Miriam's Studio

Join us for a #CraftRoomTour of Miriam Tribe's multi-purpose studio in Utah.

My favorite things about this space are the DIY projects I did to customize and maximize the space to our needs. I made/built/sewed the chaise lounge (by cutting up a king-sized memory foam mattress!) to create more seating in a limited space. I designed and built the wall organizer to keep the art supplies away from my special-needs daughter. The work table was a backpack storage unit I bought from an elementary school's surplus sale that I added legs and casters to, as well as a table top to make a super function table that also holds a ton of storage. The wooden dowel and copper joint wall grid is place to put up my latest textile and print art. I worked really hard on a tight budget to create a space that we all love to be in.

Tell us about your space

This is by far the most important room in our house, and it has many functions. It's a family area, computer room, art studio, work space, kid's craft room, it's everything for us--and yet it doesn't feel crowded or cluttered. Everything has it's place, and we all have a place to sit! The room itself is only a slightly large bedroom, but we maximize every square foot. My kids share my work table which is frustrating at times, but I generally don't let them use it while I am, we have to take turns! I do all my printing and painting on the work table, and sew at the small desk. I have storage on the walls, in my work table, and packed into the closet. It's important that I have a place for everything to be put up and away, as my special-needs daughter and now precocious toddler are both immediately into anything left out!

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

Besides the major DIY projects, I tried to use my art supplies themselves as the color and decor of the space. The minimalist wall organizer really emphasizes the color of the art supplies, the simple circle shelf makes a big impact with my vibrant textile paints, and the work table highlights the color, patterns and textures of my fabrics. The wall grid is versatile and a place to bring in a little green with my air plants.

How do you keep organized?

I think like anyone, everything in it's place, and a place for everything. Besides the wall organizer, circle storage shelf and work table, my closet is packed with my supplies. I have a peg board mounted to the closet door that helps keep me organized as well.

Any tips & tricks for organising supplies?

The number one thing that helps me stay organized, is just to keep my supplies to a minimum. I love having what I need, but I try to cull my supplies often of the things I just don't need or are not likely to use. There have definitely been a couple times I've had to repurchase something I once had, but those rare occurrences are worth having space to breathe.

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

I have a several pieces of meaningful art in the room, but my favorite are a series of colorful prints from my husband's master thesis research that I had framed. I also really enjoy a set of matchbox weavings I did last year (exactly what they sound like) that always make me happy. And I really adore my air plants!

How do you organise your inspiration and ideas?

I have always kept what I call an 'idea journal' that I sketch out creative ideas and inspiration in, as well as create never-ending to-do lists to keep me productive and organized. I'm currently in between journals, but am in the process of collaborating with a talented book maker to design a custom journal, which I'm really excited about.

Where do you look for inspiration?

My favorite places on earth are art museums to stroll through and get inspired by, and out in nature--I'm always inspired by the color, texture and patterns I see outside. I also swear I get magical scheming powers in a hot bath!

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

I might spend all three of my wishes on my first desire, it's something I think about all the time! I would love SO MUCH to have a massive work table. Something so big that I could work on large textile pieces without having to drape fabric on the floor; room to cut patterns out, and space to print and paint without having to clean up between steps. I would also love for my kids to have their OWN table and completely separate craft storage so that they don't rummage through mine. I actually don't mind sharing with my family—I really enjoy our time together—but it would be amazing to not be tripping over each other!