Creating a special room of your own

If you dream of creating your own space where you can be creative in the New Year, start with the special issue magazine, Studios.

It doesn't matter whether you are a sewer, painter or writer, this collection of examples is full of ideas.

Of course, if you have the money to build an addition to your home, this will show you how others have done it. If your artistic budget is more limited, collect old library card file cabinets like Wendy Vecchi of Oglesby, Ill., southwest of the Chicago area.

Some of these (mostly) women share space in vintage buildings that seem so perfectly suited to hold studios, such as old schools and mills.

But others work happily in spare bedrooms, a glorified backyard shed and basements.

It's worth the purchase just to see the many organizational methods that creative folks have come up with for their supplies.

The magazine is $7.99 on the newsstand. Visit quilt ingarts.com

Curves to go is the new thing in pillows

Many people enjoy Curvy Pillows. These come in three shapes designed after nature - a round one for your head, a full-body sized one and one to support anyone who sits up to read or watch television in bed.

The new product from the 20-year-old Deerfield company is Transformational Pillow Covers. That means when you are traveling, you can tuck the pillows from the hotel or your host into these covers that form them into the three shapes.

The three-piece set is $80 plus $5 shipping and is available on Amazon.com. Each can be purchased individually, too. The company can be reached at (847) 317-9804.

A way to display your priceless art

Hanging your darling's artwork on the wall or across a window will not only decorate your home, but also help you organize these important collections.

The Land of Nod has three versions - birds, flowers or stars - and each is $12.95 and 6 feet long.

You might want several for the youngster's room, the kitchen and maybe your bedroom, too.

Visit landofnod.com or call (800) 933-9904.