Craft room Chaos - 'Before' pics

For lots of creative folks today brings another installment of What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday.

For me, it is more of a Where Is My Workdesk? Wednesday - yikes! 

Time to make some order out of this chaos. Wish me luck!

Heard a rumor that I've scooped CPS Studios Magazine

I was relaxing with the Spring 2010 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors Studios Magazine today ( I know I know I should be working - ssshhh, don't tell...) & decided to share some info I've been sitting on:

2 artists who will be featured in a future issue of CPS Studios have already shared their creative spaces on this blog. Now how cool is that! The question is can you guess who??

Psst...it is not really that secret, as they've mentioned this on facebook & elsewhere.

I just thought it was kinda cool.

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By the way, today's studio tour was postponed. Sorry about that. The next one will be on 4/17.

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If you haven't entered the random drawing for a pair of earrings from DharmaKarmaArts, click here for photo & details. 1 winner will be selected on 4/8.

Saturday Studio Tour #7 - Artist Cara Walz

Hi there.

Come with me to Arizona to visit with the talented artist Cara Walz.

Visitor by Cara Walz

Cara creates amazing mixed media art which she sells in her Etsy shop FloodPlainStudio. All of the pieces are originals. One of her goals is to make original art available at affordable prices.

Cara is also this week's Thursday Giveaway sponsor, as well as last Thursday's Featured Artist. CLICK HERE to visit Thursday's post and see more of her wonderful artwork. If you leave a comment before noon (EST) on 10/8, you will be entered in a random drawing for the mixed media piece Gazelle.

Gazelle by Cara Walz

Now, I'm going to step out of the way & let Cara tell us more about her amazing art and where she creates it.

Cara: I work with a wide range of materials, but really, I’m always making some sort of drawing, even if its final form is a video, installation or website. While I’m working I fluctuate between a pull from my head and a pull from my heart. When my head’s in charge I tend to work on innovative structure and technical experimentation, like a scientist.

Test Monkey by Cara Walz

Cara: When my heart takes over I’m focused on meaning and expression, like a poet. I’m happiest when a I find a balance between the two, probably because this is where our richest thoughts reside, but I cannot, or will not, control the outcome by purposefully favoring one over the other. The head and the heart both provide valuable insight and I never know which one might offer the best resolution of an idea.

Cara: This shot shows me in my main studio space, which is in this strange outbuilding in my backyard. The guy who built this building rescued birds and visited local schools with them. There are large perches dotted all over the yard, so I think he even housed birds of prey. He used the building to store supplies and food for the birds, and luckily there's a sink for cleanup in there, so it works pretty nicely for me.

Cara: The second shot shows a work table covered with supplies. It's actually kind of cleaned up here. Usually I have to do a bunch of patient sifting-through to find what I'm looking for. What you mainly see here is tons of ink, which is primarily what I work with. I store big amounts of ink washes in the jars.

Cara: The third shot is my dining room, and that's where I make my Etsy stuff. My goal for the Etsy work is to make drawings that everyone can afford. In order to do this, I work small, and I have great light in my dining room, so that's usually where my husband and son find me at the end of the day.Sometimes I even manage to clear off the table and put dinner on it!

Off The Grid by Cara Walz

The pieces shown here are from Cara's etsy shop and her website, carawalz.com. Click on the images or links for more info. She also has a blog, carawalz.wordpress.com where you can about her latest projects.

Deer 1 by Cara Walz

Thank you, Cara, for sharing your thoughts and showing us around your studio!

And thank you, readers for stopping by. While you are here remember leaving a comment will enter you in the Oct. 8th drawing for the mixed media piece Gazelle. If you enjoyed this behind the scenes peek, please stop back next weekend for a new studio tour. Also, I am always looking for new artists & studios to share. All styles of art & spaces are welcome. If you would like to see your art-space featured here, just drop me an email (address is in my profile). Cheers!

Studio Tour Saturday #5 - Dr. Laura Koniver

Nighttime Frolic by Laura Koniver

We're off to South Carolina today to visit the studio of Laura Koniver, M.D. - you are going to love this! Some of us dream of making art a more prominent part of our lives (I know I do). Laura has completely reorganized her house, giving her studio (& creativity) the attention it deserves. Now let me get out of the way so she can give us the grand tour.

Laura: Hello ArtSnark! I am thrilled to share my studio space with you.

I used to have my studio hidden away in a large closet in my guest bedroom. I finally decided one night that I didn't want my artistic side to be squirreled away, hidden, with only stolen moments of art making... I decided that art was to become front and center in my life, threw caution to the wind, and made my entire entryway and dining room my art studio! It has raised a few eyebrows of folks that have walked in my door unaware, for sure! Right when you walk in, there is a staircase to the left. I have my sewing machine and a craft cabinet tucked at the bottom of the stairway, right before you reach the coat closet.

Laura: In this area, I sew birds, flowers and other fabric accessories that adorn my organic branch sculptures. Then, directly opposite this sewing area, is my dining room... ummm.. make that my painting area.

Laura: I transformed my dining room table into a place to spread out and assemble the branch sculptures... I create organic branch sculptures in vases and bottles for wedding centerpieces (and other special events)... I also make branches that directly hang on the wall and even suspend from the ceiling.


Laura: Because these pieces are sometimes very large, I needed a huge table to spread out on. The bonus has been that my kids love this table too, using it for all kinds of arts and crafts themselves... my daughter started a puzzle and I didn't have the heart to clean it up when taking these pictures!


Laura: In the corner is my easel... my first love! Painting was my gateway into this artistic life. I love to paint and discovered it was a total release for me when I was in medical school. I combine my background as a physician with my artistic side, and see patients for a unique form of art therapy that I call Casting Transformation. This therapy is for patients who are experiencing a disease that they are wanting to release -- I help them symbolically release this by encasing the patient's torso in plaster, lifting this casting from their being and allowing it to dry... affixing this casting onto a canvas, and painting all the healthy energy that radiates out of them, along with all the souls that touch this particular patient's life. I might include affirmations that are specific to that patient and the disease they are breaking free from, and thereby create something beautiful and healing, and most importantly -- whole -- transforming the unwanted disease energy into a work of art.


Laura: These bookshelves are collected from all around my house and are lined up to hold all my painting supplies, fabrics, plaster, art books, etc... I love this organization and the energy it brings to the room. I hung pictures of my husband and kids on all the walls... I love being surrounded by their joy as I create!


Laura: From this perspective, you can see how my dining room/painting studio connects across the hallway with my sewing table. I have really found that by making the very front part of my house my crafting area, I have shifted the momentum of my art to be more the focus of my life, not a side hobby. I highly recommend making your studio space a prominent feature in your home, if you feel that it is a prominent feature in who you are and your life's work. I've definitely made more time for my painting and crafting since making this change.


Thank you for sharing your fabulous space today, Laura. It is always so inspiring to see where an artist actualizes her dreams. I absolutely love how you've placed creativity front & center in your house and life!

Want to see more of Laura's art? Click HERE to enjoy more of her work and thoughts on art. Laura was Thursday's featured artist. She has also generously donated one of her glicee prints as the next Thursday Giveaway prize. To enter the random drawing, simply leave a comment on this blog before noon (EST) on 9/24. 1 winner gets to choose a fabulous print from from Koniver.etsy.com.

You can also view Laura's art at GardenPlum.com and these Charleston, SC area locations:

Ladles in West Ashley and Kiawah Island
Eileens in Summerville
All is Well in Mount Pleasant
Primary Plus in North Charleston

If you've enjoyed this tour, please come back next Saturday to explore a new studio. (The last 4 Saturday posts have also been studio tours). Like the artists who inhabit them, these spaces come in all shapes in sizes. They also have 1 important thing in common - they are sacred places where imagination knows no bounds!

Are you a creative person? Would you like to share your work space with others? If so, just drop me an email (found in my profile). I'd love to see where your artistic magic happens.

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Please not I'm also hosting a 2nd giveaway on Thursday 9/24. 1 winner receives a custom printed 18" x 24" poster from Uprinting.com. CLICK HERE for details and to enter.

Studio Tour Saturday - Jewelry By Solange

Welcome back to another Studio Tour Saturday!

Hot Tamale Necklace by Solange

Today we've been invited to see where jewelry designer Solange works her magic. On Thursday she popped by to share her passion for making jewelry & tell us about the one of a kind creations in her fabulous Etsy shop, Jewelry By Solange. To read this interview click HERE .

She is also this week's Thursday Giveaway sponsor. To enter this random drawing,comment here before noon (EST) on 9/10. Solange will create a customized piece of jewelry for 1 lucky winner! Contest details can be found at the bottom of Thursday's interview.

You can see more of wonderful work on her blog, also called Jewelry by Solange. She's hosting an amazing contest over there right now, the Scrumdiddlyumptious Mega Giveaway . 30 etsy sellers are giving away 30 prizes by September 30th! Click the giveaway link for details.

Ocean Treasures Earrings by Solange

Now, I love visiting magazine-worthy studio spaces...and I love sharing them! However not everyone has a spacious studio. I think it is in an artist's to make the most of what they have. This includes adapting the available space.

When I first asked Solange if she'd share pictures of her studio, she laughed & said "Did you want me to write a little about my 'working space' ? LOL- I say that laughing because I do everything on my bed." I figured why not? It's where she creates, so it works for me. So here is a tour of Solange's cozy studio, in her own words:


Solange: This is my studio-my comfy queen size bed. I wish I had a fancy room just dedicated to my jewelry making and I hope to be able to have 1 room in my future house just for me, but for now, this will have to do.


I love that I can fit about 13 boxes of beads and 1 box of tools, with enough room to add more. Most of all I love that I can be comfy, lay back a bit and watch tv while I'm beading. I have enough light with a ceiling fan/light but usually add an extra powerful lamp next to me when I'm working with smaller beads and doing some wire work.

Pink Goddess Pendant by Solange

I love my trusty lightbox & case. I can take it everywhere I go. My boyfriend gave this to me last Christmas because I wanted to find a better way to take pictures, especially in the winter/snowy weather.

Because it's a small traveling one, I don't have to worry about bringing it with me. I know some people spend over the top dollars for a lightbox, but mine was bought on ebay. It came with a complete set of 2 lights, a camera stand, fabric backgrounds and the case. You can't beat a good deal! Plus I think it works Great!!!

Next is my current storage area. Let me just say its so nice to have a walking closet! My sister and I shared it for years but when she moved out, it became all mine! Yes, I completely say that with a smile because I can literally fit just about anything in there. The top shop is pretty high so I have to make a few rounds back and forth from my closet to my studio...."my bed" when I want to create. Other then that, I can't complain.

Thanks, Solange, for showing us that you don't need a fancy space to create beautiful pieces!

Blue Lagoon Necklace by Solange

When I 1st asked around to see who was willing to share their spaces on my blog, several artists insisted that I would not want to see where they worked. One person couldn't believe I'd accept pictures of her dining room table. Obviously, people enjoy the ambiance exuded by an amazing space. But I'd like to feature all types of "studios" here. There are so many different kinds of artists. Each with a unique style, an original story and a special space ... where the magic happens.

Thanks for coming by today & taking the tour! Would you like to show readers around your creative space? If so, just send me an email (found in my profile). Would you like to see more places where others create? Pop back to ArtSnark's Artifacts each Saturday. I have a variety of spaces to tour - come join me!

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A final note today: I am running 2 other random drawing right now in addition to Solange's Thursday Giveaway. Click the links for details & to enter:
500 custom business cards to 2 winners - ends 9/10
&
A 24" square custom wall sticker to 2 winners - ends 9/13

Studio Tour Saturday - Pam Carriker

Ooh. We are sooo lucky!

Bounty, art print by Pam Carriker

The talented artist & wonderful soul, Pam Carriker has invited us into her studio today.

Nature, Original Mixed Media Portrait by Pam Carriker

"Inspired by the latest issue of Where Women Create," Pam decided to redo her art room. She wanted to give the studio a facelift using mostly items she already had.

After cleaning out her space, she refreshed her studio with a gallon of paint. Around the door she added her motto "Art At The Speed Of Life". This was the title of Pam's 1st published article. Getting published "was a defining moment in my art life and describes to a 'T' my creative state of being. It is how I live."

If you read any of the Stampington & Co. magazines (Somerset Studio, Somerset Art Journaling, Somerset Apprentice, Stampers' Sampler, etc) or Cloth Paper Scissors you may recognize Pam. She's had many art pieces & articles published in the last 2 years. CLICK HERE for a list of past & upcoming publications featuring her work.

Pam moved her work table to the middle of the room to open up the space. She painted the striped trim because "This added touch of black worked in the same way I use it on a journal page, tying together the hints of black around the room, giving it visual flow. "

The only item she purchased for the room is this cute upholstered chair. Here she has created a relaxing space for art journaling. Check out the curtain rod on the wall - what a fun way to display art!


This paper organizer is probably my favorite feature. Such a fabulous way to keep those colorful papers organized!

Many thanks to Pam for letting us tour her fabulous workspace. Click here to visit her blog; see more pictures of the "studio facelift" and read about the fun changes she's made.

To find out more about Pam, her beautiful artwork and upcoming classes (both live & online) please visit her website www.pamcarriker.com. She also has 2 shops on Etsy: PamCarriker for original art & The Bag Lady's Art for limited edition prints.

Beauty In Strength, Art Print with Mat by Pam Carriker

"This print is of an original that I created in honor of my step mother's fight against Breast Cancer. I will be making a limited quantity of numbered prints, the proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Center for research." - Pam Carriker.

If you would like to purchase this print and donate to a good cause, just click on the image to be taken to her etsy shop.

That's it for today. I'm really enjoying this new blog series. It is so much fun to get a sneak peek into an artist's private world. Want to show off where you make your magic? If you would like to invite us into your creative space, please let me know. (My email is in my profile.) I have a variety of interesting studios lined up through mid-October. But the calendar is open that.

Last note: I'm hosting 2 different giveaways from the printing company DigitalRoom.com. There will be two winners per random drawing. Click to enter the giveaway for 250 CUSTOM GREETING CARDS (ends 9/3). Or click to enter giveaway for 500 CUSTOM BUSINESS CARDS (ends 9/10). Feel free to enter both drawings.

Studio Tour Saturday

There is something fantastic about entering the secret lair of another artist. I'd like to start something new on Saturdays - whenever possible I think it would be fun to go behind the scenes, to see where the magic happens. Won't you come along?

Today we've been invited into Felicia Kramer's home studio. If you missed her feature on Thursday, please click HERE to enjoy some of her colorful creations and thoughts.

Nature Preserved 2 by F. Kramer

Felicia: The condo I live in was in very poor shape when I moved in so almost every room has been completely remodeled over the years. A very small loft area was the only room available for my studio, and I knew it would not be enough space.

So I had the floor extended as far as I could – although it’s still a small space - and then worked with a designer at a big box store for the built-ins.

I found a cabinet style that had matching pieces for kitchen, bedroom, and office so I was able to design it specifically for my needs.

So there’s a desk station with file drawers, a sewing area with fabric storage, bookcases, large pantry storage for art supplies, and two custom storage/work tables on wheels. And I have every bit of it filled!

The first four photos were taken when the remodel was first completed. It’s quite a bit messier right now – as you can see in the last photo!

Wasn't that fun? Thanks for taking us around, Felicia. I absolutely love all the bookshelves and the big worktables by the windows! To see more of Felicia's world pop on over to Felicia Kramer Has Another Bright Idea or visit her Etsy shop, Another Bright Idea.

Liquid Purple Digital Collage Print by F. Kramer

Would you like to win a free limited edition print from her Liquid series? Just leave a comment on this blog before noon (EST) 8/27 to enter the random drawing. 1 lucky winner gets the Liquid print of their choice. Contest is open worldwide with free shipping. CLICK HERE to read more about this giveaway & see some of the beautiful images from this colorful series.

Monday's Muse - A Classic Combination

I can't believe it is already Monday again!

(click above to visit the great blog Maternal Spark)

Today's Muse is Procrastination ….. & Possibilities.

Through my own foolishness, I have become Queen of Procrastination lately. When I was younger I had lots of practice avoiding things, but now it happens by accident more often than choice. My studio/home office/Santa's workshop resembles hell on earth. I can't even show you my planner because it is lost under piles of stuff. To be honest, I am deeply afraid to find my To Do list - I feel overwhelmed as it is. So, I'm supposed to be cleaning this pigsty & instead I'm typing away .......

Sorry about the rant, now for the Possibilities! As I scrape away layers of accumulated stuff, scraps of paper, items to repair, etc. I keep finding lots of really cool materials & many many unfinished projects. Last night I uncovered my markers & a fairy-tale collage started in October. I gave up on cleaning & started coloring. Here is the latest incarnation:

Not done yet. I know what I want to add and I know it is here....somewhere! Time go pick up some more