Zoe's Studio

Come behind the scenes at Creative in Chicago for a #CraftRoomTour of Zoe's studio in Chicago.

Probably my favorite thing about this space is that is so light and airy. It has lots of windows and a skylight so gets lots of natural light.

Tell us about your space

My room is used primarily as a web design studio – I have my own web and graphic design business (http://www.indigoimage.com) . I have client meeting here so it is important that the room look professional and not be littered with paint and half completed crafty projects! The studio has fabulous vaulted ceilings with lots of natural light and has it’s own entrance so I don’t have to parade my clients through my house! It even has a loft area – it is currently unused but would be a great place for a snooze area! I recently installed a convertible desk which allows me to work on my computer both sitting down and standing up. Since having it I’d say 90% of my work has been standing up. I find I am more focused!

What have you done to make your space cosy, beautiful or inspiring?

This was quite a blah room when I moved in. All the woodwork was brown and the walls beige …not me at all. The woodwork was painted a crisp white and the walls a soft blue/green ( Behr: Aqua Breeze). I have created all the artwork in the room and given it a coastal theme ...from my driftwood orb and fish made from wood collected along the shore of Lake Michigan to a big piece of string art with the words Sea & Sand. I provide full instruction on my blog on how to make every single piece of art in the room.

How do you keep organized?

All my arty supplies are stored in a skinny cupboard.

Any tips & tricks for organising supplies?

I like to use simple containers so I can easily grab what I need for a project without having to hunt things down. I make containers from recycle tin cans …they are perfect for storing pens and paint brushes. Basic cardboard storage boxes from Ikea are really useful too.

Which are your favourite possessions and are there any of your own creations on display?

One of my favorite things in the room is a simple ceramic pot which was made by my mum about 40 years ago. She had taken a pottery class and my brothers and I we allowed to pick one of the piece she made when she brought them home. My pot sits on my desk and stores my everyday pens. It has endured multiple moves, including a transatlantic trip, and lived in three countries.

How do you organise your inspiration and ideas?

Where do you look for inspiration?

My ideas come from all over the place and will often sit in my head a long time before I act on them. I love working with natural organic media such as drift wood, shells, sea glass or basic paint and paper.

If you had three wishes, what would you do to make it the dream space?

Nothing, I think it is perfect as it is…

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