Where Women Create: Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary Women

by Jo Packham, Brad Mee

More than twenty superstars from the world of crafting--including Anna Corba, April Cornell, Sandi Genovese, and Andrea Grossman--offer their expert advice on how to design a work space where creativity can blossom. Like the bestselling Business of Bliss , it's practical, inspirational, and beautiful to behold.

Research by Craft Trends Magazine reveals that 89% of all crafters are women, and that they want to work in an environment conducive to creating their art. This invaluable and very special guide helps them achieve that goal, whatever their passion. It goes straight to the successful women who have made their mark in more than 10 different creative fields. These top designers and artisans offer insights gleaned from years of experience, reveal how they constructed their own creative spaces, and explain how the reader can make practical use of these decorating, organizational, and inspirational techniques as they go about designing their own work areas. Among the pertinent questions they Where did you like to work as a child? What's the most important thing about having your own place to work? Are women's creative spaces different from men's? How important is it for you to organize your work, and how do you do it? Do you listen to music when you work--and what kind? The featured designers include Wendy Addison, Dena Fishbein, Jill Schwartz, and Suze Weinberg and their fields range from paper crafts to gardening.
A Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club & the Homestyle Book Club.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts, Art, Interior Design, Design, Reference, Art Design

80 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2005

Reviews

[Bonita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a must have book for any one who loves to create anything.. full of beautiful pics and hints on how to make your creative space your own! LOVE THIS BOOK!

[Rachel Kopel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I plonked myself down in a new papercrafts shop this afternoon and *read* this entire book. Each artist/crafter has about 6-8 pages of wonderful photos of her workspace, with interviews and favorite quotes and shared tips. I mostly looked at the great pictures and read the quotes and tips. I know many of these names from various articles and products, so it was inspiring, and intimidating, to see where they do their artwork.

Also a reminder that I need to do more of my own artwork and read less about OTHER PEOPLE doing their work. Ah Hem. Got that. Probably less time on the computer and couch as well. So many books, ideas and plans, so little poorly organized time. Sigh.

[Elusive.Mystery · Rating 1 out of 5]

A fluffy book about women in the “creative” business, such as the woman running upscale home decorating stores with names such as “Olive & Dahlia,” “The White Fig” or “Ruby & Begonia,” or those who have lines of clothing in their own name (April Cornell). Made-up example of prose that could be encountered in this book:
“Debbie loves sitting by the window of the two-story studio her husband built for her on their five-acre farm in rural Connecticut, to bring to life the whimsical creatures that inspire her art.”

[Leaon Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this as a gift, and it's one of my very favorite books ever.
If you love pretty things... and shabby n chic, this will make you drool.
Every time I pick it up, I want to redecorate my craft room; and usually do!

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good inspiration here for your own studio space.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book showcases idealistic studios as 'inspiration'. The wide range of spaces called studios include retail, kitchens, closets, barns & more. The way that artists & crafts women communicate their creative aesthetic through space is a constant interest of mine & so I was fascinated to see boudoir like romantic spaces, white cube like minimalism & so much in between. I had hoped for a bit more depth but the book reads like a collection of magazine features, which is basically what this book gives you.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a special treat, the opening profile was about a storefront in a small town near me that I wondered what it was when I passed by while it was closed. This was published in 2005 and the decor feels like even older. Most spaces are shabby chic and cutesy decor that doesn't feel current in 2020. I did enjoy some of the organizational ideas such as using.a flower frog for pens and scissors. Easy and fast read to get a glimpse into the creative spaces of middle-aged women.

[Pauline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Several work spaces in this book are looking kind of dated now.
Also, be aware, the title should read "Where White Women Create" - I don't believe a single woman of color is featured. Hopefully if there is a future edition, this title can become more inclusive.
Aside from that, it's a fun and interesting read.

[Francine Apollo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a delight for the eyes. Organized around 20 artists this book has beautiful photos of work spaces, the artists work, favorite quotes and tips for the readers.
I came away refreshed and inspired.
Recommended.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is neat to see an artist's space where they create.

[izad]

REF: Turning Pro

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great idea book to assist in organizing/finishing my sewing space

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a heavy-weight book, but rather a small coffee-table type book that is fun to look at, and which sets you off on your daydreams about how your own ideal space should be.

Some of the spaces are too frilly for me, but I do absolutely love two spaces in particular: Susan Pickering Rothamel's and Suze Weinberg's. They are meticulously organized, and, best of all, Weinberg has a photo of the ST:TOS crew on her wall! How can I not love her space?

I think the fact that those 2 spaces are my favorite says a lot about my left brain leanings.

[Kris Anne Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I was expected from this book, maybe more ideas about how to create my own 'inspiring work space.' Instead, it was a lot of seeing what other women do and have done... All the preaching that it could definitely be simple and that you don't need a lot money and yet "Here, look what you can do with a lot of money!"

That being said, the artists and their work was at least fun to view. The writing was mediocre, but the photos were inspiring and very unique.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed being able to take a peek into the work spaces of a collection of very talented women artists. The photos are very inspirational and each artist talks about why they have created a space that nurtures their individual creative process, shares their favorite quote and a tip for carving out your own creative space.

[reading is my hustle]

I wanted to like this book but the style of work spaces highlighted were too fussy for my taste. Instead read: The Nest Home Design Handbook.

[Mortalform · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very promising title, disappointing content. Was looking for more inspiration through woman artists studios, but this focused on more crafty female creators and lacked the more formal art disciplines. Also all little know names. I respect craft as art but disliked the lack of balance. Seemed to suggest to that's all women artists are good for a sentiment I've come across before and resent.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be fair, this book was written in 2005. I'm not sure it has stood the test of time, with the exception of Carolyn Westbrook's room which was featured on the cover, many of the rooms seemed fussy or dated. While there was some useful advice on creating a space, many of the ideas were repeated in each "chapter". I'm glad I got it from the library.

[Hedy preble · Rating 5 out of 5]

this will give you a peek and give you decorating ideas by people who are artistically inclined and you will see different ways of doing things. Good for people like me who are clueless about decorating.

[Paula Hagar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about these women's studios and dreaming about how much I'd love one of my own. I did come away with a lot of storage ideas that hadn't occurred to me before. Mostly this book is eye candy for artists like me who don't have nice big studios.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plenty of eye candy, but don't expect any practical advice for how to actually set up your own fabulous space -- some may only need a photo to get their ideas flowing, but I really would have appreciated a few details on how each artist's organizational methods and work process.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed by this book, but I keep it nonetheless to look through for inspiration.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye Candy!!! I love the thought of an organized and creative space and enjoy dreaming over the creative spaces of others

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the areas looked very similar to me. Nothing like what I would do.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

a gorgeous book, some wonderful spaces and inspiring women

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and interesting to see what other women do and where they create. I was inspired to create more and make my spaces more beautiful.

[Relyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was full of eye candy, but very much like reading the magazine. I don't know why I was expecting something different, but I was.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun read. Wished there was more info on just what some of the ladies were creating, and maybe a few younger people, but it was cool and inspiring (OK, also depressing because OH, the space!)

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It features many artists and designers and showcases their creative space. I found it to be very inspiring.

[NancyS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much here on actually creating a workspace, but great photos and a 'feel good' book. The photos themselves may inspire some people, but way too much clutter for my taste.