Markels in front of The Diving Cat
Everyday at work we send out many boxes of jewelry findings all over the world. I get so excited just imagining all the different ways and in all the different spaces we all create jewelry. Imagine sharing that beauty with others who create jewelry and think of how we can inspire each other. Whether your “studio” is a small corner of your living room, a rolling table in front of your t.v., a converted hall closet, or a space outside your home, we’d like you to open your studio to our Virtual Studio Tour.
Real Life Tour of the Diving Cat Studio and Gallery
When Clara and I were recently in Philly at the Beadfest Show we met Markels Roberts, a longtime customer and proprietor of The Diving Cat and she invited to us to spend an evening touring her studio. Markels is an inspiring woman and has enjoyed a long career in jewelry and the arts. She is a glass artist, jewelry designer, sculptor, teacher, and gallery owner. Whew! Her drive as a business owner and artist are impressive.
(psst . . . keep reading for more details).
Markels lampworking in her studio window
If you are lucky enough to visit Phoenixville, PA you may see Markels firing some of her very own glass beads at her workbench in the storefront window of The Diving Cat. Markels loves sharing her art and has created a gallery that delighted us the minute we walked through the door. Our eyes were instantly drawn to an eclectic collection of handmade jewelry, rustic furniture, beautifully woven baskets, and whimsical folk art. It was such a treat to see Markels jewelry in person.
The best part of Markels’ space really is in the back where you will find her hard at work, surrounded by torches, kilns, colorful glass rods for bead making. The heart of her studio is a huge table where she teaches ceramics and creates her own work, and in the very center lives her green parrot Oscar (yes, he’s grouchy)!
After spending such a great night with Markels, Clara and I keep thinking how much we’d love to do this more often with all of our customers. But, since we can’t go inviting ourselves over to your places, we thought we’d start a Virtual Studio Tour on our Blog.
Virtual Studio Tour Contest
Markels' Studio
If you generously give us a glimpse into your world by sending us photos of your creative workspace, we’ll post them all on a blog to share, and then everyone will vote on their favorite. The one with the most votes will win a $50 Gift Certificate from Nina Designs. Plus, each voter will be entered into a drawing with a chance to win a prize too.
Contest Guidelines:
1 –Photos should be of your own creative workspaces.
2 – Send no more than 2 photos (JPEG format preferred) to juanita@ninadesigns.com
3 – Please write a short sentence or two about your space & why you love it so.
4 – Deadline to enter your photos: Monday Sept. 13, 2010.
5 – One entry per person for the studio contest.
6 – One vote per person for the drawing.
Studio photos will be posted in our blog on Wed. Sept 15, 2010. Voting will be open for a week, from Sept. 15th through the 22nd, and both winners will be announced in our blog on Sept. 24th. The studio with the most votes wins a $50 Nina Designs Gift Certificate, so remember to rally all your friends and family to VOTE for your photos. Remind them by voting they could win a fabulous prize too!
I love this idea! I’m always amazed and inspired by other folks’ workspaces (and always looking for new ways to organize). Y’all have already seen my space, tho
peggy
Comment by Handmade Jewelry by Peggy Li — August 30, 2010 @ 11:08 am
After reading this post, I have to agree. I love seeing other artists studios..although I have only seen a few. Our studio isn’t anything to brag about but will be someday because we are going to cram EVERYTHING we own into a 38ft motorhome!! The most interesting aspect for us is HOW we sell our designs! We own a restaurant and some think it’s a jewelry store until they see our customers eating:) “Oh, aren’t those pearls beautiful.(pause)..look honey, I think people are eating in there?!” My famous quote is “Can I interest you in a pair of earrings with your breakfast?” So, if your studio includes the area that you cook up your designs (hehe), I’ll be sending those along. Perhaps you would like to come for breakfast when you are in Providence
Comment by Kim B — August 30, 2010 @ 2:13 pm
Hi Peggy, Even though we’ve seen you’re studio, most of our readers have not. We encourage you to participate. I’m sure it will inspire others!
Hi Kim, All I can say is: WOW! That sounds awesome. We would love to eat breakfast at your cafe. We’ll be in Providence in October! What’s the name of it? But, please send us photos of wherever you create your designs. We’d love to see your work space, or the motorhome, or inside your cafe.
Comment by juanita — August 30, 2010 @ 5:57 pm
Well, I love the idea and looking forward to viewing tons of pictures because frankly my dear , I need tons of help! By the way Juani should post pics of her studio b/c it is just fabuloso and Emily’s as well!
love
Yo
Comment by yolanda deleon — August 30, 2010 @ 9:02 pm
I adore Diving Cat in Phoenixville! Markels is fabulous – and they carry my designs too. What fun to be checking out the latest on Nina Designs and to see one of my galleries all the way across the country.
Comment by Stephanie Hamilton — August 31, 2010 @ 1:06 pm
What a great idea. I can’t wait to see everyone’s studio!
Comment by Colleayn Klaibourne — August 31, 2010 @ 8:12 pm
This is a great idea, I always love to see how other artists create their masterpieces! What is the best way to send a picture of my studio, through email?
LeAnne
Comment by LeAnne Ritter — September 1, 2010 @ 8:47 am
Dear LeAnne and everyone who wants to send in photos: Please email your photos in PDF format to juanita@ninadesigns.com. I can’t wait to see them. Thanks everyone.
Comment by juanita — September 1, 2010 @ 11:04 am
I’m so excited! Seeing others’ studios is always inspiring. I can’t wait to see them!! I wish you ladies could come to Canada. I would love to share my studio space and some Chai Tea (or red wine!) and talk beads with you…
Dawn
Comment by Dawn — September 1, 2010 @ 6:01 pm
So sorry I missed out on this contest. I was not a blog subscriber, but I am now.
Comment by laurie eller — September 15, 2010 @ 4:16 pm