I know, I know, where have I been?! Definitely absent from the blogosphere, that’s for sure! I have been super busy with work and life stuff this week, and have had what feels like zero creativity/inspiration/project time. But never fear, I am back and hope to be filling this little blog with lots more design fun this week.
Last night was my second interior design class. And let me just say, I am loving it!!! Sure, there’s a lot of reading, but it’s actually reading I like! And sure, it’s a long class after a long day (try 6-10:15pm after being at work since 8:30am and it taking an hour and a half in traffic to get there!)…but it’s been really interesting and fun so far.
So of course I want to share what I’m learning in class (and 10 bonus points to anyone who knows the source of my new category “cool school” – it may or may not be from a cult early 90s TV show)!
I am a super nerd because I was SO EXCITED to bring all my brand new architectural drafting supplies to class. We were learning the basic principles of drafting!!! L-O-V-E. We brought in the measurements of our bedrooms and bathrooms and were taught how to put it on drafting paper:
my first attempt at drafting!
This week I have to place my existing furniture and then turn it in for grading/critique. Omigosh I love this stuff. (By the way, that little silver thing with all the shapes is an eraser shield, and the white “pencil” is actually an eraser, and they are both the best inventions ever!!!)
After drawing for about half the class, our instructor started a lecture on design elements and design principles. I bet you remember this from art class, but here’s a refresher (and no, I won’t define them all – they are pretty self-explanatory!):
Elements of Design - the use of these elements drive the success of a room design
- Space
- Line
- Color
- Shape
- Texture
- Form
Principles of Design - these principles guide the relationships of design elements in a room design
- Harmony & Unity
- Balance
- Contrast
- Rhythm
- Emphasis
- Proportion & Scale
So, that’s a bit what I’m learning so far! I’ll be sure to share more as I go along. 
And let me just say, I am SO GLAD I decided to (finally) take this class!
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s awesome! I wish I knew how to do that.
Oh, and I tried subscribing to your blog but I don’t see the feed URL?
Sorry about that! For some reason I can’t get the title to link to the feed, but if you click the orange feed button it works. OR, here ya go: http://inthetweeds.com/feed/
Thanks for stopping by (and commenting! I love comments!)!
GEL-US. You are at NVCC, correct? Might I inquire as to the campus? Feel free to email instead of reply by comment if you don’t want everyone to know!
I would really like to get into it this winter!
Been lurking for a few weeks…I’m glad you’re enjoying your drafting class! Girl, I can’t even tell you how glad I am that I never have to use a t-square & eraser guard again! It’s definitely a great skill set, but once you start learning AutoCAD, you’ll never turn back! { however, you will most definitely use your scale and flimsy paper for the rest of your life!! }
Ms. Bright – Thanks for lurking (and commenting!)!!! I’m sure I will be very ready for AutoCAD by the end of this class…I was already going cross-eyed trying to tick off an inch on my architectural ruler! But it sure is fun to learn the basics right now – and shows me I sort of knew what I was doing when I was little drawing fantasy house plans with secret passageways.
How fun! Not only did I draw floor plans when I was 12 and get drafting supplies for Christmas (true story), I took a drafting class in high school using AutoCAD. You’re making me want to take classes, too!
L – I really think you ought to…even if just for fun!
Oh my, I cannot draw anything to scale much less use drafting tools! I signed up for 3-hour design seminar being taught by a local Apartment Therapy blogger and am so excited to learn from her. It’s great to learn from the experts, isn’t it?
JourneyChic – Ooooh how fun! I’m jealous! I had no idea AT did seminars…I’m going to have to pop by and check it out. Can’t wait to hear the full report!
Loving the stencil…I could have used those back when we were working with an architect.
If you ever want to practice I have a remodel you can play with =)! Love that you are finally pursuing your passion for REAL! I am such a dork but I cried when I saw the image… I am so proud my friend! Can’t wait to learn all that you are learning… thanks for sharing!
Laur – Thanks for the encouragement! You are the best friend a gal could have!
Wow – this is SO cool. Learning real ‘stuff’ you can apply immediately. Do you need a “blank canvas” to practice on… remember we are just around the block (literally).
Oh – and I was so inspired by your list of things to do – I’ve been sending a hand-written note (do thank you notes count?) at least once a week already! I always loved writing snail mail but now I think it’s becoming a habit.
Last thing, I swear… the freezer. That’s how I always have something on hand to take as a hostess gift. Over-ripened bananas… make a loaf or two of banana bread and pop it (well wrapped) in the freezer – or just pop one loaf in the freezer and slice up one for you and your husband.
Kara – I KNOW! I totally need to get over there! I can’t promise much, but it would be fun to brainstorm with you! You are doing better than I am with the letter-writing goal…to be rectified this week, do not worry.
And BTW you are a genius. DUH – freezer. Okay I’m on it!
The interior design world is so amazing and you’ll learn a ton. Like everyone said, wait until you get into AutoCAD. You can do in hours what it would take you in days to hand draft!
But enjoy the hand drafting! It’s the basic fundamentals.
Blake – It is super fun to learn this foundational stuff!…even if it is a little archaic! I love this little journey – who knows where it will go?! Thanks for stopping by!
I love it! My second class is tonight and we’re doing the exact same thing. I’ll have to follow you through your journey. Drafting is fun but drawing those perfect straight lines are not as easy as it sounds! I wish you the best of luck!