A solution has been found for storing my small paintings on paper!  Traditional flat files are so expensive and SO HEAVY; I have been on the hunt for some time looking for a more budget-friendly fix.  I can't say how happy I am to have decided on this little shelving unit.  The "shelves" pull out for easy access and I organize my paintings in it according to size.  Derek can even fit his smallest size drawings on one shelf!  (We, or let's be honest, Derek will have to construct our own shelving for the larger works on paper.  More on that later!)  We purchased it at IKEA, which unsurprisingly is proving to be the perfect place to get affordable storage solutions.  Highly recommended at a mere 20 bucks! I don't think I have ever been more excited about a shelving unit in my life...

Lately I have been using Pinterest to organize things other than chocolate cake recipes.  Thought I would share my planning board for setting up our new studio space - some items have already been purchased!  And some are not in any way within my budget, but I love to dream about them. More on the actual purchases later!

I'm in the studio again today, starting 3 canvases in a new small size that I want to test out.  Hopefully these turn out and I can share them here soon.  Also, wanted to say a big "thanks!" to Victoria at her lifestyle blog, vmac+cheese.  She featured my work in a really nice post, so make sure you stop by and have a look! 

Hmm...now I have a craving for some really good macaroni and cheese...
Have a great weekend everyone!

Can you believe it's 2013?!  It's upon us, and I have to admit, I'm not ready yet.  Every year by this time, I have completed my Year in Review and have already set my New Year goals. That has simply not happened, but I do intend to get that worked out soon.  Better late than never? So much attention has been given to getting our studio up and running.  Furniture has been picked out!  Things are being organized!  But we still have lots of work to be done.
Here is a sneak peek at a Christmas present given to me by my sister.  She created these fantastic hanging pots - they look excellent in our studio.  Just what it needs!

Have a look at our wall coming down!  Finally we have the open space I've always wanted and I couldn't be happier!  Our house is currently very dusty from the removal of plaster and the cutting of all the wood.  It's a battle to get rid of it all completely - but so worth it!

I'm feeling pretty great today - We have been given a concrete date to begin demolition/construction on our studio renovation. It's actually happening!  December 6th!  I've been working on potential layouts for the new space, and I think I am settling on the one I've included above.  Am I missing anything?  I have tried to think of as many details as possible.  I even have a little plant in the corner on the bookshelf.  Lighting is the biggest question mark in my mind. It seems every artist has an opinion about the best studio lighting, and it's hard to pick out what is best for your space/budget.  Any suggestions are welcome!

Also, I created this floorplan for free with The Make Room - it's highly recommended!

Many thanks to everyone who came out to the reception last night!