Hey there Beastie buddies! It’s been a bit of a hectic week here at Beastie Towers… Yes, I know I’ve been saying that A LOT recently, but it seems like every week that passes brings even more action than the one before! So, what’s this week’s slice of news? Well, it’s a biggie – I took a studio space!
Up until now, my monster-making activities have always taken place in the comfort of my own home. And that was great, up to a point… A point that usually corresponds with the onset of the festive season. Then – CRAFTSPLOSION! Piles of wool, felt and fabric had been steadily colonising the living areas of Beastie Towers, making it nearly impossible for the non-crafting members of the household (sorry, Boyfriend!) to find a spot to sit down at the end of a working day. Trying to contain the sprawl wasn’t really an option either – it seemed like a lot of my valuable crafting time was spent trying to find things I’d only just tidied away.
Then, I started taking sewing classes with Zaria at The City Seamstress, and I was very taken with the incredible building where she has her workshop. Through a small door on a side street, up a flight of stairs… And you’re in the most amazing eclectic art space! I began to wonder if the Beasties could maybe find a home there too. So, on a whim, I applied – and was offered a place the same day! Care to take a look? Follow me!
We’re just down this passageway, in the open-plan Back Loft area! Turn the corner and…
Please excuse the mess… I’m still in the process of moving in! A bit of that craftsplosion I mentioned earlier will definitely take care of those empty walls and clear tables, too.
For the moment, I’ve been enjoying spreading out across my new desk…
… While still having a separate fabric-cutting and ironing station!
Filling up the shelves is fun, too!
And here’s a sneaky peek at some of the communal spaces. I’m really looking forward to relaxing in the roof garden this summer.
Today, I brought along the first (and most important) decorations for my studio walls as well – pictures and cards from some of my Beastie friends! Perhaps a few of you will spot something familiar in here…
Oh… And one more thing. This studio comes with a free feline friend! Hey there, Ophelia!
Isn’t she pretty? Expect to see a lot of her in future posts! Apparently she has a bit of a thing for yarn though, so I’m making sure all my storage boxes are kitty-proof!
So, welcome to our new home! I hope you enjoyed the tour… And if any of you have any decor tips, please share them in the comments. I haven’t done any interior designing since I painted my entire bedroom teal at age 14, so I’m not hugely confident in my abilities!
Also, I’ll be taking a bit of a break from blogging over the next couple of weeks as I get settled into this new space and get caught up with some of the other work I’ve been neglecting lately! But we’ll be back soon with new Beastie friends to meet and fresh monster adventures. See you then!
Wow, best of luck with the Studio H 🙂
Cheers Ste! I’m really enjoying it already 😁
Is looking great Helen, I think it’s a great home for beastie towers 😀
Thanks Simon… I think so too! Soon I’ll have half of Dublin claimed in the name of Beastie Towers 😉
Needs more headless mannequins…
Hahaha! You know what, you might have a point 😂 Cheers Mike!
Wishing your a happy and creative time in your new workspace
Thanks Mariss… It already feels like home 😁
Congratulations! Looks like that space has a lot of potential. I love it! 😀
Cheers Ivonne, I’m quite taken with it myself! It’s great to have so much space all of a sudden! 😁
😁😁😁 a lot of space for a big fat beastie chaos
Sounds like a plan 😂😂😂
Amazing!!! Even though I know Boyfriend doesn’t really exist, having your own studio space must feel like a HUGE step forward in your creative career. I can just imagine how much room proper Beastie making must take up, but I’m guessing you only took the space to have access to the cat. It’s okay, you can admit it. :)) Congrats!!!
Heehee, thanks Tammie! Although you have completely seen though my ruse… FREE CAT!! The extra craftsplosion space is just an added bonus, but one I’m very much enjoying. As for Boyfriend, what do you mean he doesn’t exist? Are you telling me that you weren’t fooled by that actor I hired to meet you and Mr Husband last year?! 😂
It would have been more believable if you hadn’t had to bribe him with the donut. :))
Dammit! Ah well, I’ll know for next time! 😆
Ooh la la, that is the cutest and coziest workshop I ever did see! Living in my own moderate form of craftsprawl, I know how the supplies can migrate and yes, colonize.😆 I’m so excited to hear that you’re relocating Beastie HQ and am sure you’ll find ways to put your unique stamp on the space and meet some very interesting co-creators in the process (and Ophelia!). I’m noticing how versatile the walls are (they appear eminently pinnable-to). Maybe a good home for some corkboard experiments (beautiful and functional)? Or tension rods and fabric curtains to divide under-the-table space? A teeny vase of fresh (or felt) blooms? A string of cute hanging lights? So many possibilities – congrats on finding a new space! 🙂
Hahaha! Yes, I’m pretty sure craft supplies move under their own power when I’m not looking, and they’re always in the lookout for new territory to conquer! Hopefully taking over the studio area will satisfy them for the time being 😁 I love the idea of getting some corkboards on that big blank wall, and some greenery and twinkly lights would go down a treat too… Uh-oh, could a shopping trip be on the cards?! 😉 Cheers for stopping by, Shirley!
Or, ooh, a mini rug to cozify in the winter? (ok, I’m done). So excited for you!
Ooooh! Good afterthought… One of my neighbours at the 2017 Christmas Flea Market was selling the most incredible sheepskin rugs. Could this be the excuse I’ve been looking for to get one? I think so! 😁
Congratulations on the new work space! It looks very homey and cosy and I am sure it will suit you well. I imagine it is also pleasing and inspirational to be around other creative people. I look forward to seeing how your creative space evolves.
Thanks, Laura! It’s a really nice place to work… I was in there on Saturday and had my musician neighbours providing a soundtrack to my stitching! I’ve never been great at avoiding distractions at home – I don’t know how you do it! – so this move is already paying dividends. Cheers for visiting! 😁
Lots of greetings from Austria and good luck for your studio. May wool always surround you there 🙂
Lots of greetings from Austria, your working space looks great. Good luck for it: may wool surround you all the time there!!!
Yaaaay! Thanks Stefanie… You’ll have to come for a tour next time you’re in the neighbourhood! 😊
THIS IS SO AWESOME CONGRATULATIONS!!!! The space looks absolutely divine, and I know you’ll be able to put your decorative spin on it in no time. How exciting! Such a great step and will promote a healthier balance of work and life back at Beastie Towers. Ummmm and I highly approve of the gorgeous and well-named Ophelia!!!! Given her occupation as Studio Cat, I’m going to assume she is a delight and nothing like Edward. Congrats again!!
Thank you, lovely Weekes! I am loving my studio so… Although decoration is proceeding slowly because I’m cat-proofing as I go! Ophelia adores yarn and believes any that crosses the threshold is hers by divine right 😹 But I will forgive her, since she always comes thundering down the hall to say hello when she hears me arrive. Talk about a warm welcome! I’m in real danger of becoming a crazy cat lady now. Cheers for swinging by for a visit!
Congratulations, what exciting news! And a free cat as well, what more could you wish for?? It must be so fun to have a blank canvas like that and personalise it for your own crafty space
Why thank you, Hannah! And yes, I’m having fun gradually putting my mark on the place! It’s also still kind of cold in Dublin, so cuddles from the studio kitty are a great way to stay warm while I work 😸 Cheers for stopping by!
They do make excellent hot water bottles
Definitely! 😸
Thanks a mill for the mention Helen! Welcome to the studio’s I think Ophelia and the Beasties will be the firmist of friends 😹
Thanks, Zaria! And yes, I’m sure they will! 😸