I remember well, some months ago, praying about how to prepare myself for doubling the amount of children under one roof.The most inspiring answer I received can be summed up into a couple words: being creatively organized.
I've applied being creative and organized to our parental challenges, to running a household again, to getting rest, following through with commitments, and doing what I want to do in a day.
I was missing creating so much in my pregnancy and felt like my mind was spinning with ideas for me and my children. The Lord brought me to several solutions. If I could be really creative, be extremely organized, then I could have everything I want now in my life.
Taken from my journal February 2009:
"The idea of having a studio goes much deeper just having a place for my own projects--
- I could have a place to create, with everything in arms distance, no more wasting time searching for tools.
- If I only have 5 minutes, while kids are sleeping, playing close by, I'll take it to create. If the room is set up perfectly, I can come in and create something in that time.
- My dream of having some sort of creative business can still be alive with four young kids, in an organized studio, especially if the studio can somehow incorporate my children.
- I can include my children, possibly with their own "creative table" with their materials with in reach, to use while I create.
- My children will see very well how I value creating. They can come and witness it."
Behold, months later, our sanctuary officially complete:
I can now celebrate the pretty notions that inspire me.
My table: permanently sits my sewing machine and cutting mat. Finally, no repositioning clutter from the dining room table to sew. The farthest left row of shelves holds everything sewing, including fabric finally out in the light after many years of dreary tupperware-dwelling.
There are rows for ribbon, print making, pastels, stamping, painting, wooden crafts, drawing, all organized my medium.
To-be finished idea board in bright pink sits on the shelf.
The girls corner, complete with the lower shelves stocked with their crayons, markers, paper, stamps--all situated based on height and age appropriateness. (In other words, no markers are available to Johanna without Mommy's supervision!)
Caroline and I thought we'd try out our studio, with a new dress for baby.What do you dream about doing when you dream... be creative, be organized, in other words, try something different to reach your end?
14 comments:
FANTASTIC!!
Nicole, that is AMAZING!!! You really do LOVE creating! I think it's great that you found a way to enjoy and thrive with creating as well as keeping your girls involved. You're such a great example to us all.
BTW, what room in your house did you transform??
To answer your question, I am really excited to cook more. I want to jump in to harder cooler recipes hopefully soon.
Man, this lady really has it together!
Whenever! did you find the time girlfriend?!!!!! You are AMAZING! I can't wait to come and create some day! Is this room in the downstairs? It is awesome.
Oh Nicole, I LOVE IT! It is absolutely fabulous. You are always so creative and come up with the best stuff. I wish I lived nearby...I would come over for inspiration :) haha. I love it.
So incredible. I am so happy and so in awe of seeing your dream of a studio come to fruition! It's beautiful, congratulations!! :)
Beautiful Nicole! I am ashamed to say I have no talent for crafting but to have a space that you can share with the kids and feel inspired in is amazing! I am always amazed by you ;)
WOW!!! I am so impressed with how awesome your studio looks!!! Not only is it organized, it looks like something from a home decor catalog!
That's amazing! I keep telling the boys if they don't start playing with their toys in the basement I will take it over.
Sadly, I could never have a studio open to the boys unless it was under my watch and care constantly. They are to curious with a lot of little delayed gratification. (This is the nicest way for me to descripe their organized caos). The boys to love it when I sew!
I am so excited for you and the girls to create in your studio. I love it! So many amazing memories, and stress releases will be found for you in your studio with your girls.
yea! so awesome. i can't wait to have a room of my own for my art stuff. i love how you organized it. i think one of the things people need to be inspired is to have a clean area to do your art/crafting stuff in.
Nicole
You are amazing!!!! That room looks great and I am so impressed - although not surprised - at your organization and creativity! I really really miss you! Do you want to move out here??? I hope you are doing well and the girls are healthy! By the way, I am not sure about Blogging etiquette, but can I put your address on my blog as one of my "friends'" blog? Thanks for making a comment on my blog - I felt so important!
BOB ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? That is the most amazing room I have ever seen. If some magazine person finds you...they are going to take pictures of that room and plaster it all over their design magazine. Make sure they pay you a wad of money. love, michelle
Oh my gosh Nicole! That room is my dream room! I am really impressed.
Hey I'm Bonnie Vassilaros' sister Lisa, she told me to look at your craft room and i LOVE it.!! looks soo nice and organized. hey did you guys buy your shelves or did your handy husband build them?
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