Handmade Spaces: Karin Grow

Handmadespaces_bloglogo_5

Monday's are a little better when you get to feel inspired by a beautiful space like that of Karin Grow! Her island inspired creations are reflected in the cool blue walls and relaxing vibe of her workspace- let's take a closer look!

Karingrow3

What do you create in this space?
On any given day, you will find me in here painting, making jewelry or greeting cards, and I just recently started to sew. I also have made candles for the past 15 years, but I do all of that in the garage because of the mess.

Karingrow5

Where is it located?
This is a room in my house that I transformed into my art studio/office. I really wanted a space where I could be surrounded with everything I love so that I would be inspired to create all the time. I use the center island table in my studio as my main work station. It took a lot of time to organize this space and make every inch of this room functional. I never know what I'll be in the mood for, so It was important to me to be able to set up the work table for a day or so and then put everything away without too much trouble.

Karingrow4

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
My most important tools would be my hands. They really take a beating and I wish I could insure them. Other than that, I use paintbrushes, pencils, pliers, my gocco card printer, a sewing machine, my laptop, and a 65lb wax melter for my candles. And, I just recently scored on a light table I found for $20 at a rummage sale!

Karingrow2

What inspirations do you keep nearby?
I have notebooks full of pages from magazines and projects and recipes I want to try. I keep little objects around, like a jar full of japanese glass lanterns or a vintage mosaic lamp that doesn't work, but looks cool. My greatest inspiration comes from being outside in my vegetable garden or planting flowers and tropicals around the house. I love that I can open the french doors and enjoy the sounds of the birds and the wind rustling in the trees. My dogs and cats love hanging out outside my door, posing for their portraits or taking a nap at my feet. Vintage is also a huge inspiration for me. It has so much more soul that you just can't get with brand new stuff. My house is full of collections I've acquired over the years and I love everyone of them. Luckily, I'm not a pack rat so it doesn't get out of control. My motto is "keep the best, get rid of the rest."

Karingrow6

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating?
When I paint, I like to listen to music, but if I'm trying to figure out a sewing pattern, I need total silence because it's all new to me, and I will mess up. I like to listen to lots of different artists- Billy Holiday, French and Brazilian music, reggae, Jack Johnson, etc.

Karingrow

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
This space totally relaxes and invigorates me at the same time. I could spend hours in here and not even notice the day has gone by. My husband has brought me dinner or a glass of wine on several occasions. He's always been very understanding and supportive. He knows that when I'm in the zone, I can't stop until it's done.