1.27.2010

The Art Room/Play Space Reveal

We finally moved my grandma's sewing machine upstairs and have completed the transformation of our guest room (some "before" photos here) into a making and doing area.
SoJo and I have been enjoying the room quite a bit, though I can't say I get any needle work done with a toddler wanting to play (which is fine by me, most days).
The rest of our house is not this "colorful"--or cluttered, as Mr. Geek is prone to saying. The man would be happiest in a room with a chair and white walls. I try to keep the rest of the house more toned-down, though he would disagree.
I'm so pleased that my grandma's sewing machine is back in view after spending the last 5+ years in basements--first my parents', then mine.
When she was alive, I loved to look at it in her converted-closet sewing room. I always told her that it was the only thing of hers that I wanted one day, and here it is. I removed the original sewing machine (which is still in the basement) because it needed work and was just way too heavy inside it. I love all the little drawers that were filled with forgotten treasures.
All of grandma's sewing notions were still stuffed inside. I can't believe I forgot about them! Everything from thread to bra extender straps!I love this velvet pincusion from Niagara Falls which was embellished with Iroquois beadwork.
I also found a ruler with weird notes on it, along with a cool wooden needle holder. I've been using one of her vases to hold my felting needles.

Here are some of her silk threads,
which I've put in one of my hand-felted, handsewn button bowls.
Back to the room...one of the best parts about it is that so much of it was furnished with roadside finds, like this bamboo shelving unit
and the white kids' table and chairs.In fact, the only thing I bought was that shelving unit under the quilt, which we had had for years. Everything else was either found on the street or given to us, including the chalk board (an alley find), which I repainted. It really pays to live in town! Except of course for those drunk college kids.That red wicker chair? Totally found on the street in my parents' neighborhood. Weird what people throw out.It's nice that this room adjoins SoJo's room, so we can just open the door and let him go back and forth. So there you have it. I'd like to sew some bunting for the windows to replace the paper ones (made from book pages), but that will probably take me some time. Oh, and to repaint. I made the mistake of painting it a gray-purple to go with the one of the bedspreads that I had in the guest room. It's an ok color, but I'd prefer something cheerier. Repainting will probably happen when we move SoJo's bedroom into here in a few years.

So there you have it. Hopefully this will be a space to inspire many creative activities to come.


13 comments:

Braley Mama said...

It looks like it came from a magazine. Did u paint that magpie picture? I love it!
Great work!

vanessa said...

Absolutely gorgeous! I am jealous! What a great space to be creative in.

I love the mobile. What is hanging from it? I can't quite see, but it looks beautiful.

Thanks for sharing. Your grandmother's sewing table is amazing.

Muthering Heights said...

It looks wonderful...you did SUCH a great job!!!

{As for Mr. Geek, I say Pish Tosh...he can stay out of there if he doesn't like it. :P It's a wonderful space for you!!!!}

Ammie said...

I love it, too. It's bright and fun without being overwhelming. (I'm not a lover of white walls, but I am a fan of restful spaces.) I love the mix of new and antique and adult and child.

Gray Matters said...

What a treasure - it looks awesome! I'm sure anyone would be inspired to make something beautiful in that space! Good job.

TheEclecticElement said...

How beautiful is that room! Seriously, I LOVE your old soul style-That looks like something I would totally live in :)

That sewing stand is just gorgeous. I think my favorite thing is finding wondrous and random things. It's so exciting just to hold the past in your hands!

Oh, and I totally agree with you-It's amazing what people will throw away. You know what they say, 'One man's trash...'

Stephanie said...

The room looks beautiful. Very artistic...and so practical too! :)

stephanie@metropolitanmama.net

SkylarKD said...

What a fantastic room!!
I love your sewing table too - what a nice thing to have there, filled with memories! :)

Kari @ A Giveaway Addicted Mommy said...

I have a feeling that you could be creative in a cardboard box... in fact you'd probably find some way to turn that box into the Taj Mahal. :) Love the room!!

JamericanSpice said...

I agree, this is such a treasure! I loved seeing that sewing machine. It brings back memories for me using the ones at the girls home.

It looks like a nice little room with all the touches done and surely your hubs is as my BIL he would rather white walls and only a bed or couch!

Love the sharing. Thank you.

Michelle @ Flying Giggles said...

I love it! You did a fabulous job. I can tell you are an artist, you have a great eye.

Isn't that amazing how one person's trash is our treasure!

And there is that Magpie painting again, I love it! I remember seeing it in one of your posts about your craft corner, or I think it was in your crafting corner.

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