Over the years I have shared with readers my creative space in Clayton, California. Each year I enjoy making new changes to improve my studio. Since, 2021 I have been documenting my studio changes. Part of that process involves purchasing new equipment, tools and unique art pieces. Being in my studio is one of my favorite places on earth. Each day I look forward to walking upstairs to the studio and getting started on new creations. Working in the studio delivers a sense of peace, making my creative space ideal for new ideas. This year's studio updates centered around adding art, setting up an industrial machine and creating a more comfortable space to accommodate my ongoing physical pain. In this blog article I am excited to share with readers those changes. So, lets take a look...   

"I fell in love with the creative process because of the unlimited possibilities."
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Chopin Chandelier purchased at the Palo Alto Festival of The Arts in the MONOLISA Studio from Blog Article: Step into My Studio Where the Creations Happen - Year 2024

My New Pink Chopin Chandelier 

The Chopin Chandelier - The Palo Alto Festival of The Arts 

This year I wanted to continue the theme of adding more color in the MONOLISA Studio. The first art purchase was from one of my favorite art shows, the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts. I was so excited and honored to participate in the art show. When I arrived at the show I immediately fell in love with a hanging art piece. The whimsical art piece was surrounded by colorful chandeliers. My favorite piece hung above a piano with a sign that said play me. As I studied the spiral chandeliers swaying in the warm morning breeze they didn't appear to be for sale. The chandeliers where displayed to encourage people to play a song on the piano. The spiral glass looking chandelier designed in bold pink colors was calling my name. Its vibrate colors were infectious. I had to take this chandelier home with me and put it in my studio!

By the end of the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts show, my goal was to find out the talented artist behind the bright pink chandelier creation. As the hours went by at the show I asked one of the art show volunteers to find out who the artist was behind these incredible one of a kind Chopin Chandeliers. The volunteer didn't know, but offered to try and find out. By the end of the day, to my surprise, the helpful volunteer found the artist's name and cell phone number.

At 8:30am the following day I called the talented artist, Claudette Mannina. Luckily, I was fortunate to reach Claudette immediately. Our conversation included the details behind her beautiful "Chuhuly" inspired chandeliers and the lengths she went to create the chandelier collection. Claudette detailed her creative process of collecting over a thousand plastic bottles for the re-cycled chandelier collection. Her creative process made me love the chandelier pieces even more. By the end of the show I was the proud owner of the pink chandelier. I was so excited to get home and hang it up in the MONOLISA Studio. 

Simon Bull Art called the

My New Simon Bull Art Piece Above Jewelers Bench

ADDING MORE COLOR IN MY STUDIO

My obsession with adding more color to my studio was inspired during a Carmel, California trip I took in 2023 with my husband. After dining a few times at one of my favorite restaurants in Carmel, Pangaea Grill and observing their featured artists paintings of cherry blossoms by British Artist Simon Bull I had to take that feeling home with me. So, that is what I did. Last year I purchased a few of Simon Bull's cherry blossom art work to create additional brightness and memories for my studio. This fall I couldn't resist adding one more of Simon's pieces in my studio - above my jewelers bench. When choosing the right piece I continued with the colorful cherry blossom theme and chose the art piece called the "Arrival of Fall". The flower picture is breathtaking and features cherry blossoms in soft hues of pink, light purple, touches of white flowers twisting around a tree branch. The portrait also displayed a shining white moon on a sophisticated gray background. I love the piece. Every morning the picture greets me and delivers such joy. 
Lafuma Chair on Wheels in MONOLISA Studio in Clayton, California from Blog Article: Step into My Studio Where the Creations Happen - Year 2024

My new Lafuma chair 

LAFUMA CHAIR ON WHEELS

Managing physical pain has been a big part of my life for over a decade. This year managing that pain went beyond my normal aches from my back, feet and hips. Unfortunately, I struggle with sitting on chairs and standing too long - which can be challenging. This year my symptoms got much worse. I started developing a new pain in my leg. To relieve my ongoing pain I was in search of a zero gravity chair. I had tried one recently and loved the pain relief it delivered. During my zero gravity chair Google search I couldn't find one to my liking - too costly and weighed too much. It was simple what I wanted - a light-weight zero gravity chair on wheels without breaking the bank. Easier said than done. My husband suggested a Lafuma chair. Its affordability and light weight design was attractive. I just needed to have it on wheels. I decided to purchase a Lafuma chair.
Artist Lisa Ramos Sitting on a Lafuma in my MONOLISA Studio in Clayton, California from Blog Article: Step into My Studio Where the Creations Happen - Year 2024

Lisa sitting on a Lafuma chair.

When I got it I immediately fell in love with the comfort and pain relief on my body. There was only one slight problem. Every time I tucked myself under my desk I couldn't get out easily. I needed to come up with a solution to fix this or I would risk falling trying to get out from under my desk. If only I could implement wheels on it that would solve the problem. So, that is what I did or I should say my husband did. We bought a piece of plywood and a small wheel dolly. Then we attached the plywood on the dolly and clamped the Lafuma on the wood. It worked perfectly. Now I have a zero gravity chair on wheels. I can easily get in and out of my desk and move it around my shop wherever I need it. 

TechSew Skiver in the MONOLISA Studio from Blog Article: Step into My Studio Where the Creations Happen - Year 2024

My new  Techsew SK-4 Leather Skiving Machine

TECHSEW SK-4 LEATHER SKIVING MACHINE

As my business grows I try to work smarter, not harder. Using high quality industrial machines allows me to work smarter during my handbag design to development process. Last year I had my eyes on a new industrial machine that would help with my handbag production process. So, in December I decided to purchase a leather skiving machine. I chose the Techsew SK-4 Leather Skiving Machine from Canada. 
One of the challenges when buying industrial machines is having adequate studio space and figuring out how to get it up the stairs to my MONOLISA Studio. These industrial machines and table weigh over 100 pounds. So, first I had to figure out those details. I decided on purchasing a smaller size skiving machine which meant less weight and space in the studio. Next, I had to figure out who could take the machine up my steep stairs. My sister in law had suggested using the service LUGG - hiring people to move furniture. So, that is what I did. When the skiver arrived in January I hired two LUGG movers to bring the skiver up the stairs. I was thrilled with their service. The movers completed the job quickly and without any injuries. 

It has taken years to get my dream studio together. I am so grateful for my creative space. I wouldn't have my high quality machines, countless tools and beautiful art pieces without all of my loyal MONOLISA Customers! A huge thank you to all of the customers who have supported my work over the years and have given me this incredible studio.  
"Thank you for taking the time to read my blog." 
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California Handbag and Jewelry Designer Lisa Ramos
This blog post is written by California Designer, Lisa Ramos.

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