New studio/virtual classroom set up

I may or may not have mentioned it, but one thing that has made the adjustment to moving back to NC so tough is the fact that our rental was NOT move in ready for us.  I literally have a laundry list of issues that we had when we walked in the door...but one that caused me to have a mini nervous break down was the room that was to be my studio.  It was pink, with a gigantic stencil on the wall and the carpet...that is a whole 'nuther story.

How it started...so...much...PINK. Folks, don't EVER put a stencil that has a million parts and included MIRRORS on your wall. Like...ever. Just DON'T.

But...I am not afraid to work so I got permission to paint it myself.  It was pretty awful, my hands were torn up from taking that stencil and MIRRORS off the wall and then definitely felt like I was hit by a truck after painting those walls- but I made it happen.  And they later replaced the carpets, so that helped as well.

One challenge for this new space is that fact that I need to also include a spot to record my virtual art lessons and do my Zooms (you know, on account of the pandemic) I decided to use a large table for this purpose with the same backdrop as in my actual classroom.  I also have shelving under the table to hide all of my supplies...even after giving away so much to my high school students before I left Florida I still had a TON of stuff.  

Another challenge is the smaller closet for my clothes (not pictured).  I basically have all of my shirts hanging in there, bins for t-shirts and tanks on the top shelf and the bottom half of the closet is all pants...and my accessories in drawers like earrings, rings and bracelets.  Dresses and pjs are in the master bedroom, outerwear and shoes downstairs in the gym closet.  The actual rental house is pretty large but the closets/storage are definitely smaller.  Luckily I know how to creative with my storage!

How it's going...my new studio/virtual classroom space in NC

You can see the storage under the table a little more in this pic...oh, and one of my 'assistants'

I made a spot for some of the supplies I use more often on this wall. Also, there is never enough lighting for me EVER so I added this floor lamp.

I did the whole 'KonMari' thing a while back in Florida and it definitely helped me to declutter...but I still have a ton of stuff. I was able to whittle my bookshelf down to this just half bookshelf...so that kinda feels like a win.

This isn't part of the studio but my closet and accessories share this space so...gotta include this.  If you know me then you know about my love for costume jewelry and my ummmm...collection.   I wanted to create a spot for my necklaces that didn't put too many holes in the wall and was also out if sight.  I found these wooden strips in the garage and used a saw to cut them into pieces that I could attach to the wall space behind the door.  I like that they are out of the way.

DIY Necklace storage.

...the only thing is that that still wasn't enough room for my necklaces- so I created another spot tucked away beside the closet.  I painted that mirror white and added glitter too.

Please don't judge me, I know I have a problem. Sigh.

Full disclosure, I hate that little door that accesses the attic.  Like...I am kinda scared a monster or a homicidal maniac is hiding in there soooooo....I created this fun desk nook.  It blocks the door from whatever might be behind that door and actually is a great use of the space.  I made the table myself, measured the space then had the wood cut...painted it and added the table legs.  I had some black and white striped bulletin board paper I bought for school so I covered a piece of foam board with that to put on the wall behind the desk.

Desk nook= Mackie approved

The best part of this little spot is in the morning til about noon the sun shines in and illuminates the chandelier I hung above the desk.  My girl Gin sent me a beautiful crystal with instructions to hang it in a special spot...done.  

...still getting used to this view. We are in a neighborhood, there are pine trees...it doesn't 100% feel like us. We both miss the palm trees, but definitely trying to make it our own.

Oh, and I mentioned earlier in my ramblings that my home studio/virtual classroom set up matched my classroom one.  Wait- what?  Yes, I have a virtual set up in my classroom, too.  We are 'Plan C' for the first nine weeks, which is 100% online.  I can work from home on some days and the other days I have to report to campus...even though I am teaching virtually.  I do my daily Zooms in the storage closet so I can control the lighting, and that is where that backdrop is.  I found it on Oriental Trading Company for $20.  If that seems pricey keep in mind it comes with 3 pieces, which is perfect because I used one at home, one at school and I have one in my 'on the go' bag...for when I am teaching remotely but might not be at home.  

(From left to right) Classroom set up in my storage closet...home set up...'classroom on the go bag', which contains another backdrop, tape, table cloth, art supplies, lighting and fits my school laptop....and ME feelin' pretty satisfied with myself!