Etsy's Handmade Blog
Open Studio Tour: DancingCircle
Story by dancingcircle, FrucciDesign
Published on December 10, 2008 in This Handmade Life 		Photo by

dancingcircle

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!

The holiday season has started and one of my favorite things about this time of year is decorating the house. For this reason, this month I visited work space of Sherry aka dancingcircle in Portland, Oregon.

dancingcircle_2.jpgWhat's your name and what kind of craft do you do?
My name is Sherry Kirkpatrick.  I'm a stay at home mother of four children ranging in age from 8-17. About 5 years ago I started creating wreaths and arrangements as a form of therapy when my kids were younger and always underfoot.  Our gorgeous Pacific Northwest practically begs to be showcased in various floral arrangements, so I started out by just playing around with things from my yard or nearby fields.  I now have a number of regular sources from nearby farms who provide me with world famous hydrangea, lavender, roses, leaves and more. It's fitting I live in Portland Oregon, the beautiful "city of roses."

When did you decide that you needed a studio and how did you set it up?
I worked in my dining room for a few years before I realized I had to move to a larger space where I didn't have to share with furniture and family members.  My craft is fairly messy, so I'm more comfortable creating in a space in the garage where I can close the door when I'm done and not have to sweep every single day.  I just sort of started moving things downstairs and organizing as I went along.  I use up a fairly small portion of our large garage. Still, it's actually been an excellent motivator for decluttering the garage, since those shelves that previously held junk are now my floral center and thus valuable real estate.

Did the studio set up impact your crafter budget?
My work space hasn't really cost me anything other than a small increase in my energy bill — the weather is cooling off and I've started using a small space heater.

dancingcircle_3.jpgWhich is your favorite tool in your studio?
That's a hard question to answer — I couldn't go on without my glue gun or my pick machine so I'll have to give them both equal representation.

Do you want to share with us one secret of your studio?
One little secret I have in my work area is this: Since I'm close to our family's chest freezer, I've started storing a bag of cocktail ice in there and if I'm working late I might fill a glass with ice and ...

How many hours do you normally spend in your studio?
Lately I've been spending more and more time in my work space — I'd say 5-8 hours a day, sometimes more.  I not only create there, but I've designed a simple ship center as well.

Do you share your studio with someone or would you like to do so?
I share my work space with my husband, Dan, who has the patience of a saint with my craft.  He takes up most of the rest of the garage space with his collection of wood working tools — he's an awesome craftsperson and produces my peace sign templates.  Thank you, Danny, for letting me share your space!

Is there anything you would add to your working space?
I'm working on improved lighting and I'd like to get a chair that's a bit more comfy. Since my teenage kids keep stealing back their boombox, I guess I better install a little bookshelf stereo system.

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?
Since I'm working at the bottom most area of our home, I sometimes think of my work area as my "cave".

dancingcircle_4.jpgAnd last but not least how often do you clean it?
Now, that's a good question. A primary reason I moved my operation into our garage is because it's so messy! Realistically I power clean about once a week — by then I'm surrounded by leaves, stems, cast off blossoms, stray tools, and whatnot.  I always feel better when everything's tidy again — but as soon as I see a nice clear spot I fill it up again with projects and ideas.  I'm a pretty messy crafter.

Anything else you'd like to add?
The fact that I actually have a work area — I certainly wouldn't call it a studio just yet — has legitimized my business in many ways. A permanent space I can call my own is comforting and motivating.  I truly enjoy the hours I spend working — even if it's in a garage right now.  Luckily, I can open the door and enjoy my beautiful Portland Oregon neighborhood if I begin to feel like the "cave" is too dark.  Just seeing the fabulous trees and sky reminds me of why I love what I do.

Thank you, until 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!

Tags dancingcircle, decor, decorations, dried flowers, FrucciDesign, holidays, Open Studio Tours, OR, Oregon, PDX, Portland, sellers, studios, working spaces, workshops, wreaths
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41 comments     Login to add your own!

Dec. 10, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. dogties

Looks like fun.
Thanks for sharing, great items.
We love the moss peace sign.

Dec. 10, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. Sinta

Beautiful workshop area :) Very festive.

Dec. 10, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. lynncyrart

Wow, beautiful work!

Dec. 10, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. daniellexo

Oh, I really love the classic, simple ones! I bet that lemon leaf wreath smells delightful!

Dec. 10, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. jodieflowers

I love peeking into the lives of other creative people! Way to go!

Dec. 10, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. evesimone

Ohhh great shop dancingcircle, love the hydrngea & the peace mat! Great space too!

Dec. 10, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. fabricfarrago

Love this series!! I would love to share some tips in an article -- I am lucky enough to have both my family room and dining room of my apartment as my "studio", which is great since I have so many supplies.

Dec. 10, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. HomemadeZen

really lovely items!

Dec. 10, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. LabyrinthLeather

It's so inspiring to see what other artists do with the spaces that they have, beautiful shop =:)

Dec. 10, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. christinececelia

Very pretty!

Dec. 10, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. elizabethwren

beautiful items! love to see other peoples work spaces, very inspirational-maybe to clean mine :-)

Dec. 10, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. brindakaydesign

Great work. You really showcase nature.

Dec. 10, 2008 at 7:49 p.m. dancingcircle

thanks Fru and Vanessa - I am now highly motivated to create a real studio! and thanks for the kind words, everyone:)

Dec. 10, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. pixiepotions

All of those are beautiful. What an inspiration. I love to see people's workspaces as well.

Dec. 10, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. Vorbi1

I love the lemon leaf wreath, nice work. Please check out my site vorbi1.etsy.com Thanks!!

Dec. 10, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. jessiemccann

The beautiful Pacific Northwest is an inspiring place for artists and crafters. I used to live in Seattle area and miss it.

Dec. 10, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. BluCille

The winter snowflake earrings are nice.
Check out my shop. Free shipping with the purchase of any two or more items until December 21st.

Dec. 10, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. whimdesign

It's always fun to see where others work. Thanks for letting us in.

Dec. 10, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. TaraLinnea

Your wreaths are beautiful!

Dec. 10, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. nouveaumotley

I feel you on the messy crafter bit!!

Dec. 10, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. moonstr

hey if it isn't messy, it isn't fun:D

Dec. 10, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. MichelleStudio

I don't know how can you work without mess?!?

Dec. 11, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. Snowberrylime

these look gorgeous! I love the peace symbol, how original!

Dec. 11, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. BlackStar

Wonderful interview and beautiful work!

Dec. 11, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. unconventionalida

I love this series!

Dec. 11, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. RonH

Who says cars go in the garage? Not where crafters are concerned. Actually the set up looks very neat. Tell the truth now. How long did it take you to be ready to take pictures. LOL

Dec. 11, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. FrucciDesign

I agree Sherry, your space is great thank you!

Dec. 11, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. scrapbookcompleted

I love the "Open Studio Tour" feature article. It's always interesting and inspiring to see workspaces of talented artists. Thanks for giving us a sneak peek!

Dec. 11, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. babeta

How fun to see inside your workspace. Beautiful wreaths!!!
Merry Christmas,
Pam

Dec. 11, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. CountingBunnies

This is so much fun to see where people work. You make beautiful wreaths.

Dec. 11, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. JensJewellery

My studio was originally on the plans of this house a double carport. Now it's my computer room/packing room/showcase/creating room.

Jenni

Dec. 12, 2008 at 7:47 p.m. miniaturebooks

What fun to be playing with flowers and stuff. Messy or not, you have a great work space. I love setting up studios. I think I've done it about 7 times in different places I've lived: LA, Mexico, Bisbee AZ, CA, China, TX, and Tucson AZ. A place for everything and everything in its place. Book binding can be messy too.

Patrice

Dec. 14, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. 88kitty

Fantastic series! Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your world Sherry!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. jennifergoode

thanks for sharing, I feel better about my mess. I have an old bank building for a shop and always joke that Jessie James couldnt even break in now with all the stuff I gather. Beautiful Art, thanks for sharing.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 1:29 a.m. LacySorbet

Wow thanks for sharing your studio. Portland, what a location. I can only imagine the supplies at your fingertips.

Dec. 18, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. ReginaMirella

How great to have a garage set up!

All my jewelry is made at home, and I am constantly having to put everything away. then I go bonkers looking for what I need. LOL

I used to have a large, separate workroom, but when the kids left home I downsized to a condo and am still trying to find the best shelving and storage solution. I do my leatherwork at our manufacturing site.

Thanks for sharing your story! Sure makes me feel right at home hearing how other creative people cope with the mess.

Love your stuff

Dec. 23, 2008 at 8:09 p.m. miccicohan

I just set up shop here on etsy and I'm just really gratefull to be able to see other people's work places.
Your space is great!
Your peace wreath is my fav! thanx for the inspiration!
and stop by my shop anytime! Micci Cohan Fine Art GAllery

Dec. 28, 2008 at 3:10 a.m. smilingbluedog

How wonderful! I love it! Great interview and photos, very fitting , as I start to plan my own space.
My husband started making me a studio space in his
garage as my Christmas present. He put in heat!! and a wall and a ceiling...this might take a while...
Anyhow, I'm just thrilled to know I'll be vacating the living room, spare room, closets, etc.
It's so nice to know there are other people out there that have survived the same kind of frustrations, without losing the pleasure in creating!
Way to go!

Jan. 4, 2009 at 6:21 a.m. blijalsmij

lovely place! WE moved last year tho this new home and I created a studio in the attic. It's very sunny, light and spacious and filled with lots of fabric and other supplies! I love to be there!

April 20, 2009 at 6:38 a.m. kayfish

Your work space is terrific. Beats cramming it all into a corner of the living and having to share the kitchen table with kids!
I am finally blessed enough to set up my studio in what must have been a sewing room when my home was built in 1927. There are built in shelves, tiny cupboards with tiny doors, a linoleum counter top. The clothesline was stung by yours truly to hang drying paintings. My favorite part is that it has 3 entrance doors, one stepping out into a screened in porch, more drying room for the smellier projects!

June 3, 2009 at 7:38 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!

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