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By
Pam A.
Come behind the scenes at Pam Ash Designs for a #CraftRoomTour and see Pam's art studio in Longmont, Colorado.
I love that there is so much natural light and that it is right off the family room so I can access it easily.
Tell us about your space
The studio is located right off the family room. It is my office and crafting/project space for myself and my kids. I use the big table in the middle of the room for projects that I need to spread out for and there is an area in the corner for sewing. I have a drafting table right outside the studio so I can still be with my family while I'm painting.
What have you done to make your space cosy, beautiful or inspiring?
When we first moved in here, we put a window in and it made the whole side of the house brighter and gave us a more panoramic view of the yard which I love!
How do you keep organized?
Luckily, since I am a very messy worker, there are lots if cabinets and drawers where I can put things away and close the doors. I try to have a place for everything so I don't cram things away thoughtlessly. When organizing, I found there are definite categories that I seem to be drawn to so I group things that way.
Any tips & tricks for organising supplies?
I try to go through everything once a year to purge. Also, I like plastic bins and boxes to keep like things together. One of my very favorite things I own is a rolling cart with drawers to store my paints.
I think the best thing to do is to take inventory of what you have, group like categories together and then get containers that will fit what you have. You don't have to spend a lot to organize. You can use shoeboxes, shipping boxes or other things you might have hanging around the house.
Which are your favourite possessions and are there any of your own creations on display?
Mostly, I love finding little treasures outside such as dried flowers. I found a whole snake skin outside in the garden that is really cool and a little spooky. I keep a small microscope so I can look at thing I find really magnified. My mom bought me a painting after spending a day touring art studios in the area. I like to look at it and think about that day so I have that hanging where I can see and admire it. I painted a cowboy boot many years ago. It was one of the first times I added embroidery to a painting. I love to save old artwork. It really gives you an idea of your progress. I have a set of shelves that I like to keep nice memories on like presents from my kids or pictures from special occasions.
How do you organise your inspiration and ideas?
I like to keep my room pretty sparse. It really keeps my head clear. I have my book shelf for special little items and a few of my very favorite things on the wall.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I really don't have to look very far. I find great stuff right in my backyard. I love food illustration so that's pretty easy and I love painting ordinary everyday objects because they take on such a different perspective when I observe them closely while developing my strategy to paint them. It gives me a new appreciation for the beauty all around us in even the most mundane objects. I also love to go to used bookstores and find old craft and art books.
If you had three wishes, what would you do to make it the dream space?
I really love the space so much. The only thing I would improve is finding shelving for my printer and scanner. They are on the floor and I'm constantly tripping over the wires. An easy fix! Maybe a good new year's resolution!
Whose craft room would you love to explore? Send us a message!
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