When we moved back to Illinois from Colorado, we knew we needed a house with creative spaces for both Adam and I. It's not often you find such a thing, especially when you're also hoping for four bedrooms, but somehow, miraculously, we did.
And I'm so thankful every single day.
Our house is such a blessing to me...but it's definitely a work in progress. I felt a little selfish starting our renovations with my own office space, but it was the most pressing considering the fact that I work from home.
And also considering this is what it looked like before:
The folks who lived here before really loved earth tones.
Redoing rooms is a family affair in our house.
So we all got to it. And I'm so happy we did. Not long after I'd finished I got an email from one of my all-time favorite magazines, Creating Keepsakes. They were doing another Creative Spaces issue and would I be interested in being a part of it?
Um, does the world as I know it revolve around coffee? Of course I want to be a part of it!
My good friend Liz's room was featured in their first issue, so I already knew this was going to be one of those slam dunk publications, the kind you get lost in...the kind you read with a notebook nearby for all the inspiration inside...because who doesn't LOVE to peek inside other people's creative spaces? (And who isn't looking to be more organized?)
So, one day in October, CK sent me Adam. (Ironic, considering that the Adam they sent was not the Adam whose last name I share.)
This Adam is a hugely talented photographer here in the Midwest. And I got to watch while he set up and shot my room.
I tried to stay out of his way, but I'm a scrapbooker, you know I had to take my own pictures of this. And look, I was sort of incognito...
Anyway, my copy should be here any day now and I can hardly wait to see it! Just the sneak peek has me dying to see more!!! You can see that for yourself right HERE.
And CK's own, the fabulous Megan Hoeppner is chatting up this special issue on My Craft Channel so that's another great way to find out more about this publication!
Read more from Megan here on her blog.
The funny thing is, in her post, Megan points out an Ikea cart (it's on the cover) that's featured FOUR different times in this issue...and while I had NO idea because I'd never seen it before, I spotted it in the bathroom section at Ikea but sadly didn't pick it up. I mentioned my regret in passing and guess whose sweet 'ol husband made the hour drive to Ikea to get it for her for Christmas? Yep. It was the best Christmas present.
I might go back and get another one! It's SOOOO cute!
So, all that leads me to the most important part of this post...
WHO WANTS TO WIN?!
Today I get to give away a copy of this fabulous magazine to one of my very lucky readers!
Let me tell you, it's chock full of inspiration and organization and practical tips you can actually make work for you, so even if you're not looking to overhaul your space, there is still so much you can get out of this book...
So, how do you enter?
1. In the comments section of this blog post, tell me what space makes you feel the most creative?
There. You're entered.
BUT...for additional chances to WIN...
2. Blog, Tweet, Facebook or Pin this post (in other words, share, share, share!) and then come back here and leave another comment for each one you do. That means FOUR more chances to WIN!
3. Cross your fingers.
I'm pretty sure the issue is popping up at Barnes and Noble and other bookstores, so make your way out to grab a copy right away! You're going to LOVE all the inspiration you find.
Now, leave a comment...I'll draw a winner next week so spread the word for lots of chances to WIN!
I have a corner in the guest bedroom where I have my scrapping stuff! Love to work in that room and I'm always trying to improve it!
Posted by: Pat Jones | January 11, 2013 at 08:56 AM
I am a scrapbooker also and I love a clean organized bright space to scrap. I love seeing what other peoples scrap spaces look like to help me make mine more efficient and beautiful. Can't wait to see yours!!!
Posted by: Sue | January 11, 2013 at 08:58 AM
I'm blessed to have a wonderful scrap room in our basement where I can be surrounded by my supplies, some inspiration, and what ever music I'm in the mood for! Show tunes are allowed in my little getaway corner of the world (can you tell I live in a house full of testosterone?....lol). Thanks for the chance to win....would love to get some inspiring new ideas!!!
Posted by: Laura Cox | January 11, 2013 at 09:19 AM
Truthfully, I haven't thought much about what kind of space makes me creative. I've thought more about how my stuff needs to be set up - I scrap a lot at home, but also quite a lot at crops, so it needs to be easily accessible at home or I don't use it, yet easy to transport for crops without it being a big operation to get it out the door. I recently moved my scrap space and so now I'm surrounded by boring painter's white paint - this space needs colour and browsing through that book/mag would definitely give me some ideas! thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Ann Jobes | January 11, 2013 at 09:24 AM
I just shared on Facebook!
Posted by: Ann Jobes | January 11, 2013 at 09:27 AM
I have an entire second bedroom in my apartment devoted to stamping and occasional scrapping! Can't paint, but I'm surrounded by things I love, including my grandmother's china cabinet.
Posted by: Becky S | January 11, 2013 at 09:38 AM
I loved your makeover and the little helper. I would say my office I have my own room. Has my desk a chair and a loveseat to read a book at and a inside pond that has gold fish. It has a waterfall and it is just a nice sound and light the candle. I'm all set to create or get comfy and read! I would so love to win Courtney!!!
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com
Posted by: Diana Montgomery | January 11, 2013 at 09:43 AM
Sharing on my facebook
Posted by: Diana Montgomery | January 11, 2013 at 09:44 AM
Sharing on twitter
Posted by: Diana Montgomery | January 11, 2013 at 09:45 AM
I am pinning it also! Can ya tell I want this :)
Posted by: Diana Montgomery | January 11, 2013 at 09:45 AM
I want to see your room so bad... I bet the pictures were fantastic!
Posted by: Nicole Brenna | January 11, 2013 at 10:15 AM
So excited to get my hands on a copy! :) I really need inspiration. Right now my crafty space is my bedroom, but I'd love to re-do it.
Posted by: MeganM. | January 11, 2013 at 10:37 AM
Oh my goodness, I would love to win this magazine. I am most creative in my basement, which is currently unfinished and quite messy. But I call it my Studio. I use the ping pong table as my craft table. I have stuff all around me and I love my space!!!!
Posted by: Lucie Hale | January 11, 2013 at 11:22 AM
I just retweeted your post on my Twitter: Lucieshines. Yay!!!!
Posted by: Lucie Hale | January 11, 2013 at 11:24 AM
I would love a copy. I too am blessed to have a room to be creative in. I could definitely use some tips on making it easier to create in. I love things at hand without appearing cluttered. Too much to ask for?
Posted by: SandraA | January 11, 2013 at 12:13 PM
Our house doesn't have a lot of room right now for dedicated creative space, but I definitely need open areas just for creativity. I find that if I'm working in the kitchen or living room in my house, then I find myself distracted by laundry or dishes or dust. Stephen King says if you're writing you need to find someplace where you can close the door on the rest of the world, and I agree with that. Open space, with a closed door. And a great view of nature. If I was building my dream space, those would be essential.
Posted by: Lisa Bartelt | January 11, 2013 at 01:50 PM
I just love looking at people's craft spaces. I have my own craft room which I also love.
Posted by: Jennifer O. | January 11, 2013 at 02:29 PM
Love my crafting space that overlooks the family room. I took over the kids homework station when they left home. I can craft and still feel like a part of the family who I can hear and see over the railing!
Posted by: Kris | January 11, 2013 at 03:02 PM
My creative space is my scrap room in our basement - I have my dvd player where I can watch my favorite movies and zone out while I create once the boys are in bed! Thanks for the chance to win, I can't wait to see your creative space!
Posted by: Kimberli | January 11, 2013 at 07:28 PM
I shared your post on Facebook!
Posted by: Kimberli | January 11, 2013 at 07:34 PM
My favorite creative space is my scrapbook room which was a must when we were house hunting, too. I feel blessed everytime I go in there. I have been searching everywhere for this Creative Spaces issue since I saw that it was released on Tuesday. I drove all around town to every single Barnes and Noble, A C Moore, Michael's and even our Archiver's store and no one has seen it yet. I spoke to the people who stock the magazines and books and no one has it yet. Is it because I'm on the east coast and it hasn't made it our way yet? I would LOVE to win this! Thanks for the chance.
Posted by: Lori | January 11, 2013 at 07:57 PM
I just shared this link on Facebook.
Posted by: Lori | January 11, 2013 at 08:05 PM
I'm lucky enough to have a room just for being creative in and I am most creative when I can see my stuff in pretty containers.
Posted by: Patty | January 11, 2013 at 08:54 PM
Having a space dedicated to creating is a dream I've had ever since we bought our farmhouse over 15 years ago. It hasn't come true yet, but I refuse to ever stop dreaming:) For now, I put on some good music and force myself to get inspired wherever I am ... which most often is the kitchen table.
Posted by: Pamela | January 11, 2013 at 10:20 PM
Ohhh...can't wait to see pictures of your finished space! I've never really thought about where I feel most creative as I've never had a dedicated craft space. Lots of natural light helps and usually looking at my past completed projects and current photos I want to work with help get my creative juices flowing. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Kristin A. | January 11, 2013 at 10:57 PM
A cozy yet tidy space surrounded by lots of pretty stuff in florals, lace, gingham in pastel colors would be a dream place to get creative...your rooms sure looks pretty with the baby blue walls!
Posted by: Charmayne | January 11, 2013 at 11:56 PM
My scrap space makes me feel most creative; however, it must be cleaned up & organized in order for me to be productive.
I loved the 1st issue of Creative Spaces, and can't wait to see this one, including your space. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Posted by: Amy K | January 12, 2013 at 05:50 AM
I'm a digital scrapbooker, and my trusty laptop sits in my "sewing room" right in front of the window overlooking our front yard. We're out in the country, so it isn't uncommon to see deer, squirrels, skunk, turkeys walk by. I love the light, and I have a cube wall unit for my "stuff", along with a file cabinet etc. I used to be situated in a cold basement corner, so you can see why I love my window. I share my room with a twin bed for guests, but that's okay, the room is still mine. :-)
Posted by: Marilyn | January 12, 2013 at 07:32 AM
I pinned it!
Posted by: Marilyn | January 12, 2013 at 07:38 AM
I still remember your first room makeover! It inspired me to create my own craft room. I love seeing other people's creative spaces!
Posted by: Sylvia M. | January 12, 2013 at 10:58 AM
The space that makes me feel most creative is a clean desk with favorite supplies near by. This month my goal is to sort and purge, but I keep getting interrupted by inspiration!
Posted by: Connie | January 12, 2013 at 04:14 PM
Girl! No WAY!!! So fun.
The space that makes me feel more creative is the kitchen.
Okay, that was a lie. It's the shower. I get all of my best ideas there. But I felt kind of dumb saying so.
Posted by: Flower Patch Farmgirl | January 12, 2013 at 07:39 PM
Being in an uncluttered area, surrounded by photos of my grandchilden.:)
Posted by: Linda J | January 13, 2013 at 09:56 AM
I tend to go back and forth from my craft room to the dining room table depending on what else is happening that day, I can craft and watch a television with my husband at the same time!! If I am scrapbooking or card making with friends, we sit at the big table and my craft room kind of turns into a store where that elusive paper, ribbon, ink, or element that makes the page pop will be found!! Right now my craft room is in dire need of some help, too many unfinished projects and too many supplies that haven't found a home yet have cluttered every available flat space in there!!
Posted by: Bobbie | January 13, 2013 at 04:07 PM
Hey there friendo!
I just got my copy in the mail last week. I think it turned out really nice! I hope your happy with it. It was really great to meet you! Thank you for letting me come in and disrupt your work for a few hours. I had a blast! I even took a few ideas from you for my creative space!
Hope to run into you again some day. Until then!
Adam J. Brown
(AJ Brown Imaging)
Posted by: AJ Brown | January 14, 2013 at 10:01 AM
I am a huge fan of Adam's work & have been dying to find out who's room he was shooting! :) Congrats! I can't wait to see the issue!
Posted by: meganklauer | January 14, 2013 at 10:20 AM
Hubbie and I share the dining room - we call it the "scroffice" for work and crafting. Since it is an open space off the living room, I am always looking for ways to keep everything under wraps yet efficient. I would love to win a copy of this book!
Posted by: Brooke | January 14, 2013 at 04:11 PM
Not sure if you meant whose space, or what space in our own home. :)
I have a scrap/craft room I am just starting to set up from our move...
It is so fun to start from scratch! (so the ideas would definitely be appreciated) If your asking me if another persons space inspires me, I would say, there are many-and that Pinterest has given me a tremendous amounts of ideas and inspiration also!!
Posted by: Penny Smith | January 14, 2013 at 05:05 PM
I have been purging my scrapbook supplies in my craft room so I can be more creative because I hate seeing all my "stuff" just stacked around, having to be moved every time I need something.
Posted by: Melinda Wilson | January 14, 2013 at 05:22 PM
I miss having a scrap room of my own (sharing spare room with dh) but I love that its somewhat big enough for the whole family to be in there! They inspire me!
Posted by: Melinda T | January 14, 2013 at 05:27 PM
I tweeted.
https://twitter.com/melt003/status/290963667141414913
Posted by: Melinda T | January 14, 2013 at 05:29 PM
I shared on fb.
https://www.facebook.com/melinda.thao.5/posts/10151421166069468
Posted by: Melinda T | January 14, 2013 at 05:31 PM
I pinned.
http://pinterest.com/pin/231794712043309716/
Posted by: Melinda T | January 14, 2013 at 05:33 PM
MIne is still evolving.. i love to see other's rooms and get ideas from them. cant wait to see more of your space in the magazine. would love to win it!
Posted by: Victoria in OHio | January 14, 2013 at 10:19 PM
What type of spaces make me feel the most creative....I'd love to be able to say huge airy rooms, but the truth is I have a tiny corner of our living room that I scrap in. It's cramped and the lighting SUCKS!; but I've learned to adapt! LOL. I have a dream room in my head and I'll eventually bring it to life, but for now, its my corner!
Posted by: Denayc | January 15, 2013 at 10:18 AM
A space that is uncluttered and organized helps me be the most creative since I get easily overwhelmed by too much stuff. I see inspiration in practically everything around me so I need a place to quiet my mind, get out only the supplies I need and begin to create, bringing all those ideas to life!
Posted by: Susan | January 20, 2013 at 07:27 AM
I tweeted! VickinOHio
Posted by: Victoria in OHio | January 22, 2013 at 12:12 AM
I pinned it. really want to win!
Posted by: Victoria in OHio | January 22, 2013 at 12:20 AM
I am blessed with a space but have been untidy through the holidays and I am looking at a disaster. I have to find the gumption to get in there and clean it up--hope I win. I remember when Cropper Hopper did your space a long time ago, so cool, so jealous!
Posted by: Carol in the Land of Oz | February 11, 2013 at 04:35 PM
I feel most creative when I am outside. The elements make it difficult to scrap outside but we found the perfect solution. We closed down our guest room which has sliders that led to the balcony overlooking our backyard. Set up my creative space which lets me feel like I'm outside in the woods behind our home or in our gardens. Now if I can get the boxes unpacked and organized I will be all set, so you see the timing of this publication is perfect.
Posted by: Star | February 15, 2013 at 06:26 PM
I just finished reading Creative Spaces, and I must say I like your room the best. I think I was drawn to it because you have a lot of the same furniture I have and you used the same colors I plan on using. My question is what is the color of paint you used? I have decided on the same fabric drawers you used, but can't seem to find the paint I like. My windows look like yours and I love your window treatment as I had not figured out how to cover them. I also love how you hung the shelves on the wall, I may use that as well.
Finally, my last question, where in IL do you live? I live in St. Charles, MO which is outside of St. Louis. Thanks for sharing your room, I certainly got a lot of good ideas just from your room.
Posted by: Jan | February 20, 2013 at 08:34 PM