Cassie Bustamante

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Where I Work; And the One WHO Started it All

March 3, 2011 by Cassie 44 Comments

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Before I go into where I work, you all know how much I love owls, as shown in yesterday’s post.  For those of you who hadn’t seen him, I wanted to share with you the little guy that started it all.  I found this guy last year in a local thrift shop, and when our eyes locked, I heard Barry White playing.  It was love at first sight… the robust belly, the big wise eyes, and the bisque white finish.  L.O.V.E.

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 He sits on my nightstand and greets me every morning and sends me off to sleep every night!

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 Now, several of you have in emails and comments mentioned my garage.    News Flash: I do not have a garage.  I have a very small split foyer.  This picture was taken last spring, but you get the idea.
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So, where do I work if there is no garage?  And how do I continue to paint all winter?  And where do I spray?
1. I work in the back of the bottom level of our house, where there is a small unfinished area, which also serves as our laundry area.
2. I sand my items outside on our back deck, even in the dead of winter, then bring them inside to work. This is why low and zero VOC products are very important to me aside from the environmental benefits.
3. I don’t spray- I paint everything by hand.
So let’s look at my small dungeon, shall we?  Right now I have a finished dresser, a dresser that is being worked on, and a dining set that is a custom order I am working on in there.

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 Cluttered?  Yes, but I have to make it work, so I do.  And see below- there is my “laundry room”.  Yuck.

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 And here is a shot of what my work has done to the floor.  He he.

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 A stash of small projects…

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 paint..

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 more paint and stains…

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 Tools, some of which are hidden by the giant mirror I got yesterday.

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 And here, my friend, iin these 10 plastic drawers, lies my stash.  The stash of knobs.  And I should tell you that the bucket above is also full, but those have yet to be sorted.

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I save all my knobs because you never know when you might need or want them for a different piece!

One other thing I should mention is storage.  We purchased a shed for all my finished projects, and I have a half door cement floor area under my sun porch where I store unfinished projects.  Of course they can not be much taller than my waste or they don’t fit well under there, but it works.

So while I am completely embarrassed to show you what a pit I work in, the point is that you don’t have to have the two car garage and big house to be able to work with furniture.  You just have to have a desire, passion, and the creativity to make it work.  I love what I do, and I love that I am able to earn an income but be a totally flexible mom because my husband and I make it work.  Does he get aggravated when I accidentally leave a paint can opener on the floor and he has walked to the washing machine barefoot and found it?  Why yes.  All the time.  But the pros always outweigh the cons.  You see the saying on my nightstand, “Go & Do.”  Do just that; go and do what you love, because you can if you really put your mind to it.
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Comments

  1. Mel says

    March 3, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    I work in my basement too.

    Your basement isn’t pretty, but the work that comes out of it sure is, that’s what matters most.

    Reply
  2. mapleandmagnolia.com says

    March 3, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    First…Barry White HA…I can hear that little owl singing, “let’s get in on. HOO.” πŸ™‚ Second…That mirror behind the chairs in the photo is scrumptious. Hurry up and do something with it! πŸ™‚ Third…I’m coming down to raid your hardware stash!

    Reply
  3. mapleandmagnolia.com says

    March 3, 2011 at 6:08 pm

    Oops…meant to say it on. P.S. I’m painting furniture in my kitchen today!

    Reply
  4. pxilated says

    March 3, 2011 at 6:10 pm

    I found your stash of knobs quite exciting. I love to sort through stuff like that.

    Reply
  5. Sommer says

    March 3, 2011 at 6:23 pm

    Cassie I love your mess! LOL. I was actually given permission by our current lanlord to finish my projects in the basement so I can work during the winters but I was very concerned about the fumes and harmful chemicales getting into the ventilation system. Can you elaborate more on what kinds of products you use and where you get them? I am a HUGE proponent of spray paint and my spray gun which may hinder my working in the basement but it’s unfinished with cement floors so I could realistically tape off the vents and put up plastic and painters tarps and build my own paint booth down there. I think there is about 2000 sf. I feel a project coming on lol.

    Reply
  6. Sommer says

    March 3, 2011 at 6:25 pm

    That was a hugely embarassing mis-spelling of chemicals lol.

    Reply
  7. Emily says

    March 3, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    ha! i love your stash. it makes me jealous. btw, im in the market for a knob as mine was missing one πŸ™

    Reply
  8. Ali Richardson says

    March 3, 2011 at 6:36 pm

    AWESOME! Thanks for sharing a peek into your world. I like to picture you there workin’ hard. You are definitely making it work and that stash or knobs has me drooling. SO cool!

    Reply
  9. Ali Richardson says

    March 3, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    Oh yeah, and that little owl is freakin’ adorable! I see why you fell in love πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  10. Allison@FabRehab says

    March 3, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    Your hardware stash is enviable! I’m glad your workspace isn’t perfect…then I might have to hate you πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  11. Kelsey says

    March 3, 2011 at 6:54 pm

    That’s so cool Cassie! I work in our garage but its a small garage and its a PIT! And we rent…and there’s paint splatters ALL OVER THE FLOOR! Lets just say that I’ll be purchasing about 5 gallons of paint thinner when we move out to clean the floor! It won’t be fun! You do amazing work and I am in dool-inducing love with your knob stash!!!!

    Reply
  12. Rebecca@This Present Life says

    March 3, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    Love the owl! And you’re right, you don’t have to have the “perfect” space to work in, you just have to make the space you have work for you! I usually paint furniture in my living room on a tarp! Mostly because I’m a wimp and don’t want to be in the cold garage or outside to do it, but still πŸ™‚

    Reply
  13. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    March 3, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    Love this post! I’ve been wanting to see your work space for the longest time. It’s actually got a lot going for it and you clearly make it work. And I am totally jealous of your hardware stash. But most of all, I admire your go and do attitude! Thanks so much for sharing! You know I think you are a rock star!

    Reply
  14. Danielle.freshquince says

    March 3, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    Cassie you really are a huge inspiration! I’m going to make my small space in the basement work and just GO AND DO!!! I always hand paint my pieces too, but have avoided doing it in the winter because my sons play room is in the basement as well, but maybe I’m just being overly cautious…I would paint in a separate room, but then again that’s my cats room. Ahhhh, I just make so many excuses…I just need Spring to come and help me out. Once Spring has Sprung, GO And Do will be my motto for sure. Fabulous post and I am so envious of your cache of knobs!!

    Reply
  15. Kelly at I Dream of Decor says

    March 3, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    First you crack me up! LOL, love the reference to Barry white…uh and my laundry room looks almost identical to yours so don’t feel bad but it’s great that you have an area to work in and it doesn’t matter if you get paint on the floor. That white dining set is looking lovely! I’m sure your client will love it!

    Reply
  16. Suzanne@Meridian Road says

    March 3, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    That is one handsome owl! I can see why you heard Barry sing.
    Thanks for showing us where you work. I’m envious of your stash of knobs!

    Reply
  17. Amy ~ "A Perfect Tin" says

    March 3, 2011 at 7:44 pm

    I can’t wait to show my husband this tonight when he gets off of work! It looks like my laundry room, except your’s is much bigger. I make all of my frames in our laundry room and it’s not the ideal space, especially in the winter when the basement is cold, but it works. I think organization is the key.

    Reply
  18. Jane @ Jane's Junk and Treasures says

    March 3, 2011 at 7:44 pm

    Cassie,
    Great place to work!
    I want to come over and play!!

    Reply
  19. A Vintage Vine says

    March 3, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    It is a great work area! Stuff everywhere!….I work best with stuff all around me!!! Thanks for sharing! Now we can picture you there…with your nose to the grind stone!!!

    Reply
  20. Cathy @ The Far Fifty says

    March 3, 2011 at 8:23 pm

    Huh, I always that you had a garage! And I was wrong, your hardware stash isn’t insane. It’s absolutely outta control!!!

    Reply
  21. Michelle @ Ten June says

    March 3, 2011 at 8:24 pm

    What a great post πŸ™‚ I love your office! And hello I want a drawer of knobs?! So awesome. Ps. I assume you have a truck to bring all that awesome furniture in?!

    Reply
  22. Rita says

    March 3, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    AND THIS IS WHY I LOVE YOU!! First, because I think you are SO awesome. Second, becasue you hand paint all of your furniture!! and Third because you inspire, inspre, inspire! You’re like a fortune cookie that gives you a subliminal message that says, this is what you need to do with your life to which you yell “Oh my gosh,THIS IS A SIGN”. Yeah, that’s what you’ve done to me today! πŸ™‚

    This was the perfect post for me today…Thank you!

    Reply
  23. Christa @ Stories of a House says

    March 3, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    It’s so fun seeing where you work! I would LOVE a place inside to work. Good for you for getting back outside to sand – did your neighbor move, or do you just deal with his griping? Just curious. Oh, and thank you for making me feel better about my garage floor πŸ™‚

    Reply
  24. Sixty-Fifth Avenue says

    March 3, 2011 at 8:42 pm

    Cassie, your work area looks just like our small unfinished basement! Except for the furniture…we have too much stuff down there to fit anything else. If Im ever missing hardware I know who to call, that is an impressive stash!

    Reply
  25. MMB Creations says

    March 3, 2011 at 9:08 pm

    I am drooling over your work area. I wish I was so organized.

    Reply
  26. Phredfamily says

    March 3, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    Wow, I totally want your knobs..er…that doesn’t sound right. You know what I mean.
    Kate @ welcomedtempest.blogspot.com

    Reply
  27. jandjhome says

    March 3, 2011 at 10:41 pm

    I wish I had a basement or a garage for that matter. I’m piling things up in my extra bedroom. Not pretty. I love the knobs, by the way.

    Reply
  28. tale of many cities says

    March 3, 2011 at 10:59 pm

    your owl is adorable! you’ll have to check out my home office makeover, and take a looksy at my fabric! {i have some scraps left over, if you’re interested.. i’d be happy to share!}

    Reply
  29. Renee @ where the grass is greener says

    March 3, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    I didn’t see that part of your basement last time I was there! Ha! You’ve got a great stash of knobs there girlie!!

    Reply
  30. Holly Do. says

    March 4, 2011 at 12:44 am

    I can’t throw away a knob either, my collection is growing. I’m going to have to get myself some of those drawers. Perfect organization!

    Reply
  31. Restyled Vintage says

    March 4, 2011 at 12:52 am

    What a fantastic post, Cassie…it is lovely to see such a ‘real’ work area in a real home.

    You have almost tempted me to do a post showing my work space – a 48m2 double garage that I have carpeted the floor of. I have far too many finished peices and far too many to-do projects in there but I still have lots of space to do my thing, and lots of tools at hand. But I good at leaving them all lying around, oops!

    While I would love a purpose-built well lit workshop, complete with a screened off area for the to-do pile, and a showroom area for the finished pieces, I know that I can produce things that are just as lovely from the place I have right now. Talent comes from within, not from flash surroundings (and a little practice and passion help!)

    thanks Cassie.

    xx Karen

    Reply
  32. Andi @ Jane of all crafts says

    March 4, 2011 at 1:57 am

    Ahh the dungeon! Thanks for showing us where the furniture magic happens πŸ˜‰ And well said…do what you love and love what you do!

    Reply
  33. Green Briar Goods says

    March 4, 2011 at 2:32 am

    Glad to see someone else is making use of their unfinished basement…my friend, Heather, and I work in her basement while her little one sleeps upstairs. We are able to get lots done in a little amount of time…plus we have a great time visiting about life. Check out our new blog at http://www.greenbriargoods.blogspot.com.

    Reply
  34. c.w.frosting says

    March 4, 2011 at 2:37 am

    that is a GREAT knob & hardware collection! thanks for sharing your workspace!

    -caroline

    Reply
  35. Cassie {Hi Sugarplum!} says

    March 4, 2011 at 3:03 am

    I love when bloggers keep it real…it’s amazing the work you do in that space! And painting windsor chairs is on my List..I’m going to need to hear how you do it without spray!!

    also — your blue chips on yesterday’s table….check out martha stewart plummage. it’s ridic how amazing that blue is…I have a sample can now and trying to decide what will get hosed down in it!

    Reply
  36. Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures/Treasured Moments says

    March 4, 2011 at 3:14 am

    How odd. I saw Miss Mustard Seed’s post about a dresser she was working on and it showed her work area and I wondered where you do all of your painting and now I know! Thanks for sharing and easing my curiosity. I think you are lucky to have such a space. I have a 2 car garage and with a vintage car and my husband’s toy filling it up….no painting is allowed in there.

    Reply
  37. Rambling Ophelia says

    March 4, 2011 at 5:58 am

    I just wrote a post similair to this yesterday about passions and priorities and I took photos of my basement “studio” but instead of posting them as a new post tonight, I went out and drank wine..same thing must be on our mind Cassie..all about just loving what we do…

    Reply
  38. michelle says

    March 4, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    I love your space! It reminds me of my grandpa’s workshop, it was small and kind of cramped but he made it work and the things that he created were beautiful, just like yours! πŸ™‚ I would love to come paint shopping by you too! πŸ˜‰
    Love your little owl, he is very cute, I can see why Barry White was playing. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  39. Rene says

    March 4, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    I totally heard Barry White when I saw him too, lol. Cassie, I’m jealous because your laundry and work area is much nicer than mine. I could get lost in all that hardware too.

    Reply
  40. The Frosted Gardner says

    March 4, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    You are amazing Cassie! Seriously. I love your humility – you are not afraid to bear your soul. This post is so inspiring. What you do in your little workspace makes each piece even more amazing. I love your story. I love your drive. I love your hard work and determination!

    Reply
  41. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal says

    March 5, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    Okay, I have a little knob envy going on. That is some stash girlie!

    Reply
  42. The Salvage Collection says

    March 6, 2011 at 3:04 am

    Okay, now I REALLY like you! My “studio” is far less organized than yours and I sand outside, too! Oh, what we will do to CREATE! And, I, too, have major knob stash envy.

    Keep it up.. please!

    Reply
  43. Eva IA says

    March 7, 2011 at 2:22 am

    Hi there, I always love to see how people work and create their master pieces πŸ™‚
    Can I ask a question please, what paint do you use? semi gloss, satin or other
    and have you painted melamine furniture
    and if yes would you mind write some steps if it’s any different
    you can e-mail me too if you rather at [email protected]
    LOOOOOOVE your work πŸ™‚

    Reply
  44. Amy of WhisperWood Cottage and Junkologie says

    March 21, 2011 at 2:07 am

    Looks like a space where creativity and productivity are the order of the day! Love the drawers for you stash of knobs! Thanks for linking up to the Workspace Showcase at WWC!

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.Β  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.Β  We all get one chance at this life,Β and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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