Studio Spotlight No. 2 - Gretchen

meet  G R E T C H E N

Hello again!  Today I'm excited to give you a peak inside a very cheerful studio which also happens to belong to one of my very talented (and busy) sisters.   Gretchen is a wife and mom to two sweet kids, a part-time employee for EOS Worldwide, Next Level Performance and Envision/Mind Vine Press (really neat stuff if you're an educator or parent to school-age children); and basically a professional DIYer.  I also call her the baby whisperer because she is SO GOOD with babies - including mine.  Micah and I got to visit her in Michigan a few weeks ago.  Take a look at her comfy and colorful work space and listen to what she says are her work space necessities.

1. Wall art: I'm constantly going in and out of my office during the day and I love walking in and seeing colorful artwork, prints, photos, DIY projects, etc.  One of my favorite artists (besides wilderlis, of course) is Katie Daisy.  I have a few of her prints in my office.  I also love to see scripture on the walls.  It's a good reminder of what's important in life!

2. Pens/pencils/notepad: I make lots of notes and lists, so paper, pens and pencils are a must.  I like switching out the colors while I'm writing.  When you work for three different people, it helps with organization.  (And sometimes I like to doodle while on conference calls... but shhhh.)

3. Blanket:  In the fall/winter, having a warm blanket in the office is a must.  Michigan fall mornings can be cool and winters downright frigid.  I love throwing a cozy blanket over my lap.

4. Ear buds: For all those conference calls!

5. Comfy chair: I spend a lot of time in my office so a comfortable chair is important.  Mine is old and not the prettiest but it works great!  I can lean back too when I need a good stretch or to rest my eyes. ;)

6. Washi Tape: I like to have lots of washi tape on hand for old fashioned birthday cards and packages, labeling and hanging pictures up.  I found a great selection here!

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I couldn't resist snapping a few other photos of Gret's colorful house and DIY projects while I was in Michigan.  Check them out below.  And don't forget to sign up for email updates if you'd like to see new posts!  Thanks for stopping by!  

Studio Spotlight No. 1

Welcome to the first Studio Spotlight post!  This post was meant to be published yesterday, but, alas, nap times only lasted long enough to get to the essentials.  Gosh I love nap time.  Like, really love it.  (Can I get an "amen" mamas?)

Back to the point.  So today I'm going to show you a few of my favorite things in the wilderlis studio.  I hope to eventually turn this into a series showcasing the work spaces of other artists and small business owners.  I love other people's homes, but I especially love seeing their personal work space.  There is always so much personality, and I get great ideas for my own!  So if you have one, or know someone who does, and want to be featured on the 'ol blog, email me or comment below!!  Here we go!

1. S U C C U L E N T S

I love bringing a little of the outdoors in and succulents are great because even I can't kill them!  The succulents in the cup were both clipped from our yard while the round cactus is from Ikea ($2).   I purchased the clear plastic cup and glass jar from Ikea too ($3 each).  I love how you can see the soil through the glass!

2. B O O K S
I've found some great used books over the years in thrift stores and church libraries including this 50 cent copy of Walden by Thoreau.  Sometimes when I'm lacking inspiration, I finger through them.  My favorites are those by the great nature writers... Thoreau, Muir, Emerson, Abbey...

3. P E N S
And pencils.  These are a necessity for what I do, and I gotta tell you, I love the way a good pen or pencil feels when I'm writing or drawing.   Archival-ink micron pens are great.  You can get them at most arts and craft stores like Michaels.

4. S E A    G L A S S
It's important for me to surround myself with things (and people) that inspire me and make me happy.  My mom and I hand-collected all of the sea glass in this bottle during visits to numerous beaches in Hawaii.  Not only does it bring me to a happy place, I love the colors!

5. C O O K I E S
I love snacking while I work, especially on these vegan cookies called Uncle Eddie's Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.  (I can't eat dairy.)  It's a very cool company, and their cookies are so good - maybe a little too good.  Oops, the bag is empty already

6. S E R I O U S   M U G

Not only do I like snacking, but I also like sipping while I work.  If you're looking for a good old-fashioned mug, these are my favorite by The Black Dog.  I feel saltier and more credible (in pretty much everything) holding one of these mugs.  Does it matter that it's raspberry tea instead of black coffee?  Of course not!   (Also, if you're wondering, I love the fliqlo screensaver in the background too!  Now that I have the baby on somewhat of a schedule, I always want to know the time! You can download the screensaver here.)