It’s All Go in the New Create Display Garden Studio

Garden studio with building finished by A Howse and friendsand Kevin the Handyman

Garden studio with building finished by A Howse and friends

We are excited to announce that the Create Display garden studio is open for business and all ready to go. We plan to further develop our online shop at Etsy.com throughout this season and Spring 2021 with more fresh handmade artwork and gifts for interiors.

We hope to be able to participate in live Create Display events again in 2021. All being well the usual fairs and exhibitions and everything commercial will get back to a new normal later next Summer, with any luck. It's great news about the new vaccines under development and we hope that will make a positive difference to everyone's lives next year.

Create Display garden studio interior

Create Display garden studio interior

As you may know we have been working on the design, build and fit out of this textile workshop for a few years now. Finally all the hard work has paid off and the project has come to fruition in the form of a beautiful and functional workspace.

We weren't quite ready to take advantage of more quiet time for getting creative during the first lockdown in March of this year which kind of took us all by surprise somewhat. However we have been able to plough on and with some persistence I have been able to finish all the decorating. The happy task of bringing all my sewing equipment into the freshly painted craft room has now been completed.

Garden studio by A Howse and friends with jasmin

Garden studio by A Howse and friends with jasmin

This fabric haven means that I can focus on making wall hangings and more, without any physical interruptions. I can lay out work in progress and leave it on the workbench ready for my next visit, without having to pack it away each session. All the materials and haberdashery that is needed are at my fingertips in an organised fashion where I can easily see them which will really simplify the creative process.

There is covered overhang area to the left of the entrance to the studio which is perfect for painting and printing pieces outside whatever the weather. It is also a perfect place to use my workbench for some simple woodworking tasks like cutting poles to size or upcycling furniture.

Create Display garden studio shelving

Create Display garden studio shelving

The long and high table with two adjustable chairs will give the studio the option of being a flexible use office which is also suitable for a variety of arts, writing, computing, music practice and other 'clean' hobbies and pastimes. A separate brick shed nearby can work for any messy painting and making that is needed for our DIY activities.

My friend Kevin who is an amazingly talented local handyman and builder has been absolutely fantastic and we could have achieved such a professional standard without his expertise and experience gained in the engineering industry. Kevin has been key to successfully interpreting my technical drawings and leading the build process with my assistance.

My partner Erik has enthusiastically provided a lot of helpful input and the additional muscles required at specific stages. My Mum is an experienced property developer and she has even lent a hand to help proceedings run smoothly, when all our schedules have not synchronised completely. I am very grateful for all the help and support my friends and loved ones have given us and I must say it has been a very enjoyable team effort along the way.

Uncle Rick braved icy temperatures to help me install a wonderful light oak effect wood strip floor from Wickes in the studio. As with all Rick's meticulous and carefully crafted work the stylish floor came out very well and it looks absolutely gorgeous.

Create Display garden studio wall finish

Create Display garden studio wall finish

You can read more about my creative design process for both the exterior and the interior in my article https://www.hotenough.com/2020/11/20/how-to-design-a-garden-studio-during-lockdown/

This article also covers a few tips and some of the additional challenges you might run into currently. This is because of all the changes that have been happening in the construction industry, due to prevention of the spread of Covid-19.

I have moved into my new 'she-shed' and as you can see from the photographs I have made my first item which is a bag cover for a wool shopper that is listed on Etsy in the CreateDisplay shop.

Garden Stdio Eyelet Curtain

Garden Stdio Eyelet Curtain

Create Display garden studio curtains

The sturdy white painted metal rail will hold all my latest products in the range, so I am making sure everything can be hung neatly with dust covers.

The curtains were handmade using 2 vintage drapes and they soften the practical painted room which features surface mounted electrics and built in shelving. The shelves were adapted from a vintage Danish set of book cases and decorated to match the interior in Moonlight White by Wilko.

B&Q supplied most of the building materials and the splendid composite roof panels and accessories. We also used Wickes, Toolstation and our local wood merchants.The orientated strand board walls are painted in Zinsser BIN White primer which is available from Screwfix and B&Q.

Create Display garden studio lighting from Ikea

Create Display garden studio lighting from Ikea

I tested several brands and found the best to use for my wall finishes were Brilliant White and Pink Harmony by Wilko. I used a Laura Ashley coastal themed paint roller to add a unique texture paint effect complete with a star, shell and crab pattern which has given extra character and originality to the pretty work room.

The lighting is from Ikea and Window Warehouse manufactured the patio doors and side window which give super daylight that so important when working in detail with colour.

Create Display garden studio sewing

Create Display garden studio sewing

We will keep you posted with updates about our latest adventures in design in the new garden studio. In the meantime we send you best wishes; take care, keep well and keep creative.

 
 
Create Display Shop on Etsy.com https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CreateDisplay?ref=search_shop_redirect
Designing a Garden Studio on HotEnough.com https://www.hotenough.com/2020/11/20/how-to-design-a-garden-studio-during-lockdown/
Wickes website https://www.wickes.co.uk/
Wilco website https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/decorating-diy/paint-woodcare/c/465
Toolstation website https://www.toolstation.com/
Screwfix website https://www.screwfix.com/
Laura Ashley website https://www.lauraashley.com/
Window Warehouse website https://www.window-warehouse.co.uk