Saturday, July 11, 2015

where this blogger creates


We live in a small cottage where every room serves multiple purposes and I create in many places.


I write my blog posts at the dining room table, always the same spot -


 on the window seat with my sweet companion.


 A lot of creativity happens in a corner of the garage,


but I struggled to find even one little shelf in the garage that wasn't filled with wedding decor.


 Just one more week and that creative space will be back to normal.


An armoire in the bedroom has recently become my sewing area - I am still bringing supplies in from the garage.


And yes, I sew on a 50 year old sewing machine that I absolutely love!


Lately, my favorite place to create is my little garden house.


In December, Steve asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I told him I wanted a house.


Our dear friend Manny built me a tiny garden house with windows for the side walls.


A neighbor gave us a beautiful beveled glass door for the entrance.


And soon I had a lovely blank canvas to decorate just as I wished.


Originally, we just installed shelves for storage,


but when my daughter gave me back a long narrow table, I knew it would fit perfectly in the house.


Now I have a place to doodle - something which I need to do more often.


The shelves are filled with tchotchkes


for creating vignettes,


books for inspiration


and a few supplies.


There are even a few mice hanging around.


It may be a little space,


but there is plenty of room for creativity.


And, just looking at my little garden house inspires me.

..  ..  ..  ..  .. ..  ..  ..  ..

Don't forget to visit

My Desert Cottage


to see more creative spaces.

112 comments:

  1. Your space looks gorgeous! I'm a new follower.
    Thanks for visiting my blog.

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    1. My space is nothing like yours, but I make do!

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  2. I love your different, happy, colorful creative spaces.

    FlowerLady

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  3. I LOVE your little house! What a sweet space to create in.
    I would love to have a studio space in our backyard!
    Thank you for sharing!
    Cerri

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  4. OHHH I've been waiting for this to happen and here we are. CAROL, I could sit with you and draw, chat, chat, sew, chat, paint, chat, decorate the cottage, chat, pick flowers, go for a walk on the beach, sail, chat....teehehehheee - WE'D BE CHATTING it up all day long.

    That little garden house is a jewel. It's bright and open, beautifully organized and full of FUN GOODIES. OK, Lulu is too adorable. Do dogs know they are being photographed? Lulu and another blogger pal's two dogs are the best and most photogenic dogs....

    Well my friend, you have been working those creative fingers down to a nub. Are you going to relax on the beach when the wedding is over? TELL ME, what are you up to next?

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  5. Amazing.. Love the colors and vintage pieces... Thanks for sharing Awesome space...

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  6. I'm obsessed with your little garden house. It is so cute! I can just picture you sitting at your window seat typing away as you write a blog post Your little cottage is so adorable. I enjoy each and every visit, my sweet friend!

    xo,
    RJ

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  7. You create all over that house and garden, Carol, that is wonderful!

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  8. Carol, your home and creative spaces are just wonderful! You always seem to be brimming with ideas and have a gift for making things beautiful all around you. Your husband;s paintings certainly add their own touch of amazing creativity!

    Karen

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  9. You live in a beautiful world of creativity and I love every nook and cranny you share with us. The garden shed has really come along and is another wonderful space. It was a great idea putting glass walls on the sides so you can see the pretty garden.

    Thanks for the tour, Carol.

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  10. Such wonderful spaces for you to create in! and your buddy is the cutest thing, too!

    xox

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  11. Oh, as always, you've transported me into a happy state! No wonder your blog is such a treasure!!! Hugs, J.

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  12. Love the little garden house. I always enjoy seeing all your decorating tidbits, they're just beautiful and so organized.

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  13. I have a horrible feeling that everything is this tidy all the time.
    But I'm overlooking it as it is so wonderful and colorful and fun.
    Good for you.
    Amalia
    xo

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  14. Love it all!! Your creativity definitely inspires all of us.

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    1. I love the inspiration we all get from blogs/pinterest/instagram

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  15. im so impressed about the wonderful dekoration and pictures :)
    greetings!

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  16. I love how you use your spaces so beautifully ~ your blog always makes me smile!

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  17. I adore your sweet little garden house. I think my favorite is those deep wire baskets. It is so nice to be able to see what is inside. Carol, thank you for sharing!

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  18. I love all of your creative spaces! That little house is just precious - love that gorgeous red door with the beveled glass.

    Very inspirational!

    Judy

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  19. Your garden house is so so brillant. I love the tiny space and just the overall look of it. Your sewing nook is a special place too. I consider your entire house an Artist's Cottage. Every nook and cranny is bursting with creativity. A place of dreams and inspiration. xo

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  20. Carol, you are truly a creative spirit. I always love looking at your vignettes and the wonderful treasures you've assembled to share. I know the wedding is going to be very special. Some magazine publisher should be notified. I suspect it is going to be one of the most unique weddings of the season.

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  21. Amazing!! Love the bright colors and the outdoor creative space!! Stop by if you can as i worked hard to re-arrange and re-organize my space for this year's party!
    Thanks so much for sharing!! LOVE IT!!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  22. Carol, I love your little house...so sweet. Of course you know I am crazy for your window seat. I think your home and it's surroundings are just perfect. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  23. Oh Carol, how special all your creative spaces are. I tend to do different things in different rooms. I had a nice space in the garage, but now it's a hoarders nightmare. I have to get in there and create some space.
    I know you are getting excited about the wedding, can hardly wait to see the pictures.
    Have a great creative weekend.
    Mary

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  24. Oh my goodness, that little "house" is so adorable! I'm amazed at all you were able to fit in there!

    Tania

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  25. It's always fun to see your colorful space. Love it!

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  26. Little or not, I love your space. And the view of the gardens, how could you not be inspired with all that beauty surrounding you?! Many happy creating moments to you, Cindy

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  27. Your little house is precious! I love all of your spaces, including your garden. Such a happy cottage. :) Thanks for sharing.

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  28. Hello Carol, it is always such a pleasure to see your colorful, inspiring cottage where your creativity flourishes! Blessings, Cecilia

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  29. I love all the little corners you use to create, but the little house is the best of all! You inspire me to be more creative!

    Linda

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  30. Your cottage is so very sweet and even better that it is by the sea! I am quite enamored of your little garden house, what a sweet jewel box to be inspired in! Thank you for sharing it with us!♥

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  31. Oh my goodness, that is such an adorable creative space, Carol! I can just imagine sitting there in the early morning with a cup of coffee, watching the sunrise and my pad and pin at the ready for inspiration. How great that your machine is 50 years old, and of course, it's a Bernina! Mine is 30 and still the best "workhorse" of any machine I've ever used!

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  32. You can see your creativity all over your house, and that is a beautiful thing! How nice to have that little house in the garden to go and doodle while enjoying the view!

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    1. Thanks so much. I haven't had much time to doodle, but now that my son's wedding will soon occur, I will have time to just play.

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  33. I think when one has a creative mind, you can create just about anywhere. I love that you now have your little house to create in...I love that space. :-)

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  34. What a wonderful craft place, great pictures and fun post.

    Hugs Diane

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  35. What a wonderful craft place, great pictures and fun post.

    Hugs Diane

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  36. Carol, it is always a special treat visiting your blog. Your cottage, your garden and your new little garden house are perfect. All this and the ocean, too. What could be better than that:)

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  37. Hi Carol, Such a special post sharing your creative space around your home and all that goes into your design and creativity. I love the extension of your space in the garage and the treasures on your shelves that inspire you. How wonderful it is to create here in your cottage by the sea. I love it and always encouraged by your talents. Have fun at the party.
    cm

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    1. Thanks so much! I am in awe of all the creative spaces I have been able to visit so far.

      Our son's wedding is just one week away so I haven't had much time to check out the blog party.

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  38. Your sewing machine is only a few years older than mine, a birthday gift one year from a dear friend who bought it on Ebay. I love mine, too. Old machines are truly powerful and seem to last forever when taken care of.

    Your new little house is colorful, filled with beauty and light. I'm in total awe. Glad you got your Christmas wish. Thanks for sharing all these lovely spaces today.

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  39. Oh be still my heart - your little house is FABULOUS. How fun!

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  40. Hello Carol. What a fabulous Garden House you have, it is so sweet. I'm also loving your metal storage trays and what a clever idea using the bike wheel to place things onto. Thanks so much for sharing. Karen.x

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  41. Lovely, creative space. Enjoy your weekend. Jo

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  42. What an adorable space! Thanks for sharing.

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  43. I am in awe of your creative spaces!!! All so very beautiful!!!

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  44. Love your creative spaces. I love that you can be inspired and create all over in your beautiful beach home. Love your colorful spaces.
    Kris

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  45. Love the blue door A LOT!!! love your little house and I spy a book I know :D

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  46. I love all of your creative spaces Carol! Your garage is always full of such eye candy and your little garden house is absolutely delightful! the table is perfect and I love all of the sweet things on your shelves! Being surrounded by books and collections that we love, now if you ask me; that's just bliss!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  47. I love these spaces! What an inspiration :-)

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  48. I love you little house. How sweet. You have great vintage decor sprinkled throughout. Love it!!
    Halle #58

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  49. Such a lovely place, and I adore your little Garden House. Everything looks so peaceful and serene. I feel relaxed after just a visit.

    Thanks for the tour, and for stopping by my studio,
    Gwen from A Glitch in Time

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  50. Your little house has really big appeal..I love it..Love the vibrant colors! You are a lucky gal...and very very Talented! So glad that I stopped by today! Sheryl

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  51. What a beautiful little space to be creative. Every inch is full of gorgeousness. I'd love a place like this... maybe I should drop a hint to my hubby for Christmas!! xx

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  52. You are an enigma to me. The perfect combination of energy and creativity. I bow to you.

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  53. You are my absolute most favorite creative blogger ever!! Your posts always make me say awe. That little garden house is divine.

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    1. I hope this isn't a redundant reply to you. I find that not everyone's comments go to my email and I don't recall responding to yours.

      You know, one day you are going to have to bring your kids up to Ventura to the beach so we can chat. We don't have a Country General Store, but we do have fun shops.

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  54. It's always a treat to see pictures of your beautiful and cozy cottage. It's amazing what you do with a small space and it never looks cluttered. Gorgeous as always!!

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  55. I have always loved your little garden house. Debbie

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  56. Thanks for sharing your space with us. I adore the picture of the Garden house. The door is pretty. It must be nice spending time in there. I can't wait to see and hear about the wedding

    Cindy

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  57. Your creative space looks like such a happy place to be!! I especially love the outdoor spaces. I could spend all day out there! Thank you so much for sharing them with us!
    xo,
    Karen

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  58. What a wonderful, inspiring, colorful space! I love it! I would never leave.

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  59. Oh Carol how I love your pretty colorful house and little house outside that you use to create! Everything is just so pretty! Thanks for sharing.

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  60. You've got lots of great space to create in, Carol! I do love your little house, though, and how creative of you to see what it could be just from adding that narrow table.

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    1. I hope this isn't a redundant reply to you. I find that not everyone's comments go to my email and I don't recall responding to this one.

      Adding the narrow table made all the difference in the little cottage. I have a space to sit and write, read or just think.

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  61. OMG, I love your little art house. It looks lovely and inviting. I like the simplicity of it even with all the colorful pieces. Great work. I looked at your sewing machine in the armoir and I must admit that it is an oldie but goodie. Good for you. I still have a sewing machine from my mother that she bought before I was born. It still works, weighs a ton, and even does zig zag stitching. I'm not using it and might donate it to one of the charity shops in town. I have a Bernina that is a workhorse and I love it. I've done a lot of sewing on it but not in quite some time. But I'm getting back to my sewing room and creating with fabrics. I hope I will post more photos on my blog as I create more pieces of artwork.

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  62. I found Your home,yard,working places and this whole post to be utterly charming. I hope to be Your next follower if You have Friend Connect by Google-Denise

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    1. Thanks for dropping by. I love Karen's party because I get motivated to clean up things around my creative areas and I get so many ideas from other bloggers.

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  63. This happens more than I would like.....I've been following You for ages.Hopefully now My blogroll will feature Your post's more often.Looking forward to visiting more often-Denise

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  64. This happens more than I would like.....I've been following You for ages.Hopefully now My blogroll will feature Your post's more often.Looking forward to visiting more often-Denise

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  65. I found Your home,yard,working places and this whole post to be utterly charming. I hope to be Your next follower if You have Friend Connect by Google-Denise

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  66. Hi, I got a kick out of your "vintage" Singer, I still use my Singer Touch Tronic 1060, its over 35 years old, been with me since we got married. I love your little house, I can see you sitting in there on a rainy day and reading a book just for the good light and dry coziness. Still think your blog header and pictures are so fresh and light. Must get some time to design mine to reflect my style. So far added etsy button and a store. Must figure out how to add Pinterest button! Have a great upcoming week and preparations for the wedding!

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  67. What a delightful place to dream and create.. I loved seeing it so much!!
    Pamela

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  68. Happy, cheerful, playful, and abundantly creative! I adore your tiny house studio!
    thank you for making me smile and for sharing your creative home.

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  69. I absolutely loved this post. Your sweet fur baby watches as you blog ( just like my Izzy). Your little house in the garden is such a gift of love . Thank you for sharing with us. Hugs!

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  70. What a cute place to create, love the little house in the garden.
    everything is so colourful and joyful. Thank you for stopping by my space as well.
    Cheers,
    Mari

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  71. Love your creative space...very cute and colorful!!
    ~Cindy

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  72. I love your little garden shed, you have a beautiful creative space. Thanks so much for sharing. Lisa xx

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  73. Oh your home is full of so much character and your shed is just divine. I really enjoyed reading all about your creative spaces and your garden looks fabulous. Thanks for sharing it.

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  74. Such a sweet post. I love your blue armoire and your garden house! Beautiful home and property.

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  75. I think the area that you live would be inspiration enough for me! Your little garden house is so cute. If I had one, it would have to be air conditioned in order for me to use it in the summer. These days, it has been too hot to even take my dog on a walk!

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  76. you have many amazing places to create and all looks inspiring to me!

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  77. What a lovely house and garden - so welcoming! Your creative spaces are well organized and pretty! Thanks for letting me visit!
    Cathy
    CraftyCat

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  78. I've said it before and I'll say it again....your happy home and creatives spaces are among my very favorites in all of blogland! I leave here happy, happy, happy!

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  79. I like how cute and colorful your home is! The garden is lovely, too.

    Thanks for stopping by O Deer! :)

    -Gaia

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  80. What a treat to visit your colorful happy blog, Carol! It's just what I needed to put a smile in my day. Thanks so much for sharing your creative spaces!

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  81. Im with vickie.....your blog is colorful and happy! One of the many reasons i love to visit!!

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  82. What a lovely tour of your lovely house ... I enjoyed it, thank you.

    Not long now to go for the wedding.

    Have a good week ahead.

    All the best Jan

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  83. What a lovely tour of your lovely house ... I enjoyed it, thank you.

    Not long now to go for the wedding.

    Have a good week ahead.

    All the best Jan

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  84. You know, Carol, I absolutely ADORE your cottage and all the creativity and inspiration that's on display! And now to have that fabulous garden house...well, it's just the cherry on top! Your entire garden area is so enchanting!
    Mary Alice

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  85. Carol, your cottage and your garden house are absolute gems! I do love your punches of colour everywhere. I think your whole home and garden is a creative space and your personality shines through it all.
    Hubby and I are on the beach a lot these days and I'm keeping an eye out for a heart rock but haven't found one yet. Would love to find one! Have a super day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  86. Carol, I adore your little garden house! It's a perfect space for creating!!
    Susan

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  87. Wonderful to see your creative spaces, Carol! Your home is so light and inspiring!
    Helen xox

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  88. Oh Carol,
    I hadn't seen your little garden house. It turned out absolutely sweet and adorable. What a pretty space to be creative in. Your whole property is pretty much a great space to be creative in...I've always said it, it's just absolutely dreamy. Great job my friend. Wedding is almost here!!!! Sending you a big hug.

    ❤️Ana

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  89. I just LOVE your creative garden house! It is absolutingly adorable and I bet a lot of creating goes on there! Thanks for sharing your beautiful space and for coming over to visit my space and leaving a sweet comment.

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  90. I just LOVE your creative garden house! It is absolutingly adorable and I bet a lot of creating goes on there! Thanks for sharing your beautiful space and for coming over to visit my space and leaving a sweet comment.

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  91. I love your garden house and your cottage! They are both so colorful and fun. I would hide out in that garden house as often as I could! Thank you for sharing and for visiting my blog too and leaving such kind comments!

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  92. I love seeing every creative corner of your house Carol!

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  93. Oh Carol, you pack in so much colorful charm into each and every inch of your spaces! That tiny garden house is FANTASTIC and so adorable. So glad I stopped by to get a dose of your bright cheeriness!!

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  94. You have inspiration bursting all around you Carol! Love that you have so many areas where you can create and take in the beauty that surrounds you! I have not been blogging lately and when I was away I kept thinking I hope I didn't miss the wedding! I can't wait for you all! Wishing many happy years making and creating in that sweet little garden house! Nicole xoxo

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  95. "Art & Sand" has been included in our Sites To See #449. Be assured that we hope this helps to point many new visitors in your direction.

    http://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2015/07/sites-to-see-449.html

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  96. Hi Carol, sorry I'm a little late in visiting your fabulous space! It's always a joy coming over and taking a look in what you been up to! Thanks for visiting my little blog and your kind comment!
    Have a wonderful week!

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  97. Hello Carol,
    I LOVE your little creative space garden house. It is so sweet !! What a wonderful idea !!
    It must be very inspiring to live so close by the sea.
    Thank you so much for sharing this, I enjoyed the tour !

    Have a great week,
    Wilma, Shabby Royale.

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  98. YOur art space is gorgeous and so is your house,not to mention your photos are simply stunning and you only use a point and shoot!!

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  99. Gorgeous, creative space... and what a view and adorable companion!!

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  100. Awesome work.Just wanted to drop a comment and say I am new to your blog and really like what I am reading.Thanks for the share

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  101. You have the coolest spaces even though small and they always look so awesome. I love your little companion. Lulu seems quite content.

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  102. Your doodles are great! Thanks for sharing your space.

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  103. Better late than ever - taking time to visit where bloggers create this weekend. I love your creatives spaces - especially the tiny house. What a sweet hubby you must have to indulge you so. Lulu looks like my little Susie, who passed away two years ago. Give Lulu a hug from me.
    Blessings,
    GG

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