Wondering what has been keeping me away from my blog the past few days? Clutter. Literally...I could not reach my computer for the junk that covered the floor.

We've lived in this house for a year and a half, and I just realized that the walls to my tiny home office were closing in on me. I was lacking function and a creative space...not ok!

So I decided to go for something truly inspiring. 

I wish I'd taken more "before" pictures. These don't even begin to communicate the mass of mess that I was working in.

I began working on one section, and of course one thing led to another, and voila! Here is the finished product:

A couple of things I have noticed:

1. I like symmetry. And specifically things in two. Perhaps that's why I never get tired of photographing couples. 

2. Clean is better.

My favorite part- the inspiration wall above my desk. I had purchased 14 vintage ivory knobs at a garage sale last year (for ONE dollar!), took out the screw and other hardware, and nailed them to my wall in 3 rows. After that, I hung some coral string between them. Pretty simple!

I LOVE that I can change these bits of inspiration out easily. It's also nice to see an overall picture of "me" as each piece combines to make a whole statement. There are magazine tears, letters, scripture, quotes, travel images, and even some pictures I shot in my first photography course in college.

My bookshelf actually looks decent now. I have a thing for decorative storage boxes. 

I failed to take a picture of what the inside of the closet looked like before I started chunking everything out, but let me tell you, THIS is a MIRACLE. It may not look like much, but the functionality has gone way up, and now all of my gear, files, and packaging materials have a place.

Now for some of my favorite details. On the left, armadillo embroidery I uncovered in a middle school art closet during student teaching. On the right, Manny. He is actually property of my sister, Layne, but I'm hoping she'll let him live here even after she moves. :)

The black and white image is one from the darkroom while I was first learning to shoot. How about that double exposure technique??? Haha. I actually love this image because of where and when it was taken.

The pencil cup on the left is exciting only because it was an ugly mesh and I slapped some paper (purchased at Hodgepodge Design) on it, and now it's pretty! I bought the gray and green boxes on clearance at Target yesterday. Total score- I love the size of them. 

My friend Heather gave me this print for my birthday this year. I just love it! (I have birds all over my house.)

I needed to add two magazine files to my shelf, but could not find any I liked (I already had the black & white and blue ones). So, I bought some cheap ones and covered them with some floral paper. I also purchased a labeler last week, and I don't know how I've lived without one till now. :)

Yes, I have framed portraits of my dogs. This little birdy was in the dollar aisle at Target. I can never avoid the dollar aisle.

In all, I spent 61.00, including the labeler, so not bad! I am totally pleased and refreshed to be operating in a space I love now. 

Since I've spent so much time on this room the last couple days, you should see the other neglected areas of my house. Eeek.