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Rose Mille, Delightful Ribbon & Gossamer Blue

Along the west shore of the St.Croix River between Wisconsin and Minnesota is a heavily visited, antique emporium called Stillwater. It's a medium sized city with a quaint downtown area packed with boutique/antique shops, delish restaurants, tiny businesses, condos and a beautiful view of the river. I had the pleasure to spend time  there yesterday with a dear friend. We took to lunch and then stopped at a newly opened creative studio, Rose Mille. It's a crafter's dream; hundreds of new and old spools of ribbon, vintage glass glitter, flower stamens, antiqued buttons, and more. Of course, I couldn't leave empty handed...and being that it was my first time there since the studio came to fruition, no way was I skipping out on all that glorious ribbon!! 

So, here's my confession - this girl LOVES ribbon!! I have more than enough ribbon to make a fabric store swoon. I've the good stuff, too. Hand dyed silks. Vintage satins. Old Velvets. Wide. Skinny. Shiny. You name, and this ribbon-obsessed gal has it. I even have large spools of the stuff. I figure the more, the merrier. Some people ask me what I do with all my ribbon. I tell them that I sit and idolize it all. I use it on occasion, but mostly, I just like looking at it. Plain & simple. 

And so, above is a petite arrangement of pretty, crafty things. The colors are very much "me". The vintage vanilla frame was a lucky donation from my parent's basement. The leaves and pink hearts are Rose Mille selections, as is the ribbon.

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Dear, sweet Gossamer Blue premiered their Look Book a week or two ago. I've been meaning to post it here. The kit is infused with rich reds, rustic emeralds, soft pinks, sky blues and more. Surely you'll want to devour it's contents if you've any special plans for Valentine's Day ;) I put together a couple of project images from the kit - will share it all next week!

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I'm quite keen on these two. Been spending ample amounts of time with both. Rayna, the almost "Target" canine, is sweet natured to the fullest! We love having her at the house :) And that look on her face, well, I'd just about give her a treat every minute and bring her with me everywhere. She's oodles of cuteness. The two make for wonderful company! They bring great happiness to our lives! 

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It's officially almost here, the first day of Spring Semester at River Falls University. I begin a graphics design course, which I'm really looking forward to. The second course on the list is Managerial Accounting - not nearly as exciting, but still very much mandatory. Monday is the grand return! Wish me luck ~ have a great weekend! 

A Scrapbook Room Redo: Fresh Color Ahead

I can't say for certain the reason I thought it was time for a Studio Redo, but lately, the place has grown seemingly old. Five years, no updates. I'd been neglecting it like many other things in my life. Time is of the essence. I don't have much to spare. 

A month ago, during one of my routine trips to Target, I spotted the most beautiful, cotton-made baskets. Dressed in turquoise and canary yellow flowers, they beckoned a studio face lift! The rest is history! Fast forward to today, and this is where the room currently stands...

Let me break in here and say that the cabinet is from Ikea. The floral baskets fit perfectly inside it's cubbies. The cabinet retails at $140. The baskets are $12.99 each. Overall, not a bad deal! I left a few open pockets for random storage pieces. Cardstock storage sits at the bottom. Crate Paper goods sit at the top. Stamps, sprays and die-cutting supplies sit between the two. It's a convenient combination ;) 

Soft seating is an absolute must for any creative type! I sprinkled mine with high contrasting pillows from Pier One Imports. The gold flower petal pillow is new this season. It's even more beautiful in person.

Looking for an alternative means to bring some fresh air to your scrapbook layouts? How about fancy curtains rods fitted with curtain rings/clips? Eric assisted in setting them up, and he did so, "perfectly"! I can switch out the layouts whenever I want - mix the old with the new! It's my favorite new feature in the room! Finally, a way to give attention to life's valuable memories and all the prettiness that goes with them! 

 

Lets get the obvious out of the way and just talk about them, shall we? These stinken' cute lamp shades were masterminded by Target and cost only $20 each! The lamp bases were originally "shiny black". After three coats of cream colored spray paint, I can barely recognize them!! My new crush; "spray paint"!! It's a miracle worker..and oh, I LOVE Target, too. Laugh. 

Once "black", now bright and mighty yellow!! I use these boards (there are two of them) to host random bits of inspiration from magazines and elsewhere. I'll occasional attach small hand-made cards to them as well.

I made it my mission to clear the desktop of disorganized storage components. I moved them entirely to the right, and away from the main working area. They're still well within reach. The arrangement lends more breathing room and a nice view of the cabinets ahead - and yes, a little Dr.Phil was in order. 

I plan to eventually swap out the rubbermade bins with softer, cream colored baskets. That won't be for a while though 'cause a girls gotta preserve her budget!! Note again the curtain rod and the usual storage display.

Last but not least, this book holder once belonged to Ethan, though we took it down a number of years ago. I brought it back to life while tucking inside it my favorite reads such as House Beautiful, Better Home and Gardens, Somerset Studios, Creating Keepsakes, etc. 

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And that my friends, is the end of the freshly remodeled "studio tour"! I must take a moment to thank the special guy in my life, Eric {and cutie Rayna!!}, as he helped construct the cabinetry. He's a sweet, sweet man and I'm truly grateful for his assistance!! THANK-YOU, Eric! 

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If you've questions about anything seen here, send me an email, or leave a comment. I'm thrilled with the refined space and can't wait to start creating in it! It's been an amazing transition - simple, too. Feel free to pin :)