so here, without much fanfare, is - the studio. The Studio - a new, greatly expanded spot where i'll be spinning mysteries and memories into tangible bits and pieces of ornaments with which to connect, to wear and hopefully to love. getting to this place seemed to take so very long (and many, many, many $$$ - thank you, mama!!!) - the garage car door removed, new windows installed, multiple ceiling lights and electric outlets installed, drywall up, paint on walls, shelves built, gas wall heater moved from upstairs to down, and many many many boxes unpacked, materials and tools put into the places where they fit - and none of this has been easy. not much of it, really, at all has been what i would call fun. it's the first time that i've done any remodeling whatsoever, first time i've dealt with contractors and carpenters, first time i've tried to stand my ground on what i think would work best for me, on what would look and feel right (that was the most difficult thing of all - asserting my own priorities over the schedule and opinions of a butt headed contractor). but now that most of the upheaval and drywall dust have settled, and i've sat at the table before those windows with hammer in hand for more than a day or two, i can say that it feels exactly right, that i'm thrilled (and still a little overwhelmed) with the results. i'll show you a few of the "before" photos and a few of the after:
garage car door removed, and three big windows installed, side by side; metal door has now been replaced with a full window insert door and screened door.
i snapped this photo of the cabin so that you couldn't see the contractor's mess in the driveway, right in front of the studio windows. i have a lovely front porch with wicker swing, a nice new side deck and fence for walter, and a large screened porch in back. the studio is at the bottom, where the basement car garage once was.
bill, my electrician. he installed new overhead lights (no flourescent!) and multiple wall outlets.
drywall is up; this began the day after i moved - when box upon box upon box was dropped into the middle of the room, and had to be moved yet again when this work began. (thank you, julie!!!) next came paint, and then - finally - shelves and an additional table, for soldering.
the antique welsh pine farmhouse cupboard, which (i was told) once housed chickens in the bottom, has been mine for 26 years; now it will hold art supplies. it had been in storage in the basement for over 13 years, as i'd not had a house large enough for a hutch; it was a mess, with dust and dirt and mold. for the better part of two hours, i rubbed it down inside and out with Murphy's Oil Soap, and polished it clean once again. the table to the left will be a part of my "shipping station", tucked up under the stairs that lead up to the rest of the house.
i crept downstairs and snapped this photo of a sunlit studio the morning after the contractor finished the shelving at nine pm the previous night. there were nearly 100 unpacked boxes waiting to be opened and items placed in their spots on those empty shelves.
(taken the night the shelves were built)
i also had a plumber install water lines to an antique pedestal sink that daddy gave me 20 years ago; he had found it in an old house that he tore down in the 1960's.
as i wrote the first of this post, the contractor and his assistant were walking up and down the hill, in and out of the storage room downstairs, mumbling and pitching things into their trucks, heading somewhere else from here, at last. the fence in back for walter is up, except for a lovely, old fashioned (modest, and new) ornamental wire and galvanized metal gate that i ordered over the phone.
i long for quiet, for rhythm, for privacy. without the workers' noise and disruptions, i can hear the wind in the leaves. i am not interrupted one hundred times a day. walter snoozes at my feet. hummingbirds buzz at the feeders. i swing in the wicker on the porch. i walk around in pajamas, barefoot. i stand at the windows, unselfconciously, without feeling that i'm breaking anyone's concentration. (update: i'm completing this post from alabama, where i'm finally able to spend a week with my mother, after all these months).
now? i've sat at the studio table for hours at a time, taking time to stare out into the trees and let the sounds and sights of the beautiful surrounding area soak into my heart and soul.
my little road, called Wooded Way; the cabin sits up above the road, on the left, with the screened porch tucked up into those trees. a stream runs through the bottom of the property, to the right of the road, and i can hear it from the back porch and the deck. there is half a mile of gravel road between the cabin and the mailbox at the paved road on down the mountain.
it is a quiet place, peaceful and profound in its beauty; thanks to the nonstop rain of this summer, the trees and meadows are still as green as the depth of spring.
inspiration strikes when we least expect it: after the contractor stated, when installing the wood and wire fence for walter, that the area was "friggin' root city", i remembered the thin tendrils of rhododendron root that i had plucked from the watery river's edge back in the spring.
i thought of family strength, of how much i love my mother, of how much i love my father still, even though he has passed on from here to the beyond. i thought of how it feels to be living in the cabin, surrounded by loving memories, there within the solid whitewashed walls.
i'll begin listing some of my new jewelry pieces this week, now that i've got the time to do it. just writing this takes a huge weight off of my shoulders; it's been far too long since i was able to sit and create, to work, to earn my keep.... stay tuned. xo
blessings to you and your new home.
Posted by: Peggy dlugos | August 19, 2013 at 06:42 PM
Glad peace has descended on you and your lovely new space, love the gate and especially love that Walter has his bed right where he can keep an eye on all of it.
Posted by: Diana B | August 19, 2013 at 06:51 PM
nina, congratulations ... so much has been accomplished and it certainly looks like you've made your new space "home". i can only imagine what a beautiful autumn awaits you there! --lennie--
Posted by: Lenore Locken | August 19, 2013 at 06:55 PM
A very proper studio for you, I am really happy for you and your new space!
Now if you start offering one on one workshops there, just let me know!
Posted by: Tracey | August 19, 2013 at 07:10 PM
Many blessings and joy in your new home & studio...It feels truly glorious! Denise
Posted by: Denise | August 19, 2013 at 08:14 PM
Lovely. Just lovely. Wishing you countless hours of happiness in your new home and studio. :)
Posted by: Judy H. | August 19, 2013 at 08:21 PM
It looks wonderful. Happy creating in that dreamy space.
Posted by: Red | August 19, 2013 at 08:26 PM
I so very much love your new world, Nina, and the way you describe it is pure magic. Welcome home to the new way and the new space and the new things that are yet to be.
Posted by: Ginger Davis Allman | August 19, 2013 at 08:28 PM
What an adventure in deconstruction and construction, but nests take time and purpose to build. Your statement about staring unselfconsciously about your world just tucked itself into my heart. Oh, what a gift that is to feel at home and especially in pajamas! Oh Nina, may the muses visit you by the stream. May you drink of Mt. Helicon's waters and may you simply glow with the hum of creation. I am sending you my best wishes. Do you bless a house with champagne like you do a ship? Somehow this feels right - now for the voyage of a lifetime. Your mama is a wise woman to seed this growth and you were a brave sailor. HUGS.
Posted by: Kat Langford | August 19, 2013 at 08:33 PM
Your studio is divine and looks so inspiring with all your tools ready to be used. Your new home looks beautiful and your work shows that. Hope you are enjoying it all :)
Posted by: Jane | August 19, 2013 at 09:09 PM
it's beautiful. enjoy.
Posted by: carol | August 19, 2013 at 09:41 PM
I am so pleased for you! Welcome Home!!!
Posted by: Jess | August 20, 2013 at 12:03 AM
So very happy for you, Nina.
Posted by: Lise Peeples | August 20, 2013 at 12:15 AM
your words are strong and confident and happy. you have created magic once again and this time you get to inhabit it. what a joyous adventure in which you have embarked...
Posted by: erin | August 20, 2013 at 12:57 AM
Nina - your new studio looks wonderful and a great space to create in. Enjoy!!
Julie Q
Posted by: Julie | August 20, 2013 at 02:16 AM
thanks Mama! bet she is glad to have you there and taking care of her beloved cabin, full of memories and love. half mile there and back to the mailbox will be a good mile jaunt for you and Walter all year. perfect to ease the kinks out after a spell at the work table. the little gate you ordered is just right!
Posted by: Vickie | August 20, 2013 at 03:02 AM
Congratulations on your new space, it looks beautiful and so glad to see you back here. I've missed you but I know you've been busy, what an exciting new chapter in your life! I can't wait to see all the beauty that flows from that studio. I'm with Tracey about the workshops :)
Posted by: Adrienne | August 20, 2013 at 07:08 AM
Your new studio looks absolutely amazing Nina. And that gate - SO gorgeous, I want one!
Wishing you lots of happy times there - and lots more blog posts whenever you feel inclined (hint, hint!). xo
Posted by: sue | August 20, 2013 at 07:11 AM
Blessings on you, what a lovely place to be, to create and just live. I pray you have many happy healthy years here.
Posted by: Marti C. | August 20, 2013 at 08:09 AM
I've been selfishly missing your wonderful voice as you've been putting together a wonderful home for you and Walter. Congratulations! My your heart beat loudly and strong at Heart Rock Hill.
Posted by: Patricia Walters | August 20, 2013 at 08:39 AM
I love, love your new space! Great new beginnings! XO
Posted by: Lorraine | August 20, 2013 at 09:00 AM
i am so so happy for you - i smiled through this entire post. your new world is beautiful, as are the new pieces that have sprung from it. best wishes to you for a lifetime of happiness at heart rock hill :)
Posted by: gretchen | August 20, 2013 at 09:10 AM
Woke up this morning wanting some news from you. Yeah. You are in your beautifully breathtaking home after all that hard work. Just got on the other side myself. Whee and whew. May your home bring you lots of happiness , love, soul filling juju. Much love and welcome back
Posted by: Laura | August 20, 2013 at 09:18 AM
Magical...you are so blessed! Enjoy!
Posted by: Jody | August 20, 2013 at 10:23 AM
What a beautiful place! Hope you enjoy every moment in what looks to be a special place.
Posted by: Carol Weiler | August 20, 2013 at 10:44 AM
Your haven is perfect!!!
Missy from the bayou
Posted by: Missy | August 20, 2013 at 10:46 AM
Nina,
I am so happy and thrilled for you.
Sending you so much love and thanking you for the inspiration you always bring me!
Kelly
Posted by: kelly | August 20, 2013 at 10:55 AM
Nina, this is gorgeous. You are blessed and we are blessed that you share your wonderful life with us!
Posted by: Denise | August 20, 2013 at 11:04 AM
I am so happy for you, Nina.
Posted by: Ann K. | August 20, 2013 at 11:13 AM
I am so very happy for you Nina. What a blessing to be somewhere that holds family memories and still have such beautiful surroundings. Your mother is happy I am sure. And what a wonderful gift. Every mother's wish is to be able to help their child's dream come true. Praying peace and love always fill your new home.
Posted by: Hope Amen | August 20, 2013 at 12:14 PM
Wishing you and Walter many happy journeys, adventures and endeavors in your wonderful new home and studio, and in the land and woods that surround you, along the stream. It's all there waiting to inspire you, and perhaps it already has. Best wishes!
vickie in kc
Posted by: Vickie | August 20, 2013 at 01:00 PM
Thrilled that you are now home and rooted. That life is peaceful and yours again. Happy new home to you and Walter, Nina. One day I hope to attend a workshop with you, maybe in your new studio? viv
Posted by: viv | August 20, 2013 at 01:37 PM
just to "be" is such a loverly gift...i wish you many hours of just being...
Posted by: Kat | August 20, 2013 at 03:11 PM
I love the sink. Very smart of you to add that. I keep a bucket of water and a sponge in mine and dear its just not the same as a glorious pedestal with a handsome dog around!
the light, the elbow room , the peace; its all perfection.
xx
Posted by: julie whitmore | August 20, 2013 at 03:57 PM
Beautiful...... all the best to you and Mr. Walter!!
Posted by: MaggieD (Dianne) | August 20, 2013 at 05:22 PM
Nina! A new work space is such a great thing, not to mention a living space too. Congratulations and I wish you years of peaceful making and living in it. xo helen
Posted by: Helen Carter | August 20, 2013 at 05:32 PM
How thrilling to see all those empty shelves against that empty wall transformed into space packed with goodies that will find their way into your wonderful work. And I have to say that the sink is nothing short of brilliant!
You will be very happy here.
Posted by: Judi | August 20, 2013 at 05:40 PM
That is a really incredible studio!
Posted by: Dawn | August 20, 2013 at 06:14 PM
Love, love, love the new studio. I imagine the view from those windows will inspire you for years to come. So happy for you to have this wonderful space.
Posted by: Dale | August 20, 2013 at 06:18 PM
What a wonderful studio space!! Dear Nina enjoy your fairytale house and surroundings. Many blessings to you, Walter and your new home. Monika xoxo
Posted by: Monika Schmid | August 20, 2013 at 06:27 PM
Hallo dear heart,
So pleased for you. Your new nest and work room look fantastic. May all be well and creative for you.
Love from Susan ( we met in Perth for two hours years ago. It was a grand two hours!). xx
Posted by: herhimnbryn | August 20, 2013 at 07:25 PM
I love seeing your shelves full! It makes me happy! Your new place has turned into home before our eyes. Have you decided on upstairs or down?
Posted by: Katey | August 20, 2013 at 07:43 PM
You are going to be so inspired in this new space!
It's fantastic!
And I am in love with your new gate.
Thanks so much for sharing that site with us.
Posted by: Emily | August 20, 2013 at 08:43 PM
Nina, enjoy settling into your beautiful new nest!
xo, Wendy (Birmingham)
Posted by: Wendy D. | August 20, 2013 at 08:43 PM
Wahoo! Yup, you are blessed. Dream .... Create ..... Be!
Posted by: Amy | August 20, 2013 at 11:12 PM
Oh, Nina - I am overjoyed for you! What a splendid place! I do hope I can visit one day! Jamie V in MT
Posted by: Jamie Vowell | August 20, 2013 at 11:55 PM
Dearest Nina,
I am so truly happy for you! There is nothing like a place of one's own, especially when it also houses an amazing studio.
Many, many happy and endlessly creative days are in store for you.
Enjoy!!!!! Xo
Posted by: Gloria Martin | August 21, 2013 at 01:25 AM
love, love your new home, I am so happy for you. The studio is a dream, hope the wonderful views are not too distracting. And Mr Walter looks all settled in.
love you
xoxoxoo
Posted by: Jacky Mcfarlane | August 21, 2013 at 04:12 AM
OMG, so thrilled for you, Nina!
Posted by: Judy Merrill-Smith | August 21, 2013 at 10:03 AM
Blessings to you in your remodeled nest!
Posted by: peggy gatto | August 21, 2013 at 11:36 AM
wow, wow, wow!!! Beautiful location, beautiful studio. Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Cynthia | August 21, 2013 at 02:53 PM
Nina, your studio looks just wonderful!! I love all the light, the great vintage storage and the gorgeous vintage sink for clean-up - its heaven!!
I almost envy your new home and studio space, though NOT the experience of working with a butt headed contractor ;)
What a blessed lucky creative artist you are =-)
Posted by: Monica The Creative Beast | August 22, 2013 at 11:45 AM
Your home is so beautiful and the studio is so lovely! I wish you lots of peace and happiness in your new home.
love & blessings
~*~
Posted by: laura | August 22, 2013 at 07:55 PM
Oh yah! Perfect. Just perfect. Enjoy.
Posted by: Jan | August 23, 2013 at 02:05 AM
It does my heart good to see you feeling more settled in your space. The upheaval dissolving.....and finding the quiet you need to create and live. Blessings to you
Posted by: Martha chabinsky | August 23, 2013 at 06:50 AM
Wishing you peace and happiness in your new home, Nina.
Posted by: robyn | August 23, 2013 at 03:25 PM
of course I have stalked all of this on your instagram - but seeing it for the first time here all together like this ----- oh my ---- it is beautiful absolutely beautiful.
Posted by: teresa | August 23, 2013 at 04:58 PM
Your new HOME is perfect. It fits you and Walter.
Posted by: Nancy Gene Armstrong. | August 24, 2013 at 08:14 AM
I, too, am so happy for you! I love the new studio, too!
Posted by: dorylyn | August 25, 2013 at 11:32 AM
I love it! What a wonderful place for you!
Posted by: bev | August 25, 2013 at 09:29 PM
love....pure and simple. hugs..xo
Posted by: Tina M. | August 25, 2013 at 10:11 PM
Oh my, it is so beautiful there....and your new studio...wow, looks like you have always been there....deeply rooted in your new place. I am so so happy for you!
Posted by: christinaB | August 28, 2013 at 03:54 PM
your new studio is simply beautiful, Nina!
thank you for sharing all the photos and your lovely story telling. it is a special gift to us, as i am sure you are very much exhausted.
love and best wishes to you and Walter in your new home - it will be a peaceful happy place. i know this.
dusan xo
Posted by: susan | September 01, 2013 at 09:17 PM
Oh my!!! Nina, I am over the moon excited for you. Your new nest is so beautiful. I loved each and every photo and know that it is a home filled with love. I am so sorry I haven't been commenting, but you have been on my mind. I traveled the path we all eventually travel. Dad had a paralyzing stroke early winter and I have been there seeing that he was taken care of and tending to Mom. I thought of you and gathered strength recalling your stories of being with your father. It isn't easy, is it. I am now embarking on a new adventure, inspired by my father and grandmother. I am building my own cottage in which to create. They both urged me to do this for over 30 years. Now that they are gone, I have vowed to follow my heart with them in my heart. Reading of your new studio and home reassures me that I am on the right path. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your journeys and in doing so, helping me along my own path. Enjoy each and every day in your new abode! Hugs.
Posted by: Jeannie | September 04, 2013 at 08:55 PM
I know it must have seemed overwhelming to make this move, but it seems like the perfect place for you.
Best wishes to you in your new home.
Posted by: Brenda | September 05, 2013 at 06:54 PM
Nina - I'm so very delighted for you! What a beautiful and functional studio and..... finally.... you're HOME. With loving blessings from NE Iowa.
Angela B.
Posted by: Angela Blair | September 14, 2013 at 11:56 AM
Just found your blog..what a beautiful piece!!.."Such deep meaning"..Enjoy your space...Blessings,Victoria...California Mountains...
Posted by: Victoria | September 14, 2013 at 12:20 PM
You are such a lucky girl Nina and i like that............
XXXm
Posted by: Martine | September 14, 2013 at 07:00 PM
oh such a dreamy nest, and feathered so lovely xox
Posted by: wendy | September 15, 2013 at 12:51 PM
A new beginning. It doesn't get any better than that!
Posted by: Seth | September 15, 2013 at 11:15 PM
Dear Nina, congratulations on your new space. It must have been exciting and challenging to make this beautiful space your own. Wonderful new home.
Linda
Posted by: Linda | September 16, 2013 at 12:22 PM