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Friday, June 18, 2010

Beyond Here . . .(Where Bloggers Create II)

I don't remember when I first began dabbling with the graphic arts. But I have always had an obsession with visual/spacial relationships.

I was an exception to the messy room rule of adolescence. I wanted aesthetic surroundings. My mother complained that I made a space look "not lived in." (That was the LAST time anyone could accuse me of THAT!!)

Order and beauty made me sane and comfortable. And I truly believe it does that for all of us. Beauty refines us and brings us joy.

I first sold my greeting cards in a couple of gift shops. Later I took a space in an antiques shop and sold them there. And now I sell them in my own small vintage shop.

I use vintage graphics almost exclusively in a small production process at home where each card is unique. I also design and produce all my own business cards and marketing materials.

I love nature themes. Birds, shells, bugs, etc. And I enjoy travel and postal elements.

Here are my shop business cards. And here is my home studio. . .

If my home were a ship on the sea, my workspace would be the captain's quarters. I never planned a theme, my space just holds the personal odd things I love to collect. The hall accepts the overflow of maps, travel posters, and albums. Hats worn on safari hang with a straw tote from Spain.

When the old mapmakers reached the end of the known world they drew in fanciful creatures to warn navigators that "beyond here be dragons"-- the fearful unknown. Creativity calls for the same fearlessness. For some, the imagination is as restless as any adventurer. And it insists on room to navigate. . . (A louvered screen conceals a file cabinet and storage on top, but also serves as a posting board. When needed (often), the screen blocks the entrance.)


A luggage tower contains files, photos, memorabilia, etc., and is housed on a sturdy shelf containing more supplies concealed with a curtain.

A simple wide homemade bookshelf that I have owned for thirty years anchors the main workspace wall. My desk barely contains the electronics on top! Oh well!

More storage inside the wicker trunk on metal legs, which also serves as a dictionary stand.

I don't know how I would manage without my antique cubby drawers! They contain my gear--rubber stamps and ink pads, graphics, photos, ribbon, sales tags, and bits and pieces for projects.

I'm always scouting out vintage storage containers.

My favorite, from a collection of vintage globes, lights up!

The cluttered room has large outdoor views on both sides. Scoping the horizon goes with the territory.

A few collected things atop a shelf.

Another of my globes with a chess board for my 16th birthday.

Always something going on here and it shows!

A Belgian tapestry presides above the bookcase wall.

And the upper walls are all papered with posters from travels.

My souvenirs are often paper, linens, and photos. Easy to pack, ship, or carry.

Posters make wonderful reminders of museum visits and are great inexpensive art!

Why do you suppose that I love this Vermeer painting?


Back along the crowded corridor to my work space is an antique Madonna figure from the Philippines, serene in her "nicho." The one calm space. I give her a nod now and then, or place an object, or an occasional candle.

I love the way she sits upon the waves, a figurehead at the prow of my idealized vessel. In bygone days the figurehead embodied the spirit of the ship, placated the gods of the sea, and ensured a good voyage. I like to think she does the same for me.


Thanks for sailing by! Ciao! for now, and bon voyage!

Jacqueline

Thanks also to Karen of My Desert Cottage for sponsoring Where Bloggers Create II.

60 comments:

  1. Well, my dear Jacqueline, I knew you were a deep and somewhat mysterious woman. Now, I see evidence. Your workspace is a museum in itself. I am so intrigued with your card business. We have a lot in common here, but you have the talent, I just have the love for it. You have left me wanting to come visit, to meet you face to face and to see you at work.
    xo,
    Debra

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  2. What a lovely and inspiring place to work. Your work is lovely, and your vintage storage is to die for.

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  3. You are surrounded by such wonderful ephemera in your space! It reminds me of a library of some interesting yet mysterious author. I love that the shipping and worldly travel feel is incorporated throughout! Your studio has such personality. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Connie

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  4. What a great creative space! So, enjoyed my visit with you! Enjoy the rest of the party.
    Hugz,
    Zandra

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  5. I want to book passage on your next journey!
    Your cubby storage is to die for. tfs
    luverlie@gmail.com

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  6. A wonderful workspace!

    I am doing a recap post about the party. I would love to include a picture from your post with a link back so my readers can visit you. Do I have your permission to use one? xo Joan@anythinggoeshere

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  7. great studio space...I could lose a few hours in there....easily!!!


    Joy..............always

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  8. Hi Jacqueline! Wow, your card are GORGEOUS and your studio is amazing. I love the vintage cabinets! Thank you so much for sharing your little corner of the world. I really enjoyed the tour!
    xo,
    Karen
    My Desert Cottage

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  9. I was simply mesmerized the moment I got here. I love those vintage cubbies. They are perfect for stashing smaller items away. I can see why they are some of your favorites. Of course, I loved the old "ships and things," as well as your lovely nicho, so what can I say? Thanks for sharing this really beautiful and inspiring space.

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  10. What a great creative space with so many wonderful storage items and vintage to boot. How wonderful.
    Thank you so much for letting peek into your life and creative passions.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  11. Your space is amazing and I'd love to sail on your "ship" anytime. I love all your old cabinets you use for storage.
    Thanks for sharing, tammy

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  12. This is such an interesting space! I really love it's ambiance - it's hint of travel and exotic places. What a wonderful place in which to create! ::Jill

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  13. I love your vintage drawers. So useful. Your artwork is stunning. Thanks for the tour.

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  14. To me, your space is just pure perfection! I loved it. I think it's a room I would be so happy to spend the day in. :)

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  15. This is the reason I think your blog is FANTASTIC and your talent is also. You have created a space that is sooooo comfortable, gracious and sophisticated.........I LOVE IT!

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  16. Your space is wonderful - very old world in feeling. I want to pull up a chair and pour through your books, look at your posters and ephemera.

    Thank you for sharing your space with us.

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  17. Such divine vintage treasures!! You have a wonderful flair!
    Best wishes,
    Chris

    www.curbyscloset.com/blog/

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  18. What an amazing space you have created! You have inspired me to add to my own crafting area.

    I adore all of your storage solutions.

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  19. Jacqueline,
    your place is great, love it,--and your blog.
    Have to come back to read more about your cards.
    Hugs,Dorthe

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  20. I could live in there...what a comfortable, inspiring space. I love that it wasn't a planned theme and that it just evolved!...so glad for the "party" so that I could be introduced to your blog...I am compelled to follow! Thanks for inviting us in.

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  21. Great space! Love the stack of suitcases and the big stack of drawers!
    Theresa

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  22. Surrounding yourself with carefully collected treasures, and rose images .... you're my kind of gal!! Your studio is lovely.
    Connie

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  23. Hello, what a beautiful place you have to create in... I see your shop is located in Albuquerque... my roots are in New Mexico, what a beautiful place... your shop sounds just wonderful, do you sell online as well? I am such a Nature lover, and I adore all of your bird and Nature themed treasures... thanks so much for sharing... xoxo Julie Marie

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  24. Really Terrific creative space...loved it!

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  25. Hi Jacqueline, I am just now catching up on blogs... took a couple days of zone time:-) I am loving seeing your creative space! You have such great depth of expression your surrounding mirrot that to a t! Oh and my husband peeked in on me and is so jealous of that great cubby cabinet:-)
    Bella

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  26. I had a lovely time touring your creative space...the treasures sprinkled throughout are magnificent!

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  27. Your room is fantastic - love the luggage tower and the globe! I also like the way you incorporate your souvenirs into your space. It is delightful and thank you for the tour!

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  28. That is a very lovely space. I think the stack of vintage suitcases is charming and love your antique cubbies. You have so many things that are just plain beautiful in the room...the grandfather clock and the vintage globe. I am anxious to see more of your graphic work from what I have seen here. It is an area that is so interesting to me (and an are that I know very little about).

    If you wish, come and visit our blog. My daughter and I are only three months old (blogging) but have been making jewelry for fifteen years.Our blog is about our jewelry but also our lives and interests...i adore paper crafts, she loves vintage fashion, we both love rummage and estate sales! I have a growing collection of old books and particularly love old children's books.

    http://katsuijewelry.blogspot.com

    Suz

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  29. A truly beautiful place to make such beautiful things. I enjoyed it so much...just lovely!

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  30. Hi Jacqueline, I have had a beautiful time browsing through your studio. It is over~flowing with all things I love. Your cabinets are amazing. I am glad to have found your blog, beautiful and your cards are really pretty. Thanks for sharing.I have just now hit the C's have a long way to go on this journey.
    Debby

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  31. Jacqueline, I have absolutely fallen in love with your creative space and your blog. You are truly talented beyond belief and I just love the way you have placed such beautiful things all around you. I found myself smiling inside as I wandered around your blog. I love your idea of the captains quarters on a ship - beautiful imagery. But beyond all that, you have such a talent for photographing your vignettes and artwork. Just wonderful. I am definitely signing up to be a follower. Blessings.
    Tricia

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  32. Jacqueline, I love your studio. It's very calming to the eye and I adore that huge piece with all the drawers.

    Hugs,

    Shelley

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  33. Your room definitely reminds me of a Captain's cabin of an old time ship! What a place to work in! I just love everything about your room. It's wonderful! Thanks for sharing your wonderful and inspirational space!

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  34. What a warm and inviting place you have.. I am in love with you Antiuqe cubby drawers..What a great way to store all your crafting supplies, and your stacked luggage is also another favorite. I could hang out here all day!
    Well Thank you for letting me take a little peek inside. I enjoyed my stay!
    Hugs, Linda

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  35. Love the theming of a ship's captain quarters! You've accomplished this and more! Always a lover of the ocean and travel, I appreciate your creative space as inspiring and welcoming! Thank you so much for sharing!!

    Purrs!

    "Her" and Romeo

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  36. Hi Jacqueline :)
    Before I even entered your studio, I smiled at all the photos of Fried Green Tomatoes {sigh}
    Then, when I did enter your studio...all I could do is {sigh} again :)
    You have a fabulous little spot where you could spin your globe, close your eyes and escape...even if it were just for a while...
    Love it.

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  37. Hi Jacqueline:
    A truly beautiful and inspired place. I can see why you love to be there. Thanks for sharing.
    Blessings,
    Donna

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  38. I seriously love your space. It might be my favorite of the entire party.

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  39. What a lovely studio you have. I love all the vintage storage. Thanks for the wonderful tour and have a wonderful day. Angela

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  40. Your whole space is a treasure chest to be explored and "ooh and ahhed" over! I love that you have a huge dictionary out and on a stand. This is definitely a room that says "you" with all your travel keepsakes, gift items and things that mean something to you.

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  41. Your Creative Space is Amazing..... Very Old World, Captains Quarters Indeed ~ Love the Antique Cubby Drawers, they are Fabulous ~ Thanks for Sharing....

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  42. Very cozy!! Love the vintage cubby drawers!!! You remind me so much of an actress, can't think of her name, but she's been in a lot of movies!! Do you ever get that?:) Thanks for the tour of your space! Love your tags!!:)

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  43. Your spaces are so romantic and inspiring! thanks for sharing! sandy

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  44. I love your space and the fact that you keep items that are meaningful to you. Your antique cubby drawers are just wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing. XOXO

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  45. I just love your little space! And those drawer cubbies are to die for! Thank you for the tour.....
    -Rochelle

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  46. What a lovely creative space you have. My favorite is the vintage cubby drawers. I wish I had that for my papers. Thanks for sharing.

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  47. Oh boy, Jacqueline, your space is awesome, reminds me of an English stone cottage, so warm and welcoming with mysteries to be had. Love, love your cubby drawers, a wonderful piece.
    Come by Big Horn Mountain Creations for a visit.
    Hugs
    Gail

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  48. Hi Jacqueline, I have so enjoyed visiting with you and have been inspired by your passion, thank you so much :)
    Melly:)

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  49. I would love to go thru all your special treasures and see what awaits. I think your space is magical. Thankyou so much for sharing it with us, Char

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  50. I love the look and feel of your studio. The vintage storage drawers are fabulous.

    Thank you for sharing your creative space with us. Have a terrific Tuesday. ~Natalie

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  51. Your antique cubby drawers are something totally worth envying! Thank you for sharing your space.

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  52. a lovely, lovely place to spend time in to create!! so warm and inviting!!! love the cubbies and those stacked luggage pieces!!!

    becky

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  53. Your studio looks like such a magical space. I would love to come and visit and see the things you make and play with all your stuff.

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  54. Love your studio! It's special!
    My fave is the huge chest of drawers and the globes!
    I finally got around here the list of participants seems endless to me lol but I'm glad I came to your studio at the end!
    Sending you warmest wishes from a very hot Germany
    Carola

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  55. Very Unique! Seems I am just now starting on this journey through the party but I have not seen another crafters space like yours. Thank you for sharing~ Sherry w/Scrapping With Sherry

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  56. i like your 'stuff!' :)i'd love to stroll around your creative space. i also have a very small collection of globes...fascinating worlds! :)

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  57. wow I'm speachless, you have an eye for detail, everything from decorating to taking the image of your fine work...

    where have I been, but I finally here!

    Kirstie.

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  58. Jacqueline - your studio is just lovely - so inspirational! And I love your card creations, too.

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  59. You are truly blessed with a special gift!

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  60. Your studio is absolutely wonderful! What a wonderful space to creat in....Thanks for sharing, xox, Teresa from foxhollowtales.com

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