I'm not sure - but I think I got to a point in my wool work where I was feeling like I was just pumping out product because I had to - not because I was enjoying it. I work a full-time job in addition to working my creations. I'm not using that as an excuse - because many other people do the same - but I think I just became exhausted and burned out.
While cleaning through some things a couple weeks ago, I ran across some of my first wool experiential pieces. When I looked at them, they were all individual pieces - nothing amazing or earth-shattering, but what many of them had in common was the extra detailed work.
Suddenly it hit me - maybe what I'm missing is not the creating - but perhaps the enjoyment of relaxing, spending as long as I needed on each piece, and the joy of putting more detailed, loving care into each item.
I'm going to move forward trying to balance the need-to-get-done and the want-to-spend-time-on pieces. There is enjoyment in both. With balance.
Anyway....here's a little peek at one of my first items - a small clutch/coin bag. I hand embroidered flowers and leaves on the front and the word "Grow" on the back with simple blanket-stitching around the entire piece. I still love the great shades of purple. [Well, duh, of course I would. :-)]
Love the flowers. They remind me of purple asters.
ReplyDeleteI understand... I, too, struggle to find that balance. I just try to be sure I'm making things I love. I don't always find others that love them, too. For me the therapy of making is more important than the thrill of finding a buyer... And just often enough someone comes along that loves what I do, so I keep doing it and I'm not drowning in wool kitty cats!
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