Greetings, my friend..so nice to have you here. I want you to enjoy your stay and have selected wonderfully peaceful music for you..It you would rather browse in silence, feel free to disable the playlist...I won't mind...this is all for you.

Friday, July 15, 2011

WHERE THIS BLOGGER CREATES!

It's time to party and share my creative space with you all for the "Where Bloggers Create 2011", hosted by My Desert Cottage. I am so excited and worked my little buns (Ohhh..if only they were little!) off to get ready for this event. I can't wait to see all of your spaces and be inspired! I hope you will catch a bit of who I am by seeing my space, as well. Let me begin by saying mine is a work in progress and is always changing, but my most important feature is that I love to surround myself with things that inspire me to live a magically creative life. In the coming pictures, you will see many of the things that make my world come to life...I am a child at heart and I surround myself with treasures that evoke fond childhood memories and bring a smile or sweet sense of childlike wonder to my face. I am deeply inspired by three illustrators from my childhood and you will see their influence throughout my little studio. They have impacted who I am today as I am illustrating my first children's books and my art has much whimsical innocence to it that I loved so much as a child. Well, enough chatting..let's get to the studio tour...lots of pics and I hope you enjoy your time in my little Queen B. Studio.
When you walk in, this is what faces you...my little menagerie of treasures, trinkets and creative details that I can use in my art...mosaic pieces, shells, flowers, buttons....plus, eye candy to make me smile!
This little bear and book of fairies is from my childhood. The bear has a little tail that when you move it, it makes his head move side to side or nod up and down. He is a one of my favorite friends to play with! In the background, I papered the shelf with vintage Beatrix Potter baby gift wrapping paper...you will see a lot of her around my little sanctuary..I love the movie "Miss Potter" and would live on a farm and dress that way all the time if I could get away with it!
Turning the corner, you come to my sewing desk..don't get too impressed...I am not that great of a sewer and hate patterns. I like to wing it and just do my own thing! But, I have done quite a few primitive dolls in my time and they were huge sellers for me..so, I can't be too bad at it!
Love this antique sewing basket that was given to me by my mother who has been gone for many years now...it brings sweet memories of her to me and that is why it is filled with hearts.
This table top is really special and something I am really proud of. I collaged a piece of cardboard with all of my favorite illustrators art...from their books or things I have collected. I had a Joan Walsh Anglund paper doll when I was about 10 years old and the actual pieces are a part of the collage. I also took pages from some of her books and also those of my other two favorites, Tasha Tudor and Beatrix Potter and it is just a magical tribute to them. I love to look at it as I work and remember how much I loved them and still do. In the center is the greatest treasure of all....
I wrote Joan Walsh Anglund as a child and enclosed a picture of myself and asked her if she could draw me! Aren't children shamelessly brazen to think a famous artist has the time to just whip off a likeness of them? Well, I was thrilled beyond measure when she wrote back to me and said she was busy, but would get to it soon...Alas,...she never did get to it, but I was grateful that she acknowledged me and I saved that letter all these years! The desk top, by the way, is covered in plexiglass to protect everything and is not in a super sunny window.
Now, we come to my glorious old typewriter that was such a blessing to find...I paid $20.00 for it and it works great! I use it in my collage work all the time and I just love the look of it. I imagine a famous writer tapped on those ivory keys and wrote some famous work of art! Maybe, just maybe, I might be the famous writer someday who wrote their own work of art...but, even if that never happens, I still can imagine it will love being a part of my little world and know how much I appreciate its place in my creations...famous or not. I must admit, that my granddaughter, Emily, makes me feel like I am famous...she thinks I am the best artist in the world! She is ten...
This is a closeup of my bulletin board that was on the previous picture..made with vintage sheet music, seed catalogs and cards given to me by friends, it was so fun to make. My little granddaughter, Madison's shoes are made into tacks to hang things and I have embellished the board with doilies, buttons and rhinestone jewelry...anything that strikes my fancy. I love the Mary Engelbreit picture and saying, "Neglect not the gift that is within thee." So true and I so is the other one the says, "I just want to be Queen...it is as simple and as complicated as that!" Period.
I have a great collection of old books that I use in my art and also many childhood books by my
"three faves"...Plus, in that bookcase are lots of vintage papers, tissues and napkins that I use in my collage. Above are baskets brimming with canvases of all sizes wishing I would get cracking and do something with them! I wall papered all of the photo boxes to hold all sorts of things, from patterns to ribbons to ephemera, etc...It helps to have them all marked and organized as my space becomes cluttered and a disaster in no time!
I love this little shelf that holds some of my collection of Joan Walsh Anglund dolls and books and also, my tiny Beatrix Potter books. The sign says, "Today is a Gift." and it is a constant reminder to me to be grateful for the gift within me and be committed to sharing with others. I truly want to not just paint, but inspire others to find their passion and bring their life to art. Everyone has a gift...the challenge is to find it, use it and pass it on.
This is another table that I decorated with inspiration from the collection of vintage sewing things I inherited from my mom and my grandmothers sewing basket. I cut out flowers from fabric, used doilies, old sewing needle covers and measuring tape...vintage lace and even the labels off of old spools of thread. It came out really nicely and makes me remember running my fingers through my Nana's sewing box that had hundreds of old buttons..I have those very buttons in my collection of jars...they are gorgeous!
Ahhh...my little friend, Peter. He and his books are all over this room...I love him so. I may just be a bit eccentric enough to hear him speak to me at times when I am drawing. I am almost positive I have seen him wink from time to time. My art is filled with fairies, mermaids and angels, so it really is kind of a prerequesite that I believe...and I do!
There is so much more I could share, but I know you have to get going to visit the other sites..I will leave you with this thought above...I never went to college for art...I drew as a child and would retreat for hours into the magical world of my drawings and those of the artists I loved. I never imagined I would be still inspired, everyday, by those childhood memories and be doing what I loved so much as child as my fulltime profession. I have been an artist for over 20 years and have never looked back. I encourage you that it is never too late to do what you were created to do. If you have a creative gift, it is your destiny to fulfull using it...there is no what might've been...only what can be...
So, know you are on the right track and do not negect the gift that has been given you. When you live the life you have imagined, you will be successful because the universe and God can not help but support you in living out what you were already ordained to be. So...find your passion. Live your bliss. Radiate your life...and you will feel just like me.....
a Queen!
(and yes, sometimes I do wear that crown and it lights up and sparkles like crazy!) May you all be blessed in your artful journeys and in your creative lives! Thank you for taking the time to share mine with me...I hope you will leave a comment to let me know you were here!

72 comments:

  1. Had trouble with people not being able to leave a comment...just checking to see if it works now...so frustrating!

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  2. Oh my gosh I love your creative space and all your wonderful displays and organization.
    You are truly talented and it shows. I enjoyed the quotes too, so true!
    Thank you for sharing.
    Hugs from Texas, Celestina Marie

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  3. Bertie, I had no trouble with my comment. I forgot to thank you for stopping by and your kind comment to me. Have a wonderful time at the party!
    XO Celestina Marie

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  4. Hi Bertie, comments are working now! Again, loved seeing your space and thank you for visiting me!

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  5. what a great creative space and that typewriter for only $20 = fabulous find! Thanks for sharing an hope you have a fun pink weekend.

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  6. Love your space and your childhood memories!!! I have a bit of a child in me too!!!

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  7. Wow, what a beautiful space you have! So much to discover and play with. Thank you for sharing it with us and sharin your heart as well!
    xo
    Lynn

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  8. Bertie...I'm so glad you were able to fix your comment link. People will surely want to tell you how they feel about your amazing space...

    Below is the email I sent to you privately when I couldn't comment earlier here. Your email back to me was a JOY TO READ. Looking forward to getting to know you better...

    Love to you~Rebecca

    Bertie~

    First...I have to tell you the picture of my grandmother on my blog post is named Bertie. Spelled just like you. When my children were little they called her Birdy Gramma because there were so many Grandmothers still living at the time. She passed 2 1/2 years ago and I miss her more than ever. She was almost 92. So...whenever I see her name I can't hold back the tears. She was everything to me. Allowed me free reign on her old Singer and much I know today I owe to her. So....seeing your name made me smile BIG!

    Now...about your space.

    Tears welled up again when I read about you asking for your picture to be drawn by Joan W. Anglund. How precious is that? I just thought that was the most beautiful thing. The heart-cry of a child. She should have drawn you...it could have been a best seller...one will never know.

    You have a lovely space in which to work. I'm so taken back with it. Truly beautiful and organized my friend. I LOVE IT! I'd love to get in there and DIG! :)

    I'm excited to follow YOU BACK!

    Love to you...feeling a friendship comin' on!

    xo~Rebecca
    A Gathering Place

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  9. Hello Bertie, thanks for dropping by to see my creative space and for your kind words. I'm glad that you were able to post your comment. A couple of my friends have told me they can't seem to post their comments, just like I saw that you had some problems with yours too. I was having some problems with other blogs as well, and you're right, it's frustrating. ugh.
    Anyway, I just love your space! You're a kid at heart indeed. Stay that way, I think it's really heartwarming. What I love most in your place is that you're surrounded by everything special that brings back beautiful childhood memories. Your place is so inspiring and it's so organized too. I'm glad we "bumped" into each other during this party! Take care, Reina

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  10. Hi Bertie!! Thank you so much for your sweet comments about my craft space and the invitation to visit yours! You have such a sweet and whimsical space...I am going to have to find some of my personal remembrances and make a glass covered spot like yours...I love your ideas! And a huge congratulations on your new grandsons. They are so sweet!!! I will be praying that they get strong and come home soon. It seems your life is full of lovely blessings...Take care, Doni

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  11. Happy Pink Saturday and I love where you create,you space is soo- organized! I need you to do mine, want to come on over? Everything is just beautiful! Hugs and Happy Creating! Marilou

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  12. Bertie,
    Hello and pleased to meet you!!
    Thanks so much for your visit!
    I adore your space and I see we have a lot in common as to cherishing memories for our childhood! Love your sweet bears and vintage books.
    I love the glass top on your tables with beautiful things to look at underneath. I just may replace my old clear plastic tablecloth on my work table with glass. Such inspiration!!
    And I don't know if you noticed but at the top of my blog is the same saying by George Eliot, " It is never too late to be what you might have been". I also have the same identical sign. It is in my guest room!!
    Loved my visit here and i am signing up as a follower because I think we have a lot in common!!

    Thanks so much for sharing!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  13. I love your studio, Bertie! I'm no pro at sewing either {I do mostly pillows, drapes, home decor stuff ~ as long as it's a straight line!} but I'd love to have my sewing machine nearby with the rest of my creative stuff. You couldn't pick more talented illustrators as your inspiration and I love how you've put those inspiring pieces under the glass. Love the whole setup in here. It looks like you've got just what you need and would be able to find it when you need it.

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  14. I LOVE your creative space! Especially all of the Beatrix potter collections :D Seeing your post brings back happy memories from my childhood :) Thank you for that! And congratulations on illustrating your book! :D Thanks for sharing :)

    ~Alli

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  15. So lovely to meet you. Your space is just right for a "Queen" I love the tale you spin of your wonderful collages. You do paint a picture with your words as well. I too 'believe' and collect old books with illustrations. As far as listening to the Rabitt,you are in good company, look how famous little 'Alice' is.
    Keep weaving your tales and painting thanks for the peek.

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  16. Your space is magical! It's hard to pick favorites, but I think your table-top is my favorite thing.

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  17. Hi Bertie,
    Thanks so much for dropping by my studio! I just love your space with the dabs of pink scattered throughout. Oh, and that typewriter...drool! I have to go back through and look all over again - it is just so cute!
    Hugs from a New England Girl,
    Beth P

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  18. Bertie-
    Wow--I love your studio- the words "kindred spirit" came to mind--now I see that's part of your email address!! I love all the vintage items and the accompanying stories--Tasha Tudor and Beatrix Potter are in my studio also --was enchanted by all your characters--hope to find out their stories in the future. I love books and writing--so many connections called to me as I toured your beautiful atelier. Feel as though I've made a new friend :)

    ox
    Jenelle

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  19. Hi Bertie!
    Thanks so much for visiting me... you beat me to it! I'm finally at the Q's after starting the tour on Thursday night! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your creative space and I love your art. So happy we've found each other and I'm following you now so we can keep in touch. The artwork with the pretty little faces in the flowers is just precious!
    Have a fabulous day!
    Holly

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  20. Thanks for the blog visit and comment! Your space is lovely!

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  21. Hi Bertie, thank you for the kind comments on my blog. I eventually got to your blog and I love it! I scrolled down and saw your baby grandsons - left a message there. I have added myself to follow you!

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  22. Such a beautiful place your have Bertie. Love your sewing desk and your no-no bear is so cute.
    Thanks for sharing and thanks for visiting over at my place too.

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  23. You have one of those very pretty spaces that I know I will never have. There is alot of work that goes in to making a pretty crafting space and I can tell you spent so much time in yours.
    Thanks for visiting my room.

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  24. what a wonderfully sweet room! I love all the lovely treasures under your glass!

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  25. Hey Girlie, where do I start! your space is amaaaazzzzing!!! I love all your treasures! We love the same things! I heart your collage table, the dollies. I like the "Live your Life" sign. I try to do that!! Life is too short! Your art is so special! thanks for peeking into my space too! I'm following you,I need to see more!!
    Blessing!
    Eloise

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  26. Bertie,
    I can't thank you enough for visiting my humble studio and leaving your kind words.....I'm humbled when I look at your artistic work! Stunning and I too love some of the childhood artists like Joan Walsh Anglund.
    I love the simplicity in her drawings, don't you? Your space is so full of meaning and whimsy, I love it all. Don't you love surrounding yourself with meaningful things?
    Thanks again, I'm off to check out more of your blog!

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  27. LOVE your tabletop!! Thank you for stopping by my blog and thank you for sharing your lovely art room.

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  28. Hi Bertie, I really enjoyed visiting your studio. This is my first visit to your blog, and your artwork is wonderful. I'm going to be checking out your shops too. Have a great weekend, Nan

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  29. Oh Bertie what a great space! I love what you didi with your table by adding a glass top! It looks like you have all kinds of nest things under the glass. I have a 50s kitchen table and I should protect mine too." It's never too late to be what you might have been." I love that! I have more time to be creative and time gives you opportunities. Love your space!

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  30. You have a lovely creative spot! I love Beatrix Potter and Tasha Tudor -
    beautifully inspirational!
    Kathy

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  31. Wow Roberta, where should I start, I love the teal color on your sewing space and peter rabbit is my fav. The colors and the energy are great. I really like your quote about "never to late", how inspiring is that. Thanks for dropping by my space, appreciate you sweet comments. I'm now a fan and a follower. So glad we met!!

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  32. You have a beautiful studio! I'm a fan of Tasha Tudor and Joan Walsh Anglund too! I'm so glad you visited my blog and hope you come back again soon!
    Tamatha

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  33. Hi Bertie, You have such a wonderful studio! Being surrounded by so many childhood treasures must make you so happy! And, of course, I love all your beautiful pinks!
    Thank you so much for visiting my space and leaving a lovely comment. I am now a follower and I'm so happy you dropped by.
    Hugs,

    Annette

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  34. Hi Bertie~ What a lovely studio you have. I cant believe Joan Walsh wrote to you, thats very sweet. Thank you for visiting me and have a wonderful creative day!

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  35. Bertie, your space has such an airy fresh look. I love it! That table is such a great idea. Thanks for sharing your space and the tidbits about yourself. And thanks for stopping by my studio, too!

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  36. such a great space bertie - and i love how you've added pieces of your childhood memories. my favoriet piece is the chippy green sewing table - fun !

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  37. i just love your creative haven! It's sweet an feminine.i love..love all of the images you put under the glass of your sewing desk. i used to draw from the Joan Walsh Anglund books as a child and don't get me started on Beatrix Potter! One of my faves! I watch that DVD over and over again! Rene Zellweger was divine in that role. Merci for your very sweet words on my where bloggers create post. i am YOUR newest follower now too! Nice to meet you...

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  38. What fun...I want to come and play with the crown too!
    Renee

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  39. Thank you for coming by to visit and for kind words.

    Jenny

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  40. Bertie thank you for your healing prayers! I read your About Me first to get to know you before I came in for a look. Got chills. Loved your 'souls cry'. Then I saw your space. Cotton Candy is all I thought. So soft and easy on the eyes. Such a great creative space I can see how you wear your inner child on your sleeve. It makes me miss my childhood :)
    Devon

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  41. Wow Bertie! You have a truly amazing and so organized space...full of so much fun and wonderful eye candy! I am so glad I stopped by! Thanks so much for sharing!
    Be blessed,Lorena

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  42. Hi Bertie, I wanted to thank you for stopping by and for your sweet comments. I love your post it's so sweet and very inspiring, and your studio is adorable. I just joined as your newest follower!
    hugs~~~ Daphne

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  43. Gorgeous lovely spot to create in. I love your style of painting to bits!! *smiles* Norma

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  44. Dear Bertie,
    I've had such an enjoyable visit linking to all your spots on the web! You have little tracks all over cyberspace, don't you? Your work is beautiful! I'm esp. drawn to your flowers with faces! Delightful! LOVE your furniture piece with the plexiglass top. And the letter you rec'd from Joan W.A. as a child is beyond precious. Filling your mother's sewing basket with hearts put a big lump in my throat. I can see that we like a lot of the same things. My collection of vintage children's books grows all the time. The illustrations in some of those old books are so beautiful. I also loved Tasha Tudor...esp. her way of life and her amazing gardens. What an inspiration to so many! In Carmel, CA there is a Beatrix Potter shop that would make you melt! It is in the Carmel by the Sea shops. Your space is wonderful and I so enjoyed my visit! And congratulations on illustrating a book! How fun is that?! Xo, Sue

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  45. Lovely, lovely space. I miss Tasha Tudor. Thanks for sharing all your favorite things and your creative space with us.

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  46. Bertie,
    Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving me a comment. I've had a busy weekend with my kids home and am just getting started on all the visiting of creative spaces. I love your space! The green on the walls, the rosebud wallpaper on your storage boxes, the collage desk surfaces - all of it is beautiful. I love your message of faith and the encouragement you give as well. I will be back often!

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  47. p.s. congratulations also on those twin baby boys!

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  48. What a perfect space.... filled to the brim with the things that you love. I so enjoyed reading about your treasures and what they mean to you. You have such a sweet space... My favorite thing was your collage under glass. Splendid!

    Huggies,
    Spencer

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  49. Hello Bertie!
    I Love your Studio!! And Your Art is Whimsical and truly Lovely!It has been so Fun to See where everyone Created their Art! You can see Where their Inspiration Comes from and each Studio is so very Unique and Personal don't you Think!!Thank You for Sharing and Your Sweet comments about my Studio!Come and Visit me again soon and I will do the Same!
    Have a Wonderful Week!
    Hugs
    Jill

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  50. Such a whimsical happy studio you have! I wish I had some of my old books from childhood! Cheers!

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  51. Hi Bertie!
    What a wonderful creative space, I love that you have an antique typewriter and actually use it in your art ~ awesome!
    Thanks for stopping by:)
    paula

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  52. Hi Bertie...yay..what a spectacular post...it is so lovely to meet you...your space is gorgeous...I am SO in love with the color of your sewing table..wow! And all that you wrote...your beautiful heart shines through your words.....you are incredibly talented..it is fabulous to meet a kindred like you! Thanks for sharing such magic..beauty and inspiring energy..you are a shining star!!! I look forward to seeing more of yoru blog and creations and art...you are amazing!
    Victoria

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  53. Live your bliss - what a perfect way to word it. Love your attitude and the antiques in your space are A M A Z I N G!

    Cheers!

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  54. Good afternoon,
    I love your teddy bear...I love your typewriter...but your message is most inspiring. Thank you for sharing your creative spaces with us. I hope you have time to stop by and visit me...there's a little giveaway at the end!

    Have a happy Monday ~Natalie

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  55. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and your wonderful comments. Yes the memories made with a grandchild are incredible.

    I love your space. One of these days I'm going to have mine exactly like I want it.

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  56. I love your studio and your illustrations and primite art as well. You are a very multi-talented woman.

    Thanks for stopping by and comments.

    Hogart

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  57. What beautiful artwork and charming studio! It's nice to be reminded of Beatrix Potter, Joan Walsh Anglund and Tasha Tudor; I learned to type on my grandmother's old Royal - it was a very pleasant walk down memory lane for me, thank you for the invitation!

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  58. What a beautiful studio you have to create in. Love the Queen theme! You are a very talented gal and I loved touring your creative space. Thanks very much for sharing!

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  59. I so sorry i'm late but those doggy keep me busy...... your space is darling and I love the idea of you table , I may have to borrow that..thank you for your kind words and it was a pleasure to pop over to see your creative studio...
    Hugs wendy

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  60. I am returning your visit sweetie!
    Oh the space you have shared is beyond creative- it is a little slice of heaven!
    Love your tribute to the items of the past and to your favorites.
    So glad I popped in.

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  61. Hi Bertie! Your studio is sooo darling! I know you said you don't sew much, but the dresser that your sewing machine is one is yummy! I love the color! Thank you so much for joining the party and letting us be inspired!!
    xo,
    Karen

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  62. Great creative space. I love your collage of all things dear to you. I specially love the old typewriter.
    Thanks for the tour

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  63. A truly heart-felt space ~ thanks for sharing it with us!

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  64. Aloha Bertie,
    Your studio is lovely. It's so wonderful how you've surrounded yourself with your childhood memories; vintage treasures that have fond loving memories for you. Everything is so well organized, I love your little drawers and shelves, your collages;they're so cute! And I love your sewing machine.
    Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a sweet comment. And yes, you're right, it is fun being a grammie. I have seven GCs and one more on the way. Congratulations on the birth of your twin grandsons!
    I'll be back for another visit, in the meantime warm hugs your way.

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  65. I love your space, Bertie, so sweet and whimsical! I particularly adore your various collages...also being a fan of Tasha Tudor and Beatrix Potter, I think your table tops are just brillian! We apparently share a few of the same tastes...I have the ME version of, "It's never too late to be who you were meant to be", tacked over my desK...LOL!

    Thanks for letting me visit...:)

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  66. Hi Bertie, I am so glad you figured out the problem. Your studio is wonderful. I especially love the color of your sewing desk!

    xo,

    Abby

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  67. I think I am one of your kindred spirits. I love your studio, and am so glad that I am still working on visiting everyones lovely studios. Yours is special and fantastic. You are so well organized and have many sweet things in there. One could get lost. I am thankful to have a creative place that I can escape the cares of everyday life. I am your newest follower. come say hi to my studio if you have the time.

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  68. I just had to come back. I don't know why I did not follow you the first time I visited. I think your blog is my new favorite. I just might have to put some calming music on my blog after visiting here. I love your studio, and can't imagine having to move it all. if I lived close by you I would love to help you with that move!

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  69. I am going to have to find some of my personal remembrances and make a glass covered spot like yours. Also what a great creative space and that typewriter for only $20, that is fabulous find!

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  70. Your sewing desk is toooo beautiful to work at. I would never get anything sewn

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  71. Love your creative space! So nice and organized... I'll have to "steal" some of your storage and organization ideas to make my space more organized. TFS!

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