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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / blog & handmade advice / 5 ways I continue my creativity while living in a small space.

5 ways I continue my creativity while living in a small space.

September 10, 2014 · 18 Comments
Filed Under: blog & handmade advice, inspiration, our home, simple living

5 ways I continue my creativity while living in a small space // maggie whitley

For two years now we’ve lived in a small space, meaning our home is a 600 square foot apartment in Los Angeles. It’s a one bedroom with an extremely large living room — which thankfully has allowed us to make a section of our living room into a bedroom so the actual bedroom could be the nursery for our children. Our apartment has excellent storage for it’s size, but we’ve definitely learned to live with less. And honestly, this all started after traveling with Compassion International to Tanzania, Africa in May 2012. I remember coming home and very clearly feeling uncomfortable sitting on our couch, living in such a large home, having so many things. Our lives changed drastically soon after, but totally for the better :)

One way we live with less is by decorating with our favorite pieces, verses packing them away. Living in a small space has also helped me better realize my wants and needs — especially with my craft supplies ;)

We live in a small space for various reasons, but mostly because it fits our budget the best. Living in Los Angeles is extremely expensive (too many people and not enough places to live), so we do our best to live wisely. Besides, the weather here averages about 75*/80* throughout the year, so we’d be silly not to spend a lot time outside (ahem, hello beach) where we have plenty of room to stretch our legs.

leafy houseplant maggie whitley

When Zack and I lived in Detroit and Minneapolis we had more than enough space to run my handmade businesses, brainstorm product, create endlessly and the like. But Los Angeles has definitely stretched us in new ways, and so I’ve allowed myself the freedom to try new things. Turns out adventure-chasing and mamahood and learning to happily navigate adulthood aren’t as scary as they seem ;)

I’m a visual person, and living in a small space has challenged me in new, hard ways. And while I no longer have dedicated studio space, I do have a lovely kitchen table to work from and I’m rarely away from my family. Need another alternative workspace? Set up a 6-foot folding table.

embroidery maggie whitley

Here are 5 ways I continue my creativity while living in a small space:

* consider even the smallest of spaces as a potential for studio space. My friend Ashley of The Vanilla Tulip uses a teeny tiny closet as her office — perhaps something like this could be perfect for you, too? Also remember to build up. Pegboards, shelving and large cabinets are easy storage solutions and require very little floor space.

* work in small scale quantities. And remember: quality over quantity! Perhaps having a smaller shop inventory would encourage you to price your handmade wares more accurately. (No excuses! Underpricing is bad for everyone.) Also, making less means you work less which gives you more time to be with your family.

* remind yourself that seasons exists for a reason, and their ebb & flow is critically important to your growth. They may only last for a week, a month, or a year — but allow yourself the grace and flexibility to view your season as an opportunity for change.

* use this time to pursue a smaller-scale project. Sometimes small projects can be just as intimidating as the big ones, but girl, don’t let that hold you back! An example of this for me is with embroidering. It’s the perfect small space project because I can organize all of my supplies in a box, it’s easily transportable, and I can start and stop super easily.

* creating fills me up in so many ways, so it’s important I make time for it. Zack often takes Maxwell and Bauer out on an adventure so I can work (without worrying about little hands grabbing for the project). Living in a small space has challenged me to get creative with my creative time! An hour or two alone with my sewing machine or embroidery hoop benefits me, and my boys benefit from exploring the city together — without mom around!

embroidery maggie whitley

A few additional tips:

* many cities offer shared workspace opportunities, meaning you rent a workspace that’s shared with other creatives in your community. You can even rent a private shared workspace, conference rooms, etc. If your creative project requires more space than your home provides, definitely look into this.

* if you’re running a handmade business and absolutely need space to create & ship product, now is an excellent time to hire help. Your hired assistants can help you make product within their home, as well as ship directly from their home to the customer. Think outside the box here, literally ;)

* if you fail, remember to try (and try again!). I’ve had many set-ups for my workspace, and every time a change was needed I kept this bit of wisdom in the back of my mind. Sometimes an idea we have doesn’t work out perfectly the first time, so allow the process inspire you.

* what if — gasp! — you hung your collection of thread spools on the living room wall? What if you kept your fabric organized in a cute bin on the bookshelf? What if you invested in storage bins for under your bed (or couch) so your supplies are not only within reach, but they double as art for your home? Sounds like an excellent use of your small space to me! :)

embroidery supplies maggie whitley

Whatcha think? Are you inspired by your small space, or does it feel like an impossible hurdle? (Don’t give up yet.) Something I’ve had to remind myself (over and over and over) is this is real life, and in this season my family comes first; work comes second. Sure, I have big handmade dreams, but I hold on to the hope that those dreams will come true once again — just not right now. Let hope float you by, whatever that means for you personally. My home doesn’t ever need to be pinterest-ready, so I’m OK with my kitchen table for a workspace. I don’t have to set bigger and grander work goals for myself each year, at least not right now. Creativity can exist anywhere, at anytime, with any medium. How’s that for some solid inspiration? xoxo

PS. some of the cutest shared workspaces for kiddos…

This post is a part of the Creativity Expressed Blog Series hosted by Jen at Lovely Messes.  Nine creative women are sharing the secrets behind their creative process, don’t miss a single bit of inspiration!

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18 Comments
Filed Under: blog & handmade advice, inspiration, our home, simple living

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Comments

  1. Jen says

    September 10, 2014 at 9:54 am

    You are so good at having the right perspective on things and I think that is what encourages me and others so much. I love your embroidery project and this “Creativity can exist anywhere, at anytime, with any medium”!!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      September 10, 2014 at 2:23 pm

      Oh Jen, you are so kind to me! And thank you for reassuring me that I’m not going crazy… living in a small space isn’t always easy :) xo

      Reply
  2. Jennifer Mathis @ Ellison Lane says

    September 10, 2014 at 10:14 am

    I love this and think you have the right attitude and certainly the right perspective. Thanks for sharing your ideas with all of us! PS: I’m loving the embroidery!

    Reply
  3. Katie H says

    September 10, 2014 at 11:24 am

    I loved this post :-) Such an inspiration for us girls with families in tiny spaces!

    Reply
  4. Elise says

    September 10, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    I really love this post! It’s making me re-think my art/ craft space. I started out making small watercolors because I lived in a tiny apartment when I started my business. Now I have a home with a dedicated room for my art, but it still feels cramped. I tend to fill whatever space I’m given, no matter how big or small. Having less space can be a blessing because like you said, it makes you really think about how you use space.

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      September 10, 2014 at 2:25 pm

      I think MANY of us struggle with filling our space to the brim, no matter the size. Something that helps me is opening our closets and fully assessing what’s inside — including reorganizing it. Besides, it’s kinda fun to reorganize ;)

      Reply
  5. Dana at Happy Little Lovelies says

    September 10, 2014 at 1:55 pm

    Great tips, Maggie! My family of five lives in just under 1100 sq ft so my shop lives under my bed and in our hall office that we converted into an office. (We call it our cloffice). It works! And the part I love best is that at the end of my work day, I just close the lids to the bins and slide them out of sight. :)

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      September 10, 2014 at 2:26 pm

      YES! — this is what I’m talking about! Great job my dear :)

      Reply
  6. cindy whitley says

    September 10, 2014 at 7:35 pm

    Maggie, You are a beautiful inspiration to so many, and each time I read something like this, my first thought is that sewing and creating is awesome, but have you seen this girls writing? Yet another gift the good Lord has blessed you with. Love your favorite mother in law.

    Reply
  7. Karen says

    September 11, 2014 at 6:05 am

    Great post! I know your post wasn’t about that great pillow…but where did you get that cute pillow in your yellow chair? Love your style!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      September 11, 2014 at 7:17 am

      ;) it’s from Paisley Sprouts, https://www.etsy.com/shop/paisleysprouts — follow Allison on Instagram (@paisleysprouts) to know when she has new products ready to list, they sell out SUPER fast!

      Reply
  8. Katie C. says

    September 11, 2014 at 8:27 am

    So inspiring! We’re 4 in a home just a smidge bigger than yours. We converted our attached garage into a master bedroom when baby #2 was on the way. I set up shop in front of the windows that replaced the garage door. Supplies are stored in the desk, in the closet, under the bed…wherever. There are times I long for a dedicated office/studio, but when I’m actually in my space and creating, it seems like such a perfect fit.

    Reply
  9. Wendy Valderrama says

    September 14, 2014 at 6:39 pm

    Thank you, Maggie. I’ve been following your journey since still in Minneapolis and I’ve been nothing but encouraged by your decisions & actions that go against the grain of this competitive, constantly “going” world of handmade businesses. My “studio” has been centered at my kitchen table, countertops for cutting, and with inventory & supplies tucked into every room of the house! We are now downsizing by 300sq feet (down from a double wide trailer!) and the hiring out advice has never sounded more right than now.
    Thank you for your brave, honest and, what I believe to be, God-glorifying decisions and sharing it with the watching world. You constantly remind me that my story, my business and my family & home are just that: mine. And it’s all going to look differently than everyone else’s I see! Thank you thank you for reality checks and inspiration! I love your home, and I love your grateful attitude. xoxo

    Reply
  10. Scottie Kersta-Wilson says

    September 24, 2014 at 1:10 pm

    I sooooo needed this today. My husband and I share a 600-ish sq foot condo and use a bit of portioned-off living room for his “music” room. That relegates me to the Breakfast Bar; but you’ve given me some great ideas and things to think about. Yay!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      September 25, 2014 at 8:16 pm

      oh, I’m SO happy to read your comment and hear you’re inspired :)

      Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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“We are preparing to wind down for the school ye “We are preparing to wind down for the school year with just a few more weeks of intentional table lessons. We will then transition to a lighter learning schedule during the summer months. Today I am grateful for the books and resources I’ve read that have helped keep me in my own lane. (Visit my blog to see a personal favorite.)

Even now, three years in, I appreciate the reminder to stay on the path that was designed with intentional thought just for me.”

✨ see #maggiewhitleydotcom for the full post ✨
I took off my “comparison / contemplation” gla I took off my “comparison / contemplation” glasses last month and it’s been soooooo good. See also: sooooo hard (because life is never and/or). I’ve been writing more, reading more, spending more time outside. Talking to friends faces and smelling their detergent. My heart feels lighter. I’m sharing a few updates on my blog if you’d like to read? 🌾🤓blog reading & writing is a much better pace for me. You too? Link in profile.
Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
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I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

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