep my work station where the I can be close to the rest of the family.
It's good to know there are so many others who's work areas are spread out around the house.
I'd love to win that lovely pendant, but will pass on doing your laundry. I've got several loads of my own scattered around the house.
Alice
[email protected]
Linda Landig
May 2, 2010 at 10:53 pmI used to work in the basement, but now that the kids are grown, I share my bead studio with a bed and dresser in the spare bedroom. I sometimes do paper crafts, though, and those supplies are in the home office. I also adore floral design and the vases, sheers & foam are in the kitchen. So you see how it is…. It's a wonder my husband hasn't had to move out into the garage.
TesoriTrovati
May 2, 2010 at 11:26 pmI have had niches. The dining room table. The coffee table. The floor. But I am lucky in that my new home had a room that was a blank canvas. I am going to make it into my dream studio. But I still find myself on the floor in the living room too.
Enjoy the day! Erin
Designs by Jenean
May 3, 2010 at 2:50 amI have a studio/office but I do most of my crafting in the bedroom. I'm not sure why it works out that way I'm just more comfortable in the bedroom instead of the craftroom. It could be that one room is a lot more crowded than the other.
Lois Moon
May 3, 2010 at 9:46 amI am just setting up a studio in a garage that was long ago converted to a family room by some previous owner. But, it isn't mine alone. It was a storage room and part of it still is, but soon my husband will move in his weights and he has been hinting that he would like to have a table so he can work near me even though we also have a dedicated office. He is so sweet, but he hates the hammering from metal work
Fire Phoenix
May 3, 2010 at 9:58 amI don't have a studio – I do my jewellery making anywhere I can find a comfy seat (sofa, in bed, the floor….), and my lampworking 'studio' is currently the corner of my mother's garage!
Having said that, I am looking to get a shed at my boyfriend's house (I live in a flat, so have no outside space), so I can have an official place to do lampworking, silversmithing and the like. Exciting!
I have to say….I like that laundry basket!
Sweet Willow Designs
May 3, 2010 at 2:26 pmHi Shannon, I enjoyed seeing your studio(s). I'm lucky enough to have a dedicated space in my basement for a studio but being alone in the studio can get a little too quiet. So, I take to roamin' and end up at the coffee table in the family room to keep company with my husband and children. I also have a portable "studio" that fits in a plastic bin that I can take with me when I travel. Since I travel a lot for work, I have had studios in Colorado, Washington DC, Florida, California…wherever. I can't be without at least some of my "stuff". Love your creations
Tiffany Nelson
May 3, 2010 at 5:08 pmI actually create in my closet……we live in a small 2 bedroom condo and the second bedroom closet is the only available space we had left. I have two 6 feet tall wire shelving units each have a piece of plywood on the working space level where my bench pin is mounted and all my tools are. The shelves above and below me are for the storage of "I dont use them as much" materials and tools. My other work space is where my drill press is mounted. I started only using one side of the closet then grew to both and now I actually managed to spill out and take over my husbands sculpture desk. At least the computer desk is still safe….for the time being.
Cynthia
May 3, 2010 at 5:17 pmI was a squatter in my condo living room, until we moved to an actual house, and now my bead area is located in a corner of the guest room. It's good, because I don't have to pick everything up. I can leave partially finished projects on the desk. But the "bad" part of having a dedicated area is that it's not very mobile. When the weather turns nice, it's really hard to spend time up in my corner!
The grass is always greener…
Would love to win your beautiful pendant!
Michelle
May 4, 2010 at 1:13 pmI have a studio in the basement…yes it's brightly colored but it's usually a mess! Most of my basic wirework and bead stitching is done in the family room. My bed is my table where I take photos (cuz it's usually nighttime by the time I get around to taking them) and I have worked on the bedroom floor. Of course I do work in the classroom at my shop–but that's only when I'm teaching a class!
Bead Happy!
Michelle
missficklemedia.com
May 4, 2010 at 3:26 pmThis is awesome! I feel less alone.
I too, bring my beading out to the living room and sometimes I bead in bed but there is something hedonistic about that, it's almost too indulgent for me to give in to!
Thanks for the all the comments, I am visiting your blogs over the next few days.
maneki
May 4, 2010 at 6:54 pmI share a "bead room" with my sis. The room was finished about a couple of years after I started beading and it was really needed as I no longer could fit all my stuff into the bedroom. The best part is the fact that I can keep things laying around, I don't have to gather everything just because I need the space for other things. In the end, I kind of barely have room on the tables, but I like having things out in the open.
Just as often, though, I bead sitting in my bed an so I've got a fair amount of beads and tools by my bed too. Along with my notebooks where I write down ideas and draw sketches and plan things to feature in my blog. Many times I bead in the bed rather than read before going to sleep.
One thing I don't do as much as others is beading in front of the telly, but it's partially to do with the fact I don't watch much as I'm rarely in control of the remote… Besides, I can always watch some of the shows I like online — I already spend too much time on the computer.
Foxglove Studios
May 5, 2010 at 1:02 pmYou may not have a "studio" but you seem pretty organized. My family would love that!
I have a dedicated area – the breakfast bar in our odd little kitchen. It houses my little kiln and metal clay tools & supplies. However, most of the hand finishing and assembly takes place in the living/family room around one end of the sofa.
We have a sizable laundry room that could be my studio but it's only accessible from outside and I want to be near the peeps. 🙂 Not to mention, the indoor-only cat likes to sit next to me and watch. Can't disappoint the cat!
Mary Ann Carroll
May 5, 2010 at 4:45 pmNo wonder…I've connected with you!! My spaces are similiar! I have the kitchen table where most of it gets done. The TV is usually on, but I just have it for noise in the background. I do my packaging,etc. on the kitchen counter….I try to keep the pile neat! The rest of my stuff is piled on shelves in the corner of my bedroom…I'm not expecting Better Homes as Garden to be stopping by too soon to snap some pics! Glad to know that I'm not the only one that bounces all over the place, but manages to get the job/jobs done!!
moo04
May 6, 2010 at 11:05 amWhat a beautiful piece! I too do not have a space just for creating. There is a corner in my bedroom where my supplies are stored. When I work on something; I go through and pull out what I need and work at the dinning room table. The only problem is come meal time, I have to move my piles that seem to be a mess, but actually I have a system…lol!
Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor
May 18, 2010 at 4:17 pmMy laundry pile is bigger! LOL Loved seeing where you create your amazing art jewelry Shannon! For most of my life I created things in various corners of our home. Although I have a dedicated studio now, my 'set' for filming my weekly tutorials is still set up in the middle of our family room, where we temporarily set it up two years ago! I dream of the day when I can move everything into the big bedroom my daughter has, and have it all in one place. But until then I will continue to create where I can as I see you and many others do too. Thanks for sharing your un-studio with us. How fun!
Anonymous
June 26, 2010 at 9:07 pmshannon,
hi,my name is barbara hopkins..i am new to the beading community,i have always had a niche about putting things together,so my daughter tells me.when she was younger[25 now],i would let her go shopping with her friends,then when she would show me her new trinkets,i use to take them apart and change them to look better with whatever she was wearing.
so,when i got diagnosed with a very wierd disease,and lost my fight with it and could no longer work,my disease counselor began helping me to rebuild my life with new things that i am able and capable of doing now. i don't produce like you and others,because
my disease drains all my energy.my
disease counselor asked what i use to do,when i got done telling her,
she asked me where i got my will.
i said i have always been busy,i don't like to sit,but,now i don't really get a say in it.well, all of
the things i use to do,with my kids
took alot of energy,so she told me to think on what new things,i might
like to try and learn to do.mydgtr.
told me to try beading,& to start painting,and taking pictures again.
so,that's what i am doing,slowly.
to answer your question,no i do not have a studio,although that would be nice.but,that's a pipe-
dream.nice though.no i usally go in my bathroom,to string,i have an extra large,long shelf,i put my bead boxes there,so i sit on the dryer,and string[DOOR LOCKED]it's what i call my time.i do my bead put togethers on my bed,due to all new beads,i haven't gone through,
are piled next to my bed.i do any clay work on what i call my picnic table[son in law made it for me.]
being on disability,limits my stock
building,so for my last birthday,my
3 kids and friends,gave me all sorts of beading supplies.it was the greatest,i do understand what you mean though,about going through
with your talent,i had to give my up,but i fought it for 4yrs.,before
losing the battle,please hear me,
when i say never give up your talent,your gift,the chores will get done,the bills will get paid,
but once we let our dreams go,we always,always have an empty place in our heart and our soul.that happened to be in a way i couldn't do anything about,but,your husband,family,love you,so they wouldn't want you to let go of yours.
sincerely,
a fan as well as, a kindred soul,
barbara hopkins at
[email protected]