Lets have a look at the birth of a studio ....

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For years, the creative process would happen wherever we could carve out space in our home. A spare bedroom, the kitchen table, or even the living room. I would have a designated shelf and closet space that would contain totes, carefully labeled, that would have all the tools needed to work on any given project. As you can imagine, although I tried to stay organized, knowing I had to go through totes and set up for each project, it wasn't really conducive to the creative process. But its what I had to work with for many years. 

Then, when we purchased our property here, there was finally space for me to create my very own studio. A place where I could have several projects on the go, separate from the hussel and bussel of everyday home life. A place where I can stop mid project without having to pack away to make space for dinner or guests. A space that I could lock myself away for 30 min or 3 hours, and just create. 

So, with a hard push from my wonderful husband, I began to plan. We sat with our local Mennonite shed builder and came up with a design that would give me just enough space and allow for a ton of beautiful natural light. 

Step 1 was to clear the area where it would sit. By hand (no tractor yet) we cleared trees and bushes. Then we dug trenches so that electrical could be run to my studio. Hired an electrician to come in and set up a podium so that my studio could be easily wired when it was ready...... then we waited for the building to be built.

Step 2 Delivery! It was a cold fall day and we had just gotten a small dump of snow. Being prepared we laid tarps over the pad so that we weren't having to clear snow. Then delivery day finally arrived!

Step 3 Electrical. This was the part of the finishing process that required a professional. I may be able to do many things, but I don't touch plumbing or electrical .... that I leave up to the professionals.

Step 4 Finishes .... this was done over several months. I would carve out time between the busy life of motherhood, teacher, and farmer. Lots of bruised fingers, sore back, maybe a bit of harsh language and the help of my husband when a stage needed more then my short arms and legs could accomplish alone. Voila... a creative space that I poured my blood, sweat, a tears (literally all three) into. 

This space is where paintings come to life and fiber is processed from start to finish. 

                                                                       

So .... welcome to my studio!