Creating a Creative Space, Pt. 1

Some years ago when I moved into my own space, I kept the room designated as the formal living room, according to the blueprint and according to my parents, just that.  Although there were no funds for formal furniture, in my mind, that's what that space had to be.  And so it was, albeit an empty space.  What I did do in my quest for creating that formal feeling was to put up some wallpaper that I truly loved at the time, but now I realize it was a bit of a mistake because here I stand some years later on the verge of ripping it off the walls, never having used it for the purposes I had in mind.  Lesson learned.

A major lesson that I have learned is that in your own space, you can make of it what you will because it's your call.  And so I've deemed my "formal living room" my official craft room.  Since claiming this space a crafter's home, at first I really tried to hold on to that wall paper.  I really didn't want to invest in making too many changes, partially because I felt that as a creative person I must somehow be able to transform this space of mine without having to detour from what already existed.  What I ended up feeling was major frustration.  Although all my supplies were finally gathered into one space, the space did not feel like me; did not speak to me and therefore it was hard to craft in there.  Another lesson learned.

A change was needed and not one of those things-will-come-together-one-day, but in a sense a major overhaul that would require several get-it-done-right-now-or-you'll-be-in-the-same-rut projects.  So to prepare for this change, I began with my trusty list (I am a list-maker, can't help it), wrote down the steps I felt were necessary to make this space my own, and then began to set some dates.  Yes, I wrote them in my Day Planner to make it more of a reality.

Paint samples have been chosen.  The room is being gutted out.  And the official paint day is set for Good Friday.  This project will take a whole lot of DIY effort, but I can already feel that sigh of relief that is sure to come.  Stay tuned!