When I retired from my day job after 32 years, I was determined to change the small dormer room at the top of the stairs (referred to as the "junk room") into a functional sewing and craft room. It had to be cheerful, comfortable and utilize the flea market and thrift store finds I had collected for years thinking they would be perfect pieces for a sewing room. I recycled, donated and trashed until the room was empty. Then I cleaned, painted the room and all the furniture and made cushions and window treatments. The once messy room was slowly evolving into exactly what I had envisioned - a pleasant and practical space to spend my days doing what I love most. I was so pleased with the outcome, I even sent pictures to Martha Stewart when she solicited viewers to "show us your craft room"!
Now what? The room was finished and I was making different kinds of items for friends and family. After each completed project, I got the same response--"you should sell these"! While researching how best to sell my handmade items, I discovered Etsy and I knew it was a perfect fit! So the rest is history. I bet you are thinking that the shop name came about as a result of the messy junk room restoration. Well, that is partially true. But the other story that sealed the shop name had to do with the type of the items I was making - aprons, jewelry organizers, laundry bags, dish towels, bibs and burp cloths among other things. They all had a "get organized, pretty things up a bit, clean up or look cute while doing so" theme. The possibilities for new and different items or improving current ones are endless and that is a source of inspiration for me.
Let me take you on a tour of my shop! As the only employee (except for Maxine the Mannequin), my days are quite busy. The shop site houses the administrative office, (the hub and the think tank) , packing and shipping, stock room and warehouse, the work area and a resource library. Oh, did I tell you that the shop is only 120 square feet? It's probably a good thing that Maxine and I are the only two employees given that space is so limited. Every inch seems to have a function even down to the skirted table. You would be surprised how much I can store under there!
I hope you have enjoyed seeing where I work. All my items are made with the quality and care that I look for when purchasing items for myself. Attention to the details and good customer service are hallmarks of the Messy Messy Me Shop. I hope you will stop by again!