Studio Tours #3 Monika's paper palace

Editor's note: I was amazed at the organization!
I asked how she did something, say felting, and Monika (blog) was able to go right to the area of felting supplies and show me a book she likes on it. The room is sunny, has colorful plants, fit Monika perches on a balance ball to sit, and she makes many things here alongside her two poodle guards. They also have a basket of toys and a bed in here.

While you're at the first image Monika told me she absolutely loves the flat files cabinet from IKEA as everything is visible when the drawer opens.

Monika is currently making Balms and Bath bombs as well as doggie treats we might enjoy eating too.

the red spots are actual rose petals!

She has made me cards and felted this Cole poodle for me...

She painted a watercolor of Cole for me, but doesn't know how good it was. I have several really clever cards she has made as well. Those lucky poodles are the recipients of her special doggie treats that she could easily sell.

So grab a cup of tea and enjoy her answers to my questions!




1. How long did it take to set up your studio?
Years! That room was a storage room for excess furniture for the better part of 10+ years. I didn’t get serious about it until the past couple years and that has brought me such joy. My only regret is not doing it sooner!

2. Did you change or tweak it to work better? How?

The room has gone through multiple tweaks trying to make it more efficient and with each tweak, it seems to be an improvement. Now if only I could cull some of the extraneous excess. There way too much stuff in there.

3. Music, TV or no noise?

Music only or NPR

4. Do you crave any snacks when working or stuck on a project?

I often nosh when creating. I hate stopping for lunch and starting up again and need to keep the good juju flowing. ;) I pretty much always take some water or coffee in there and sometimes that is all I need.

5. Do you schedule work time or is it according to mood/inspiration more often?

My creative process can’t be forced.  The mood has to be spontaneous. It has to feel just right in order for any art magic to happen.

6. Is there a machine, or tool you would like to have?

I just purchased a laminating machine that will make intricately designed die cuts much easier to adhere to greeting cards though I’m still trying to figure out my die cutter machine I bought last year that I had to have! Thank goodness my daughter can provide me with various groovy die cuts from her die cutting machine that work for greeting cards. LOL

7. What kind of sewing machine do you have? Iron? Lights? Satisfied with them??

I have a simple early 1970’s vintage Brothers machine. Doesn’t do anything fancy, but that bugger can sew! I love it, even when I try to lug it out (they don’t make ‘em like that anymore!) My Rowenta is in this studio as is my circa 1967 ironing board which squeaks like a banshee. 😆

8. What do you like best about your studio? Least?

The room faces south so the light is the best quality. I have a number of houseplants in there (two Christmas cactus bloomed again recently and I love looking at the gorgeous coral ad hot pink blooms while I’m getting inspired. Plus the fact that it’s at the opposite end of the house, away from the TV, news broadcasts and people. The dogs curl up in the room and I go about my creating. It’s paradise. I lose track of all time when I’m in my groove.

this is Elsa, the blond bombshell proving blonds really do have more fun.
For more studios look here
1. Cindy's quilting and beading Studio tour interview-with-artist-studio-tour
2. Mary in Colorado  2017/04/studio-tours-marys-studio-in-colorado

next week, Polly's Perfect Quilting Studio!