Believe it or not I have a studio with too many windows!  What I didn't have was a place for a large bulletin board.  So I decided to cover the smallest corner window and use that area for much needed display.

I bought some heavy duty insulation, the kind with silver on the back and sray painted that black, since it shows through the glass to the outside. I cut the panels to fit with an exacto knife, and duct tapped them together.  

The next step was to mask off the wall with paper and spray glue the panels. I placed a couple of layers of batting on top, then one more spray of glue.

The final layer was a piece of gray cloth I bought out of the scrap bin.  It has a heavy weave and a great grey color that matched my walls.  I rough cut the fabric to fit, then starting at the top I smoothed the fabric over the batting.  The last step was to force all the edges of the cloth into the sides between the window well and the foam with a flat edge burnisher.  I was going to use a quarter round wooden trim to finish it off, but I found I liked the simpler look.

The only thing I would do differently is put masonite or thin plywood behind the insulation.  I have a south facing window and the insulation is starting to crack. 

So here's the completed bulletin board.  I use pearl tipped corsage pins to hold the sketches and layouts in place.  

I love it!  Having the projects I'm working on, or new ones I'm developing, right in front of me keeps me motivated! 

Here is part of my redesigned studio. I've been working on it for a long time. It's an arrangement of things I've acquired over the years and as close to a perfect space as I’ve ever had.  I'm loving it!  

My computer/sketch area below is filled with props that inspire me, gifts that friends have given and things that make me happy.  A combination that makes creating easier and more enjoyable.  The paper file holds canvas, charcoal paper, art in progress, and sketch pads.  The other cabinet is storage for art supplies, paint mostly, and some office supplies, and of course in front is my oversized work desk.  I'm getting close to having a place for everything and everything in its place!

     

This is a silly sculpture I first saw some years ago when when I was in New Orleans for Mardi Gras.  His name is Elmer the Tooth Fairy and he just made me laugh!  I was sorry I hadn't purchased him from that quaint shop in the French Quarter.  I finally tracked him down online and now he stands on a pair of turn of the century books under a glass dome.  At least he can't fly away!

Next entry I'll show my painting area.

I have two rescue Chihuahua mixes that are part of my "fambly", Cashew Nut and Peanut.  They're in the picture with me.   Cashew is in the front and has white patches, he always has one ear up, one ear down, this is his trademark!  Peanut is a darker color, and she has both "bat" ears up all the time, I’m in the back, you can't see my ears!  One friend told me that now, I officially live in THE NUT HOUSE!  Another friend told me we were MIXED NUTS!  Both friends are alluding to the fact that I'm the craziest in the bunch.  I can’t disagree!

I think that MIXED NUTS is the perfect title for this blog since it will be a mix-up of writing and art tips, artists I love, art supplies, updates on my work, crazy dogs, et al.  For my next post I plan to show photos of my newly designed studio.  I hope you’ll check back for a peek.