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Yep..Paula..it's the best thing I ever did when the house next door to my sister came up for sale...in fact ...my parents live in the next house..so we are quite a mini-community. We socialise all the time..and we have interconnecting gardens now which is lovely in the summer.
The downside is that we tend to get a bit precious about each other..and we're not always very socialable outside our little world which may prove an issue in the future.
She works full time...and I do get my head down and work so we don't see each other all that often...maybe a half hour most days...and when our days off concur then we plan days out...like this weekend we are both off on Saturday so I we are going to the Cotswolds for the day..and we plan to visit the bear fair at the Motor Cycle Museum on the 25th NOV. I tried to get her into bearmaking but she is utterly useless at it...she made one once and we laughed till we cried. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen.
I agree with you and I think that Shelli is very brave to face up to this...it is a very common problem for people working from home...staying focussed is really hard....I have that type of personality...I know from all the times I have started diets and it's lasted a fortnight before the biscuit barrel got the better of me again. I will never be skinny again!!!
Rufnut Teddy'sKaren, your post is especially intriguing and strikes a special chord. I've been thinking that if I worked PT or FT outside the home, it would indeed help me budget my "free" time after work more efficiently, and would make bear time seem like a refreshing trip to the spa. It's all relative, isn't it?, this life stuff. I'm not sure other life circumstances make it right for me to jump back into the work force quite that completely right now, but I'm thinking hard about what you said and its implications for me, personally. There's just something to it that makes sense.
Shelli, you have us all thinking here with this thread, not only are we trying to help you but its also helping us with our own dilemmas. Good networking. :hug:
Time Management and discipline Shelli, you got to be a bit tougher on yourself, yeah I know its easier for me to say I have work deadlines and I am a stubborn thing I need to make them happen otherwise I feel I have let myself down and everyone else around me, thats just me. Stubborn I guess, or fear of failure :lol:
Questions for you guys:
1. How does one FIND an "artist collective?"
2. If you shared space with other people, especially strangers you only just met... wouldn't you be worried your things would be used/ruined/stolen? Or am I the only paranoid, negative thinking person when it comes to protecting property and patterns in this way???
The art collectives, can be found at markets, word of mouth, advertising in local papers - such as expressions of interest, a craft fairs, event notice boards if you never know. You usually find them in some country and rural areas, I have found the CWA - Country Womens Association here is a good source of information for finding this out. The group I found was started by a team of us who were attending a short adult course called "Starting your of small business", it was a great way to network with some girls from different backgrounds with a common goal to make it happen, turn your craft into a business!! We decided as a small group to get together after the course, we had a few meetings to get it started as a collective or co-operative, we tried running a small shop but it was too difficult to man it all the time, we decided to do craft sales once a month which has kept us going, three years later we are still going, we are not making gazillions of dollars, but should the region our work and share some demonstrations with the public on our own craft work, I just enjoy their company and a different avenue for sharing with the public, I see it as a great outlet, keeps me focused to keep working and set deadlines for our shows that we hold and new ways for us to expand as a group.
Teaching is a great recommendation, you can teach adults, adult colleges are already looking for people to run short courses or workshops of interest, a small earner for you and you can call your own teaching hours to suit you, you don't have to be certified or qualified, just having the experience and being able to deliver it in a logical format for all learning types is the key, you already have a wealth of knowledge and experiences, why not.... it may just give you what your looking for in the social aspect as well as avenue to be stimulated to achieve some goals for yourself and rejuvenate yourself. Hiring a room at the quilting shop was a great idea that one of the girls recommended.
Sharing space with others I agree can be risky, it can be as complex or professional as you want it to be, or not. It may be as simple as just leaving a table, chair and locked up area setup on a regular basis for you to come and go, and take the rest with you and be mobile, I know it may not solve your storage issue but if you had a locked away area that only you could access that would resolve some of the privacy stuff, maybe a locked cabinet or cupboard. I would be leaving paperwork, patterns and anything crucial at home.
Hi everyone!
What a brilliant topic Shelli - I have tried to go a day without TT (very hard!) and looks like I have been missing out !! 
I agree and can sympathise with everyone's comments as I too am going through a very bad patch of losing my enthusiasm! To complete one bear a month seems about my limit too!! I do have fourteen on the go in various stages but have no enthusiasm to finish any. The computer being six feet away from my bearing table doesn't help either as I find I am constantly having "just a quick peek" which normally ends up being another hour with my nose pressed up to the screen, - like right now!!!! 
I know that when I was out at work full time, I got far more done on the creative side of things in my spare time because any spare time was so precious. I think when you are at home, at least in my case, it is so easy to become a little too lazy about things and I do tend to find myself thinking "ok, I'll leave the stuffing until tomorrow" when I know full well that I should get on with it NOW! Also, when tomorrow comes around, I have usually directed my attentions elsewhere.
One thing I can be sure of, that when I DO actually feel completely motivated and eager to get on, there will usually be something waiting in the wings to mess the whole day up, like a sudden rush to the vets, or someone wanting me to do something for them. No-one seems to take my bear-making seriously and I do end up feeling almost embarrassed to say that I do it sometimes, which is really sad. :redface:
I absolutely love being on my own with my own thoughts and having time to be creative (when I feel like it!) - unfortunately none of my friends or relatives seem to have hobbies these days and I am sure people look upon me as being a little "odd", to be "at home with toys" as one delightful bod said to me once! Having like-mind people around is certainly motivating and can help channel energy and thoughts in the right direction. I love to chat and have a good laugh too and think that a part-time job would definitely be the answer and a good compromise but like Ellen, I too have a heart problem and am too scared now to take a job where I have to be confined or restricted to an area - one of the reasons why I took up bear-making. Also, as Paula said, there is nothing out there to inspire you, at least not in our area unless you want to sit in a boring office all day. So working at home seems the right thing to do but I know that if there were more part-time creative-type jobs around, then that would solve the problem, more money coming in from enjoyable employment plus hopefully a good social side too.
So probably that is the answer Shelli, a really fun part-time job if you are fortunate to find one. Working with a group of like-minded creative people would certainly be a big bonus to get those creative-juices working.
Good luck Shelli -I wish you well but I know that whatever you do will be brilliant.
Hugs
Marilyn 
Canna Bear PaintHow's the search going? Also wanted to add that to find an artist's collective near you, go to your local art store and look at the bulletin board, or ask the staff. Another way would be to contact a local art club. If none of the artists in your area can give you information, then there isn't one in your area.
Best wishes,
Kelly
Hi all, and thanks for checking in, Kelly. After really mulling over all my options and taking every big picture issue into account -- cost, isolation vs. company, safety/security, location, motivation factor (will I want to GO there?), do I want to "share" space (no, not really, if I can work this out otherwise) -- I decided to take a serious stab at finding just-for-me office space. As I mentioned, here in Chico it's quite affordable.
While I definitely feel isolated working at home, it's more the distractions of home PLUS the isolation PLUS the fact that I haven't had a "place" outside these four walls in seven years and I'm going stir-crazy here, that mostly has me thinking that "going to work" -- actually leaving this place and going somewhere else -- is the right thing to do, as a next step. And even though I miss people, sometimes just having coffee near someone is enough; I actually do enjoy my own company, much moreso now that I'm older. I just don't like it SO MUCH that I want eight hours to elapse before I see or hear another living soul, like they do now, when I'm working at home!
Soooo.... I've seen a handful of local office spaces, two of which are real standouts. I've found a wonderful commercial broker (to whom I will directly owe nothing; his interest is just to rent the spaces his office reps) who is really working WITH me in so many ways, including seeing whether places will go with a shorter lease; change even brand-new paint colors to make space more "cheery"; or even lower rent and/or include utilities.
I'm pretty much narrowed down to two spots at this point and it's the usual pro/con game. One costs more, but is infinitely more charming (in an 1890's building, in fact, with hardwood floors and a stained glass window.) My neighbors there would be a photographer, across the hall, and the offices for a small chocolate factory. A creative person, and chocolate people. Does this place sound right for me, or what? There's a shared kitchenette (no other space has this feature) and a large closet (also not available in the other spaces I've seen) which means much of my "junk" can be stored out of sight, keeping a neat space. And in addition to a/c and heating, there's a ceiling fan, which actually matters since Chico gets to be 114 in the summertime! Plus the ceilings are a marvellous 15+ feet high. I'd be downtown which means the world is at my fingertips -- Peet's, Starbucks, dozens of restaurants, antique shops, gift shops, and a used bookstore for my lunch hour, and people galore, as it's next door to Cal State Chico. And I'm within two short blocks of Bidwell Park, the nation's third largest municipal park, where I can watch children splash and swim, or take a long walk or ride. Very appealing and a five star location! Wouldn't you love to go to work in a place that looks like this?
The other option is an upstairs corner unit in a professional building housing mostly therapists -- I can't get away from them! -- with tons of light and tons of space, but it's way less charming. However, it's about 1/2 the cost, which is a factor! I'd be less "excited" about going to work in this location for a myriad of reasons, including the absence of charm as compared to the first space, and the fact that it's not nearly so well located, and doesn't automatically place me smack in the center of hustle and bustle, which is what I miss.
In either location, I'd be focused on working in-office and not on sampling my surroundings, but when it's time for lunch, I'd rather spend my lunch hour mingling with other humans than driving to get to them. There's something very appealing about the idea of working super hard for hours and then "treating" myself to a stroll around town. You can see the direction in which I'm leaning, for sure.
I'm waiting to hear final outcomes on some of my more pressing questions, and I'll let you know what I decide!
Charming wins my vote.....hands down! Could you use the office to showcase your work on occassion? A private, invitation only type of thing?
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Cleathero CreationsAh yes Shelli if you are going to be there you will want to be going there. Although the price is a factor I could read how much you like it. So the price as long as it isn't too prohibitive is a factor that is outweighed by all the others.
Hi Shelli,
Wow, I'm jealous!!! This sounds a really exciting prospect for you and I think we can all tell which one you r-e-a-l-l-y prefer!! You have to be really excited about where you are going to work, to enthuse you to get cracking on with your creative projects, so I guess the first option is the one???!!! You are sounding more enthusiastic already!!
Good luck!
Hugs,
Marilyn
Past Time BearsYup . . . that's the one!!! 
Wild Thyme OriginalsOh God Shel! That building is GORGEOUS!!!!! My husband's law office is in a building that was built in the late 1800's as well, and he just LOVES it! He's above a coffee shop/bakery though! I'd much prefer a chocolate connection! Do ya think that they might ask you to maybe do some taste-testing sometime!? 
Seriously though.... just gorgeous!
Kim Basta
Laurie Lou BearsThe first one is lovely Shelli and I think you know which you REALLY want.It is more expensive but if you like the place more you will enjoy working there more which then means that you will be more productive which also means more money coming in to pay the rent which means you can justify taking the first place on.Yup thats a good enough excuse to go for the first one 
Laurie :hug:
Mountain Dreamer BearsI'm popping kinda late here but this thread really struck a chord with me. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one struggling with distractions and productivity issues! At least I'm in good company. 
I can't really offer anything new that hasn't already been said but I'm enjoying the suspense here.
I'm rooting for Charming! A creative neighbor and chocolate too? 'nuf said! Plus a little bustle is a great thing sometimes.
I have to go about 70 miles to get near anything resembling bustle around here, so that sounds appealing to me.
As for price.. I know overhead must be kept under control but, well how much is a creative atmosphere worth?
Good luck, can't wait to see what you decide!
Back from an evening viewing of "charming house" with my kids and husband, and my son Noah, upon seeing it, said, "It's gloomy, mom." While it's not THAT, exactly, he's right -- there are some problems with the lighting despite two big windows and I mentioned those to the broker this morning. Plus the windows are awkwardly placed and I"m having trouble figuring out how to arrange my furniture in there. So don't get too excited yet about that one! Food for thought, given that it should really be PERFECT for a bigger pricetag.
More later, must drop the boys with their dad. I'm still looking/thinking about the perfect solution! All ideas welcome!
Back Road BearsYou can always add lights where they are needed. Use shades to point the light down.... it takes a lot of light to illuminate 15' high ceilings!
As for windows and how to arrange your things.... I always used to be one of those people who had to have my desk, work table, etc. up against a wall. Then I got over it. Now I've arranged my work tables in the middle of the room with just shelving on the walls or against them, under the windows, etc... more storage space! Put a chair in front of a window that you can sit in to work when you get tired of being at your desk. Get as creative in arranging your furniture as you do your bears!
What will you do about that fantastic photo studio you have in your closet????
For the higher price you do have to love your space. The other office you are/were considering that had no character..... did it have good light? Can you paint the walls? Put down area rugs? Get creative again with your furniture? Set up a stereo to play musice that'll put you in a creative mood then just close the door and create?? Can you MAKE it work and still WANT to go there??
Maybe you need to seek out a couple of more places to look at???
Chaska, MinnesotaGo for charming and like Daphne said "you can always add more lights". And Shelli....the way you talked about the other office, well, you sounded like it would not be a fun to place to work. Boring is how is sounded. You need a quirky and fun space. So if this charming house is not right, continue looking. I'd pass on the other place.
The other place isn't "bad" and it's the best of what I've seen otherwise; it's just charmless, as are most office spaces, in Chico or otherwise. Admit it; it's the rare 1890's house that's available for office use! Truly one of a kind, and I'm sure space there only RARELY opens up, so I'm thinking hard, trust me.
To answer Daphne's questions... YES the other place can be painted; I can envision how I'd place my furniture there; I CAN play a radio while working; and it has AMAZING light, and tons of it; I CAN put down area rugs.
The photo studio will remain in the guest room at home because, well, it's a guest room, so it can! Plus it's too difficult to move, frankly, unless I really have to. It's entirely artifically lit so I can take photos at night or on weekends; I'll just bring home finished work.
I hate being ambivalent. Life is easier when I am starkly and completely filled with conviction and opinion! Laughing here.
Will still be keeping eyes open and looking this weekend, possibly viewing the other spaces again, at different times of day, if the broker is game.
Fool's Gold BearsHI Shelli,
Well, how about making a large art studio in your back yard, and renting it out to compatability-screened applicants? They will pay for the utilities and cleaning lady, and be available as social interactors at your whim. :dance:
I came across a solution for preventing unwanted distractions that made me smile: One artist created a special hat which when worn, signalled to family and friends, "Do not disturb.". :crackup: I'm not sure how well it worked at allaying the calls of bookkeeping duties, etc. From "Living the Creative Life"by Rice Freeman-Zachery North Light Books
Reality check here, I'm still working on this myself. I have a wonderful light-filled studio attached to my home and office. It's beautiful and seemingly perfect, yet my internal discipline factor is seriously in need of adjustment.
Fool's Gold BearsIn fact, I can get so "deflected" that I take hours to respond to Shelli's original thoughts, missing a whole day's worth of responses and send one that is entirely irrelevant. :redface:
Hope you find a good one, Shel. Cheap and uninteresting could be a good choice, if the location is right. Being that you are a genius at design, you could make it into a hidden sanctuary to delight your soul.
Hi Shelli,
Absolutely beautiful house and would be so wonderful to showcase your Bears there.
I wish you well if this is the one for you.
We have a Planning Practice and operate out of an stand alone office which works out really well.
Just last week I had a Lady that is wanting to come next week and view my Bears.
I do think that it is nice to be able to differentiate between the home and work.
Hugs
Carolyn
