In our Open Studio Tour series, we step inside the creative spaces of fellow Etsians to see where their process begins. This is a chance to get to know your fellow makers and perhaps find inspiration for your own studio!
What’s your name and what what do you make?
Hello there, we’re Shauna and Stephen. After meeting in art school, we began collaborating by making gifts for friends. Five years later, our creative partnership has developed into multiple brands, including “Something’s Hiding in Here,” “The Original Mustache on a Stick,” and “Forage Bow Ties.”
Stephen and Shauna.
Where is your studio located?
We live and work in a loft space located in an old tire factory in Philadelphia, PA.
When did you decide that you needed a studio?
Ever since art school, we’ve always had studios in our living space. We tend to work around the clock, so it makes sense for us.
Did you have to make any personal sacrifices to create your studio?
We don’t have a typical apartment — other than a bed and sofa, every part of our loft is working space.
A few years ago we got a small proofing press and started printing our own packaging. Before long, we were addicted to the history and process of letterpress and decided to make space in the studio for our very own print shop.
Which is your favorite tool in your workspace?
Our favorite tool in the print shop is a late 19th century paragon paper cutter. It was a Craigslist find that we rescued from a basement.
How many hours do you normally spend in your studio?
If we’re not sleeping, we’re working! Literally.
Is there anything you would add to your working space?
We’re always looking for new tools. For the print shop, we’d love to add a 8″x 12″ C&P press, Kingsley hot foil stamper, industrial floor model corner rounder….the list goes on and on.
Our next big project is the space above our print shop. We’re planning to turn it into a photography studio with light kits, a copy stand, backdrops, props, and a computer for photo editing.
What object in your studio inspires you the most?
The vintage lead and wood type we’ve collected is a constant source of inspiration. We prefer to hand-set all of our designs using vintage type rather than designing on the computer and having polymer plates made. Reacting to the type in our collection causes us to be thoughtful problem solvers, and I think the designs reflect that.
Is there something in your studio that has a great story?
Everything has a great story! When we started setting up the print shop we committed to searching for antique furniture, equipment and tools. Everything from the pencil sharpener to the desk have a history — bringing these things back to life inspires us!
If you have an interesting studio or workspace, share it with us on the Etsy Open Studio Tour Flickr pool, and you may be next in our Open Studio Tour post!
113 comments
Sign in to add your ownPosyPop says:
What an amazing loft! I really love the look of the dark walls in the studio. Beautiful space and the chandelier is the perfect touch!
1 year ago
EggMoneyQuilts says:
Love the wood floors! Nice to see the faces behind the "Mustache on a Stick"!
1 year ago
TheStampAct says:
Holy guacamole! What a beautiful flip, inspiring post.
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Wow. Beautiful!!!!
1 year ago
FluffyFlowers says:
freakin' fab studio space. looks supremely inspirational :)
1 year ago
whatnomints says:
So envious! Lovely!
1 year ago
studiotuesday says:
Fascinating studio! Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
gretchenmist says:
what an incredible space! i love it!
1 year ago
ErinAntiques says:
Love your studio! :)
1 year ago
SaraBJewelry says:
absolutely gorgeous studio and amazing furniture! all the typesetters cases are beautiful and the dark walls are intriguing. love!
1 year ago
IcingOnTheCupcake says:
Amazing use of your space! Beautiful!
1 year ago
VintageChildModern says:
So Jealous! What an inspiring space! P.S. - Love your blouse! I have one as well and it is rarely in my closet because I wear it far too often!
1 year ago
AvianInspirations says:
I love your loft! All those bookshelves are amazing.
1 year ago
littlepancakes says:
Great studio. Etsy- It would be great if you featured etsians you have never featured before. It's great to hear from the old/well established ones but a little diversity would be nice.
1 year ago
PickUpSticksShop says:
You seem to have your life right in your pocket...That's hard to do , but sweet when done. ENJOY!
1 year ago
babyjives says:
You guys seriously have the dream space. Drooling with envy here, now I gotta see your place in person!
1 year ago
theroyal says:
incredible
1 year ago
LoveandKnit says:
Amazing studio!
1 year ago
ItchinStitchin says:
Wow what a beautiful work space!! Must be very inspiring to just surround yourself with things you love and that has so much history.
1 year ago
kellydietrich says:
Beautiful work and living space!
1 year ago
AlisaDesign says:
WOOOW!!!!! Fantastic studio!
1 year ago
AlpineGypsy says:
My GOD what a fabulous shop! I just *love* getting a peak into creative spaces, and where good things get done. :) Heidi
1 year ago
MadeMerriShop says:
you guys are awesome and I wish you both continued success! pinning the photo with the amazing bookshelves :)
1 year ago
paulakitty1 says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
SweetMoonlightShop says:
absolutely superb live/work space. i am in love with that desk!
1 year ago
vintagejane says:
I am in LOVE with your space...soooo inspiring!! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
bigapplevintage says:
Gorgeous space....although I absolutely cannot fathom how anyone manages to work in a space and manage to keep it looking like it's ready for an interior design photoshoot. Most spaces wouldn't look like that even with a major clean up. How do they do it? Elves?
1 year ago
AntiNu says:
TOO COOL!
1 year ago
Armalique says:
What I beautiful space, I adore your studio! And I love that blue bookcase : )
1 year ago
AprilofMcleod says:
I love your space! I love the old cabinets/shelving. I am lucky enough to own an oak coats and clark thread cabinet - it has 6 drawers that are only about 3 inches tall because they held thread - it has the original hardware and it was in my grandmother's house when I was growing up. She gave it to me with all the thread, buttons, zippers, and other sewing notions she had filled it with!
1 year ago
jamieribisi says:
A fourth feature on the same shop??? Come on, Etsy. It's a really beautiful space, though. Truly wonderful.
1 year ago
maggiesraggedyinn says:
I want to live there,, your bookshelf is amazing!
1 year ago
traceydumont says:
Yup! **love**
1 year ago
HappyBonesArt says:
I absolutely love your space!!
1 year ago
AnnTig says:
Great studio!
1 year ago
SimpleTraditions says:
What an awesome space! Thank you so much for sharing!
1 year ago
RossLab says:
What an amazing place to live in! Congrats!
1 year ago
selflesh says:
You two are so inspiring! xo
1 year ago
sewlola says:
Beautiful open studio tour! I love the decor.
1 year ago
EndQuotes says:
Awesome!!
1 year ago
funvites says:
I cant imagine a more inspiring work/living atmosphere...your studio is amazing. And I personally love you blue library shelves!
1 year ago
funvites says:
Is that chalkboard walls?! *heart*
1 year ago
HouseOfMoss says:
What a gorgeous space! You guys have excellent brains. :)
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Love your studio and work!
1 year ago
mahoganybludesign says:
Fabulous and inspiring
1 year ago
mahoganybludesign says:
Fabulous. Inspirational, love it.
1 year ago
2TrickPony says:
so fun to see into other people's shops!
1 year ago
PaperAndPresent says:
I think I might love that space more than I love my husband!!
1 year ago
theroyal says:
JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY. WHERE DOES ETSY THE COMPANY AND/OR COMMUNITY STAND IN REACTION TO THE 99% MOVEMENT ......?
1 year ago
JillianReneDecor says:
I love that bookcase divider! Thanks so much for sharing your gorgeous home/studio with us!
1 year ago
HolyLandSouvenirs says:
I adore the wood floor, Great studio. Just Awesome!!
1 year ago
suziechaney says:
my dream studio!
1 year ago
ivangovaerts says:
real cosy studio. Love it
1 year ago
csandate says:
I love the new studio tours. It reminds me of The Selby. So fun to see where others work and imagine. Thanks so much!
1 year ago
AdoroMe says:
Uterlly gorgeous and inspirational. :0)
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
wow your home is amazing, such lovely thoughtful spaces. I love the fun your pieces have : )
1 year ago
JenMcLamb says:
Inspiring work space! And beautiful art, too. I work from a home studio too, but share my home with too many children and animals to spread out my work into the whole house.
1 year ago
mythunderstood says:
I love this space - have wanted to live like this for ages yet I keep buying houses to restore! Thank you for sharing and best wishes : )
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Faux wish bones! Awesome.
1 year ago
TastefulThings says:
oh, love the pieces of old machinery and equipment! Great objects!
1 year ago
AlainaMarianne says:
Your house is AMAZING, please can I come and live with you.... :-)
1 year ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
I just love your studio and the entire space.
1 year ago
nihanparlak says:
LOOVEE your studio!!!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Wonderful space. Thanks for the peek. I really need that wonderful black work table with the drawers. Will hop in my truck and be there about 7 to pick it up.
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
I love your space!
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
i think it's really cool that etsy is showing love to longtime sellers of etsy. this shop have had their work "borrowed" so much by other sellers on and off etsy. love the shop, love the studio.
1 year ago
BlackStar says:
What a fabulous studio! ~swoons~
1 year ago
OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
What an amazing studio! I bet you get so much work done there! I'm jealous! :D
1 year ago
jmayoriginals says:
what an interesting space. thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
PruAtelier says:
What a FABULOUS studio...I'll take the bookshelves too for my books that live all over the house! I love everything about it from the vintage equipment to the vintage furnishings....yea even the dark walls although for me with my less-than-perfect-vision, I would be walking into them more than I'd care to! LOL! I think that it is fabulous that people are rescuing and resurrecting the old industry equipment such as letterpresses. I love that the 19th and early 20th century machinery have new lives in the 21st century....let's say they are "back to the future"! Good luck to you!
1 year ago
OceanSpiritJewelry says:
Love the color of your bookcases. It gives such a joyful tone to your living room! I bet people love to come to your house parties!
1 year ago
strawberryluna says:
So great to see this profile of you guys and your space in my hometown Philadelphia! Your space looks amazing, congratulations on this feature!
1 year ago
PerpetualOne says:
an absolutely amazing pair of creatives. best wishes!
1 year ago
ChasingtheCrayon says:
Wow! What an amazing space you live in...wish I was you!
1 year ago
berrymorin says:
Very beautiful!
1 year ago
BrittneyWest says:
Unbelievably! Everything about this studio and loft is stunning! I am jealous and happy for them! "Let the beauty of what you love be what you do."--Rumi
1 year ago
sokiko says:
inspiring integration of life and work... and life partners!
1 year ago
janewearjewelry says:
I'm in love! I could get aLOT done in that space! Thinking up re-working my current studio! Thanks for sharing ;) ~Laura
1 year ago
CherishedHearts says:
I love the bookshelves!
1 year ago
latenightdrawing says:
OH MY! This is so inspiring!
1 year ago
gilbug1 says:
Beautiful workspace! I love that you are bringing old tools back to life!
1 year ago
UrbanLotusJewelry says:
Amazing studio...just looking at it gets my creative juices flowing!
1 year ago
PyxusPassionProject says:
Oh my goodness - talk about a dream work space.. LOVE it! Congratulations on the feature - well deserved!
1 year ago
sunshineindustries says:
I'm sooooooo inspired by your studio space! I also have many antiques and vintage tools in my studio, but your's is AMAZING!!! Things with a story/history can't help but inspire. You are both lucky to have a partner who loves to live where you work/work where you live. Enjoy! Dawn
1 year ago
NancyCreations says:
Oh I love it especially the bookshelve wall , as a book colletor I think it frames everything wonderfully , it's so inspirational makes me want to move it have you got room for a metalsmithing studio?
1 year ago
icing101 says:
SO in love...this is my dream work/home environment. Amazing!!!!!
1 year ago
thedancingwren says:
love this. can i move in? :)
1 year ago
babylou65 says:
I love that desk so much I want to have sex with it.
1 year ago
kiranofindaly says:
That is one tidy studio!! Living area is gorgeous.Wish my home/studio looked so cool. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
Namoo says:
Love this post! Also very pleasant to find that I just met you in Philly this past weekend!
1 year ago
iris756 says:
What a beautiful studio. The place itself looks like a designer's dream. It looks like a place I always wanted.
1 year ago
Platinat says:
It's lovely seeing your beautiful studio. Congratulations for your space!
1 year ago
feltstories says:
your studio is fantastic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
MakeDoMidwest says:
I remember this studio from an issue of Ready Made a few years ago! I find it just as beautiful & inspiring now as I did then. And those bookshelves: wow.
1 year ago
HanHeld says:
WOW!! How fun to be living your true dream....I often wake in the morning to a kitchen table full of beads and coffee with very limited time wishing I could sitt there all day rather than hope in the shower to get ready for my real paying job...good for you!! The pictures look fantastic!
1 year ago
LittleMissCards says:
Amazing and beautiful sudio
1 year ago
iheartice says:
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Soo inspring! You guys are awesome!! ^^
1 year ago
Thepeanutbutterfiend says:
that is my dream bookshelf! SO beautiful :D . Love the studio, pretty interesting way they live.
1 year ago
TreasuryShop says:
Great Studio
1 year ago
sevenvsxiao says:
wow...
1 year ago
Mattie714 says:
Your loft is amazing! It made me drool with envy... :)
1 year ago
BingoBox says:
Gorgeous space - beautiful shop - cheers !
1 year ago
stonemage says:
What an incredible loft, you've done an incredible job decorating it, I love the bookshelves leading into the printing area, it is a perfect compare/contrast image. Very nicely done. Although there are always good and bad about everything and working at home does have it's down sides as you mentioned, every inch is work. There is no separation between the work/home mind-set. Or at least after 10+ years, I've never been able to really develop one, But my work is mostly computerized, so if a phone, or computer is on, (which they always are) then I'm working. You have an incredible space, wonderful lighting. How Nice that must be to work in!! :) Stay Safe, ~e
1 year ago
jealousmoon says:
Thank you for saving pieces of our creative past. Beautiful loft.
1 year ago
gkdecorate says:
That's an amazing loft, I love the use of space!
1 year ago
cottoncandyprinters says:
lovely studio!
1 year ago
marieowltoinette says:
What an amazing studio! Everything goes together so perfectly! Your home is also lovely, i love how your bookshelf is the entrance to your studio! Fantastic!
1 year ago
Briole says:
Wow, love your space!
1 year ago
michellearnold says:
Beautiful space - Beautiful work! Your studio is like going back in time!
1 year ago
gardenmis says:
I love your space ~ gorgeous!!
1 year ago
nearmoderndisaster says:
my dream couple, my dream space. every feature on s&s inspires me to curate my own space more thoughtfully.
1 year ago
churchwick says:
I love that the mood of the studio is so different from the airy feel of the rest of the loft. Great chalk-board effect on the studio walls!
1 year ago
LilyThings says:
The texture on the walls is amazing!!!
1 year ago