Where DO women create?

That is always a great question, isn't it? We ususally create wherever we can. Sometimes it's the kitchen table, the island, a dining room table that doesn't get much use otherwise unless it's a special occasion. Sometimes we are lucky to carve out our own space, an extra bedroom, a room designated buy the builder as a home office or we really take over that unused dining room and set up serious shop. I am lucky enough to have part of the basement, okay, a good part of the basement that is all mine. That's where I create. That's where I bring the treasures I discover at thrift stores, antiques stores, garage sales, estate sales, Target, you name it and I've been there. But I know alot of you are there too. Either a day ahead of me or a redlight behind me, we all know the thrill of the hunt. What am I hunting for, not sure, but I'll know when I see it, am I right? I know you get it, because we are alot alike. Here is a peek at what my studio used to look like after all those treasure hunts. As Teresa would say, " GAAAA! " I know, I know! And yes that is an elliptical machine, and no, no one uses it because they can't get to it for the piles of "treasures" around it. And thankfully, Jo Packham gets it. She conceived and continues to produce the Where Women Create series of magazines and travels the contry peeking into the lives and drawers of women who create. Lucky girl, and she knows it, too, doesn't take it for granted, realizes all her hard work pays off for all involved. She is a fantastically gorgeous person who travels with Paula Jansen, an incredible photographer, who is nicer than nice, I definitely can't wait to talk to either of them again. 

When you get an email from Jo, asking if she and Paula could come and photograph your studio for the magazine, what do you say? Well, after you come to, you get up off the floor, get back into your computer chair and you respond, something like, "I would be honored to have you as a guest in my studio, what year were you thinking of coming?" Then she responds back, "We will be in the area in ten or so days, will that work for you?" After you again come to lying on the floor, pull yourself back into your computer chair, your mind spinning, and respond, "That would be fantastic, can't wait to meet you!"  you go to your patio door and scream at the top of your lungs, gather yourself, call your bestest friends, get some paint and some garbage bags and get busy!!! Many late nights, pain pills for screaming muscles (up and down basement stairs, like, a 1,000 times), and  7 bandaids for paper cuts,  a major furniture construction project by your husband, who hates the finished product because it turned out to be much more complicated than we both thought, but I absolutely LOVE, later, you have a magical place that looks like this...

which is a small portion of my whole studio, if you want to see more, pick up the Fall issue when it is ready, don't worry, I'll let you know.

So thank you, Jo and Paula, for lighting a fire under me to really do the things that I have always wanted to in my space. Thank you Deb, Chris and Susie for all your hard work painting, carrying and adopting my extra stuff, baking the best blueberry muffins, I have ever tasted and all your encouragement and support, I truly couldn't have done it without you! I owe you all BIG TIME!!!! To the gals on my bowling team and from Sorority, who came over at the drop of a hat to cruise an impromptu garage sale and made donations to the American Cancer Society. You are the best and I love bowling and being with you all! And to my very own Glitter Fairy who has included me in so many amazing adventures that have encouraged me to step out of my "box" and try new things, meet new people and just grow, thank you from the bottom of my glittered heart! And finally to my kids, who cheer when fast food is for supper, (and I can cook, by the way, it's not because they don't get good home cooked meals, I swear!) and my sweet, sweet husband, who rolls his eyes at my crazy project requests and then laughs and says,  "Just joking," and reaches for a pad of paper, a pencil and a tape measure. I love you more every day!

Here is a picture taken by Miss Red Mittens, herself when we all went out to dinner together. Jo & Paula had just finished shooting Princess Lasertron's studio that afternoon and Teresa's that morning. I was on the schedule for the following morning..eeek! After meeting Jo & Paula, I was much more relaxed about the whole thing and just so excited!!!

This concept of Jo's has sparked a new creativity in me that feeds off my new environment and I know it will inspire you, too, as you look through the pages and peek through the window of so many amazing women, if you don't already own the book and the magazines, go get them. And when you have hit your mental roadblock, stop and pull out one of these publications and take a moment to read the stories and really look at the photos, and I guarantee you will be rejuvinated and that spark will start glowing again! When I run out of creative juices, I know I will go to my copy of the book, open it up to the first page and read this...

and truly be inspired. A girl, I mean a woman, couldn't ask for a better cheerleader!

So be watching for the Fall issue, if it changes, I'll be sure to let you know! The magazine can be purchased online at Stampington.com, and at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Barnes & Noble, & Borders. The book can be purchased here.

Comments

[Cindy]

I can't wait to see this issue! Congratulations girl.

[Jill]

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Oh yes! Can I come and see the REAL thing? So proud of you! xoxoxoxo

[lulusparkles]

congrats girly girl!
i would have croaked...you did it, good for you!!
xo

[kana conger]

Congrats Cari! Can hardly wait until fall to see your studio goodness.

[Boxwoodcottage]

Oh that's so fabulous that you'll be in that issue too Cari wohoo!:)
I think it must be the same issue Nicol Sayre and Ulla Milbrath will be in and now Teresa and you too, that sure is a MUST HAVE ISSUE. I own the book and the first issue.
When Ulla asked on her blog here: http://ullam.typepad.com/ullabenulla/2009/04/looking-for-omaha-nebraska-women-who-create.html for artist studios in Omaha I immediately thought at Teresa and you and suggested you both. Well they might have found you anyway I'm sure! I love that photo of your studio after the exciting week of preparations for the shot! Great job! I can only imagine how exciting this experience must have been for you!
Congratulations to you!!!!!!!!!
xoxo Carola

[Tracy M.]

Oh sweet, congratulations! Your new studio looks great, can't wait to see the whole thing. I have that book and I just love it, it's true, it does give you inspiration every time you look at it.
Have a great week,
Tracy M.

[Vickie]

Congratulations. I can't wait to see, but I suppose I'll have to. What I can see is gorgeous.

[lonnie jenck]

Oh I'm so laughing out loud....my elliptical is sitting in the middle of my craft room too. I figure the exercise I get walking over it and around it will do...hehehe It takes up 1/2 the room but will stay until it finds a perm home somewhere else in the house. Can't wait to see you guys in the next magazine. what a terrific group of girls you are :-) Hope to see you at Silver Bella again.

xoxo
Lonnie Jenck

[Amanda Willey]

OMG! Congratulations! I can't wait to get a peek into your studio.

[Joan]

What a cool transformation. Congrats. xo Joan

[Maija Lepore]

Freaking, WOW!!!!!

[Andrea]

How exciting for you! Your space looks amazing.

[Julie B.]

Why am I not surprised! You're craft room is smokin' hot before and after! The creations that are created down in that basement always bring a smile to my face! I'm definitely a fan of your art, and we should toast this fabulous milestone with a giant bottle of special water and lime in November! This one's on me!

[hope]

How fun! I cannot wait to see it in print!

[Jennifer]

All very good stuff..loving it all ...Cari I mean it your sense of humor and humility are winsome..so lucky to know you...

[Melissa]

How cool is that? My corner of the world looks like your old creating space! I love that cupboard! Don't tell me your husband made that? Now way! I want a cupboard like that, but I could never imagine my husband making one. I may try to shame him into it by showing him what your husband made for you! haha! I am thinking that's what you were talking about with the furniture project..... Your place looks beautiful. Do you find it makes a difference when you are down there now- more creative juices flowing? Just wondering if it's worth trying to attempt a clean beautiful organized place- mine isn't about to be photographed- um, yeah, never- I would die!

[Carolyn Peeler]

congrats Cari.
I'll be looking forwar to seeing your space in the issue :)

[Kara Ward]

Oh, I needed to read this today of all days...I am trying to tackle the mess I have made of my studio! You are such an inspiration. Can't wait to see you at SB and if you are ever in KC...let me know. I would love to take you to my favorite places and just maybe I will be able to show you may studio...because just maybe it will be clean! I will have my copy of Where Women create for you to sign! hugs- Kara

[Vicki O'Dell...TheCreativeGoddess]

Ok, so seriously, this is weird. I was just skimming along in etsy (about an hour ago) after typing "Christmas" in the search box. After about 3 pages of nothing really exciting...I found your shop. Of course you know I HAD to buy a couple of things. Such lovely things that I can't wait to get my hands on. I favorited you and then noticed your blog address. So I decide to check it out. I read a few posts, scrolled down and what do I find? This post about WHERE WOMEN CREATE, the very magazine I read this morning over tea. I don't think you were in it though...different issue? The fall issue may not be out yet? AND I was invited by Jo a week or so ago to join facebook pages she started. Oh the lovely, sparkly threads of creative community.
OH! And my studio is the sister to your "before" studio. I always whine a bit about having to work in the basement because I want windows. But now I know that lovely things can come from underground spaces. I just need to change my attitude. Thanks for lovely products a lovely blog and lovely YOU! I'm gonna click on your twitter link next! :)

[Bolmara De Marco]

Hello, my name is Bolmara and I live in Buenos Aires , Argentina. I like and enjoy your blog so much. I love all kind of craft and I´m specially good in crochet. Your blog is so relax that I can rest when I visit it, thanks for all this love.
Best regards, Bolmara.

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