Running Rabbit Studio

This is where we are today.  Lots of work through the years, but well worth it!

We have been working on this barn for about 9 years now.  It was converted from a metal shell barn into a combined work area/studio.  I'll include some photos of it in the beginning below.

When we moved here we hired a contractor, Ed Garrison, to rebuild the inside (and a portion of the exterior) into a combined studio/work area for us.  He also added a second story loft for storage, which is about 1,000 square feet.  I can not stress the quality, workmanship and attention to detail of this whole project.  It really has been a life long dream come true.  I will begin adding photos of the the loft (as I continue to organize that) and the studio with work area hopefully in the near future.

Edges Journal 

 

What a whirlwind week we have had!  As this was a big project, we spread this workshop out over 2 consecutive Saturdays.  We also decided to add 2 Open Studios in between.  What a great time we had and such beautiful work was produced.  This journal was a sampler of sorts containing many of our favorite journal page edges, but we quickly learned we could easily make another one with all different techniques.  While there are many photos to share, below is just a small of the work we produced.

Aprons

 Aprons

After ruining most everything I wear, I  have learned it's best to just 

always wear an apron. I seem to be an exceptionally messy worker.

Throughout the years I have modified and repaired dozens of aprons

and never really thought to photograph them.

Fortunately, I was able to dig up a few photos to use as reference as it's time to make/ purchase a few new ones.  I like to have several as a couple are always in the laundry basket awaiting laundry day.

Most of my aprons have ended up being more patchwork than the original apron.  They develop such personality over time and I love them all the more, however, they do get to a point they can no longer be repaired and I need to start over.

I was discussing this with a group during a workshop and we have decide to do this as a workshop together.  We will add embroidered patches, brooches and awards to them over time.  So, I have ordered a bunch of plain black (with pockets, of course!) 100% cotton aprons for us to use as the basic background.  I'm really looking forward to this group project.  Should be a lot of fun!

Pocket Altars

I am really enjoying these pocket altars.  So far I have made 3 of them and see many more in the near future.  There is something so satisfying about them and I love the compact size.  Normally I have a hard time working in a small format, but these are very doable.  Opened up they are 12" X 16" and folded up they are a mere 4" X 4" in size,  Perfect pocket size! 

There are so many possibilities with these and of course the themes are just endless.  I have made up a bunch of imagery to include in these which is so much fun.  I also love the idea of being able to use up all those precious bits and pieces I just can't seem to throw away.  Between buttons, lace trims, babbles and fabric bits these are turning out to be great little stash busters!

 

 The Studio Patio

       

The studio and the little porch in the back are a constant work in progress.

I use this area to do my potting, take photos of work projects and do some serious relaxing.

I love this little space.  It also sits along side the west entrance to our little forest path ...

  another favorite space of mine.

"All the Bells and Whistles" 

published in Art Journaling Magazine!

My Journal and article are in the Spring/Summer issue of Art Journaling Magazine!  What an honor!  If you are interested, you can see photos of the entire journal "All the Bells and Whistles" on my website.  IngridDijkers.com

The Studio Loft

 

The studio is a constant work in progress.  We have been working on it for probably 9 years now.  We started with an empty steel framed metal barn, put in a second floor loft and completely revamped the inside.  Someday I'll do a more complete post on that, but in the meantime this is our most current improvement.  We had a smaller none opening window in the loft that we just had changed into a larger opening window and then added shutters.  The loft if just used for studio storage for supplies, but it sure would get hot.  Hopefully, this will keep temperatures more comfortable.

Now that the window project is done, I can go back to the seemingly never ending task of organizing the loft.  I am about 1/3 of the way done, but there is still a long way to go.  I'll post photos when (and if) I ever get it done.