Why "A Needle and a Paintbrush"?

Growing up in the Pierce home meant my sister and I had the privilege of wearing hand made clothes made by our mother.  Of course, at the time we didn't think it a privilege.  But watching my mom at the sewing machine definitely showed me the importance of having the ability to sew, and also gave me a desire to learn that skill myself.  I remember when I was young, my sister and I were in a fashion show that was sponsored by a local fabric store.  We got to model outfits that were made by our mother.  What little girl wouldn't be inspired by that?  My mom was talented even though she didn't learn the skill until after she was married.  She learned to sew from her mother-in-law.  She didn't even own a sewing machine at the time.  She made all my sister's school dresses literally by hand.  Later she acquired a sewing machine.  She used it not only to dress us, but dress up the house.  Mother made it cozy with custom curtains, bedding and other home decor projects.

So when I had the opportunity in high school to take Home Economics, I jumped at the chance.  I wanted to learn to sew like my mom.  She didn't feel comfortable teaching me because she never learned to follow a pattern.  I took all the sewing classes they had and soon began making my own clothes.  After I was married, I  began dressing up our home by making pillows, window treatments and slip covers.   And of course, when the kids came along, I made clothes for them.  I love that my mom was so influential in my desire to learn to sew and use it for my family and home.

The paintbrush is meaningful to me because my dad was a professional paint contractor.  He worked two jobs for years to provide for the family.  After he retired early from his factory job, he continued painting until he was 82!  He helped me paint just about every house we have lived in.  We have always said that paint runs in the Pierce family's blood.  My sister is an artist and has a business painting custom pallet signs.  My brother is currently a paint contractor, and I just paint every wall and piece of furniture in our house!!!  

What better blog to use to show you my craft room then my blog about how I became crafty, right?

In my craft room, I have a thrift store chair that I slip-covered.  I think it has cute lines.  I covered it with a neutral mini check.

I painted the walls using Sherwin Williams Silver Strand.

I painted my peg board using Annie Sloan Provence.

The old cabinet holding my paint was purchased from an antique shop.  I left it with the chippy paint that they had on it for the time being.  As is, I think it brings an eclectic look to the space.  Above it hangs a sign made by my talented sister.  You can find her business on Facebook under "White Hen".

My craft room is small, but I still found room for this work bench that I purchased at my favorite antique shop, Southern Crossing.  I attached a burlap skirt to it, covering the much needed storage space underneath.  Above it, I am using a drawer I attached to the wall as a shelf for additional storage.  The three tiered storage tray was made out of cake pans and candlesticks.

My chalkboard housing my project list is a section of a bi-fold door that I purchased from a thrift store. I painted it with chalkboard paint and added the drawer pull as a tray for the chalk.

My sewing table is a library table that my husband and I found while on a day trip years ago.  We spent a lot of hours refinishing it, so I haven't had the heart to paint it...YET!

I still use the old Singer Fashionmate sewing machine I bought with my high school graduation money 35 plus years ago. I can't bring myself to get a new one.

Above my sewing table I have used a drawer from an old sewing machine cabinet to store needed utensils.  They are handy without being in the way when not in use.

I used jars on the shelves to help wrangle craft supplies and keep them easy to spot while they are kept tidy.

 Even if you don't have "paint in your blood" or a long heritage of sewing in your family, you can still make your home cozy and your own.  And who knows, maybe you will want to get your hands dirty and use your own paintbrush to throw some paint on a wall!