Creative Minds Are. . . . .

When the Duke and Duchess purchased this castle many, many moons ago, one of the main reasons was the daylight basement. (Which I call the dungeon).  For several years they had a ceramics shop down there. The Duke made the clay pieces (called greenware) and the Duchess taught classes.  As time went by the shop closed and all of the inventory and molds were sold off.  That is when the Duchess became completely obsessed with Decorative painting.

We decided to show you her messy studio because she is talking about painting again.  That is one of the benefits of being on furlough!  Time.  Someone once said that "you can never find time, you will have to make time.  That is easier said than done, for sure.

Originally the studio was a one bedroom apartment.  After the ceramics shop closed the Duchess had the fridge and stove removed so she would have more space.  (Can you believe that?)  Anyway, it became her most favorite place in the universe.  The next thing you knew, she was teaching classes again, but this time it was just decorative painting.

It wasn't long before she realized two things.  First thing was that she honestly was not skilled enough yet to be teaching.  Second was that while teaching was fun, it did not allow her time to work on her own projects and hone her skills.  So that was that and classes were over.  Afterwards she was glad she did it because the more time she spent painting, the better she got.

Well, one day, as often happens, life changed and the Duchess stopped painting.  She always meant to get back to it but something always came up.  There was never TIME. 

So, last month when she was on furlough she decided to give it another go.  Sadly it is not like riding a bicycle- and she found she will have to start all over again.  But practice makes perfect :)  (That's what I tell her!)

She decided for her first project she would try to paint my portrait. (I think that was a bit ambitious, but she didn't consult me.)  That's when she realized she has no idea what she's doing!!! However, she does have a sense of humor about it all. 

Now that you have the background, we can start our tour!

This is the main room where you first walk in.

Past the main room is the kitchen, tiny, tiny bedroom, and bathroom.



The tiny, tiny bedroom is used for storing all the junk wonderful things the Duchess

plans to paint someday. (You know how that goes!)

This is the little kitchen.

During the holidays it would sure be handy to have that extra fridge and oven!

Oh well. . .

There is even an old computer that probably doesn't work anymore.

Back to the main room. You can see the front door from here!

Have you ever seen such a mess?

The Duchess says that's the best part of having a studio.

You can leave everything, walk away and close the door.

Next time you come in it is ready and waiting for you! 

So, I guess this concludes our tour.

Next time you think your house is messy, just remember this post!

You will feel much better :)

And I will leave you with one thought. . . 

(click to enlarge)

Kisses,