As I’ve mentioned for weeks, I expanded my online art shop into a 300 square foot studio that’s open to the public two days a week in my hometown. I’ve spent a lot of time coming up with a vision for the shop and a layout that would combine my art prints, ceramics, and goods I’ve assembled from other makers.
In addition to many of my art prints on display, I’ve curated decorative objects and gifts with a focus on destination and botanical related goods that fit the aesthetic of the shop. It took two months to pull this all together, but I’m pleased with how it turned out.
My studio is part of a larger collective of artists and makers. I wasn’t prepared to go full retail and be open every day so I was lucky to find this location where I’m asked to be open only two days a week, on Fridays and Saturdays, which is manageable. It’s adjacent to my ceramics studio so I can continue my ceramics practice in the same building. The space also allows me to continue blogging here on this site and the freedom to travel to places that inspire me a few times a year as I have done for the past decade.
I’ve set up a small desk space where I can work on my laptop in between customer visits. Washable rugs were a priority for me with a lot of people entering the space, sometimes bringing their dogs or kids. I was happy to partner with Boutique Rugs on this space reveal. Underneath my desk is the five star rated Dalaguete washable rug in blanched pink and blue hues.
I’ve layered a lot of my art around the shop and also a collection of goods that make great gifts. I’ve sourced them from various suppliers now that I have a wholesale license. In the shop I feature goods from local artists and also products made by makers in countries around the world. I sell seagrass planters hand woven from artists in Rwanda, tote bags from makers in Mexico, jewelry from India, and cotton towels from Turkey.
I’ve painted the walls in subtle color blocking, a pale turquoise blue is the backdrop for coastal art and soft apricot for landscapes and architecture. I used a lovely gray green as the backdrop for vintage and botanical art prints.
I’m selling some of my ceramics that are worthy of display and sale. Not all of my pieces make the cut, imperfection is allowed, it adds to the handmade appeal of any piece, but quality is required. Below are just a few of the textured decorative platters in watercolor hues I’ve sold in the shop as well as mini succulent planters.
The studio space began began as plain white walls and a cement floor, the perfect blank canvas. Here’s the space I started with back in March:
It’s so much more layered now, with art, gifts and my favorite new Moora washable rug in soft apricot hues. I used two side by side to add color and softness and to minimize the hardness of the gray cement floor.
I’ve only just begun this journey into retail, I’ll be layering more as the seasons change, it’s very exciting to have this space to play with. I’ve kept the palette in pinks and blues for summer and for fall I’ll switch it up to earth tones. Of course Christmas will be so fun with lots of maker markets happening in our building.
I’m so happy to have expanded my business in this unique studio space. It will change from season to season and I’m so looking forward to fall and holiday displays here in the shop! I’ll be sure to feature the updates every few months in between regular blog posts. You’re welcome to visit my shop at 5400 Old Redwood Highway, Petaluma on Fridays or Saturdays from 11-3!
Use the code CENTSATIONAL to take an additional 10% off on already discounted prices at Boutique Rugs. They have thousands of rugs in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes, including a huge selection of machine-washable rugs like the ones I’m using in my shop. Enjoy free shipping if you’re in the 48 continental states!
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