Friday, June 18, 2010

where bloggers create II



I'm excited to be participating in Karen's brilliant party for the second time.



Last year I showed the many places in and out of my home where I like to get crafty. This year, I'd like to focus-in on the room we affectionately call the Girlie Office, or G.O. for short.



Yikes. This was the sloppily painted, former teenage boys' room (previous owner) turned cardboard igloo that I envisioned transforming into a space where I could work, play, relax, daydream, create. As a life-long renter in my first-ever house I was more than ready to take on some wall color, too.



Believe it or not, this little Sanrio bee on a notepad, made me think: YELLOW!
I began to gather ideas and materials and take on many DIY projects in preparation. Almost everything shown in this room has been tinkered with, which makes it all the more fun for me.


{Same curtains as in the "before" photo. Just snipped off the tabs and replaced them with ribbon ties. Same chair, too!}

One bright sunny morning I couldn't help but take photos of the newly finished room (this was long before blogging for me). I excitedly emailed the photos to Creative Home magazine (my then go-to guide) and was stunned when they replied immediately asking for more photos and details. When it was published that summer, the section was titled girly getaway -- so fun!



So that's how it all began for the little Girlie Office and me.



It's in this yellow with pale yellow-trimmed room that blog posts get written and I play around with fonts and images on the old iMac.



It's where treasures are tinkered with and online shop orders are packaged. It's also the room where my oldest likes to read quietly, my youngest plays games online, or my husband and I sneak away to chit-chat during a busy Saturday.



Since the G.O.'s big debut in print, my tastes for accents have become less raspberry-paisley and more pale-floral.



I try to keep supplies pretty organized . . .



in jars and cans (natch) ...



and boxes.



Pretty papers adhered to the backing, add cottage style (tee hee) to this standard office-supply bookcase.



In a house full of boys the Girlie Office is where frippery rules.
It's where this blogger creates!


Thank you so much for visiting!
Thank you Karen for being the hostess with the mostest!
Happy party-hopping!
Click here to get to Karen's blog.

xo
elyse

110 comments:

Hearts Turned said...

I love every bit of it, Elyse! No wonder you create such lovely things when you are surrounded by all that beauty!

Thanks for sharing your bit of paradise, Elyse!

Julie

Donna said...

I'm loving all of this. Your colors are so pretty. I'm in love with those curtains! I have a table just like yours sitting out in my garage. You are inspiring me to get it out and paint it white!
D

stefanie said...

Its perfect...they yellow paint just makes you happy!!!! what a wonderful space to create.

Debbi said...

How positively yummy! Now I'm having to talk myself out of repainting! A space all your own, with your taste, your signature on it . . . sigh . . .

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

SWEET!!!

ORGANIZED!!

LOVE IT!!

Lucky girl to have such a wonderful room to while away your creative time in.

xo
becky

Connie said...

Mine will be up in about 5 minutes at 3 pm my time, sugar. I am excited also. But yours is adorable and a lesson on what can be done to small rooms—as mine is also. I think you'll like seeing all my froufrou, chick. Come by some time tonight or when you get a chance. I'd be thrilled to have you! Darling, honey, just absolutely darling!!!!
xoxo,
Connie

birdie blue said...

what a pretty room. a serene and peaceful environment!

have the loveliest of weekends!
~molly

koralee said...

So so pretty...I would never come out..my husband and girls would have to fend for themselves!!! I love all your touches...pure JOY! xoxox

debi said...

I LOVE your girlie office Elyse! It's so very YOU! Sweet and inspiring!

I love your comfy couch. I wish I had space for something that.

And I LOVE, love your sweet chandy!!! Swooning!

Kateyed said...

That is absolutely darling and has your name written all over it! I love your little pink rosebud print that you put on so many things...just so sweet and happy!
Beautiful job Elyse. Maybe next year, I will put my rooms on the tour!

Suz

Jill said...

I love, love, love your girlie office! It's beautiful, and I love the creative way you've organized it. It's all so wonderful.
I have a girlie office, too. I call it The Playroom. It's actually a sunroom! I'm hoping to join the party next year-- that gives me some time to tidy-up!
Hugs,
Jill

Claudia said...

It says 'Elyse' to me. I've seen peeks before, but it sure is fun to see the whole space. Love all your organizational touches, your computer, all of your wonderful supplies. Not everyone gets to have a sofa in their creative space - lucky, lucky you!

Love it, my friend.

xo
Claudia

P.S. You've making my old idea of painting the kitchen yellow resurface.

Anonymous said...

Such sweet colors, Elyse! I love Yellow, Pink and Blue together. Thanks for showing us. Can I come curl up on your little couch? ♥

Glitter & Bliss said...

Your space looks like heaven. I would want to stay in there for hours. Lots of wonderful...inspiring...things. Rah!! Rah!! Rah!!

Free Pretty Things For You said...

im in love... ::sighs::
my honey would have to pull me out there i wouldnt want to ever leave!

Bring Pretty Back said...

Elyse , how did you ever get such style. This is so beautiful .
Kristin

tcs said...

Looking good, Elyse!

Lisa said...

I love your space! How great to be so featured for a work of love!! I love you anyway but how fun to see your space!
Hugs, Lisa

Lisa said...

Elyse!
Your space is so beautiful! I love the yellow! It's so bright and cheery. You have the perfect place to tinker.:)

Unknown said...

Oh Elyse,
Is it any wonder that your beautiful room would be published in that magazine? I just love your color pallet. My girlfriend Joyce called me last week and said she found the best blog ever...yours. I said Oh Elyse, she has amazing style! She said that she spent time browsing through all of your posts.

Your place is beautiful, and I would never guess there were any little boys running around your home.
Karen

ginger@bearbits said...

Wow! What an amazing transformation. All that more impressive when we get to see the before. The sittig area is a nice touch and all the details are so creative.

Thank you for the tour of your girlie space!

~ginger

shabbyfufu said...

Sunny, happy, lovely, dreamy, whimsical and just the place that I would love to sit in for some girly creative time! ~xo~ Janet

Elsie said...

Neat G.O. office. I like it all
Elyse. Good job. ":O)

Melinda said...

I can't find my sewing room!
It became the dumping ground during school and now I have time to find it!
Hopefully I can start on that next week.
Your room is beautiful!

Melinda

Unknown said...

Beautiful place, love the colors!

Hugs
Charo

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

Elyse, your studion is just one of my fave! love how it looks so clean cut, cozy and very organized. and not forgetting cheerful too!

Queen Bee said...

Love your space! It looks so happy!
Queen Bee Studio

Little Pink Studio said...

I personally LOVE the G.O., and would paint my whole house that shade of yellow if my husband would let me. Seriously. My neighbor just painted their house a soft shade of yellow last year and I've been coveting it ever since.
:)
xoxo, Cerri

Unknown said...

What an amazing transformation! I recall seeing the process as you've shared it! I love how the fabric in your room matches the background on your blog!! How fun!
~TattingChic ♥

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for your comment on my blog.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Your room is so pretty and soothing. What a lovely space to create, read, blog, and have a pleasant conversation. Hope you are having a great weekend. :) Tammy

Flutterby Patch said...

Absolutely gorgeous. I can't think of a thing I'd change and I love your colour schemes...it's made me want to get my paint brush out.

Unknown said...

OH MY GOSH, Elyse, what a gorgeous room! You have no idea how much I am inspired to redo my own "girly office". It's OK now, but I can see room for improvement. The only downer is the size. It's a very small room...about 8' X 12', so there's no room for a couch our anything like that. It's my office, sewing room and craft room all in one. But, I can still fix it up. Thank so much for sharing this!

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Wow, it looks great! I love the yellow, so cheerful. I am inspired to work on my creative space.

zandra said...

Yes, I remember you from last year! So, enjoyed my visit with you again! Love the color of your room looks lovely. Enjoy the rest of the party.
Hugz,
Zandra

fairiemoon said...

I always enjoy seeing rooms in your house. You have such delectable style.

Thank you for your well wishes!

Erin :)

Anonymous said...

It's so sweet and organized, Elyse! So happy you invited us in for a visit!
Hugs,
Zuzu

Vicki said...

Hello, sweet friend,
I love your girly girl space so much. It looks just as I would have envisioned it for you. You certainly have that "magic touch", Elyse, and you do amazing transformations. I raised two sons so my home is pretty much all "girly girl" now that my sons have their own homes. Have a beautiful weekend~ Vicki

luverlie said...

Very cozy and comfy. tfs
luverlie@gmail.com

Jeanne said...

Hi Elyse!
Your "girlie office" is adorable and quite a transition from how it began! I like how you repurposed/reused things like the curtains. And those supply jars are adorable. What did you do to cover the lids? Is that ribbon??? Thanks for the tour!
xo
jeanne

Pam @ Frippery said...

How pretty. Love the yellow walls. I may have to consider a shade of yellow as I works on my space.

Unknown said...

So wonderful! I love your cute little jars with the colorful lids. What a great way to organize.

Brenda Pruitt said...

These photos are so absolutely you, Elyse!
Brenda

fiberdoodles said...

I just love it! I screams happy! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

Marina Capano said...

Hi!!!
congrats. Everything is so cute!

I'm loving all of this!

xoxo

Karen Valentine said...

Well now I see where you are published!!1 And so well deserved! AND, not once but 3 times!!! WOW. The room is just lovely. Very cheery and happy. How could you not feel great going in there! Thank you so much for being a part of the event. Have fun!
xo,
Karen
My Desert Cottage

Anna Matthews said...

Such a delicious space. Love that wall color. It would be so nice if I could fit a couch in my studio.

Dandelion and Daisy said...

Thanks so much for visiting today. Your soft yellow room is so bright and cheery AND inspirational. I just had my first experience with a magazine featuring my work....so exciting. I can certainly understand why any magazine would want to feature your wonderful room, congratulations.

gabrielle said...

I love yellow! Not nearly enough people do! Your room is sooo beautiful!

kluless said...

I love to see things 'tinkered' - my own M.O. I especially love the floral paper you used for the box labels, what a great idea. I just automatically use blank paper without even thinking about it and yours look so much better! Thank you for sharing and thank you for the great tip.

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

"Like Minds" uh Elyse (the tension ribbon rods)

I love your sweet yellow "girly getaway"..It is just fabulous! Mine seems much more functional and yours is so darling! :)

Chris said...

Your studio is absolutely adorable!! I could spend all day there. I love the butter yellow walls, so amazingly cute!
Best wishes,
Chris
www.curbyscloset.com/blog/

Theresa said...

Girl, I am running way behind visiting but I am so happy that I scrolled down and realized I missed this post! Love your space and I knew yours would be just pure perfection!

LOVE the color and how all of your colors and designs are a reflection of your beauty!

Have a blessed day my friend! HUGS!

Martha's Favorites said...

What a transformation! I am so happy for you. Your own home and your own room! Yeah! Thanks for sharing. Blessings, Martha

Rustique Gal said...

Elyse, this room is to die for. What pretty decor where comfort and privacy are number 1. I love it that your family all has special things they love doing there too. Have a great week!
Sherry

Beverly said...

Elyse, I knew I would love your space, and I was right. It is just absolutely perfect. You are the queen of pretty organizing.

Your style is my idea of wonderful. You know I am a borderline organization freak. I have my pretty little clips you gave me right here in front of me. You see, they make me think of you every day. Your pretty jars leave me drooling.

I miss you on Pink Saturdays. Please come play with us sometime.

craftyles said...

I absolutely love your colors in your studio. I would want to be in there everyday! Great job-redoing the room.

Karen said...

Elyse - love it. I too was in a house full of boys and could conk myself for making my own "girlie" space sooner. Why did I wait until they moved out (well. . . And then back again!) ???

You are such an inspiration - love the shot of you at your table where the magic happens. When I have a tarp splayed on the patio I often wonder how others do it. ;) I would love for a big area where I don't have to worry about the overspray!

Have a wonderful weekend! Karen

Decor To Adore said...

What an amazing space you have created! You have inspired me to add to my own crafting area.

I adore all of your storage solutions.

sandy said...

I love your renovation! Yellow is so HAPPY! Even though my space was not really ready this year to "show off" I put it out there anyway and am REALLY inspired by YOUR re-do! Thanks for sharing! sandy

Linda Starr said...

what a transformation, so cheerful, love the storage ideas.

Into Vintage said...

Hard to believe that's the same room as the 'cardboard igloo'! The colors are just perfect. :-) -amy

Jenny said...

I might just have to change the color in my place after seeing yours. I especially love the label you used on your white storage boxes - I might have to borrow that one very soon. Thank you for sharing your G.O.

Jenny

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Wow Elyse,
I love that you showed us the before and after photos...the transformation was amazing and BEAUTIFUL!
The G.O certainly has the girlie-ness going on :)
What a wonderful space of inspiration~
Love it.

Olive Grove Primitives said...

what a beautiful creative space. thanks so much for sharing

Have a beautiful day Lisa

Mercedes Spencer @ Liberty Biberty said...

Oh, Elyse that room is BEAUTIFUL!
How wonderful to have such a big and pretty room to create in!
Mercedes

Natasha Burns said...

love everything about your colours and surroundings when you create! you truly are a rockstar ;) xo

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Very nice! I've enjoying seeing all of your pretty things! You are so feminine! I love it! ♥

donna joy said...

what a 'delicious' room-pretty colors and a happy place to create!

Terri said...

All the details and thought that went into the creative space has paid off it is wonderful!

Geralyn Gray said...

Omg....that deserved to be in a magazine....I love the yellow.....your rose chintz in the little photo holders and I love that wire shelf.........you are one lucky girlie.

Jillayne said...

What a beautiful room - love that yellow with hits of pink and turquoise! You have a lovely space and thank you for sharing it.

Scrap for Joy said...

I had to just smile upon looking at the picture of your G.O. How could anyone not be happy in that room. Your special touches are so reconizable...Cheery yet serene Elyse. Thanks for the peek.
xoxo
Joyce

LaurieStar said...

Love it! Of course I'm a huge fan of yellow. You just can't be depressed in a yellow room! :) Love the photos!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Wow, what a joyful room. To see what it was and is now, is a true transformation and beautiful creation. Your new space is magic. Thanks for sharing this well organized and beautifully appointed studio.

sweetpea said...

what a transformation! your studio is so pretty and very inviting.

hugs,

shelley

Debbie~ said...

I looove your bright yellow, it's so cheery and the transformation from your son's room to your CrEaTiVe space is wonderful! Your space is very inspiring! Debbie @ Cottage Hann~Me~Downs

birdie blue said...

Such pretty pics, Elyse!

Love that the little bee inspired the color. We have quite the collection of Sanrio items, including that little bee, Sweet Coron (http://www.sanrio.co.jp/english/characters/detail/sweetcoron/index.html.

Such a sweet soft yellow.

Have the loveliest of days!
~Molly

Cindy@Cutepinkstuff said...

We'd call your room the MPR (multi purpose room!) Cheery room to create, Elyse!

Debby said...

Hi Elyse,
I have enjoyed my tour, love the color of your walls. I think you have the perfect space and so organized. Thanks for sharing.
Debby

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

What a wonderful makeover! The wall color did wonders as did all of the other nice touches you added. You have things organized in such a nice way. I enjoyed my visit. Connie

Beedeebabee said...

Hi Elyse! It's all sooo very pretty! What a perfect space...I loved it all! xo Paulette

Terri said...

Elyse, all of your little treasures you make are just precious. I love coming to your blog in the mornings..I feel so cozy and inspired. Have a happy day! Terri

Thespa McLaughlin said...

What a great space and I so have that magazine! I've looked over your room many times in those pages, I always loved that you got your "girl" space. So cool! Thanks for sharing!

Heather ~Pretty Petals said...

Elyse, your sweet space is just beautiful! I love the yellow walls! Such a happy color that yellow... it is so fun to get to see into everyones spaces. xoxo Heather

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

LOVE it! And how exciting that it was also featured in a magazine. Congrats! It's beautiful!

Unknown said...

Oh Elyse! I love it! It so suits you! I am still working my way through all the entries... SO MANY!

Thanks for sharing your girly get away! :)

~Liz

The Feathered Nest said...

Your creative spaces are so beautiful Elyse!!!! They speak of you, and reflect your sweet spirit ~ I love all of your girlie touches and beautiful patterns. Such sweet inspiration is everywhere ~ hugs and love, Dawn

kimberly shaw said...

Delightful studio, such a treat to visit, it is a wonderful tour. So exciting seeing it published, too!

Cathy said...

Elyse,

Your G.O. is adorable. Great job with the redo. The "before" picture was very scary.

What a scrumptious space to rest, create and blog in.

Have a great weekend.

xo Cathy

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

I can see why the magazine snapped it up right away!

Kelee Katillac said...

Love the girly office Elyse! Your innovation with the curtains is great! Such a pretty place to do what you do--and it looks just like you!

love, kelee

Deborah said...

I love it! I wish I could do a girly room, but it hasn't worked so far. Maybe one day when my kids finally decide to move out...of course we may move out and let them have it! Great feature today at WWC.

Tania said...

Your space is very tranquil and feminine. I really like your blog and will be back, thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Love your space and your wire rack, it is so fun. love the way you covered the jar lids, plenty attention to detail, thanks for sharing! XOXO

Unknown said...

I have had this very dream for three years and set to be at least another three (they just won't leave home lol) I love it all and I am keeping this for inspiration when I finally get round to start my GO

Love Dawn xx

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Your girly studio is heavenly Elyse! Like frosting on a cake!

Love,
Maryjane
xox

Angela Weimer said...

Wow what a lovely space. So nice and warm. I love your little treasures too. thanks for a wonderful tour. Have a beautiful day. Angela

Sandy said...

Delightfully dreamy studio! I love the feminine floral touches. Thank you for sharing your creative haven.

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

Elyse ~ Love your Girlie Space, How wonderful for it to be Published, Ahhh, A Dream of mine.... Thanks so much for Sharing, I am Still going thru the 400+ studios & I just Love Yours.....

June said...

WOW! OH WOW! What a sweet space to dream.

Rose :: FineCraftGuild.com said...

i like your craft room organization. it's literally a works of art and design there...
it must be a lovely space to work in.


btw if you have a good craft or diy tutorial laying around, we're always looking for new people to join us.

the current weekly DIY Tutorial linky party is here: http://www.finecraftguild.com/diy-tutorial-linky-party-3/ we open a new one each Wednesday.

Anonymous said...

Such a lovely room, Elyse..serene and girly and so organized! I loved having a peek around.

Thank you so much for having me in...

Lynette

Tins and Treasures said...

I love the yellow with pretty girly accents. Your studio is so cheerful. I can see why you were featured in print!

Yes, I am still visiting the 'Where Bloggers Create' participants and having a great time. Thank you for sharing your creative space with us. Have a thoughtful Thursday. ~Natalie

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I'm liking the yellow! Sure do wish my space had room for a couch - then you'd NEVER get me out. Thanks so much for sharing.

Gail said...

Pretty room. Congrats on the mag print up, how cool is that. Thank you for sharing to G.O.
Hugs
Gail

Anonymous said...

If I had a couch in my craft room... Well, let's just say its a good thing that I don't my fiance barely sees me some days as it is! Thank you for sharing your space~ Sherry F.

Sherry Hicks said...

I had to stop by and check out your wire shelve!! Love your "Girlie Room"! congrats on the publication! I know this is an older post but I just had to check it out.
Sherry

Derrith said...

I LOVE your blog! The pictures are great-Your room makeover was really inspiring. This was my first visit to your blog and I loved reading your old posts. You are delightful!!
-Derrith Scarbrough, Vancouver, WA

Darla said...

Such a cozy room, I would never want to leave it.