Where we create: LaaDeeDye

  Who are you?   When doing business I go by "Dee". My full name is Deanna but Dee has been a nickname all through life, and it fits right into the shop name, LaaDeeDye! Plus it's easier to say... names being pronounced wrong drives me batty.

Where are you located?  Greensboro

What do you create?  Tie Dyed clothing. Traditional T-shirts of all colors and designs, and some handpicked upcycled clothing that needed some color. I also do bandanas, socks, baby clothes, whatever I can get my hands on!

How would you describe the space in which you create?  Zen! Not only is it a combination of indoors and outdoors, it is in my own back yard. I can tie the clothing anywhere I have a flat surface. Outside on my deck if the weather is nice, or inside on a surface on my living room floor (with a football game on maybe!). I can choose to tie alone in silence or sit right in the middle of the action.

  

my portable dye pans and wire racks

 Dying is all done outside! The storage shed my husband built is perfect for taking over with my "studio". The workbench is perfect to set my dye pans on, my "curing" racks live underneath, and the pegboard wall baskets hold my dye bottles away from the garment at hand. I can close up the shed if needed or leave it all open and let the natural light in (my favorite way). Once the clothes spend the night in the shed I bring them all outside on my wire racks for rinsing. Weather doesn't matter during this step... that's what raincoats are for! I will let mother nature help me rinse!

What is your favorite thing about your space?  I love how much of it is outdoors. I have ALWAYS been an outdoor girl. My space is very portable because I am extremely organized... If a dye friend called me up right now and said, "I lit the fire pit, lets dye on my back deck" I could ready in 20 minutes. The outdoor aspect and portability of my space NEVER affects the quality of the product. And yes, that phone call has happened!!

an outdoor rinse day behind the shed

How do you keep your space organized?  Minimalism. Discipline.. okay really I keep it all in two plastic bins. One bin is clothing that is ready to be dyed usually bagged by size for easy counting; finished products have a space in a closet so they don't get wrinkly. I organize that from smallest to largest. The other bin is more complicated. Buckets inside the bin hold my dye bottles upright, plastic kitchen containers hold dye packets and soda ash fixer packets. I keep a roll of trash bags to protect any surface if needed and there's always a box of big zip lock bags and cling wrap (with a sharpie in it) for freshly dyed items. A paper towel roll, scissors, my rubber bands, and about 3 "bar towels" live in there too. Inside a large grocery bag you'll find my dye pans and racks. All of this is really light (minimalism!), so I can just carefully huff my bins around and set up anywhere I have access to water! 

peg board baskets holding my dye bottles

Do you have inspiration pieces in your space? Strangely, no! I may have a quote or two printed and taped in my bin but unless I am trying to duplicate an existing piece, or use one as a color palette, no finished dyes hang out in the "studio", I can't risk it in my small space! If inspiration strikes and I don't want to forget it, I'll use my art markers and sketchbook to "take notes" of what inspired me and they often end up in my bin so I can refer back to them while doing the actual tie or dye.

After you've checked out LaaDeeDye on etsy, you can also find Dee on facebook, wordpress, and @LaaDeeDye on Twitter and Instagram.

NCTriangle Team Members who'd like to be featured, please contact Shore Debris.

Where We Create: Hardin Creations

Who are you?   Meredith Hardin of Hardin Creations
 

Where are you located?  Raleigh, North Carolina
 

What do you create?  Children’s clothing, Decorations mostly buntings 

 How would you describe the space in which you create?  Bright and cheerful! I love being in my craft room, it’s equal parts organized and inspiring.

What is your favorite thing about your space?  It just a really happy room, I love how organized it is and a lot of my favorite things are in that room so while I’m sewing, painting, knitting, or working on embroidery I’m surrounded by photos and mementos of my family. Usually my dogs are snoozing on the floor around me and music is playing, it’s a comforting space.

 How do you keep your space organized?   I have painted crates hanging on the wall as shelves and those are filled with jars, buckets, bottles, and baskets of materials. I also have a framed pegboard that holds ribbons, scissors, paint brushes, all kinds of tools.

Do you have inspiration pieces in your space? Photos of my family & crocheted birds that my grandmother made are all around, I love birds! I keep my fabric scraps in a hanging fruit basket and out in a big bucket that was a drink holder at our wedding reception… so I can always see bits and pieces of fabrics so I never really lose track of what my options are.

Is there something else you'd like to share about your space?  The best thing I ever did was upcycle my boring old computer chair into the fun green/floral one in the photos... I recommend that anyone does this. There are endless possibilities, and it was so inexpensive to use some plastic spray paint and some fabric. I did it about a year ago and I'm still tickled by it each time I see it. 

 Isn't Meredith's room so colorful and organized!  Don't forget to find her items on etsy, and be sure to visit her facebook page and blog!

NCTriangle Team Members who'd like their craft rooms and studio spaces featured, please contact Shore Debris.

Where We Create: Twisted Love

Who are you? Mickey Snowdon and Brianna Travell; co-creators of Twisted Love

Where are you located?  Charlotte, North Carolina  

What do you create?  We create handmade wire wrapped metal jewelry.

How would you describe the space in which you create?  An unfurnished, unelaborated, unorganized, unorthodox creative haven.

What is your favorite thing about your space?  It is very close to the coffee maker and beer.

How do you keep your space organized?  Brianna occasionally takes inventory, and we have a lot of Tupperware. And by a lot, we mean 30 containers.

Do you have inspiration pieces in your space? If so, what are they?  Mickey’s handed-down Leopard painting and Brianna’s dad’s historic record player. Oh, and our eleven year old Chihuahua.

Enjoyed seeing Twisted Love's workspace?  Don't forget to find their beautiful jewelry on etsy, visit their website, like them on facebook, and join them on pinterest!

NCTriangle Team Members interested in showing off your work space?  Please contact Shore Debris.

Where We Create: Inside Muddy Heart's Studio

Who are you? My name is Melissa Paxton, but everyone calls me Meli. My pottery shop is called Muddy Heart; I picked this name because for some random reason I see heart shaped things everywhere!!, and when doing pottery, being muddy and dirty is a given!

Where are you located? I live in Cary, NC with my supporting husband and my baby yorkie named Chloe.

What do you create? I make all sorts of pottery pieces, from delicate jewelry, to mugs, to vases, to pretty dishes and wind chimes!. I do try to keep my pieces small....mainly because my studio is soooo small.

How would you describe the space in which you create? ADORABLY INSPIRING!-- I open the door to my closet..ahem, STUDIO, and I immediately feel like I have to be there making something!. It is tiny, but it is very accommodating and serves its purpose, plus it is so shabby chic cute, I love just looking at it!.
What is your favorite thing about your space? I actually like how tiny and secluded it is, and also how much I manage to create in there!.

How do you keep your space organized? Ok, any artist/creative person knows that when you're in "the zone" all sense of order and organization goes out the window (I hope I'm not alone in this). When I am working, my space is a little chaotic for some, but everything is kept in labeled clear storage containers, where it all goes back in neatly after every working session.
Do you have inspiration pieces in your space? I have an inspiration board right in front of me, where I keep all sorts of pictures I am drawn to. Most of them have nothing to do with pottery, but I love the colors, and that is enough to get my mind going in creating items based on that!. Aside from my inspiration board, I look at tons of things at antique shops and at flea markets; old is new again, and I feel that craftsmen/women back in the day had an amazing talent at making everything more intricate, and I want to emulate that as much as possible.

Is there something else you'd like to share about your space? My actual working surface is only 32 inches wide by 16 inches deep ^_^. Tiny is right!

After ogling this tiny space, you'd better swing by Muddy Heart on etsy to see the beautiful creations that come out of it. While you're still in a Muddy Heart mood, don't forget to catch up on the Domestiquette blog. You can also find her on facebook under Muddy Heart, on twitter as BDOMESTIQUETTE, and on Pinterest as Domestiquette.

NCTriangle Team members that would like to be featured, please contact ShoreDebris.

Where We Create: Designed by Val's Space

I am Val Swanson, jewelry designer for Designed by Val. I have an online shop and I am located at Holly Springs, NC. I design one-of-a-kind jewelry using precious gems, semi-precious gems, Swarovski crystals, lampworked beads, and more.
How would I describe the space in which I create?
I have a wonderful set up in our bonus room. The workstation is made out of a desk, credenza, table, and two cabinets. In addition, I have 2 boxes, 1 bin, and a sewing basket. I primarily design on the desk using a variety of beadboards. I use the table for overflow. The cabinets were built by my fabulous husband. One cabinet has all precious gems, semi-precious gems, and Swarovski crystals. The other cabinet has all of my metal beads and findings. My space is organized in a giant circle so I can sit in my chair and reach everything except for the metal beads and findings. Periodically, I have to stop and dig out from under a mess and clean off my work space.

What is my favorite thing about my space?
My favorite piece in my area, after the cabinets built by my husband, is my sewing basket. In the sewing basket I keep all of my stringing wire, metal chain, and overflow tools. I also recently just obtained a complete set of the Wubbers specialty pliers which I highly recommend. I have seven lamps surrounding my work area which gives me many different options in ambient light.
How do I keep my space organized?
My metals are all organized by type – so all sterling silver beads and findings are together, same for gold filled, vermeil, etc. My stones are all organized by color and so are my Swarovski crystals, Czech glass, and lampwork beads. All stringing materials are kept in the sewing box. Chains are bagged together by metal type. I have a separate box for all wire which is bagged by metal type. It’s important to be able to lay your hands on your materials quickly; this also makes it easier to make a supply order because you can quickly determine what is missing.

Do I have inspiration pieces in my space?
I have a notebook full of techniques, color lessons, and jewelry from the trade magazines. When I am stumped, I open the notebook and flip through it looking for a color scheme or feeling to strike me. Once a feeling grabs hold, I close the notebook and start to create.
In addition to my etsy shop, you may find me on facebook, on Twitter @DesignedbyVal, and on Linkedin at Valerie Swanson. Facebook fans receive a special monthly coupon code to use on any item. I also run a Featured Item of the Day which will be one special item highlighted in my shop and on sale for 24 hours.

NC Triangle Team members who wish to be featured, please contact Shore Debris.

Where We Create: In the Studio with Liv'nGood Jewelry

This week Jill Liles of Liv'nGood Jewelry shares her creative space with us:

How would you describe the space in which you create?

It's a converted (unused) guest bedroom. We stripped out the carpet that had been tortured by our pets and replaced it with peel and stick tiles. I have a table set up as a workspace, and two shelving units for storage.

What is your favorite thing about your space?
It really lets me separate from everything else going on and focus on my work. Some pieces (chainmaille especially) I can sit in front of the TV and work on. But when I need or want to focus, I have this outlet. I also like that since it's "my" space and not a shared area (like the kitchen table!) I can leave everything out, and don't have to pack it all in at the end of the day. Which leads to...

More info and pictures of her studio on Jill's Blog

How do you keep your space organized?

Badly ;) There's a rough sort of organization in that event stuff (tables, chairs, tent) are in one corner, there's a photo station permanently set up here, a shipping supply stash over there. But a far cry from a space that you'd walk into and say "Wow, what great organization!" It's more like managed chaos.

Do you have inspiration pieces in your space? If so, what are they?
Yep. My husband makes metal sculptures, so I have two of his pieces on the wall. I also have a metal star sconce from My Truck Leroy (another local artist) that I absolutely love. Over my work table is one of those french ribbon bulletin boards with postcards of Georgia o'Keeffe and Ansel Adams' work. I've got more stuff for the bulletin board, but it's in one of those "chaos" piles.

Is there something else you'd like to share about your space?
When I'm in there working, my dogs always come in with me and lay down on the floor by my chair. They usually stick with my husband when we're home, but for some reason the studio is "our" space.
________________

You can find Liv'nGood Jewelry at her Etsy shop or her homepage. Be sure to also subscribe to her blog at http://livngoodjewelry.blogspot.com/.

If you'd like your studio to be featured in Where We Create, convo EllesBeads on Etsy.

Where We Create: Modoro1957

Today we join Modoro1957 in her sunroom...

How would you describe the space in which you create?
Well, I really do carry my green yard bag everywhere, so the concept of "my space" is a little vague for me. This room I've shot here is our sunroom, which has both the first starfish afghan I made as well as my basket of yarn. I think I've always had a basket of yarn in my home, even when I wasn't making anything. It's just a beautiful sight for me. Lots of potential, even if no time!

What is your favorite thing about your space?
This room has loads of light and air, and a high ceiling with a fan. It's also painted in beach colors, so when I'm in here, I'm actually on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. (I made the sofa cover, too, which has a repeating pattern of tiny beach cabanas.)


Do you have inspiration pieces in your space?
That first afghan. I had never crocheted before and figuring out how to make those starfish was like Einstein hitting upon E=MC2.


Is there something else you'd like to share about your space?
I'm happy as long as I have my yarn bag with me. You never know when blank time will present itself.

Where We Create: The Salty Cat Co.

Today's crafting space visit is to the studio of The Salty Cat Co....

How would you describe the space in which you create?
My studio is fairly organized, except for the table on which I create. That's usually full of the supplies needed for whatever project I'm working on at the moment. When I'm done with that project, I'll clean up and start the mess all over again with a new project!

What is your favorite thing about your space?
It's all mine! (Well, that, and all the storage space!)

How do you keep your space organized?
Lots of cabinets! I also organize by craft type, so all my jewelry supplies are together, sewing supplies are together, rubber stamping supplies are together and so on!

Do you have inspiration pieces in your space?
I often display items that I've either created or discovered for inspiration. Sometimes it's pieces of jewlery, sometimes a card I've created, or something I've sewn!





--If you're a NCTriangle team member and would like to share the space where you create, please contact DinnerTimeChimes.

Where We Create: AnnaKayCreations

A peak into the space where AnnaKayCreations created her lovely jewelry...

How would you describe the space in which you create?
Two words- simple and comfortable.

What is your favorite thing about your space?
The lighting is the best part, it hits right in the middle of the dinning room. Lighting is very important in the jewelry making process.

How do you keep your space organized?
I like to keep things really organized. All my beads and findings are sorted by color and organized in storage containers so I can easily find what I need. If the beads are no longer in use the storage containers are stacked in my pink jewelry craft bag, it stores up to 12 of these containers and it's very convenient. When my jewelry creations meet my expectations I package them in resealable storage bags and securely place them in the jewelry bag, a separate compartment from the storage containers. Everything else such as the shipping supplies, thank you cards, brochures, jewelry boxes etc are neatly organized in separate boxes for future use. Keeping my space organized keeps me focused on what I'm doing.



Do you have inspiration pieces in your space?
hmmm, not really. Can be anything :)



Is there something else you'd like to share about your space?
For now it's comfortably small but I could use a much bigger space.




If you're a NCTriangle team member and would like to share the space where you create, let DinnerTimeChimes know.

Where We Create: Fancythatcookies

This week we are given a sneak peak into Fancythatcookies' kitchen... if only we could smell what was cooking too!

How would you describe the space in which you create?
Counter space! Big window! I have pretty good counter space in my kitchen, and a really big window. I have just enough counter space that I won’t run out space when I bake, or knocking off stuff while I am baking. That big window in my kitchen is a great backdrop for most of the pictures from my shop. It lets sun in on a sunny day, and I can see my lavender flowers, garden and blue birds from where I am working.

What is your favorite thing about your space?
Just big enough, not too small or big. Easy to keep them clean and organized.

How do you keep your space organized?
All my sugar, chocolate, flour, spices and herbs have their own little home in the pantry.


Do you have inspiration pieces in your space?
The big window that’s in the kitchen. Standing in front of it with a cup of hot coffee makes my normal morning even better.

Is there something else you'd like to share about your space?
I have a few pictures that I would like to share with everybody.


The big window!

The counter space!
The Best Rich Chocolate Torte!
The pantry!






--If you're a member of the NCTriangle team and like to show off the space where YOU create, let me know.

Where We Create, Behind the Scenes of NCTriangle Etsiers

This week we are given a glimpse into the craft room where Rabbithollowprims are created...

How would you describe the space in which you create?

I would have to say cluttered with an attempt at organization LOL.

What is your favorite thing about your space?

My dollies.

How do you keep your space organized?

I try to keep everything together in sets. Like all vintage linens go here, rusty items there, etc.

Do you have inspiration pieces in your space?
My favorite piece is a snowman my son made this past year. He drew up the pic which hangs on my bulletin board and then I helped him make it into a doll. The other piece i absolutely love is the butterfly skeleton because I bought that piece and it has shown me I can sew on paper and seal it to make new piece of art :)


Is there something else you'd like to share about your space?
The only thing else is that it needs to be bigger so I am going to revamp this summer and see if I can create more space out of what I have.





--If you're a member of the NCTriangle team and like to show off the space where YOU create, let me know.

Where We Create: Behind the Scenes of NC Triangle Etsiers

"Where We Create: Behind the Scenes of NC Triangle Etsiers" was a weekly series on our team blog in the past. With the many new faces on the team, I'm hoping that the team members (both new and old) will be willing to share their "space" (couch, kitchen, table, closet, basement, etc.) with the readers so that we will be able to keep this weekly series going.

This week we are granted a glimpse into Hillary's craft room where she creates the beautiful pieces that you'll find in purpurin!

How would you describe the space in which you create?
My guest bedroom has been set up as a craft room. It has a desk for my sewing machine and a large table for laying out projects. My laundry closet is in that room, which makes it easy to pre-shrink fabric and iron in the same room as my sewing machine. I try to keep my crafts contained to one room.

What is your favorite thing about your space?
My favorite thing about my craft room is that it has nice natural light coming through the two windows in the afternoon. One window looks out on the forest full of pines and kudzu behind my house.

How do you keep your space organized?
My laundry closet has sheets and towels, but also has a lot of space for craft supplies. It helps that I have lots of storage boxes, drawers and shelves. The top shelves of the closet are filled with boxes of items I have already finished and my fiber and supplies. I sewed a hanging organizer for the back of a door to store circular knitting needles and odds and ends of yarn. I also have shelves and rolling carts to keep mailing envelopes, boxes and bubble wrap scraps that I could re-use. It’s also where I keep my collection of little cards to send personal notes with each item I sell on Etsy.

Do you have inspiration pieces in your space?
I have a silkscreen print of bright orange leaves hanging above my sewing desk. There are also two little framed postcards by Yoshitomo Nara, a Japanese contemporary artist.

Is there something else you'd like to share about your space?
It’s probably the most organized room of the house. I try to keep the room cleaner than any other room of the house so that I am prepared if I ever get a call to do conservation or restoration work on a painting. I have to remind myself that the space is intended to be dedicated to my “day job” as an art conservator.


--If you're a member of the NCTriangle team and like to show off the space where YOU create, let me know.

Where We Create: Behind the Scenes of NC Triangle Etsiers

"Where We Create: Behind the Scenes of NC Triangle Etsiers" was a weekly series on our team blog in the past. With the many new faces on the team, I'm hoping that the team members (both new and old) will be willing to share their "space" (couch, kitchen, table, closet, basement, etc.) with the readers so that we will be able to keep this weekly series going.

This week we are granted a glimpse into Cathy Spargo's studio where she creates the beautiful pieces that you'll find in earthboarjewelry!



How would you describe the space in which you create?
Accessible and dedicated! No more dragging boxes in and out of a cabinet. It is easy to sit down and get something done.

Funny this article should come at this time. I have finally organized my space. I was married about 2 years ago and my husband works from home, so he needed a home office. We decided on a house addition to create that space for him and it also morphed into some space for me - yoga and jewelry. Ironically I had more table space than my husband: one large maple table ( a smidgen over 7 ft long and 3 ft wide) and one large desk (almost 7 ft long) that my mother designed when I was a child. I had sentimental feelings for the old desk and had trouble letting go even though it was time. A friend helped me find a good home for the desk and it is still being used for crafting. Anyhow, now I just have the maple desk and a tower from craigs list I’m trying out right now. So far so good.

I have a very good light with a magnifying element that my husband gave me, room for a computer on the corner, and a printer. Unfortunately now I have expanded into our screened in porch because I am using a drill press and belt sander occasionally. I’ll have to figure out an alternate space in the garage this summer because I’m sure my husband will put the brakes on that - and rightfully so. It is a great porch. Another problem looming on the horizon - I am currently going to local metal smithing club meetings and so I am expanding in what I need for tools...torch, maybe some ferric chloride and who knows what else. So I hope I don’t regret giving up that extra table!

I do wish that I faced east instead of west. I’ve always felt like I’m facing the wrong direction - maybe a plug for that feng shui thing. Couldn’t get my hubby to switch sides with me though

How do you keep your space organized?
A continual struggle. About once or twice a year I have to do a major house cleaning. I am always looking for the perfect bead organizers but am judicious about what I decide to try. Everything you buy cuts into your profits and ability to buy new shiny beads. My most recent buy was a Bead Pavilion from Sova-Enterprises.

I continually thumb through organization magazines and visit stores. I found some nice leather CD organizers and boxes that are holding various things. Those have worked well.

Fortunately, with our new addition we built a large closet in which I store show set up items. Having a Canvas Rolling Bag (AB Fixtures, Raleigh) that carries jewelry trays keeps my made inventory neatly organized and lives in my closet. I can also use these black trays in shows.



Do you have inspiration pieces in your space?
I am working on my “inspiration corner” by collecting objects. I have enough now to begin some type of arrangement. Oddly enough these are not jewelry pieces. They are quotes, professional and nonprofessional works of art, found nature objects and cards created by my friends. Just things that make me feel good or I identify with in some way. Eventually they’ll be hung around my space to add to the loving and warm aura.

Is there something else you'd like to share about your space?
Just that usually, for completeness, it has to contain a couple of dogs and cats preferably with the cats NOT sitting on a current creation.

--If you're a member of the NCTriangle team and like to show off the space where YOU create, let me know.

Where We Create: Behind the Scenes of NC Triangle Etsiers

How would you describe the space in which you create?

My space is the room formerly known as the sunroom!

What is your favorite thing about your space?

It’s surrounded by windows and trees, in the middle of everything I need to do during the day around the house, but set off just enough to be its own area.

How do you keep your space organized?

It’s pretty easy- I’m always organized (I have issues!) Plus, it helps that everything is kept in a cute antique container of some sort, so they are my decorations as well as functioning pieces.

Do you have inspiration pieces in your space? If so, what are they?

My main desk was a work bench in my Dad’s Chicago office many years ago and I love working on it. The plates in the windows are a Christmas present from my husband from William Sonoma, by a French artist who uses vintage newspapers in his work.

Is there something else you'd like to share about your space?

Several of the furnishings were pulled out of different neighbor’s garbage piles!

**Meg is also hosting the NC Triangle Team Fall Boutique.
When: Saturday, September 27th
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Apex (email Meg for addy)
Who: The best of the best- 18 NC Triangle Etsy Shops

Where We Create: Behind the Scenes of Funky Folk Art Pottery

Welcome to Behind the Scenes. This week check out behind-the-scenes pictures of Funky Folk Art Pottery ...

How would you describe your space in which you create?
Its a bedroom in my house (did you see the movie Ghost???)... i have converted it over as a studio where i have my potters wheel and anything i need to throw a pot. And i also paint each piece individually so i do that in there as well. But honestly i have pottery in various stages all over the house... its a bit insane!!!

What is your favorite thing about your space?
Its peaceful..its mine..my kitties can come and go as they please. I can work till the wee hours and then crawl into bed if I want. Its funky and cool and I love it.

How do you keep your space organized?
HAHAHAHAHA um... I try. I am really bad about making piles of stuff..I clean/straighten my studio before i begin to throw..i throw clay for a week or more filling up every available space with pottery. THEN after its fired i have to totally clean the studio again because i paint on top of the wheel..that means taking it completely apart..wiping (hosing) everything down... Pottery is dusty and i take great pains to keep that down to a minimum. SO i guess that's how i organized..its still messy..those piles keep piling up!! LOL


Do you have inspiration pieces in your space?
I have several idea books that inspire me when i get ready to paint. I love magazines and when they start to pile up i cut pics and then glue them into those spiral index card notebook thingies... they are so cool I LOVE to peek at them and think about designs etc. I also have several bulletin boards that are covered with something that i have drawn in the middle of the night or while driving... pics from magazines... thoughts... words..etc.


Is there something else you'd like to share about my space?
I do all my glazing on my back porch... that's a trip... between the bugs and the sweat lots of fun. I also have to load up the truck and take all pottery to a friends in Durham since i have kiln issues. I hope to have the shed moved and electricity in place so then i can get my kiln up and running. I was laid off in Jan so i find it very hard to spend every cent i have on the shed/kiln. Even though it would help my business. But it will be the best day when that actually happens!!