Thursday, July 14, 2011

Where Bloggers Create 3rd Party! Welcome to Bunnyville!

Helloooooooooo everybun! Welcome to the 3rd annual Where Bloggers Create party hosted by the lovely Karen Valentine of My Desert Cottage! Many warm hugs and thanks to Karen for all the hard work she puts into this fun event! Be sure to visit her blog for the list of this years participants. I do love snooping looking in other's creative spaces! hee,hee,hee.
Step right up my friends. For those of you who are new to my blog, my name is Michelle May, but everybun calls me Shell. (Shell fits better with a woman that wears a crazy bunny hat) I'm soooooooooo delighted you are here for a visit! Take a hop up these stairs to my studio. I call it "Bunnyville" as I have been obsessed with bunnies since I was 6 years old. Plus, my real rescue bunnies live here!
Sweet little Tille is here to wish all of our guests a warm welcome. I just love her darling, happy face. I always pat her head on my way up.

So what goes on in Bunnyville? Well lots of fun stuff! I'm a textile folk artist and have been quilting since 1989. I was hooked at the first stitch not to mention all the glorious fabrics! Hello! I taught quilting for 10 years and have been designing patterns for my web business, The Raspberry Rabbits since 2006. 
Recently I developed Folk Art Fusion. This technique involves fabric and wool combined with the fun  of folk art! I will be teaching workshops on this method at art festivals and quilting guilds. Maybe I will meet you some day!
This piece, on my worktable, is called "The Royal Wedding." I still have some hand stitching to do before it is finished, but I love how it's turning out.
In addition to Folk Art Fusion, I also design stitchery and quilting patterns. This is Little Houses     No. 2. I sell my patterns, Valdani Floss and other supplies in my Webshop.
At the top of the stairs, I have many wonderful collections of bunny items. There are things people have made me as well as art I have purchased. Two pieces from Diane Duda are among my most favorite! I own her original "Bunny Bliss" mixed media piece and a print of her "She believed in spontaneous dancing." Both have bunnies of course! These pieces surround a frame with photos of all the bunnies I rescued and brought home to live in Bunnyville to assist me with my work. 
In fact, here is my newest employee, Lady Hannah Goldenhare.
Bunnyville is a wonderful place to work. Here Hannah and Sir Walter Harrington (aka, Harrington) take a break in the employee lounge. There is a snack bar, a water cooler and a gym!
Of course, they prefer to hang out and socialize in the gym rather than actually exercise.
Our restroom facilities are so clean you can eat off the floor!
"Harrington, I thought you said we were getting doors installed for privacy."
"Sorry Hannah, budget cuts."
My vision board displays all the things I want to accomplish. I look at it every single morning for inspiration. I have used a vision board for many years and find them quite helpful in focusing on my goals. Above it it says, "if you can dream it, you can acheive it." This area also contains many beautiful treasures that have been given to me by dear blogging and bunny friends.
This beautiful doll was made by my fun, British, friend Jules of Adventures in Thread. This lovely lady is called The Rabbit Herder. Jules even wrote a wonderful story to go with her. I found the chair in a thrift store and knew it was perfect for such an important lady! The lamp and other stained glass pieces you see were made by my honey bunny of 22 years, David.

This adorable pinkeep and mug mat rest near my sewing machine. They are treasures made by my dear friend, Donna of Brynwood Needleworks. Donna is sew talented and spoils me rotten! (love ya girlfriend!)
In April of 2010, after 10 years of  hard work, I was laid off from my construction job as a project manager. I sat for many an hour thinking long and hard about what I was going to do with my life. Mary Englebreit is one of my most favorite artists. (I still miss Home Companion magazine) When I saw this print on her website I just knew I had to have it. Was I ever over the moon excited when it arrived personally signed by Mary and numbered 500 of 500! Wow O Wow!! Can we say happy bunny dance!

The charming little paintings on each side of it are new purchases from the talented Jennifer Lanne. I have admired her work forever and just had to purchase these little beauties after seeing them featured on Earth Angels Toys.

This incredible piece was given to me for Christmas last year by my sweetheart of a friend, Margaret of The French Bear. Margaret has the biggest heart and one day I hope to meet her in person and give her a big hug. This piece is handmade by Susan Pilotto of Crowsnest Pass Primitive Folk Art. I must admit that I jumped around, clapped my hands and did the happy bunny dance when I opened this gift. I simply adore Susan's work and stitched on the cushion is "The Raspberry Rabbit" in French. This piece always reminds me of Harrington standing on my fabric pile.
Art imitates life for sure!
Most of my days are spent at my desk by the window. I love the natural light for drawing new designs and daydreaming of fabric combinations with bunnies playing underfoot.
My wonderful sewing table was custom made by my cabinet maker from my construction days. I keep the doors off one side of the cabinet as my employee's like to keep an eye on me while I work. (Harrington is in the bottom shelf) They also like to run through it as a shortcut to the other side of the studio.
Hannah likes to keep an eye on me too while I'm cutting out a project.
Occasionally I can get the bunnies to help me pick fabrics.
So Hannah you really want me to use the flower fabric huh?
Of course, somebunny else really wants me to pick the white fabric.
"Mama! Fur boy is digging in the bucket again! Where's the lint roller!"
I'm quite embarrassed to say, but I was recently brought up on charges for sexual harrassment in Bunnyville.
"I'm tell'in ya Harrington it was awful. She tried to kiss me with that Starbucks coffee breath!
The charges were dropped after a plea bargan of banana chip treats, a new toy for the employee lounge, and a promise that I would not give bunny kisses after drinking large amounts of Starbucks coffee.
"Uhhhh excuse us! Doesn't somebunny have some work to do around here? Mama, that would be you!"
Oh ok you two I'll be right there. Geez, who's the boss around here anyway? ;)
In parting, I would like to leave you with this saying as you hop outta Bunnyville. Pretty much, this is how I sum things up and how I try to live each day.
So be happy, have fun, laugh hard, and love fully every minute of your life.

Down the rabbit hole I go...or maybe it's up in this case. :)

Thanks for visiting with us in Bunnyville. Come back soon! Oh, and don't forget to register for our giveaway on the post below!
xx,

83 comments:

Sheila said...

Love your studio and of course your fellow employee. It looks like a great place to hang out and be creative. Have a great weekend!

Joanne@ Desertmountainbear said...

What a great space. Thanks for the tour.

Anonymous said...

Well Hello Lady Hannah Goldenhare!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

You have the greatest work space. A little too white for me, but it is so airy and light and pure inspiration.

Sharon said...

Great post, Shell!

Jeanette said...

Fabulous post Shell. Glad to have learnt more about you. Love your work space. Hugs to you all.

Christine M said...

Great post Shell. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing where you and the bunnies hang out. I wish my work space was as neat as yours! Hugs to you all, Christine

Miss Hillbilly said...

This was so fun...now I can imagine right where you guys are when you post. And I can see where those employees have such hard jobs!

Kris said...

Hey Shell - What a great post!! And remind Sharon of Vrooman's Quilts that white is your favorite color!! Come on, Sharon, you know better!! LOL!!! Love ya!! And the kids did good!!! Kris

Clovie Boy said...

What a fun post, Shell! Great pictures and stories.

Penny said...

What a great post! Love your Bunnyville :) I love that pic of Hannah looking up to you...I think it's Hannah trying to kiss you!

Jo in TAS said...

Great studio Shell, I'd love to come a create with you there one day, we'd have heaps of fun!

Allie said...

What a FUN post, Shell! I swear that hat is bigger than you are. Harrington and Hannah are too adorable - their antics just crack me up! I don't know how you get anything done with them around, lol!

Fiona said...

This was such fun to read and get to know you a bit better.... and now I know my way around your place too!!
Hugz

Jillayne said...

What fun you have in Bunnyville!
Light and space and two furry friends - er, I mean employees, everything you need to keep on weaving your special magic. And good luck with those two!

Jindi's Cottage said...

Thanks for the studio tour...it really is a lovely space to play, I mean work all day...and thanks to the employees, they did a wonderful job of behaving while the tour was being conducted!...hugs...

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Wow, what a creative space! Love it!

Sparklyjools said...

Just a big hug and xxx from me!

Crafty Green Poet said...

what a lovely tour of your creative space and delightful photos of Harrington and Hannah

Rabbit Hill ~ Handmades by Jenn Tavoletti said...

Hi Shell! What a great place you have for creating. So light and airy. I love that you have Harrington and Hannah helping you. All my bunnies live outside ~ wild but very used to me and sort of tame (they all have names lol) One even comes to peek at me while working in my studio/shed.

Thanks for sharing your space with us. Its Beautiful!!!!! Hope your having a great summer.

All my best ~ Jenn

KaHolly said...

Whaat a delightful post, Shell!! I loved seeing all the pictures of you and your space. I'd better not ever post pictures of mine!! (Or me!!) Thanks so much for sharing! ~karen

Sheila said...

You have a great place, would love to hang out there and play with the fabric and threads and of course play with the bunnies.
Thanks for sharing.

Twyla and Lindsey said...

I don't know which I like best, your studio or your hat! So fun! Your studio is awesome and I So admire your work. Love your folk art fusion! Thank you for the tour! Have a nice weekend! Twyla

The Fab Furs said...

What a lovely space in which to create! The employee facilities look very inviting and it's nice to know that they're involved in all stages of production. Hoppy weekend!

The French Bear said...

Shell, you crack me up!!!! I love your space complete with the "help"!!!!! How wonderful and inspiring to work in that room......even the distractions are sweet...heheheee......such cute buns!
Isn't it great to be able to peek into everyone's creative spaces?
Hugs,
Mags
xxxx

Jade said...

Hee, love the tour--good to see your staff hard at work keeping you in line and out of trouble. ;)

Pat said...

I love your studio and the employees seem to be doing a great job.

Thespoena McLaughlin said...

What a fun post. I didn't know you could train rabbits to use the facilities, LOL. Too neat, and your quilt designs are beautiful. Hugs!

Chris said...

Shell....thanks for the tour! There's nothing like hoppy, smiling employees to make your day. Even the Rabbit Herder seems to be enjoying her job.

StitchinByTheLake said...

What a great tour of your studio Shell - I loved seeing everything and am totally jealous that it's so beautiful. Mine always leaves me asking...where is the joy. I'm not sure why but it really needs - something. When we get home I'm taking every single thing out, putting a new floor down and starting over! I didn't see a design wall. Did I miss it? blessings, marlene

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Hi Girlfriend!
Thanks for the tour of your remodeled studio. Bunnyville is just the most lovely and inspirational space. There's nothing more wonderful than sharing that space with your favorite furry friends. Harrington and Hannah are just the perfect employees.

I guess now, Taggart is going to ask for perks now...a gym, his own water cooler and a vending machine filled with his favorite treats! Look what you've started!!!

Thanks again for the tour. Can't wait to see your next gorgeous creation.

xoxo
Donna, Kes and Tag

Lisa said...

Always so fun to visit Bunnyville :) I'm jealous of all that storage!!!

Unknown said...

This post just made me smile all over. So cute! You have a lovely spot to create in. Wonderful! *smiles* Norma

elle said...

Bunnyville is high up in my estimation of a lovely workspace.

gail said...

Hi Shell, I loved the visit of your creative space in Bunnyville. Its awesome. I have actually had the pleasure of meeting Karen at an AZ blogger event. She lives near me. She is so sweet and so talented. I will have to stop by and visit everyones creative spaces.
PS: I LOVE the stained glass pieces your hunny made. Wow talent really runs in the family:)
Have a great weekend and (()) Gail

Lily's Lace said...

Well you're just a hoot! I love the rabbits and I love your studio, all that wonderful space, I have space envy. Great tour! :)

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

I think I need those 'helpers' here--as you are getting much more work done than I am in the creative department!!!!
Love every thing about bunnyville==thanks for sharing!!
Have a fun week end--
Hugs, Di and miss gracie

DebbieM said...

Shell, I loved the trip through Bunnyville. You have a really beautiful space to dream and create. Thanks for the awesome tour!!

Natascha said...

I loved seeing bunnyville. I L-O-V-E the tan/red quilt on the wall that would look SO great in my house! What a lovely space Shell. Hannah is a big girl. I'm not sure but she may be bigger than Gwennie. So glad to have met you! So many pretty things in such a great space!

oxoxo Natascha

Jen said...

You're so cute, Shell! I loved the tour, thanks for inviting us in :)

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Bunnyville!! Now I can envisage where your creativity occurs. :-)
Hugs
Jenny
xxx

Diane Duda said...

I love this post! What a wonderful place to have my artwork land!!!. I wish you many happy days in Bunnyville. xo
Di

Unknown said...

Bunnieville is abunndantly adorable! And having a rescue granddog I highly applaud your blessing little bunnies with a home! Thanks for a bunnylicious visit for Where Bloggers Create. :)

Jo in TAS said...

I can see it!
Hugs
Jo

Unknown said...

Thats SO cute! LOl I love your bunnies and your workspace is adorkable! :)

Hugs,

Jo said...

What a great studio! Thank you for the tour. I love the happiness sign!

Michelle Ridgway said...

What a wonderful place is Bunnyville...I want to sit at that window and draw too. So special as are your little bunny friends.

Rebecka said...

What a fun trip into your design space. I have to say your bunnies employees have it made. I love your comment about the lint brush. I can't pick just one thing I like about your post, because everything I love! Can't wait to see your finished piece called The Royal Wedding, it's beautiful. Shell, you are so cute and thanks for the tour!!!

tink's mom said...

Shell, what a great space. I always wondered where the employees lived. So exciting to finally have it in perspective. Can't let Tink see it though. She will demand more than a window seat that seconds as a trunk and a folded up comforter that keeps moving around the quilt room. It is easy to see why you are able to be so creative. Enjoy.

Sandra Kaye said...

I LOVE your bunny quilts!!!! they are fabulous!!! and your employees are adorable.!! thanks for the tour. hugs ---Sandie

Carrie P. said...

I love Bunnyville. Such great decorations. That little bunny made by Margaret is my favorite. Loved seeing you space and all your little buddies.

Unknown said...

You have a lovely space and create some beautiful pieces. Thanks for the charming tour.

Sparky said...

Ahh sweetie...what a lovely space...there is heart in everything you do and breath...sharing that wee part of you just opens our hearts to you even more...HI Hannah, Harrington...x

Anonymous said...

OMG what an adorable studio presentation! And of course Harrington and Hannah were perfect bunny hosts. I loved everything about your space, especially the quilts and the bunnies!!! :D Thanks so much for sharing...
Hugs,
Beth P

Holly Loves Art said...

I LOVED visiting here today! Your creative space is wonderful but those bunnies.... WOW they are remarkable. What fun they must be. Thanks for sharing all the lovely photos.
Cheers,
Holly

Anonymous said...

I love your space and your bunnies! Your black bunny actually looks just like our old one we called "bun bun". He was a black neatherland dwarf, super tiny. Love your studio, it is super cute and inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

~Alli

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Shell,

As usual it was so much come to Bunnyville to visit you dear friend.
Thanks for taking us along on a tour of your magical space.
The photo of you sitting at the desk is lovely you could be in Alice in Wonderland.
So glad that you have two darling employees to help you.
Hope that you are having a beautiful weekend

Hugs
Carolyn

Megan Chamberlain said...

I just love your studio, it is so organised and light and airy, really would love to have a space like that. Your new quilts are looking wonderful. What can I say about the adorable bunnies, they just look so super cute and I would most probably spend the day playing with them rather than working. Love your post, thank you for making me smile so much.
Hugs to you and the beautiful bunnies (I would want to be kissing those precious noses all the time, talk about harassment)

N. Maria said...

Thank you for letting us "peek" into your creative room! Coffee breath got me! LOL

JudyCinNC said...

Oh, Shell - I loved the tour of your creative space. It is so you, so organized, and very lovely. Now I can picture you there with you creative hat and spirit flowing. The bunnies sure have taken to it well. Thank you for letting us see. Judy C in NC

Cheryl said...

Loved the bunnies they are so cute and your space looks perfect. I also have vision boards :} they keep me focused on my goals.

Terri said...

Fantastic Space...I mean it the space...How I wish for more space.
The photo's you took for this tour were delightful. Thanks so much for sharing!!!!

fairyrocks said...

Love your gorgeous white space, and I can honestly say, Only Johnny Depp pulls off a hat as well as you do. Sweet with the bunnies. You must be a patient lady to do your hooking. I want to say 'happy hooking', but it just doesn't sound right KWIM LOL
Kidding, my hat is off you you. Thanks for sharing. Keep smiling and creating

Lana said...

The studio is so cute, and the bunnies are my fav!

Melody said...

What a wonderful post. I found out lots of things I didn't know about you. Kisses to the bunnies - hope they don't object to tea breath.

Rebecca Nelson said...

What a great Post, Shell! Thanks for sharing with us your amazing space. Loved the tour~

xoRebecca

Createology said...

Thank you for inviting me in and sharing your studio space. I love your inspirational Bunnyville as it holds all that makes life happy.

Breana said...

I had a blast with my virtual tour of bunnyville. Such cute little bunnies. I wish I could get my cats to help me pick out designs. Lol. Thanks for sharing.
Breana

Maggie said...

That was a FUN tour, and I LOVE the hat the tour guide wore!!!:-) I've seen a bunch of studio animal companions on this bloggy tour, lots of dogs and cats, but yours are the first BUNNIES! Your studio is great and all of your needlework is wonderful, too!

Maggie
http://www.themagrag.com

Elizabeth Johnson said...

I love your bunnies!!! Thank you for sharing. You made me smile.

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Hello!! What a truly delightful visit I have just had!! Such a beautiful place to create and filled with so much whimsy and the things that you love including your sweet bunnies!!

I had a delightful visit!!

Thanks so much for sharing!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Claudia said...

I love your space - white and cheery and full of fun! And I think it is wonderful that you rescue bunnies - what a rewarding thing that must be. Thanks so much for sharing your space with us.

Valery Klassen said...

Beautiful room and your bunnies are simply adorable. Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed touring your fantastic studio!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Hi Shell! First, I have to tell you I love your hat. Now, your space - it's just wonderful. I love that you have so much room and that the room is so light and bright. Of course, it's probably a happy place to be with those assistants! I love bunnies and collect the non-real version for my house. Thanks for sharing your wonderful space!

Oh, and regards to Hannah and Harrington! : )

Mandy Saile said...

AAAHHHHHHHH I LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing where you and the bunnies create...this is my favourite blog post of yours....thanks for sharing sweet Shell & some serious snuggles are being sent to the babies:D XXXXOOOO.

Gloria J W said...

Shell... your place is so neat, and tidy...puts me to shame. No wonder you can create such great things in that beautiful space with those beautiful fur babies as well.
Hugs to you all

Katie :o) said...

Loved the bunnyville tour :o)

Sherry said...

Your space is wonderful! I am so happy that you and your employees have such a great space to work and create such lovely designs. I have enjoyed creating the designs I have done so far and look forward to more in the future.

Tammy said...

What a great space and love the bunny studio companions! That was a fun tour. Thanks for sharing!
Tamatha

Linda Carole Bloom said...

Wanted to say that I love your studio AND your sweet bunnies. My sister and I had bunnies when we were little. Mine was a little black one and hers was a big white one. Hers got bigger and bigger and bigger and all of a sudden there were lots of baby bunnies!
I have three dogs, a German Shepherd and two golden retrievers and when I read that thing about "made in a smoke and pet free home" I always feel sorry for those people! (Thought about that when I saw your bunny in the fabric) Ha ha, Love, Linda

aprilmecheelesdulllife said...

Shell I love your studio!! She white & Bright!! lol Now I know where you are where all the inspiration hits you!! Love it!

Something Special said...

I am so happy to be able to visit your blog. You are a talented artist and crafter, and your studio is perfect!

Creative Grammie said...

Aloha shell,
What a great workspace you have, so light and airy and spacious! It was most enjoyable visiting you and your bunnies. Thanks for the tour of your studio and thanks for sharing your bunnies.

Lady Hannah Goldenhare - Nothing Gold Can Stay

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