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.