VIENNA - When Vienna resident Bonnie Eaton feels creative, she retreats to her favorite room of the house - the craft studio.
The 250-square-foot room is featured in the summer issue of Studios, a national quarterly publication of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine.
Built as an addition to the couple's Third Avenue home last winter, the studio was a gift of sorts from her husband, Charlie, who took on the project after his retirement.
Article Photos
Bonnie Eaton, of Vienna, holds up a copy of Studios magazine. (Photo by Natalee Seely)
The space holds all of Eaton's favorite things beads, fabrics, sewing patterns, scrapbook paper, tools, buttons and more. Each item has its proper place within the rows of plastic bins on wheels, cupboards and shelves, many of which were custom-built by her husband.
While shopping at Jo-Ann Fabrics last summer, another customer happened to see Eaton showing pictures of her craft room to a store clerk.
"She told me I should submit my pictures to Studios magazine, so that's what I did," said Eaton.
A few months later, representatives from the magazine contacted Eaton and asked for more photographs, as well as a story about how her craft room came to be and what she enjoys most about the space.
Eaton didn't always have such a passion for arts and crafts. Nearly 10 years ago she was asked to make a scrapbook for her mother.
"I started out making this scrapbook with a pair of scissors, a ruler and some paper. I hadn't really done many crafts before that. Over the years, my interests grew, and I have accumulated this entire room full of supplies," she said.
Now Eaton loves to make beaded jewelry and sew purses and clothes. She enjoys making personalized gifts for family and friends, such as handmade cards and etched glass.
"I can hardly wait to get up in the morning and spent time in the studio," said Eaton. "This is a special place for all my crafts, built by my loving husband, organized and decorated by me, and it inspired my creativity. My birthdays tell me I am getting older, but when I am in my studio, time doesn't matter all that matters is what special project I want to work on today."
Eaton's story is told in a three-page spread of Studios, complete with colorful photographs and organizing tips.
"The article talks about the neighbor kids who love to come over and make crafts with me," she said. "I had one reader email me and tell me how she got all sorts of storage ideas for her own room."
The studio has allowed Eaton to share her ideas and her craft with loved ones, while expanding her own skills. "I've always liked doing things that not only make me happy, but that make other people happy," said Eaton. "When I make things, whether it's a card for a friend or a piece of jewelry for my mom, it's really rewarding to know that I can share my craft by giving it to others."
