Creativity Isn't for Wimps

If you're a creative, chances are you've spent time daydreaming about doing your art full time.

Maybe you imagine what it would be like to be a novelist: words flowing out of you and onto the screen for hours at a time as you sit, tucked in your perfectly designed office. Or perhaps you've dreamed of being a painter full time, stacking completed canvases against a wall in your studio, waiting for the next gallery to call you and offer yet another a solo show.

Quilters, mixed media and fiber artists, illustrators, screen printers, potters ... we all dream of "someday" when our work will make it out of our studio and into the world, changing it for the better, don't we?

Altered jean skirt--circa 2007 in a college art course

Here's something that came as a revelation to me recently: making art is scary.

I've always been a creative who works in starts and stops. For a long time I blamed this on my propensity for switching gears. I get bored easily so I need to make room to change my mind, try new things, experiment frequently. While this makes sense when you're first trying a new creative field--say metalworking (which I didn't enjoy), pottery (enjoyed but too much room/expense required), or mixed media (loved and still love) at some point you have to really delve in to get into something.

Recently I was listening to a podcast, "Live Creative Now," by Melissa Dinwiddie. In it, she talked about creatives like me, who like to switch gears a lot, try new things. So much of what she said in that episode resonated with me. But one thing that I realized as I went back to my creative space the next day is this: fear is a great liar.

I mentioned before that I'm applying to be part of STRUT! and fashion show held as part of Art Hop in Burlington, Vermont. When I accepted the creative challenge I was so excited to get started! I practically ran to my studio to start cranking out beautiful, unique upcycled clothes.

Something funny happened, though. I kept getting stuck. I couldn't get the sleeves of one garment to fit another and didn't know how to fix it. I started making a skirt from a pair of jeans and it ended up looking lumpy and strange around the rear end. The skirt I painted on and appliqued had a funny, twisted up hem, making it appear crooked when I tried it on. After several days of problematic sewing and designing a little voice started to remind me how much I enjoy 2-D mixed media, using paper and found objects.

"This isn't your medium. You don't know what you're doing, really. Why not go back to what you love?"

and

"Who do you think you are? You're no designer. Leave that to the professionals and go back to what you know."

The "who do you think you are," question was a sure sign that I was scared. That annoying little phrase always pops up when I'm trying something new and am freaking out because it's imperfect. So part of me was dying to toss in the towel and forget about upcycling clothes and making textile art. The other part of me dug in my heels and said, "no way. I'm not giving up on this again."

I've tried upcycling clothes and accessories in the past with mixed results. The "failures" always bothered me so much that I eventually packed up the clothes I'd collected and either set them aside or gave them back to the thrift store.

This time was different though because I recognized that voice of fear. It wasn't that I was bored, or disinterested (though another voice tried to convince me I was!). It was that I was afraid to be creative in a medium I'm not as comfortable with (fabric) and tempted to run back to one that I know much better (paper).

Creativity isn't for wimps. While "they" (whoever "they" are in your life--family members, co-workers, the corporate world at large) may think that being an artist is all airy-fairy and an easy cop out to "real work," it's not. It's challenging to learn new things, to let yourself make mistakes, to make flops. It's hard to put work that you love and have poured yourself into out in public for others to find fault with, critique and maybe even make fun of.

If you can let yourself experience the joy of creating--even the hard parts where the process doesn't feel joyful in the least--you'll be blessed with so much freedom, though. Freedom from fear, from normality, from trying to fit your square self into that round hole. Being what you're meant to be is so much more rewarding than any attempt to make yourself into someone you are not.

Revelations, Inspirations and an Altered Art Bag

It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning. The only sounds were those of bicycle tires over gravel and songbirds chatting away in the trees above. Green buds, just forming, were the most beautiful shade of spring green.

My good friend J and I were riding our bikes on the local bike path, catching up and talking about life. J has known me for many, many years, so I felt comfortable sharing a revelation I'd had recently about my life's passion.

"You know how some people are just really focused on one thing?" I asked. "It's where their passion lies, it's what they're most interested in and they make it a priority in their life," I said. For my friend, it's fitness and health. As long as I've known her she's been a workout diva, a runner, a fitness instructor and always prioritizes exercise and healthy eating in her life.

I on the other hand, enjoy exercise because of how it makes me feel. If I could take it in pill form, I likely would. "I finally realized, after all these years what my "thing" is." I waited, part of me worried that she would be surprised when I told her what my revelation was.

"It's creativity," I said.

"Yeah, of course it is," J responded. "You've always been creative. Who else paints their car purple and draws flowers on it?" she asked, referring to my groovy Ford Festiva that had undergone a major overhaul when I inherited it from my parents. I laughed. Inside I was glowing. She knew! She accepted it like it was a cold, hard fact!

If you're anything like me, you sometimes struggle with calling yourself "an artist." Saying you're "creative," or "crafty," or "enjoy painting/sewing/making, etc." is easier than labeling yourself as the "A-word."

Of course, nothing pleases us more than someone else referring to us as artists. Especially if that person is an artist or judge or curator. What could be more validating?

J and I went on to talk about other things. I told her how I've been struggling lately with making without a purpose or goal in mind. I dislike clutter so it's hard for me to make things without them having homes. What will I do with all of the pieces after their finished? Store them for years (shiver, shiver).

I told her that I needed race dates. As a marathon runner and avid racer, J schedules races for herself to stay motivated and to have a goal to work toward.

"Maybe I need to enter competitions or try to take part in art shows or other things to stay motivated and have deadlines," I said as we pedaled along. I told her about STRUT! a fashion show held annually in Burlington, VT. I had contemplated applying to be a designer (upcycled fashion of course) earlier this year. But then life got in the way, as it often does. The deadline is quickly approaching in mid-June and I told J that I didn't have enough time to get pieces done to photograph and send in with the application.

"Yes, you do," she said. "You can do it. That's your race date."

Oh no. What had I done?! I tried to get out of it, tried a few other excuses, but J held firm. "You're going to do a great job. And I'll be here to cheer you on."

My stomach felt tight with dread. I would have broken out in a cold sweat but the air rushing past me was too cool for that. But underneath that layer of fear was something else: a glow of excitement. Maybe I could do it. Maybe I just need to break the big goal (three pieces ready to photograph in four weeks/five complete outfits done by September) down into smaller sections.

That afternoon, I looked over some sketches I'd done. I went through the reclaimed fabric and clothes that I've set aside for upcycling. And I started to feel that glow of excitement growing bigger and bigger.

What about you? Do you feel uncomfortable referring to yourself as an artist, or have you in the past? What tips would you give to others to help make this mental leap?

Maybe this bag will end up in the show ...

Altered art/upcycled canvas bag

Bag before:

Altered, Upcycled, Bead Emboidered Wrist Cuff

Hope you're having a great day ~ I got up early this morning (Sunday) for my quiet time and a walk outside before my son woke up. It was beautiful and nice to see the sun, but very chilly. 

Just a few quick minutes before I leave for church, but I wanted to share this wrist cuff I've been working on. I'm done with the top but still have to add the attachment (hook and eye) and back it because it's very messy on the other side. 

I like how the beading turned out: 

All the materials used were leftover scraps, vintage items and/or headed for the trash. 

I think that's my favorite thing about upcycling: making something beautiful and/or useful from something that would otherwise be considered trash. 

What creative projects are you upcycling this week? 

Exciting News ~ Altered Couture Magazine

{image credit}

Celebration! 

Well, maybe you've already guessed from the title, but I'm so excited to let you know that Altered Couture, one of my very favorite magazines, accepted my vintage upcycled slip for an upcoming issue! (You might remember me talking about submitting something?)

I don't have any more details right now, other than that I need to complete a 600 word synopsis of my process by mid-month. I actually have already sketched it out but still need to type it up and fine tune it a bit. When I got the email from the editor, I literally bounced in my seat, a wide smile on my face. I will remember this moment when I'm next feeling that sense of creative frustration.

I'm telling you this because I'm excited, yes, but also to encourage you to smack that inner critic in the head when he/she next pipes up and tells you, "oh, well, that's for other people, not you," or "you want to do what?!" It's for anyone, thanks so much, and doing things is absolutely the only way that we learn.

There are still so many creative things I want to try, some of which are very scary for me to admit. Most often when I'm enthralled with something new, I prefer to research it extensively. I read books/magazine articles/blog posts, etc., on the topic, listen to podcasts, try to find someone else to talk to about it.

The problem is that all that excitement and education about a topic, while wonderful and sometimes necessary, doesn't help you as much as trying to do the thing.

Creativity = Trial + Error (maybe lots of errors)

When it comes right down to it, you rarely learn how to do something if you never pick up the material/piece of furniture/beads/thread/lace and just give it a go.

What are some of the creative things you've tried that have flopped? What's turned out fabulously? Please share one of your experiences in the comments. 

Falling Out of Creative Sync

Do you have those times when it feels like everywhere you look, the world is blooming? Ideas come to you easily, inspiration is found around every turn, and your creative future looks bright.

Then, it happens.

Maybe it's because of a few bad nights of sleep, sickness (your own or a family member's), stress at work ... or maybe none of these things. But something changes and you start to lose that artistic glow.

Recently, I've been on cloud nine creatively. After months of burnout, I embraced the inspiration that poured out of the universe and covered me. Dreaming up ideas for new upcycled clothes designs, playing with beading, and generally receiving inspiration everywhere I turned refreshed my soul and renewed my hope that my creativity wasn't dead, after all.

Then we went on vacation. This was a big deal because: a) we'd been saving for months for this one, special trip to Long Beach, California and b) it was the first time we've traveled together as a family on a plane and c) it was the first paid, week-long vacation I've had in many years.

To say that my hopes were high would be an understatement. The trip was wonderful. I drank in the scenery, the colors, the sounds, the smells, the tastes that were all so different from home. I thrive with new-ness and there was plenty of that everyday!

It was also depleting because, as an introvert, I had extremely limited amounts of time to myself and I wasn't able to bring any creative projects with me. (I did do a little sketching, as it's easily portable.)

This week, I've been struggling. Not only because of the jet lag and recovering from the red-eye flight we took home Sunday night, but because I seem to have lost my creative mojo.

I finished one beading project--a vintage collar I've been working on for weeks--and feel at loose ends. I tried a new beading technique (on tulle) with very bad results. I have about a zillion and one ideas/projects for upcycled clothes but can't seem to get myself motivated to start even one.

Sometimes it feels like my dream of joining the ranks of creative women who have successful little side businesses is impossibly far away. Sometimes that voice saying, "who do you think you are?" is very loud. And sometimes it feels easier to tackle projects at home--sweeping the floor, tidying, washing dishes--than delve into a new project. At least housework shows immediate results.

But it doesn't feed my soul ...

{image credit}

Is it Possible to be Creative AND Clutter-Free?

This is a question that haunts me: is it possible for one to be both creative and clutter-free? So many of the hobbies that creatives love--painting, mixed media, sculpture, and sewing to name just a few--come with supplies.

In some cases, many, many supplies.

I'm a clutter-phobic in many ways. One of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is the post-season clean out, where I give away gifts I've gotten that I know someone else will love a thousand times more than me, or other, older items that I've received in order to make room for newer gifts.

It's a sort of sickness, I know. Along with taking down the Christmas tree sometimes hours after the holiday has ended.

Two years ago when I read Joshua Becker's book, Simplify, and decided to make my kitchen counters clutter-free, it was literally life changing.

Owning less is better than organizing more.

— Joshua Becker (@joshua_becker) June 28, 2014

There is something so beautifully freeing about it all. The process of letting go, of opening space, emotionally and physically, and allowing oneself the freedom that comes through clearing out and clearing away.

I'm by no means a true minimalist (if there even is one specific definition of the word), but I know that I feel better mentally and physically when there are places of bareness in my life.

What then, is a creative to do with necessary supplies?

In the past I did a lot of mixed media. As a treasure-hunter and upcycler, it was the perfect outlet for all the bits and pieces that others were tossing but that I found beautiful.

How much is too much, though? How do you know when you've reached your comfortable limit? I came across this lovely post by Renae at A New Journey talking about what being a minimalist crafter would look like.

What are your thoughts on the subject? If you consciously choose to minimalize your craft/hobby/art, how do you do it? 

My Submission for 'Altered Couture' Magazine

Do you enjoy Altered Couture magazine? It's one of my favorites. The pages are filled with inspiring projects of upcycled clothes and accessories by talented individuals. The beautiful images, and thick, beefy size of the magazine make it a pleasure to flip through while sipping tea in a cozy nook.

Another fun aspect of the publication is it's open call for submissions and challenges. This month there is one titled, "Playin' With Paint." It requires submissions to be painted or dyed--hopefully there are extra credit points for embellishing further.

[On the Blog] Get Published: March Calls and Challenges https://t.co/glHNk7cQju pic.twitter.com/OHpBj44Vhy

— Stampington (@Stampington) February 23, 2016

With the deadline of March 15th in mind, I worked to get the vintage slip-turned-dress ready to mail in. Yesterday, I finally had a chance to get some decent daylight to photograph a couple of pieces~my hubby is such a good sport, always willing to do an impromptu photoshoot.

Many magazines and online publications have strict rules about photographing pieces that they publish. Because I'm unsure about Altered Couture's rules, I'm not going to post pics of the dress here (yet) sigh. It's so hard to resist! I don't want to do all the hard work of submitting the thing though, only to find out that I'm ineligible because of photos published here.

I can, however, leave you with photos of another dress:

True, you've already seen this one, but I got some great shots of the back which is where the true beauty lies in my opinion. All those beautiful little bows add the perfect detail to the v-neckline, don't they?

a bit of wonkiness on that waist bow, I think I forgot to attach the little hook

Who am I and How Did I Get Here?

I love perusing my favorite blogs and, after I've found one that I really enjoy, one of the first places I head is to the "about" page. It helps to build a connection with the author and offers some really interesting insight into her (or his) life.

This post, which will be in two parts, will tell you a little bit about who I am and how I got here, specifically to this point in my creative journey, and why I started this blog.

*****

Look back, 2007 was the year everything changed for me. I had been working in the nonprofit world of human services for seven years. I'd finished my bachelor's degree in psychology and was ready to save the world! 

Instead, I burned out. My work as a case manager was stressful and depressing. Out of desperation, I eventually took a job that was a very bad fit. I worked as an administrative  assistant at a university with one goal in mind: go back to school--this time for free--for a second degree in art. 

I'd always been creative. Growing up in a family with three older, very artistic sisters helped. Add to that a mother and grandmother who were skilled at sewing and knitting and incredibly industrious, along with father who was naturally curious and excelled at all things technically-based (before being into tech was cool), and I guess it was meant to be. 

But back to 2007. I managed to take one art class: it was a watercolor painting class.The course was held in the most inspiring and exciting place: a costume design studio at the school. Unfortunately, soon after the class ended I was fired from my job. 

Now what? 

I knew I wanted a creative career, but how to go about it? I didn't have professional experience in the arts or a degree to help me get there. 

I took another administrative assistant job, this time through a temp agency. It was dreadfully boring. I took more art classes and continued making art in my free time. Mixed media was my area of interest, though I also made handbags, embellished vintage hats and at one point, even ran a tiny vintage shop out of my home. Taking old things and turning them into beautiful or useful items has always been a passion. 

I read book after book about leaving your day job behind to pursue your true passion. I absorbed messages on this subject with gusto. Getting an inspirational kick in the pants, though, is different than actually taking action ... 

Stay tuned for Part II. 

Art Doll Box Reveal

Ah, there's nothing like the feeling of happiness that comes from finishing a project, particularly one that you weren't quite sure was going to come out well.

When I first talked with you about this Art Doll Box, it was in the dolly-dismemberment phase. I was feeling a bit like a serial killer in my basement, taking the arms and legs and head off of this poor, hapless china doll.

Alas, she was at Goodwill for only a buck, so I couldn't resist trying. And I'm glad that I did.

Aptly named, "Art Doll Box" (for now at least)

Sometimes the scariest part of trying a new-to-you project, is taking that first step. Do you ever struggle with taking something apart, even if it was something that was completely cheapo and found at a yard sale or thrift shop?

Her heart ... 

I feel like this doll needs her story told. Also, maybe a real name "Art Doll Box" isn't very creative. Do you have any suggestions?

I'm happy to walk you through the steps of this project, if you're interested. You may be able to figure out what I did just from the photos, but let me know if you'd like a more behind-the-scenes look.

She'll be up in the shop soon. Though I'm happy with her, I want her to find a home where she's truly adored.

Creativity and Frustration

Good morning~hope you enjoyed a nice weekend. Mine was ... busy. Again.

This has become a weekly occurrence it seems: I spend most of the work week dreaming about all the fun, creative projects that I will tackle as soon as Saturday morning comes. I creep out of bed in the wee hours (well, before 6 a.m.) and maybe get started with one project.

Then, I hear it: the thump, thump, thump of little feet pounding down the stairs. Or the worse sound of retching as one of the cats heaves up his or her breakfast (or a hairball) somewhere nearby.

Sigh. 

Life conspires against us creatives sometimes. And it's not just the early-morning interruptions that wear you down. It's the constant go-go-go of life: groceries and bill paying and bank runs and appointment scheduling and exercise routines and tidying the house and cooking and caring for little people or parents ... all good and necessary things. But all draining of one's creative energy and mojo.

{image credit}

Perhaps that's where the wisdom of this quote comes in. What if I stopped thinking about separate time for creative pursuits (or at least obsessing over how to get more of it) and start adding more creativity into my everyday life?

Taking pictures while walking on a break at work, trying a new color nail polish, writing a single scene on your tablet while commuting on the bus, trying one new recipe this week--what are some ways that you could add just a few bite-sized pieces of creativity to your life?

Please share in the comments, it would be great to hear what others are doing/plan to do. 

PS I did carve out time to start making my dress for a Downton Abbey event at the local library. It's coming along nicely though I have to fix the neckline which is quite "bubbly." Pics soon!

Making Free Tassels

Gosh, I love tassels. Not the perfect ones you find at the craft store to attach to pillow corners or the center of window shades though. I like the messy, chaotic, uneven, uncensored kind.

Recently, while perusing a copy of Green Craft on the exercise bike, it hit me. I could make tassels.

You might remember my doll dismemberment project? It's coming along nicely (insert music from Psycho here). Well, I realized what was missing (besides the poor doll's body--ha!) is color. So, this afternoon I remedied the problem by creating some colorful tassels from bits of ribbon, a doily, some pearls I found and beads.

First, I wanted to show you a trick. I'd like to say that I thought this up on my own, but as most of what happens creatively for me, it was a total accident.

I'm not even sure what this ribbon is called, but I want to say grosgrain? I don't know. It looks like canvas but isn't as thick. Can you tell me?

Anyway, the first tassel I made was a little dense looking. I like chunky but this one didn't have much movement at all. So, I took it apart and decided to tear this ribbon down a little more. I made a tiny cut:

Yikes! Get that woman some lotion.

And pulled. Voila!

I love the raw edges and the lighter, airier look post tearing.

Here's a last shot of the tassels before they go into the deep, dark basement (aka my "studio") where they will be attached to the Art Doll Box.

Dismembering a Doll: Upcycled Art

It was a dark and stormy night. A woman sat alone in her basement, the chill, damp air creeping up her legs. She shivered and adjusted the light, illuminating a tiny figure on the table in front of her. 

"This won't hurt," she murmured. Then, under her breath, "much." 

I am not a fan of dolls. They give me the creeps, probably because I was traumatized watching "Chuckie" when I was at a sleep over party in the third grade (don't ask).

This poor, hapless doll is nothing like Chuckie. She is sweet and innocent (though it does feel like her little painted eyes follow me around the room at times). A Christmas doll I picked up at Goodwill for a buck last week with one intention in mind: dismemberment.

It had to be done.

"Heeeeeelllllp!"

It was a bit harder to get my scissors through the cloth of the body around her extremities than expected.

Note gummy glue stuck on

And you can see from the picture of her arms, that there is a thick glue still stuck to them. I had the same problem with her legs this morning, but after a day-long bath in the sink, the glue was easily removed with my fingernail.

"Mooooom, what is THIS in the sink?!" (Son, while brushing his teeth.)

I have big plans for this doll involving a vintage wooden box and a shiny, red enamel heart. I can't wait to see how it all comes together--but have to admit I did feel like somewhat of a serial killer taking her apart in the basement.

Let's just hope she stays on the dining room table tonight and doesn't find her way up to my bedroom, Chuckie-style.

What's your latest dissemble project?