Thursday, June 17, 2010

Where I create.....



I am honored to be part of this blog party....About a year ago we began renovations to our backyard. We dug up the grass, my herb garden of 9 years, peach trees, climbing roses...yes I cried. But the vision my husband and I shared was to enrich our lives, the lives of our children, and to use what we have as a blessing for others...So here is the finished backyard with pool, outdoor living/kitchen areas and of course, my husband wanted to build an Art Studio for me....I am forever grateful to him for all he has done for me. I love being in there, I love that my girls and my mom love being in there, I love when friends gather and they love being in there...So enjoy the pictures, some are courtesy of my friend Jodie, some are from last year and some are from today....Don't blog "party" too long - for your creative space is calling....





This is really what my creative space looks like when I am creating...I only tidy up for necessity. So I can find that which is hidden...
No matter the size of your space, create! For some it is the dining room table, part of the bedroom or even in a closet ( I have been in all of those places). I have been blessed to be able to have a supportive husband and family in my creative endeavors. I hope that you have found kindred spirits on this blog party. We all love the creative process more than our space. We love to share in the experience more than the finished product. In our creative pursuit, it isn't always about finishing, it is about discovery. I will always be thankful to God for the gifts he has bestowed to me in my life. I pray that I use them for his glory and not mine. I will always be thankful to my family who encourage me in all that I do. I will always be thankful for you - for our paths crossing. Enjoy the journey!! Come visit sometime and we will create!

Blessings - Chantal

56 comments:

  1. What a Beautiful backyard & studio! I am so looking forward to your retreat when I will get to see it in person...and get to meet you!

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  2. This is just wonderful. I love it. So very nice to have a room of your own where others can play as well! That's what I'm wishing for! I really enjoyed visiting! Jamie V in MT
    http://rem-nants.blogspot.com

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  3. Oh Chantal...
    Your FABULOUS creative space (& home, & gardens, & family) took my breath away the moment I drove up in your driveway.

    Even the best of photos still do not do the justice your beautiful surroundings deserve.

    I am soooo excited to be a part of your creative retreat again this year...you are the most blessed and sweetest hostess Chantal, a total reflection of your beautiful Mother Maryse and our Lord above :)))

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  4. Hi Chantal, this is my first time on your blog and I am so glad it is during this party. Gorgeous space, very big and airy. I can see how this can inspire you to be creative. Great job.

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  5. Hi Chantal. What an inspiring and beautiful space you have surrounded yourself with. I enjoyed my visit and thank you for sharing!

    Kit from PaperKitz

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  6. Oh that wall of ribbon.........how I love ribbon. Love your space, you are blessed. Thanks for sharing. Susan

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  7. Can I spend a day? Positively awesome space!

    ~Liz

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  8. Chantal,
    That is an incredible space. It challenges me to make my space the best I can.

    What a good decision you made. You have so much light and sunshine and can look out upon God's nature and enjoy it all. It looks very workable....and very beautiful.

    What a wonderful community this blogworld is! I am still so dazzled!

    We are three months old (in blog time) and are a mother daughter team. I didn't set the space cleaned but stop by sometime, if you wish.

    Susan (Suz) Reaney
    http://katsuijewelry.blogspot.com
    (not just about jewelry)

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  9. Hi Chantal!
    Thanks for the lovely tour of your space! I love the high ceilings and your ribbon collection. Your back yard is my kind of hangout! Just gorgeous!
    Hugs!

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  10. Now that is an amazing creative space!

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  11. Phenomenal backyard and artspace! I'd be living in there too! So lovely and organized! Gotta drool over your stashes and wonderful cabinets and cubbies! Well done!

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  12. You must not live in Nebraska--LOL! Oh my, it's beautiful! I really agree that it's so much more about the experience and the process than the final product. And, I agree, that what we do and have should bring God glory. A very lovely post--thank you!

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  13. Such a lovely place you have to create...and so many details...and everything so organized...
    and backyard to take a break...ohhh, fantastic...
    Thank you for sharing!

    magdalena

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  14. Oh my, with temps in the 100's last week and high 90's this week I want to jump in that beautiful pool!
    Love your space ... I don't know how anyone can be creative AND neat, seems like an oxymoron to me :))

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  15. Amazing art studio! Ribbon, stamps and lace, oh my. Your backyard looks like a vacation destination! Awesome! ~Robin~

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  16. I truly love your studio!
    It is so much fun! I love all the ribbon and stamps...it's like a candy store for creative hearts!
    thank you for sharing this amazing place with us!
    Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!
    Blessings,
    Donna

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  17. What a fabulous open and airy space. I am coveting your wall of ribbon. Beautiful!
    Sharon :-)

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  18. Ooooh, this is too much!!!! I love, love, love your space and so want french doors (like yours) in my space one day . . . what a beautiful room, thank you for sharing! Kristin xo

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  19. It's lovely to have space to share with your family and friends! Thank you for inviting us.

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  20. What a wonderful studio you have been blessed with and it's obvious you give all the glory to the One who gave you your gifts and talents. Thanks for sharing, it's been an inspirational visit and definitely heartwarming.

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  21. The best part is that your husband wanted to build it for you. And it's gorgeous. Nice you showed it when you're creating. That makes it real. Thanks for opening your studio up. Diane

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  22. Beautiful and bright and cozy too. A great place to share with others. What a great gift to you.

    happy day
    ~marcia

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  23. Absolutely beautiful! Your studio is a dream. I love that amazing wall of ribbon! Thank you for the lovely tour.

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  24. Your space is wonderful - especially the ribbon storage! Thank you for sharing.

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  25. Your creative space is AmAZinG! Thank you for sharing it with us. I have had such fun at this party!

    Creative Blessings,
    Rebecca

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  26. Chantal, What a lovely post! Your space is a Texas-size homerun! How wonderful that you have others to share it with...always doubles the joy, doesn't it? I adored what you said about loving the process more than our space. Have written down your blog address as I want to come back later to do some more browsing. Xo, Sue

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  27. truly amazing creative place you have made there. i love it.

    hugs,

    shelley

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  28. What a great site. You too are a luck woman who's husband has an open mind to all of our creative thoughts. Queen Bee Studio

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  29. Wow what a great backyard and heavenly studio! I love the fact that no matter how big our studios can be, we can always manage to "mess 'em up!" Thanks for having us over!
    Sparkly Hugs,
    Tobi and the Pixies!

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  30. What a fabulous creative space, I want to come and play, please. You have so many yummy goodies, love the paper flowers, but espcially, that zebra rug! ;o) I've been doing this party since friday night and I am just now getting to you. so, enjoyed my visit with you.
    Hugz,
    Zandra

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  31. ooooooohw I love that pool and I love that you have a space to display your award winning ribbons! I have mine tucked away in a cupboard... how wrong is that? I just love your French doors and the ability to get that fresh air and wonderful sunlight into your space. Simply relaxing and inspiring!

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  32. What a great space and the view you have is amazing. I love all your storage items..
    thanks for sharing,
    tammy

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  33. Gorgeous space! Love your new outdoor spaces, but your studio is just wonderful. So light and bright and all that storage is heaven!

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  34. Omgoodness, this is what I want to do, and for the same reason. We must be kindred spirits.
    Love the built in cabnets and the french doors. But most of all I love that your cute hubby wanted to do it.

    comevisit
    cindy@stitches

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  35. A great creative space! Wow! Do I love all your beautiful ribbons!! So sweet!
    Best wishes,
    Chris

    www.curbyscloset.com/blog/

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  36. I love the outdoor rooms..it is just fabulous..then your studio..what a treat! I really enjoyed looking around..thanks for sharing with me.

    I'd love for you to come over for a stroll through my studio. It's been an ongoing transformation for almost a year since I moved in to our new home.

    Have a wonderful day,
    Stephanie ♥

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  37. what a lovely space to call your own and to make beautiful creations! You are so blessed to have such a special space. Love the view of the pool!

    Vicki

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  38. Oh my goodness, your space is just dreamy! I love that you have your family in there alot with you... your photo of all your ribbon is gorgeous, and I love how you have displayed lace, etc in a vintage jewelry box... thanks for sharing... xoxo Julie Marie

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  39. Chantal...you are indeed so very blessed and a supportive husband is any woman's dream...it's beautiful!

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  40. OMG, I would die for a space that big and airy! I love all of your cubbies for storage! My creative space is not to exciting, but if you get a chance stop by!

    Carol

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  41. Hi Chantal,
    Your studio is adorable! Also, my compliments to you for having such a pretty blog too. I love to muse around blogs that are pretty and well organized and yours is both. I will deffinately come back and visit, especially when I am in the mood to visit somewhere lovely!

    thanks again,
    Vanny, MAD Stitches

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  42. Oh my gosh, what an incredible environment in which to create! Fabulous inside and out.

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  43. An Amazing Space ~ Your Yard, Pool, Living Space & the Fabulous Studio..... You Are Blessed!
    Thank You for Sharing

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  44. You lucky girl!!! thats an amazing studio (when can I move in, lol)... You really have been blessed with a great space, supportive husband and great creative touch.

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  45. Lovely! I especially like all your ribbons, and the old jewelry box.
    Thanks for sharing!!
    :)
    ~Becca~

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  46. What a fun place to create in! I love it. I had a great time taking a peek at your space. Wow..So nice to have visited you and so nice to meet you. Hope you can come by and visit me too.
    Have a great day,
    Hugs
    Janet
    Janets Creative Pillows

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  47. Chantal, I LOVE your studio & can't wait to see it in person! I have not even gotten half of the studio's visited! It was so wonderful to meet you this weekend at Paper Cowgirls! You are such a sweetie!!!!! Hope you'll visit me & my studio too. Enjoy the summer off with your girls. See you in August! HUGS! Charlene

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  48. Gorgeous home and what a wonderful creative room Bright and cheery!Thanks so much for letting us visit it!

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  49. What a lovely studio! And what a lovely setting! I cherish my herb garden too, but I think you made a fair exchange - your room is inspiring no wonder your friends and family want to spend time there!

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  50. Everything is just fabulous.... Your home- garden and studio too!! Looks wonderful!!

    Thanks for sharing....

    Niki
    Kaniki's Prims & Whims...

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  51. What a wonderful blessing to achieve your shared dream with your husband and a what a wonderful bonus of a studio too! It truly is an inspiring space. Love all those rolls of ribbon! Thank you for sharing your creative haven.

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  52. Your studio is FABULOUS! I love hearing stories about wonderful husbands!!! I am so jealous of all the wonderful natural light you have. I would be in there all the time with a view like you have! Thank you so much for joining the party ans sharing it with all of us
    xo,
    Karen
    My Desert Cottage

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  53. I am so loving your studio! Wonderful times and wonderful creations are no doubt the norm there! I could have stayed for days, but thought that purrhaps the temptation of all that ribbon was simply more than I could endure. You see I try really hard to be a good guy, but well when there is that much fun just screaming my name, well....you get the picture. I promise, I kept my paws on the floor....didn't touch the ribbon, no ma'am....I did sniff it, is that okay? Ah, such a wonderful studio! Thank you for allowing me to visit and making me feel welcome!

    Purrs!

    Romeo and "her"

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  54. I love your space, and the outdoor area. And I appreciate your comments about being grateful to God for his blessings and our creativity. Thank You!

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  55. What an amazing space, inside AND out! WOW and WOW again! I'm a landscape and garden designer so I know how much time and energy it took to create this space. Great job, Nan

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  56. The name of your blog is wonderful! Such a pretty & inspiring space. I imagine you have a ton of creative energy working there. :D

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