6.19.2010

A Studio Transformation Journey


An unused garage
plus a vision equals
a wonderful little creative space to call my own.

Seven months ago my family and I took a little transformation journey. 
Oh let me re-phrase that!
Seven months ago I got a wild hair
to transform our unused garage (aka storage pod)
into a quilt studio
and my family was dragged along!


Month 1

Everything came out


We sorted, repacked, discarded and relocated.
AND
then darling, sweet hubby broke his hand - uugghh



Month 2

We cleaned


and made preparations for the delivery
of the "wild hair"



My pretty red longarm



Month 3

I quilted


and made minor improvements

Waverly "Jalapeno Pepper" - Lowe's


Month 4

The painting began

Valspar Wasabi Green and Pale Pine - Lowes

Month 5

The electrical work began

lots of lights ( 6 - 4')

a new circuit panel

Pottery Barn pendants

We had the nicest electrician that spent countless hours
making sure every detail met my expectations.
I miss him!


Month 6

Moving In

I have several antique "family treasures" that were not being used.
Now they fit right in!

My Grandmother's kitchen table
My Dads baby highchair



My Grandmother's shelf with sweet treasures
My Mother inlaws vintage aprons


my most recent creation
a vintage sheet flower pillow


My Grandmother's buffet


a Pottery Barn cubby that holds fat quarters perfectly
I heart PB

a sweet little pincushion from my friend Pat
She makes the best stuff!

Sweet vintage treasures

A great place to store vintage sheets

an inspiration from Laurie Anna

a trophy cabinet re-do
go here for more info

another Pat pincushion
(I want to be her when I grow up)

a sweet handmade christmas gift from my daughter

my Daddy's childhood treasures

an old forgotten friend found in the attic

darling hubby's kitchen table from England
a great place to cut vintage sheets and start new projects




a comfy place to do hand-work
yo-yo checkers anyone?


Supervisor in charge

more fabric storage


works in progress

I love you red fiber-doodler!


Welcome to Poppy Cottage
where inspiration creates


Thank you for stopping by to visit.
The journey is not quit over
as there are still things left to be done.
But please be sure to come back as I share the whimsies of
my everyday life here where friends are always welcome!


xoxo
Sharon



~ Participating in ~

Where Bloggers Create II
hosted by

Pink Saturday
hosted by
Bevery at How Sweet the Sound

Metamorphosis Monday
hosted by
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch


Trash to Treasure Tuesday
hosted by
Kimm at Reinvented

Show and Share
hosted by
Chris at Just a Girl


Show and Tell
hosted by
Becca at Blue Cricket Design


and


Penny Pinching Party
hosted by
Jenn at The Thrifty Home


Inspired by Dawn @ The Feathered Nest

90 comments:

  1. Hi and Happy Pink Saturday!
    Love the pictures of your creative space---especially like the trophy cabinet redo :)

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  2. Your space looks wonderful! I wish I could transform our garage, but its man land. I have to share our office with the hubs. Its such a pain!

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  3. What a beautiful space! I love all of the family treasurers! Happy Pink Saturday!

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  4. Wonderful retreat! I would have a hard time heading back into the house for those dreaded chores and cooking...:P Love your new space ENJOY it!!!

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  5. It turned out very nice. Love your antiques.

    DH suggested I turn our 2 car garage into my quilting space. I love it.
    http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/85747021cPypMZ

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  6. Wonderful space, I could be lost in there for hours.

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  7. My goodness you are a brave soul! Looks like it was a HUGE task! The outcome is so impressive as well as the size of your red fiberdoodler! Very sweet and organized space! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  8. Your new studio space looks wonderful!! I love all the vintage treasures you've surrounded yourself with, I have lots of that in my workspace too. Hope you have a great, creative pink week!!

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  9. Can you please come over to my house and do this with mine!!!LOL!!! I love it ! You did good!!

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  10. Thanx for sharing the journey to ur awesome studio!!! soo Inspiring:O)

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  11. Sharon, that is an amazing transformation, and I love your supervisor!

    Happy Pink Saturday...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  12. Wow, all your hard work really paid off! Max the supervisor must have really cracked the whip! Happy Pink and happy Blogging! Marcia

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  13. What a fantastic space! I want your long arm quilter. Lucky you!! Happy Pink Saturday!

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  14. HI SHARON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    OMG!!! I am in awe over all of the work you and Mr. FD have done. I LOVE your Poppy Cottage!!! And that Mr. Max, what a sweet little helper you have. Hey, when you tire of that PB cubby shelf, kick it on down to me! It is just wonderful. I love how you so sweetly have family treasures in the room. My heart melted when I saw your daddy's teddy bear.

    Have a fun day!

    xoxo
    Becky

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  15. You had a big job .It looks so nice I bet you love it .There is so much room. I wonder how long it will take to fill it .

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  16. WOW! Such work! However, your space is fantastic!
    Queen Bee Studio

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  17. HAPPY PINK SATURDAY SHARON AND THE SPACE WHERE YOU CREATE BLOG PARTY,
    I ADORE YOUR LITTLE SUPERVISOR, MR. MAX.
    MY SON AND DIL'S YORKIE, IZZIE JUST DELIVERED 2 BABIES YESTERDAY...THE FIRST PUPPY DIED AND THE SECOND ONE IS JUST FINE BUT THEY DIDN'T KNOW IF IT WAS A BOY OR GIRL.
    WOWZER...WHAT A BEAUTIFUL TRANSFORMATION. MY HUBBY WOULD NEVER EVER GIVE UP HIS GARAGE TO HIS WIFE...THAT WOULD BE THE ULTIMATE INSULT.
    I LOVE YOUR DADDY'S MEMORY CORNER...CAN'T YOU JUST SEE HIM GOING TO SLEEP AT NIGHT HOLDING THAT BEAR. I LOVE THAT YOUR NEW CREATION SPACE IS FULL OF FAMILY TREASURES. YOU ARE SO VERY FORTUNATE.
    HAPPY FATHERS DAY WEEKEND
    ANGEL HUGS AND BLESSINGS
    SIMPLY DEBBIE

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  18. Hi there!

    What an awesome transformation! Great space to do all your work!

    I am not a seamstress and I am in such awe of all you talented ones. I am very needle thread challenged :)

    If you get a chance I would love for you to stop by... have a lil give away going on.

    Enjoy your visits -- they certainly will be tickled they stopped by your spot!

    Claudia

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  19. Oh I love your space! How great to use family treasures in it! I am loving that everyone has a place for the furbabies in their space! It is never a truly great space without them! Thank you for sharing!
    Hugs, Lisa

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  20. Hi Sharon! Congratulations for being featured at Beverly's Pink Saturday! I'm so glad because now I get to see your most wonderful space! It's marvelous! You have such great treasures and memories to surround you!
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

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  21. Sharon.....wow what a project. I love it all. Thanks for sharing and visiting my space. Susan

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  22. You must have a wonderful hubby!! To do all this for you!! Have fun---love all the old things! Happy Pink Sat!

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  23. What a wonderful space!

    Looking forward to having you join us on the 20th for Summer Sundays!

    - The Tablescaper

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  24. OMG extreme makeover! congrats! great job!
    What a nice space!
    Beautiful, thank you for sharing!!!!

    xoxo

    visit me anytime...

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  25. Wow, that sure became a wonderful place!

    Happy belated Pink Saturday from
    Maggie Mae!
    "Do these shoes match this purse?"

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  26. Hi Sharon..
    What a magical,wonderful place to create...so many wonderful things..I just sighed,and ooooed and ahhhhed. Your place is just wonderful/
    Happt Pinks and have a wonderful week..

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  27. Wow! What a job! It was worth it I am sure! I love yo yos and pottery barn. Enjoy your amazing spabe! ~Robin~

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  28. A long arm quilter that's great! What a transformation of your space! You did a great job! Love the vintage baby dress in a frame and all the other vintage touches. Love your fabric cubbys too!
    Best wishes,
    Chris

    www.curbyscloset.com/blog/

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  29. What a great transformation! Good job! And thank you for visiting me in Montana! Kit

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  30. What an amazing space you have created! You have inspired me to add to my own crafting area.

    I adore all of your storage solutions.

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  31. Hi Sharon,
    You have so much room to create, and surrounded by all your treasures I'll bet you're inspired every day. A lovely space, well done!
    Have a great weekend.
    XO
    Heidi - Heart and Home

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  32. Hi Sharon,

    Now that's what I call a transformation! WOW..and that longarm is awesome. I'm a sewer so all of the machines excite me..LOL You've done a super job on this creative space. I know that you are so pleased to have it.

    Also...Happy PiNk to you!! I'm a PS lady too. :0) I think we may have met before? PS has grown so large I can't make it around to see everyone anymore.

    I would love for you to visit with me and stroll through my studio..it's been a labor of love to put together and now after a year in our home putting everything together as it should be I feel like I can "spread my wings" and fly!

    Have a wonderful day,
    Stephanie ♥

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  33. Now, Sharon...you really don't want to be like me when you grow up....WHY grow up? I loved visiting your wonderful new space and hope to again soon. It's delightful..just like YOU. pat

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  34. Wow...that is some transformation. You had a vision and you really put it into action. The garage makes a wonderful creative space and my favorite part is that you were able to use all your family pieces in the space.
    Jane

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  35. i love it! what a transformation!

    we're having an addition put on as i type this and one of the rooms will be a new craft room for me! alas, i didn't take progress pictures.

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  36. What incredible vision you have....love the transformation...my family often gets "dragged along" for some of my crazy rides as well..gotta love 'em.
    gypsy hugs
    Beth

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  37. omgosh...this is an AWESOME space. I just love it and I know it is a dream come true for you.
    We changed our garage into a dining room and, like you, I am totally in love with the space.

    You should link this beautiful room with Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday....it's perfect.
    xo bj

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  38. JEALOUS!!! That is awesome! I have a corner of the living room and cannot imaging having all that space to spread out!

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  39. Your studio space is coming together nicely. You have a great work table and wonderful treasures surrounding you.

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  40. This looks fabulous! What a great creative project, to accomplish creative things!

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  41. I love your space and your little yorkie-I have one, too.Your quilting machine is awesome. Love all the vintage touches-your grandmas buffet for storage-too many things to mention. I'll be back after the party to look further.

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  42. You are lucky to have such a space. I thought I was going to have the same thing. But hubby wants a home theater instead.

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  43. Oh, my gosh..I'm visiting a day too late again, but I'm here..that's what counts doesn't it? So, Happy Belated Pink Saturday to you and I hope you'll visit my PS-post and enter my give-away! Love, Esther XX

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  44. Sharon! What a great creative space! All your hard work certainly paid off! WOW!!

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  45. What an awesome creative space. It was well worth the wait. Such great cherish treasure and Max is so doggone cute! So, enjoyed my visit with you. Have a great week.
    Hugz,
    Zandra

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  46. Wow... congratulations... your space looks amazing!!!!

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  47. Oh Sharon it must have been so exciting to see it all come together! What a bummer your hubby broke his hand! I bet that put a damper on the day!! You aren't going to believe this, but my husband has the exact same buffet that you got from your grandparents. He got it from his parents! I was so surprised to see it!! Thank you so much for joining the party! I hope you had a good time!
    Karen
    My Desert Cottage

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  48. It's fantastic! You've outdone yourself :)

    I love that you were able to use so many family pieces. I could totally spend an afternoon sitting and watching you quilt.

    Tomorrow is the big day - I'll email you and let you know how things turn out.

    Lisa

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  49. What an amazing transformation. Designing it yourself must make the finished product just that much sweeter! Thank you for sharing.

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  50. I have no idea what a fiberdoodler does, but I love the color & it so deserves this fantastic space.

    How wonderful to be surrounded by such treasures as you create new ones for others to pass down in their families.

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  51. The transformation of such an unexpected space is wonderful to see. So many ideas to take away on repurposing items I might otherwise have overlooked. Beautiful quilts are created here! Thank you so much for sharing. Elizabeth

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  52. Who knew a garage could be turned into something so beautiful, inspiring and functional! Great job - your space is lovely!

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  53. Hi Sharon,

    What an amazing transformation. The little dress in the frame could have been taken off my wall. If I didn't know better I would have run downstairs to see if it was still there! Frame and all. And your dad's treasures - precious.

    Thank you for the tour - it's been a fun visit!

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  54. Wow! What a transformation! I love all your vintage treasures and how lucky you are to have these beautiful pieces of antique furniture for storage. Love the kitchen table and chairs! I'm sure you're very happy in here. Thanks for stopping by my blog as well and leaving such a wonderful comment.

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  55. I was going to say exactly what Lori said, "Wow what a transformation!" I am in awe!

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  56. Sorry about your hubby's hand...but the transformation is wonderful...wow what a wonderful creative area!

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  57. What a great transformation! I enjoyed seeing the work and the changes made as you went along. Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy belated PS!

    Jillian
    Bella Rosa Antiques

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  58. Wow! What a terrific space you have and what a lot of work to get it that way. I enjoyed this look back to the beginning very much; it is splendid and you must be very proud!

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  59. Wow - that is one special make-over! I think you could be on one of those tv shows - and impress everyone. You have a beautiful place there and it is so neat that you took pictures along the way. That is quite a project. Your quilts are beautiful too. Thanks for sharing your space and for stopping by my place for a visit.
    Blessings,
    Tricia

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  60. I'm so impressed. The space is fabulous. And the long arm ... well, I'm a quilter too so that long arm makes me drool. I have photos on my blog of some of the quilts I've made but I have no space for a long arm so I send my pieces to a terrific long arm quilter. Am looking forward to following your blog.

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  61. If there was an award for most impressive transformation, you would win, hands down! WOW! Thanks for stopping by my blog.

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  62. Hi Sharon,
    I am slowly moving through the list. I just love what you have done with your garage and your story of the journey was very inspiring. I ven like the music that played in the background. Your things have fit in their beautiful and you have worked hard to create the space. I still don't understand...what exactly is a fiberdoodle?

    My daughter and I have a "young" blog and would love to have you visit, if you wish. She and I have been making jewelry together for fifteen years but also have other interests. I love vintage paper crafts and she loves vintage fashion...and we both love estate sales!

    Thanks for giving us a peek at your creating sight. Isn't this fun?

    Suz
    http://katsuijewelry.blogspot.com

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  63. wow-what a transformation! great spot.

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  64. Oh Sharon, Every minute I wasn't working away in your new fabulous studio I'd be rocking away in that sweet rocking chair. :)

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  65. Hi Sharon, I'm still making my rounds for pink saturday. Cute post and great transformation.
    Blessings, Shirl
    Shirls Rose Cottage

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  66. Happy Pink Saturday, Sharon. I hope you enjoyed being one of the featured bloggers.

    That was an amazing project, and now look what a wonderful space you have created. I love seeing all of the pretty pattern fabrics stacked so nicely. And, your sentimental treasures make it all just perfect.

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  67. I love how you documented every month and how work progressed. I bet it was more taxing than you let on, but I'm sure it was fun to see the end results. It was for me. I love that kitchen table. You have a real gem there. And that long arm is wild. I'm also crazy about those PB cubbies. We don't have a PB here, so I will just have to dream. Thanks so much for taking us through the entire process and sharing the completed masterpiece.

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  68. Amazing...I don't think my hubby would give up his garage though. Plus it would be VERY COLD in the winter even with the garage heater!

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  69. What an AMAZING transformation, Sharon! Your supervisory in charge looks quite comfy. I'm sure he can do all the directing from his pillow. Lol! :))

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  70. Wow! What a transformation! I love the red machine.

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  71. What a wonderful transformation! I'll bet your glad to be at this point. It was worth the wait, but I'm sure you wanted it done quicker. : ) It's a great sized space, too.

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  72. My gosh. What you have done here is absolutely phenomenal.

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  73. WOW!!!! Your room is perfect in everyway!!! So much beauty, love your quilts and darn you have the best supervisor ever!!! Thanks for sharing.
    Debby

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  74. Wow! What a transformation! Such a great space for your creativity. Thank you for sharing the journey.

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  75. Sharon, What a wonderful post! Showing the progression of this project in photos was wonderful! It really gives one an appreciation for HOW HARD you worked for your dream. It is soooooo special that you have so many items from family members to put in your room. That Teddy Bear of your father's brought tears to my eyes...he is as precious as he can possibly be...then there's your grandmother's hutch and adorable kitchen table, the high chair...such wonderful memories and sweet reminders fill your space. What an amazing collection of fabrics and that machine...WOW...gives one the impression you might serious about this quilting hobby..ha! Enjoyed my visit and loved your transformation! Xo, Sue

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  76. I think it might be cool to have a section just devoted to "garage studios" - I think it is outstanding you use this space for a creative room. Wonderful space - Thanks!

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  77. Wonderful space. I love the table and other treasures like your dad's chair.

    Great way to use and unused garage.

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  78. What a great transformation from garage to grand studio! I adore all your family treasures that make your creative haven special and personal - your dad's little bear just tugged at my heart, so sweet to think of dad's as tots playing with toys. Thank you for sharing.

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  79. The transformation is AMAZING! How special to be able to decorate with your family's treasures:)

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  80. What a great space! I love that you have put in family pieces, I have done the same, they just add MORE to your creative space don't they? Makes it feel even more like home.

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  81. Congrats! Your space turned out great and how wonderful that you can now make use of some of those family heirlooms that were previously in hiding. A wild hair came to successful fruition!

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  82. Oh Sharon, this is probably the MOST amazing transformation I've ever seen! How wonderful to have this big space for your creative talents, and what a great space to put wonderful family heirlooms to good use! You created such an inspiring room. Love it! laurie

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  83. Sorry i am a bit late for the tour. i have been tied up a bit visiting all the wonderful blogs along the way. Thank you for the wonderful tour of the creation of your creative place. I love all your family treasures you have in there how inspirational. Is that a pachinko machine i spy?? it looks like one we had growing up. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day. Angela

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  84. I think I'm in love (or if not, it's pretty close!!). You are SO lucky to have a whole garage to call your own AND a husband that's willing to let you have it! Thank you for showing us your great space.

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  85. Such an amazing studio you have! Thanks for the very delightful tour.

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  86. Sharon, what a neat craft room you have. How do you keep it that way ?

    I saw, in one of the pictures, some fabric wrapped around something black with 3 lights above it. I do not sew, at least like you do, but what is that machine ? I am fascinated and it looks like another "arm" is over it on the edge. It says- WORK IN PROGRESS. I know I will be embarrassed when I hear the answer. duh !
    Nice blog !

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  87. I love it that you posted the tranformation of your space, thats great. Fun to see how it all came together and I love it, a very nice space.
    And I hope your dh's arm is back in good shape again : )

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  88. The whole garage?! You are one lucky girl. I love the vintage touches. It was fun to see your studio come together from start to finish.

    Yes, I am still visiting the artists in Karen's 'where bloggers create' Party...and having a great time, too. Thank you for sharing your creative space with us. Have a wonderful weekend. ~Natalie

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  89. Hi sweet Sharon!!! O.my.goodness!!!! IT'S WONDERFUL!!! I love it all so much and just look at all of that space you have....I'm so glad you did it and you will love it all the more when you finish with the permanent wall too. Thank you so much for sharing with me...now, will you head over here and help me figure out what to do with all my stuff since we moved to a smaller house??!! hugs and love, Dawn

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Thank you so much for visiting! Your comments mean so much to me and I enjoy hearing from you!
~ Sharon ~