Knack Studios :: Finding Light & A Little Magic, too
As we stepped into Knack Studios I had to stifle my naturally zealous gasp. This place was filled with a light that seemed nothing short of magic…
Moments earlier we had just been driving through rows and rows of mill houses in an up and coming area of Greenville, South Carolina. (We like to poke around a bit when we visit a new city and find little hidden gems whenever possible.) After driving past Knack Studios and seeing the name etched on the glass, I had made my husband turn around and go back. Knack Studios. Surely that wasn’t the same Knack Studios of the famous Barb Blair, whose book I owned and loved? No. It must just be a coincidence! But, no, on further examination, it was THE Knack Studios and THE Barb Blair and her studio was actually open on a Sunday! (I later found out that there was a special arts event going on that weekend and that normally she wouldn’t have even been open!)
I am afraid that I am deathly shy and nearly turned away from the door, but my curiosity overcame my shyness and within minutes I was in the door, hugging THE Barb Blair and finding an instant friend and creative soul. I have thought a lot about what makes Barb’s studio so different and while I realize that the big gorgeous picture windows and white painted brick add a lot of light to the space, I really think it is Barb herself that makes Knack Studios feel like magic. I have been in many studios over the years and have really come to believe that you can really feel the person who creates in what they have created and here was just one more example to prove that theory.
After hearing a little about Barb’s story of going from being a hair dresser to a tinkerer, painting furniture pieces for friends, to becoming a published author with a successful business… well, I was certain there was something special about Barb (and I am not just talking about the fact that she dresses cool and has awesome hair!) A lot of people think that finding success in life means giving up a lot of what really matters to you, but Barb disproves that theory with her kindness, gentleness, and passion.
Today I wanted to share a piece of our visit to Knack Studios and very soon we will have a bigger surprise for you as soon as we finish up some of our own tinkering. But, for now, please step in to Knack Studios and enjoy a little bit of Barb’s endearing Southern charm and the beautiful space she has created…
You can visit Knack Studios in Greenville, South Carolina, but there is also an online shop were you can purchase many of the items shown in today’s photos. Barb stocks Trouve Magazine and I also grabbed the adorable arrow tape and City Building Blocks for my boys, but this pale blue dresser is on my wish list!
Photos:: Tina Fussell
