Creative Spaces 15 – Avril Loreti
Tell us about what we see in your photos.
This room is the top floor of my apartment. My boyfriend, Frank, and I pretty much got our apartment because of this room. We knew we would turn it into our studio/office space. The right side is Frank’s… and the ever growing left side is mine. The drafting table is from my Dad. It’s totally old school. When I was in elementary school, on days off, I would go to my dad’s office and draft restaurant floor plans with him on this table. Now it’s my crafty station to sketch out ideas, prep for sewing and ironing pieces, and put together orders. A lot of my ideas start from sketches and mock-ups on the table, then I move to my computer and scan anything in and work from there to develop the designs. Don’t you love the chimney!? There’s also a spot for Nico, the cat! He’s got a spot amongst the artwork on the wall!
What do you create in your space?
I create home decor and other accessories. Mostly cocktail napkins and coasters and handkerchiefs right now. They have a minimal design that adds a creative sensibility to the home or an outfit. I like getting a bit quirky with my designs so you’ll often see me trying to make designs out of household items and everyday “stuff” before bringing them to the computer to manipulate and stick on a napkin:)
What advice do you have for others who are trying to put together their own creative space?
Pick the best room in your home. Pick a room that you love just being in. I’ve tried putting together my creative space in the basement, but then I never want to spend time there. You have to want to spend time in the space, whether you’re creating or not. Surround yourself with lots of inspiration. Put up a cork board or a clothes line and pin up photos of what gets you pumped about getting your “craft on!” A sofa helps too. When i get frustrated about something not working out the way I want to I can just plant myself on the sofa and relax… then try again:)
How does being in your creative space make you feel?
It makes me feel great! It’s the best room in the house with lots of natural light… and during the winter months it’s the only room where i can get my dose of Vitamin D. I hang up lots of inspirational pieces to get me thinking about new things to make, even when I’m not actively making anything.
What has your biggest challenge been in creating and maintaining your creative space?
Clutter! I’m a clutter bug. So I have to constantly work at storing materials and pieces properly and always finding homes for new items.
What is your favorite quote?
Mind your pennies, and your dollars mind themselves.
I don’t really know why but I quote this one all the time.
What do you do when you’re NOT creating?
I work for an art service organization in Toronto, Canada and I work with visual artists to build their careers, market themselves, and find opportunities for them to get their artwork out there. I also love playing squash, cooking, working on my photography, and watching LOST and ANTM.
What one piece of furniture or organizational equipment could you not live without?
My new Iron! I got a great new iron for Christmas… it’s #1 these days!
What is your next “move” for your creative space? Do you have plans for its future?
Growing my line of home accessories. I’m looking into table runners, throw pillows, and shower curtains right now. Also growing my business to including more wholesale.
Do you have a website we could visit?
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