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Monday, July 8, 2013

Where Bloggers Create 2013, this bloggers creative space, under construction!

 
Hi! and welcome to Boulder Dam Cottage! I reside in a quaint little town by the Hoover Dam called, Boulder City, in Nevada, USA!
 
And this is Where this Blogger Creates!  I call this "my fashion wearhouse" for the lack of a better name.  Better known as the "former" woman garage, I  made a conscious decision to park the car on the side of the house and move some of my fabrics and sewing notions out here!
 
The above picture is a newly painted set of old kitchen cabinets that the previous owner decided to put up when they re-did the kitchen.  They were a lovely creamy green teal colour and while I loved it, I decided that RED, which is one of my fave colours, would be my inspiration colour and would perk up the place! It sure did, and thank you Joann's for the Eiffel Tower knobs that I found to girlie them up!
 
While my creative place is no where near completion, due to our Summer heat, triple digits and a few days of 117 degrees, my friends that were helping, well we just had to quit work for a little while until it cools off a bit! I am so thankful for them and their help and time, I couldn't have done it without them! So many neat ideas we bounced off of each other, the gift of time and materials, I can never thank them enough, Mrs K is an organizer and believe me I have learned so very much, sometimes I can't even sleep thinking what I am going to tackle next!
 
Mr. D, can make, create, work with anything and wa la there it is! Custom made for me! Thank you Mr D and Mrs K!!!!! You guys are awesome!
 
I did, do an insulation installation of the garage door, which was a learning experience, did that all my myself in the middle of the night! Did I mention I don't sleep much! lol!! I accomplished that in the Spring, and it really does cut a little of the heat out. I have windows on my garage so I did a dark window film on them first and then the insulation boards. What a difference!
 
Anyway here are some pictures of the garage in the before, during, and "still under construction" with comments!
 
I hope you enjoy my eclectic vision, which might make some people run screaming into the night, but for me, I still have my vision of covering up the clutter with beautiful fabrics, finishing the one wall with insulation and a fabulous bunch of boards from an old You Haul rental trailer, I so love character and recycled stuff; and I have many various shelving boards that will be hung on the wall as well.
 
I share my creative space with the "Chinese" laundry area, my new addition to the family! the CYCLONE! a must have swamper that rolls around in this heat, and my zones that include, a "storage" area, cabinets for fabric and pillows, overhead storage units, and zones that that house household articles, cleaning supplies, paint and my extra portable old antique working Singer sewing machines.
 
So I'm really ready to go, it's just Mother Nature has another thought!
 
Thanks to my friends that sweat along with me, movin and shakin with ideas and that supplied me with their old closet doors, a set of 4 mind you, that I truly love that sit atop my 6 x 6.5 foot square working table. I don't like perfect! I like character and the industrial look!
I nailed vintage and new yard sticks all around for easy measurements!
 
The table was made from Big Lots bookcases, a couple of 4 x 4's, some yard sticks and the Dollar Store plastic shoe boxes were used for my storage, a whopping 36 of them on one side and the other side houses my collection of sewing baskets, sewing magazines, vintage and new sewing patterns!
 
The table top is smooth, but not perfect and with tons of character, of course I had to get a nice big piece of teal felt to put on top which can be removed at any time! It just makes me happy!
 
I just love my place, when I can go out there, but when it cools down, oh Lord, when it cools down! lol
 
So here we go on a pictorial tour of my new "fashion wearhouse" where this blogger creates!
 
Thank you for stopping by and I would love any comments or additional ideas you might wish to share, as I am not quite finished yet and my mind changes daily!  
 
Have a great week! and enjoy all of these Bloggers that have joined in! I cannot wait to see all of them, and believe me, there are a ton! I'm so excited and I won't be getting any sleep again, go figure!

the link to My Desert Cottage is up on my sidebar! Please visit and take in all the eye candy won't you?
 
 
 hugs kat =^.^=

Here we go,

 
 
under cabinet storage of paints and my two footer! in teal of course!



 
As you can see my table sits to the right inside the garage, handy to the wall cabinets. The roll around houses my irons, storage and some sewing supplies, I was gifted my own little shop vac (thank you Mr D!!!!)  and this way cool metal vintage roll around!
 
(Actually my sticky fingers grabbed it out of someones truck! lol Thank you thank you thank you! I just love it! )
 
 
 
There is a another storage "zone" under the large work table, the brown vintage roll around chest fits perfectly underneath.

 
here is one side of the table 18 cubbies of storage! oh my!  Our plan was to utilize every inch of space, which is still a work in progress. Now that the bigger pieces are in, it is easier to "fit" things in where they belong.

 
I attached some of my vintage yardsticks to the top this little charmer, then I stained it and polished up the chest, she is real wood and just lovely! My five dollar find last year.
 
 

 
 
another "zone,"  4 inches of space to lay patterns and large papers to stay flat. This table is a good height for my back!



vintage pant hangers hold  tons of ribbons



 
inside the red cupboards are plastic totes from Kmart, they fit perfectly! In teal!

 
 
display inventory


 
stack able tool drawers just fit under the cabinets for needles snaps and pins, button and bows!

 
I found a clock with scissors as hands, a whole dollar, and a large thimble hanger for the cabinet doors. Also a small organizer with pockets a white board and bulletin board for notes and inspirational pictures!
 
 
The beginning.
 
 
overhead units and roll around shelving

 
in the middle of the garage is the "storage" zone, flanked by two 5-shelf roll around units to square this space up.
 
 
the table being constructed.

 
under the table, yet another storage zone; we decided to leave the "backs" of the bookcases off for air circulation  and to see the totes


 
oh dear, pardon the mess! This is a working industrial area and hard hats are suggested! LOL
 

 
 




 
love the other side of the table, all these shoe boxes for lace and things. I'm able to organize as I go along and some of these are still empty!



 
I'm now in the process of draping the "zones"  and the hanging overhead storage units.
 

 
It was so hot, I just had to stop!
 
This is one of my vintage sewing machines
 
 



 
She will be living out there! I cleaned her up and applied a good wood conditioner, she looks like new now! Such character, the patina of this oak wood and the lines are so charming.
 
 
 
Beautiful vintage details. They don't make cabinets like this anymore do they.


Well, that is it for now, hoping by next year I will be finished with the "wearhouse!"  I have some painting to do when it cools down, more organizing and one wall to insulate and install the vintage wood planks on!

I've learned so much, it is so nice to know where everything is! I'm killing two birds with one stone so to speak. I'm organizing as I go along, a slow go process but so worth it!
 
  Wish me luck! and thank you for stopping by to see where this blogger creates! :)
 
=^.^=

Please be sure to hit the below link to see all the wonderful creative bloggers that have joined in this year!

And a big thank you to our host, Karen, at My Desert Cottage, for all her time and effort that goes into this event for the past FIVE years!
 
 
Where Bloggers Create

 

49 comments:

  1. Hi there Kat, I was thrilled to find you just around the corner from me in good ol Logandale, NV Sometime we might have to get together. I enjoyed seeing where you create. I loved the work space table you have made, with the cubbies for the shoe boxes, and the organization you have. Talk about fitting lots into a space, and knowing where everything is. I will have to explore your blog further and see some of your creations. Hugs

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    1. Hi there, yes we are less than two hours away! For sure! Thank you for all your lovely comments, I guess I have lots of stuff and now I can actually go put my hands on something when I need it! lol Who knew! :) thanks for following too! hugs kat =^.^=

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  2. Your "wear"house is wonderful. I too create in the garage, but I have to share with the car.

    What a beautiful vintage sewing machine.

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    1. hi there, yeah i kicked the car to the curb! lol the machine is a treadle, very old, and in working order! can you imagine what it took to make something way back then! thats another post all together! lol thank you for stoppin by! :) kat =^.^=

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  3. This will all look fantastic when you're finally done with all the construction (then no more hard hats needed : )

    Clever storage you created between the table tops, perfect storage for paper rolls.

    Thank you for sharing the space, looking forward to see it when its all done!!

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    1. hi I sure hope so, it is a ton of work but a really nice place to work and imagine! weather permitting it will be finished this year hopefully! thank you for stoppin by and your lovely comments! hugs kat =^.^=

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  4. Wow!! Love all the space and all the cubicles.. The cabinet with the yardstick-top is gorgeous!! Love it!.. And I had to smile at how you get no sleep! While I should be shaking a finger at both of us, I'm quite a night owl myself. (I don't think my mother ever appreciated that I was NOT a nap taker during my childhood!)... I really enjoyed my visit here today!! Thanks for the show and tell! ~tina

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    1. hi there, yeah no SLEEP last nite either! lol!! thanks for stoppin by! hugs and hope you get some shut-eye soon too! hahahaha kat =^.^=

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  5. Kat, that looks like A LOT of work!!! I just love the red cabinets accented with blue... love lots of colors. :-) Your vintage sewing machine is in such lovely shape. I have one from my great-grandmother that needs restoring. Thanks for showing your wonderful space.

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    1. hi carmen, well yep it sure is, but i love it! the machine is a treadle and working, cant wait for some cooler weather to try her out, lol, can you get a visual of me sitting at that thing sweating now! NO i dont think so! lol anyway thanks for stoppin by, hugs kat =^.^= and your lovely comments :) ps try Howards on the wood, makes it like new! really!

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  6. This is so awesome. I love your table you constructed. I need one of those. YOu did such a great job. And what a great idea...all those cubbies filled with containers...full of stuff just waiting to be used. Love your sewing machine too. What a find. I have a vintage sewing table but no machine. Great post.
    Blessings,
    Debbie

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    1. hi debbie, thank you for stopping by and visiting! the table, what can i say, i just LOVE it! just knowing it is OUT there, makes me want to go and play and make something!!lol hugs to you and yours! kat =^.^=

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  7. So totally LOVE the cubby desk you made!! Awesome idea!!! and that sewing machine...drool!!!!

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    1. hi sandra, i know, right! that machine, she is a treadle and working too...cant wait to use her this winter! thank you for visiting and your lovely comments! hugs kat =^.^=

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  8. Great work table Idea and I love the yard stick table top too fun!!!
    Have a wonderfully creative time in your space!

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    1. hi barbara, thank you! it was fun making and designing that table too! I hope to have tons of fun and utilize my wearhouse more than my home! if it wasnt so hot and humid i could live out there! lol hugs kat =^.^= thanks for stopping by!!!

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  9. A roomy studio and fabulous looking old sewing machine.

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    1. hi, thank you! she is a treadle and working order too! :) hugs and thanks for stoppin by! kat =^.^=

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  10. LOVE how you've used all the yard-sticks for edges ~ and that cabinet top is fantastic! Thanks for inviting us in ~

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    1. hi bobbie, it was SCARY to invite everyone in really! the clutter, the process, the mess in between! wow i had no idea! anyway still my work in progress and loving it when i can get out there! the humidity has set in this week and WOW it seems to hit you right in the face! lol thanks for visiting! :) kat =^.^=

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  11. Red cabinets, such a brave color choice. Love that you have so much carefully organized work space. The yardstick table top speaks to me. Nicely done indeed. Your antique machine and cabinet are just wonderful. Keep smiling and creating thanks for sharing.

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    1. hi there, i love red especially fire engine red! to me it is an inspirational colour but i so understand that it can be scary not to mention many many coats of paint too! lol thank you for your lovely comments! hugs to you, kat =^.^=

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  12. Very nice space! Take your time tweeking it. I found GREAT ideas AFTER I finished off mine... :) Oh well! Filed away for the next space or another time! Hugs! http://connell-crafts.blogspot.ca/

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    1. hi cindy! wow I will, thanks for the advice! the problem, hometalk and pinterest! lol i keep looking, tweeking, etc etc, well you know! :) thanks for stopping by! hugs, kat =^.^=

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  13. I love seeing your work in progress. I love the use of yardsticks--so creative.
    I look forward to seeing the finished studio--You are going to have a wonderful space.
    Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us. Mary

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    1. hi mary, thank you! i always pick up yardsticks and rulers for some reason! i love my space so far and hope i will be able to move in there when im done! thank you for your lovely comments and stopping by for a visit! kat =^.^=

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  14. I love all of your handmade furniture and the use of rulers for the top of the set of drawers and the edges of the table etc. That huge table is such a luxury. Ideal for cutting large pieces of fabric.
    I thought it was hot here (the UK the highest temp so far is 28C) but the temperatures you've having in some parts of the USA have been horrendous. It's surprising you can get anything done at all.
    Thanks for the walk through of your lovely crafting space.
    Happy making:-)

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    1. hi louise, well first thank you for following and stoppin by for a visit, your lovely comments brought a smile to my face this day, as the sweat runs down and my just made up face is on the floor! lol the humidity has visited us now, daily, wow wow, im really sweatin to the oldies and im old too! now what!!!! :) i love that table, for sure, keep in touch, i try and do a little each day, with a wet rag on my neck! lol hugs kat =^.^=

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  15. thanks for sharing the whole organizational process and not just the results-that is so important. The huge table worked out so well, cubbies, rulers, and all. A lot there to be proud of!

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    1. hi there, yep that was the hard part, the messy pics, the mess, oh my, i hated it! but it is part of the process which seems to be ongoing daily! when i can get out there with now the humidity, i cant stay in there for very long! ive turned into a runner! lol run in run out! water water lol! thanks for your lovely comments and visiting! hugs to you, kat =^.^=

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  16. Oh my goodness, what am amazing transformation so far! I adore the yardsticks on top of the table and have been accumulating them for a while now with the intention of doing something similar. The way you have your tape stored already made me jump up and change mine. They are washi tapes, not masking but your made me realize I could do better so thank you for the inspiration and for sharing your creative space!

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    1. hi there, oh good! glad you could utilize my tape holder (paper towel) lol thank you for stoppin by and your lovely comments! hugs kat =^.^=

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  17. I love what you did with your vintage yardsticks. who would've thought?! I'm looking forward to seeing the finished space when it cools down and you're able to complete it. By the way, although I'm not a lover of red, I do like the colors red and teal together. TFS!

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    1. hi lori, thank you for visiting, this post was fun, harder than i thought, especially posting the messy pics! oh well, me too! waiting to get done! in the meantime, im sweatin to the oldies here still, the humidity has visited us! :) hugs kat =^.^=

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  18. Will be back to see the project as it unfolds! Love the red and turquoise. Your big table wit the side shelves - it's my fantasy come to life!

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    1. hi susan, thank you for stopping by and your lovely comments, i simply cannot wait for it to be finished! i will be the one running around the table, hands in air, singing! la la la! lol hugs kat =^.^=

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  19. Wow! That vintage sewing machine is beautiful! I can't imagine living in that heat; I hope it cools off soon so you can work out there. Thank you for sharing with us!

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    1. hi there maureen, yeah ms treadle! wow i was shocked at her condition as well, used Howards on her, reconditioned the oak, i just love to look at her, the lines, the character, the workmanship! love her! the heat, well what can i say! it is now like back east with the humidity! lol we cannot win, come on winter so i can complain about the cold! haha hugs and thanks for stopping by! kat =^.^=

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  20. wow, you have allot of stuff. how fun to be so creative. I love the rulers around the big table. And the ones on you small table, except it's a shame that it's not out for everyone to see. You could continue to cover the whole table front and sides and back.

    Great space
    hugs
    cindy@stitches

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    1. Hi cindy, omgoodness, you have no idea the amount of stuff! lol thank you for stopping by! Yes, Im so excited to start creating, weather permitting! :) hugs kat =^.^=

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  21. Bless your heart, what a LOT of work to transform your garage!! Whew, what a job...but it looks fantastic. Neat to see the 'before' pictures. Don't work too hard in this HEAT, girl!

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    1. Hi Maggie, yep so much work, but we had lots of laughs while working, that was fun! I was not sure about the before pics, with so much STUFF you can hardly see what is going on! I hated that part, embarassing! But oh well, it is a work in progress huh! lol I've quit for a little while, it is just this weather, now we have the monsoons, humidity! NICE! NOT! :) Im never happy! HAHAthanks for stoppin by! hugs to you kat =^.^=

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  22. What a great space!! So much room!! Love your choice of color for the cabinets... RED!! I have red in my Kitchen and love it!!
    You are lucky that your hubby is so handy...

    Thanks so much for sharing!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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    1. Hi Debbie, well it was just me and my friends, Mr D and Mrs K that helped me create this wonderful space! I was just the helper! LOL Anyway, I bet your kitchen is just gorgeous! I do love RED it is such a creative colour for me as well! I bet you make fabulous dishes in that space of yours! Thanks for stopping by! I love your blog! kat =^.^=

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  23. Your space is fantastic Debbie. I do love your sewing machine. I have an antique one back in New Zealand stored with the rest of my "stuff" we came over to Australia 7 yrs ago, not knowing how long we would be here. Would have been better if we had shipped everything over. Never mind, it is safe in storage, but a shame its not being seen :-)

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    1. Hi there, thank you! Hey it is never too late to ship your stuff! :) thank you for stopping by! hugs to you, kat =^.^=

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  24. Hellllllo my friend Kat,
    HOLY MOLEY, does your garage look great! You know the Eiffel Tower knobs are my favorite parts; just like you, unfettered and alive. Will write soon, stay cool. Love, Judy

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    1. Well hi there my friend! How are you!!!!! I know! right! I've been busy! LOL Good to hear from you! hugs and love! kat =^.^=

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  25. Great use of space, love your yardstick table, great idea! Thanks for sharing:)
    Hugs Marilou

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment I read every one! Kat =^.^=