day 11: studio redesign - what i have learned

it is day 11 of the studio redesign and i have learned that without my "space" i am a bit lost. i think walking into my studio, surrounded by colors and potential pieces of inspiration and art give me an inner strength.
is that totally weird or what?
i have been walking around for the past 2 days in a kinda fog.
bill keeps saying, "i want my wife back."
of course, we are joking and laughing about it, but still he is not kidding.

the redesign is coming together just as i pictured it in my head and i am so anxious...maybe that is a better description than "in a fog", i am anxiously waiting to create again.
i keep having these visions of how and where i will organize my things.
i will have to literally relearn my space.
that is so frickin' exciting to me!
for the past 2 days we have been at a studio standstill waiting for the base cabinet installation.

in about 2 hours i leave for michigan, to spend the weekend with the awesome ladies at Scrappy Chic
being in the middle of creativity again is gong to feel great!
i cannot wait!
while i am away this weekend, kandi's husband john will be installing my new base cabinets, so when i come home i will have cabinets!
i have asked both bill and kandi to please make sure they take at least 6 progression photos of the room as it evolves and hopefully kandi will be texting and sending me little photo teasers along the way (hint, hint).

however, i have gotta say the new window trim, is making me extremely happy!

 

i will be letting you know as i know via facebook.
the room design is really going to take shape this weekend, it is going to be a fantastic surprise to come home to!

............................................................................................................................

watch me on wbtv - halloween clip

i would love to giveaway the 8x8 halloween canvas i created for this segment. i know it is after the holiday, but if you interested leave a comment over the weekend and sunday night when i return i will choose a winner.

also i could not find any of my halloween photos for the mini album, can you tell who's kid i used for the photos in the skull album?

Comments

[Michele P.]

I would love to win it; anything from you is spectacular. First comment; i hope it is lucky...

[Debbie Ivester]

I would love to be able to win the halloween canvas. I love your work.

[C@rol]

Ooooh... count me in! Have fun at this weekend's event. I wish I was there too!

[Dawn H]

Love your work.....have fun this weekend!

[Crystal LaDoux]

Love the Halloween canvas, would be wonderful to win!

Crystal

[Vel]

Your space looks so fabulous already! I love the color scheme and you're right...the window trim really makes a difference.

[Nitasha]

Beautiful creations as always, but more importantly how beautiful of you to encourage/inspire others by making it clear that you don't have to be an artist to create these wonderful pieces.
I think sometimes people, including myself, get caught up with trying to make the perfect page, album, or whatever...but like you said-- it's about documenting your story! Thanks for sharing with us!

[Heids in South Africa]

All sounds so great ... the makeovers, SB w/ gals, 8x8 giveaways.
Always good for a weekend.
Thanks for sharing!

[Cheryl]

WOW what great colors, hope you can create soon! Creating is a need, it defines us right? Thanks for the chance to win something you created!!

[Teal Myre]

Love the Love the canvas & the album. I know I've seen that zombie girl before, but where?

[Anne Ganguzza]

I remember when I moved and had to set up my studio in my new house. I, too, was full of excitement and hope with the possibilities of my new room. While I was unpacking, I remember feeling lost like you - without a room to create in, wanting at the the same to finish it quickly so I could create, but also savoring and reveling in the joy that comes with seeing it all come together. Your studio will be magnificent I am sure!!! Enjoy!!! And thanks for the chance to win - LOVE all your creations!!!!

[Betheroo]

I love Halloween decor! The colors of fall are just gorgeous! Also can't wait to see how your studio turns out.

[Holly S]

Is that Zombie Cathy Z's girl? I know I've seen that zombie somewhere before...hmmmm
Anyway, love the interview and I especially liked it when you said it's only paper...to break scrapbooking down to such a basic concept is very helpful to me-thank you!!!
Loving your super cute hair! Thanks for the chance to win the Halloween canvas-how good would it look on my wall at Halloween!

[uffda in nebraska]

I would love to win the Halloween canvas. I'd keep it up for Christmas! Am really lovin the color of your studio. What color is it? [email protected]

[Ida]

I think you would be great on TV but no reality series -OK? DIY is so much safer. Have a great weekend.

[Sarah L]

I can't wait to see your finished studio!!!

Welcome to Michigan - hoping to find a sitter and get down to take your class!!!!

[vera]

Your window looks great! I can't wait to see the finished room :)
And I'd love to win the canvas!!

[{vicki}]

Of course I still want to win! Count me in!

[Michelle P]

I would love to win a Donna Downey original.

Michelle

[Sarah]

Wow your studio is looking great. I would love a chance to win you spooky canvas please

[Cindy]

fun segment. halloween is one of my favorite holidays. would love to win!

[corinne delis]

this makes me so regret my deciscion to swap rooms with anthony. so he is now in my former scraproom and I am in a tiny tiny room, all crammed up with no space for anything. what the hell was i thinking!!??

love the colors and can;t wait to see how the end result looks!

corinnexxx

[fran heupel]

Hi Donna,
Loving the fresh colors of your room.
Can't wait to see it all done.
That girl is Defininitely Cathy Z's daughter.
Super cute halloween book and photos..
Thanks for the chance to win.
Have a great week-end.

Fran H

[Tagyn]

I love Halloween and would make good use of this canvas!
Your studio is looking good, can´t wait to see it finished.

[Jingle]

I totally understand that feeling! If I have not had much time to be creative I turn into someone else far away...lol! My husband actually will look at me an tell me to go into my studio and cut paper. He knows what makes me happy! :-) (And, of course, prefers the happy me to the I-haven't-made-anything-in-days me.) I would love the canvas that you are talking about!

[lisa campion]

your segment on WBTV was great! did it make you want to have your show? I can totally see you on HGTV with your own artsy show! you have such a great ability to make people feel at ease & that they can easily create, too.

[Alicia Sharp]

You did great on your TV segment. You was a natural. I am pretty sure the girl was Kathy Z's daughter. Not positive but pretty sure. I would love to win your canvas. Maybe your inspiration would rub off on me. Good luck with the studio re-design and I as just as excited to see what it will look like as you!

[Elaine Keller]

I LOVE your advice that you do not have to scrap all your old photos and to ‘go forward’. I sometimes get lost in thinking I ‘must’ do all my old pictures….and I have been taking my faves and doing one here and there.
You are such a GREAT inspiration for anyone who wants to craft – thanks so much!!

[annette abrahamson]

i love your room!!! makes me want to go home and clean up, go through, sort, donate and PLAY!!!

[Melanie K.]

I do believe that zombie is One Three? Cathy Z's girl Aiden? Maybe?
And yes I would love to win your canvas!

[lee]

I, too, feel a little lost without a creative space. In both of my last moves, my place did not feel like a home until I had my scrapbooking table set up. Even if I'm not using it right then and there, just knowing that space is available is a comfort.

Thanks for sharing your progress...look forward to seeing the final product! =)

[Carla]

The picture is Cathy Z's daughter... Welcome back to Michigan!! I can't wait for a fun filled day of scrapping on Saturday!

Carla

[susan]

i see you are comming to north charleston. that's exciting for everyone here! my sister and i are signed up for the trip to ireland!! that's really exciting for us.

susan

[Robyn Leonard]

I'm loving today's studio pics! It's looking fab! Have a great weekend in Michigan!

[Vicki]

OMG, Donna,

I was so hoping to see you while you were in Livonia. It is about 2 hours away from where I live, but then a student at the local junior college asked if I could meet with her to tutor her in Statistics. This is her last class to get her Bachelors and she is failing. What could I do?

Please come back to Michigan soon - maybe Ann Arbor - that is even closer!!!

xoxo

[Vicki]

I forgot to say,

I love how your wall looks like one of those color swatch tags you get in the paint department.

Wowzer!

[Kim]

I love your room!! thanks for sharing it w/us!! I'd love to add your canvas tomy halloween decor!

[Olivia L.]

I ohh and ahh over the re-design every time I visit your blog - It looks amazing!
I would love the halloween canvas! Thanks!

[Jana]

Cool canvas you made! Love how it's just paper & scrap products. Sweet & simple & creative! I have to agree with those above that pegged the zombie girl as Aiden, Cathy's daughter. Nice little tv segment---you looked great!!

[Katherine M]

I would love the Halloween Canvas! I've been enjoying your redesign photos - what fun!

[Meaghan (bonafyde)]

Great segment! I'd love to win the Halloween Canvas! I love the color of your room and am anxious to see the big reveal...

[Melissa]

Halloween will come again next year and it will be great to have!

[Beth Perry]

I am loving how it looks so far!!! that color is gorgeous!

Please put my name in the hat for the halloween canvas! I am sad it is over. :( Halloween is my FAVE TIME OF YEAR! ;D
have a great weekend creating!
B

[Lisa]

Love watchin the progress of your studio. I have been cleaning mine out for 2 days purging, getting things together etc. Problem is I keep buying stuff.

Would love to win the canvas because hey Halloween will be here next year.

Lisa

[Chiara O]

that canvas is so cool. I think I am going to make one for Christmas right now.

[Megan]

I am loving the new studio colors! I am so excited to see the finished product. I would love to win the canvas. Thanks for the chance.

[Kitt Belinda Poulsen]

Omg. I wish, I wish, I WISH, that I could have a special space like yours some day :)

*hug* Kitt

[Cheryl Reiter]

OMG! Are you wearing PURPLE? hehehe! Loved the segment, can't wait to see your finished studio and I'm thinking the picture is of Cathy Z's daughter. Have a great trip!

[Lisa-G]

Boo-hoo. I didn't win the ebay punch auction. I really wanted those punches. Of course it's my own fault, I just had to pay more. Wish I could have. They would have been worth it. But maybe I'll win this? That would be great! :)

[judy in huntsville [al]]

Don't need the album - although it IS adorable!! LOVED the interview - such a good ambassador for scrapbooking! Oh, andCAthy Z blew your question out of the water when she twittered the EXACT time to see her kiddos...
-- can't wait to see your new studio!!

[Sonia]

Hi Donna! Such a fan...cannot wait to see your newly redesigned studio. I am certain you will continue to blow us away with your creativity. Thanks for a chance @ winning something fabulous by you.
Have fun while you are "away".

[hchybinski]

That clip was great and the CANVAS is ADORABLE!!!!

Hillary

[Karen S]

Did you really lose your Halloween photos? Bummer! Love to win!

[Maureen F]

Can't wait to see your finished room - Enjoy your trip - Nice TV segment !!!!

[ali]

tis the season...halloween or not

[ArtdeMia]

You did such a wonderful job on the newcast!

[Christine Drevo]

Oh I would love to win your Halloween canvas your art work is fantastic! I was wondering what are the names of the paint colors your using in your studio, they are beautiful!

[Lenea]

anything you create would be a great gift to receive. Thanks so much for the chance. Hope your weekend was great.

Lenea/ Lake Havasu City, AZ

[Janie Greene]

Dear Donna,
How I love the colors in your new room ,and the window trim is to die for. Also love the Halloween canvas. I'll keep my fingers crossed.....!!

[melloub]

lookin good! love the new wall color

[Christy]

I've loved watching the progression of your new creative space. My wonderful husband is redcorating an almost 500 sq. ft. building for me as I type...which makes me one very happy wife! :)

[laura stewart]

love the colors

[Jen Spain]

It's encouraging to see TV stations still highlighting scrapbooking -- four locally owned stores within 50 miles of my home have closed within the last year and a bit, and I'm starting to run out of local sources for products! I hope you had lots of viewers and that you get a good response to all the projects you put together over the holiday season!

[Kimberly]

I love the colors you are using for your creative space. So soothing. I am anxious to see the final product. BTW, what type of INK/Pen do you use for your quotes on your canvas creations?

[Tracy]

I just watched your segment - you are such a natural on TV! I love the canvas - such a great idea!

[Savannah O'Gwynn]

Your stuff rocks:) I would love to win anything--even if it is after a holiday:)

[Beth]

Can't wait to see your finished studio:)

[Scrappin Mama]

I LOVE how your windows turned out, I can see why your happy happy!! :) Love how the room is turning out! Can't wait to see it done!

Enjoy your weekend!

[Jeannine B.]

Would love to win some fun inspiration from you! Love the studio colors - they are very inviting!

[wendy]

I am so excited to see your new studio, your space must always inspire first rule! I love the color you chose.
It makes me want to redo my own space!

[sara]

I love the colors in the studio. Halloween is my favorite Holiday.

[Cindy McAllister]

I would LOVE to win the Halloween Album to put all the adorable pictures of my first gran baby "Graycie," it would be such an honor to someday tell her who made the special album.

[guillauma]

wow, love to win your album

[isabel]

great honor to win your creation

[beatrice]

Love the colour of your new studio