We took a month off from work to settle in and build the chook shed and bring the 5 acre garden back to life, basically switching off which was long overdue for both of us. During this time I was busy scoping potential studio buildings for sale in our historic main street.  I came across the perfect space built around 1900. SOLD. We began renovating in February, I am a sucker for a renovation rescue and this was a challenge on many levels, as there was a few things that I had never encountered before, i.e how do I re-motar a brick wall? Good old Google…(I spent two weeks alone on that brick wall, it nearly broke me!)

Last week we launched our new website (check it out) www.dayates.com.au and  today is May 25,  Our wedding anniversary and a fitting day to open the doors for business.  Welcome to the new Studio Yates + Gallery.

Let the renovating begin. Before shots on my IPhone, I am much more clever on my big camera.

Oh dear what have I done!

And Now…We are so proud of our place.

This is the front Gallery, housing our fine art works for sale, pretty portrait and wedding shots and ample space to chill and enjoy. For those of you that came to the studio in Brisbane this is double the size of the space we had.

A walk through our new hallway and you reach our studio area and client viewing space. I am now very good at white washing floors, Mickey is a master painter and great at hanging art work.

Our huge office. Compete with fully stocked wine fridge, oh yes…

My bricks that I made friends with, and no studio Yates is complete without a blackboard..

So there you have it, I am back. And I cant wait to show you all the new things we have been working on and will be introducing in the future. And sharing with you our adventures with our beautiful brides, families, bush landscapes and the chooks.

x Denise (photographer, master builder, and lover of her new home.)

P.S Happy Anniversary my love, thank you for being my sunshine and such a brilliant painter and plasterer.

To begin our blog I though it might be appropriate to show another beginning in our lives, OUR NEW STUDIO. Ok so its not so new now, being 4 months old.

For almost 3 years we operated from a tiny office in our tiny house. We toyed with building a studio under the house which got too complicated and then a ray of light shone on our fortunes and the perfect place came up for lease in our home suburb of Seven Hills. We took the plunge armed with paint brushes, sledge hammers and a lot of faith in our abilities as builders. 2 months later, six levels of lino ripped up, more coats of paint than the Sistine chapel  and new found friends at Bunnings we opened the doors to our lovely studio.

Thanks must be given to Jeff – (Bob) our builder, Staunchy – Electrical magician, Ange – Inspirational Interior Designer and amazing support! Dave – Brother, architrave expert, and general overseer, John – Mickey’s dad, a hidden Picasso and Lila – daughter who bless her cotton socks came and helped out as much as she could and suggested we have pizza at Marco’s every night.

The greatest thanks must go to my lovely husband Mickey. Thank you baby, for having faith in what we do and what I do and for working your butt off and still loving me even when I am a crazy lady. xx

So please enjoy our before and after pictures and feel free to say hi and leave your thoughts.

x Denise

I am sure the caption for this is “Babe where the hell do we begin?”

A wall down and six floors up.

Its a family effort, Lila, Mickey and John

A bit of paint and some pretty pictures…..Hello Studio Yates

The Studio and Viewing Room

Reception Area (My welcoming room)

Let’s go outside..

When you drive past look out for my scribbles on my outdoor black board which is updated with my favourite quotes and any news.

]]> http://www.dayates.com.au/blog/2009/06/hello-da-yates/feed/ 5 http://www.dayates.com.au/blog/2008/02/hello-world/ http://www.dayates.com.au/blog/2008/02/hello-world/#comments Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:50:23 +0000 Denise Yates http://blog.dayates.com.au/?p=1 We now have a blog.