Etsy's Handmade Blog
Open Studio Tour: BabyBelle
Story by BabyBelle, FrucciDesign
Published on August 5, 2008 in This Handmade Life 		Photo by BabyBelle

In this Open Studio Tour series, we'll be snooping around artists' creative spaces, how they set them up, when, why…even how often they clean them! We really want to know all about our artists, and maybe get a bit of inspiration!

Today I knocked at the "studio" door of Nikki, aka BabyBelle. She is a WAHM (work-at-home-mom) who has transposed her love for knit, crochet and sewing into a special and stylish way to carry a baby!

What's your name and what kind of craft do you do?
My name is Nikki. My store is Baby Belle's Favorites and I am a seamstress and an avid knitter. I sew cloth diapers and baby carriers. I also knit baby legwarmers and wool soakers (diaper covers) when time allows.


When did you decide that you needed a studio?
I decided I needed a space of my own when my fabrics and sewing machine were taking up the entire kitchen. We'd eat dinner as a family while sitting on the living room floor. Then I knew I needed to reorganize and find my own space.

When and how have you set up your studio?
I have set up my sewing machine on a desk in our living room. It allows me to be with the family while sewing. I originally had it set up in the basement, but it got very lonely down there so I moved it to be where the action was.

Did the studio set up impact your crafter budget?
All of the furniture in my studio was found at garage sales. I am always finding ways to pinch pennies, and I find it painful to buy anything full price. So we scoured garage sales until we found suitable furniture and I'm very happy with it all.

How big is your studio?
It's just a small corner in my living room. My fabric and yarn take up the most space so they are stored on shelves in the basement.


Which is your favorite tool in your studio?
I LOVE my sewing machine. I purchased it a couple of months ago when my trusty old Brother machine couldn't handle the workload anymore. When I decided to purchase a new machine, I knew I had to have an embroidery attachment. So now I have a beautiful new sewing machine with embroidery capabilities and I'm thrilled!

Do you want to share with us one secret of your studio?
My daughter, Annabelle, loves to watch me sew and knit. Sometimes, while embroidering she will sit and watch in awe as the needle moves up and down so quickly. She will also sit on my lap and watch me knit. It's great fun for her. I'm teaching her to love fiber arts at an early age.

How many hours do you normally spend in your studio?
I think I spend 2-4 hours per day working. I am a WAHM, so I will sew while the little one naps, and then usually for a couple of hours once the kids have gone to bed.

Is there anything you would add to your working space?
I've thought at times I'd like to have my own room for my studio, but then I realize that would isolate me from my family so perhaps I'd wish for a bigger corner in the living room instead!

If you had to choose one synonym for your studio which one would you pick: atelier, family room, lair, lodge, nest, playroom, retreat, sanctuary, shelter, darkroom, or showroom and why?
It's definitely a family room. It literally is IN the family room!

And last but not least how often do you clean it?
We'll just say I don't clean it often enough! I will clean it when it becomes difficult to live and work in the space. Perhaps, once a week or so. Is that bad?? LOL


Anything else you'd like to add?
Baby Belle's Favorites was born from a love of crating, and also from an appreciation of natural and simple ways of living. My inspiration was my daughter Annabelle. After her birth, I decided to stay home and raise her. Since having children, I find myself more conscious of how I treat our planet and I strive to provide the best for my children and lessen my footprint on our environment, hence, cloth diapers!

I always find great joy in creating something from scratch, with my own two hands that my children and my customer's children will use. I guess the joy comes from knowing I have given them something made with love and great care.
I have always wondered if I could actually get people to buy the things I make. It is a great feeling to know that I can and I am! I hope there is enough interest in my work to allow me to do this for a very long time!

Thank you! Until the next studio snooping, ciao!

If you have an interesting studio or workspace and some tips to share, comment below and you may be next in our Open Studio Tour series!

If you're looking for more WAHM (work-at-home-mom) content, click here.

Tags babies, baby, BabyBelle, diapers, eco-friendly, FrucciDesign, Handmade Kids, kids, motherhood, Open Studio Tours, sellers, WAHM, work at home mom, working spaces
All articles in This Handmade Life
Related Items
This article was reported by:
BabyBelle
shop . profile . contact

FrucciDesign
shop . profile . contact

52 comments     Login to add your own!

Aug. 5, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. hobocampcrafts

This is such a fun idea & so inspiring!
I'd love to invite Etsy into my hobo-studio-nook! Anytime~

Aug. 5, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. cloud9designstudio

great article!

Aug. 5, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. Diffraction

I love seeing inside other people's work space! I'd be happy to show you mine too! It's a great little open office area in our rental house, tons of amazing woodworking and sunlight. I have it all decked out with art from other Etsy sellers that inspire me.

Aug. 5, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. autumnsarrival

Very Nice! LOVE the diapers! Need to save my pennies! I also work from our family room....on the couch and have to wrestle with my husband for usuage of the overhead light so I can see!!

Aug. 5, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. HomemadeZen

wow cute diapers! I didn't know they can look so cute!

Aug. 5, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. kiddyup

love the leggings and diapers!!

Aug. 5, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. gappygirl

I understand having your studio in the Family room, especially with young kids. I have converted one of our rooms to a multi-functional room where I create as well. I love this series, it's fun to see where all the creativity is born.....

Aug. 5, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. tinyleaves

I am so relieved and thrilled to discover that mine is not the only "studio" carved out of family living spaces using a hodge-podge of furniture and storage pieces. I've felt pretty guilty about it........

My husband would love to see all my stuff neatly tucked away in a separate space, but I secretly love it the way it is!

Aug. 5, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. katelynjane

I love the question "how often do you clean it?". Watch, the majority of crafters will hardly ever clean it :D

This is a cool article! I hope we'll see more of these!

Aug. 5, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. CandyStickLane

Great Article! Hope to see more like this! It rocks to see other peoples creative spaces!

Aug. 5, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. BabyBelle

I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one who has their creative space in a living area of the home!! :)

Aug. 5, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. CreationsAnew

I love the idea of taking a peek into a person's creative space.
I'm glad Babybell is a part of HOMEFRONT

Aug. 5, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. littlebirdcreations

Great article and look forward to seeing more like it!

Aug. 5, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. miltonandmargies

I love your space! I have a dresser quite similar! What great items as well:)

Aug. 5, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. ebbandflo

i loved this article! and loved the description of your working day ie. during naptimes and a couple of hours in the evening. even with a 5y old, this still mirrors mine altho naptimes have evolved into 'quiet times' for solo recharging downtime. initially my crafting/work was done with him around, often drawing at a table in the studio, but now my craft space is more of a sanctuary away from family life. once he starts to fidget less i look forward to spending more crafty time with him.

and PS: there's a flickr group http://www.flickr.com/groups/craftrooms/ which has quite a few etsy craft rooms in the pool (search 'etsy' within the group)

Aug. 5, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. GoldtoneDesigns

A wonderful "peek" at another SAHM Etsy Artist!

♥

Aug. 5, 2008 at 8:35 p.m. jamieson

I would love to be a part of this series! I recently created and organized my work space, which used to be my dining room and living room areas. I have some storage tips I would love to share!

Aug. 5, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. swanmountainsoaps

How awesome babybelle! I too am a WAHM, and I understand how important it is to have even a wee space you can call your own! I love your products!

Aug. 5, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. swanmountainsoaps

P.S. If you need a soaper for your Open Studio series, I'll volunteer! =)

Aug. 5, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. simplylovlee

So fun and creative!! I have a hubby and a 7 month old son! I love being a mommy! I hope to be a WAHM someday soon!

Aug. 6, 2008 at 12:43 a.m. sygnetcreations

whoo hoo. I am so loving your work area.. It is so much fun to take a "look see" inside your life and a little behind the scenes. Thanks for sharing

Aug. 6, 2008 at 12:51 a.m. kunklebaby

What a great article and idea for the series!

Aug. 6, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. scarletbloom

Sweet article, love the pink and red leg warmers!

Aug. 6, 2008 at 1:24 a.m. lorijaclynsjewels

I love Nikki from babybelle!! I have purchased a few of her KCK one diapers, and can't WAIT to use them on our next baby boy, coming in October!

Great idea Etsy! Thanks for highlighting this awesome momma!

Aug. 6, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. peanuttree

One more reason to love Etsy! I truly enjoy seeing where other creatives do their craft. Etsy you are welcome into my pretty little work retreat anytime!

Thank you to everyone who lets us in!

Aug. 6, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. beCoy

It's great that you can do your work in your family. Very cozy!

Aug. 6, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. badcatjewelry

Great article! I work from home and have had to make space amidst the toys and life. Its great to see how Babybelle sets up her workspace...and she is part of our Homefront team!

Aug. 6, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. blackbird72

i'm a WAHM too! and we cloth diaper our daughter :)

Aug. 6, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. prontipandco

How fun is this!?! I love seeing others creative spaces. I guess it makes me more connected to my fellow artistians!

Aug. 6, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. pickleberries

These are such fun articles to read. It is interesting to see how we fit our businesses into our homes/lives. I'm also a WAHM, but mine is much older now. My need to interact w/faces is fulfilled by volunteering at school. Get out of the house AND spy on your child. Win-Win!

Aug. 6, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. sdkent79

Wonderful article. Your work is excellent! I think it's really neat to see your "studio" and get a little sneak peek as to how you work your magic. Thanks for letting us on the inside!

Aug. 6, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. SisterToSister

What a great idea! I love seeing others work spaces!

Love the exersaucer in the corner! Looks just like mine! :)

Aug. 6, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. burnttoastranch

I enjoy seeing other peoples workspace and how they are able to multi use different spaces.
Fabulous article and her store is amazing.

Aug. 8, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. MayRaeCrochetnKnit

Lovely shop and a great glimpse into your creative space.

Aug. 11, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. HotFudge

Thank you for sharing your studio space with us. I take my hat off to young mothers who manage to carve out a career around lovinging looking after their little ones. Well done.

Aug. 12, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. Project31

I love looking at other people's studios! It's very inspiring! And what cool colors for diapers!! I'm a SAHM who is trying to be a WAHM. It's so hard right now, especially when there are chores to be done when my daughter naps!

Aug. 12, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. jodieflowers

What a cool article! Way to go!

Aug. 12, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. lynnieb724

i just love that you are home with your baby and creating the things that you love. I am inspired by you because even though my children are grown and i am a new grandmother, my grandson is 5 months and they live 5 min. from me....creating bags allow me the time to spend with my daughter and grandson. I am deciding whether or not to sell on etsy.com. Congratulations on your store and article!

Aug. 13, 2008 at 10:34 p.m. TwinMommy

This is a fun series! Thanks to Nikki for sharing her space. It's always interesting to take a peek into someone's workspace.....kind of like the overwhelming desire to open up that medicine cabinet :)
Etsy's welcome in my little workshop anytime.

Heather

Aug. 14, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. ellebelleonetsy

I love seeing spaces that inspire creativity in others! I just did a piece in my blog about my own space. Come on in! www.ellebelleblog.blogspot.com

Aug. 17, 2008 at 1 p.m. emmyandivy

What a great series. Other people's creative sanctuaries are so fascinating! I wish Etsy would publish a book or have a contest on the best creative spaces! Emmy + Ivy has two owners, so we have double the fun with two studios....take a peek here. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid...

Aug. 19, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. georgiamarbles

Great story! Everyone has imagined that they are the only ones huddled in the family room working on projects, but we come to find out we are all very similar! Thanks for giving us a peek!

Aug. 20, 2008 at 6:29 a.m. AllthingsWood

I guess that I have too much space, I can't get organized. I do jewelry, wood crafts, paintings, photography & work full time. I want to do it all so I have projects in every area & can't wait to get home from work to play with my dogs & then get crafting! That doesn't include all the shop hopping I do here on Etsy looking at everyone else's wonderful handmade crafts, sometimes I lose track of time doing that. You all are so talented!

Sept. 4, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. gigglinggoldfish

I loved this article! Thank you so much for sharing a little bit of someone's inspiration and the space where all their creating takes place :D

Sept. 16, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. amuse

I love the open studio section in the Storque. Sometimes seeing creative space is just as inspiring.

Sept. 30, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. scarletfields

I just love to see other people's work spaces, thanks so much for sharing.

Oct. 2, 2008 at 1:57 a.m. ValerieTyler

Impressive you can do all this.

Oct. 23, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. Maluhia

love to see work spaces. very inspiring!

Jan. 17, 2009 at 9:50 p.m. Fabulicity

This is great to see how others are getting their materials organized. Kind Regards

June 3, 2009 at 7:39 a.m. dovegrey

Great studio pictures! I have a small studio at the back of my house, it was a summer kitchen/sunporch but now it is all my own! I seem to be in need of more space, may have to take over one of the spare bedrooms!

July 23, 2009 at 11:02 a.m. lucky0girl0racer

I wish I had more space to have a better studio! Someday....

Aug. 1, 2009 at 6:02 p.m. macalaina

what a great article and so creative.

Previous Page | Next Page