Find Your Voice

Find your voice, find out who you are. These are both phrases that designers and artists hear constantly. This is somewhat true. I say somewhat because true artists change and grow. I would use the word evolve but I think it is over used these days. I like the word grow because it is a truer picture of what we are doing as artists. Perhaps it is a choice determined by marketplace. We have to make a choice based on economics,

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what we are creating isn't selling, or the market is flooded. Many times artists grow as they master advanced techniques or decide to grow in a particular direction. Almost all artists struggle with paying bills and making creations that will sell. I say almost because there are the few that create for themselves, but they will at some point run out of room on their walls for more paintings and you can only wear so many scarves or hats.

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So, the problem is how do we listen to the marketplace and still be true to the artist inside us. It is a fine line. The bottom line for me is do I enjoy creating it (whatever "it" is) and are people willing to purchase my creations.  I have read the Quit your Day Job posts on Etsy. I have read many of them over the years and the thought throughout all of the posts is "Follow your passion". Are you passionate about what you are creating? Would you create it regardless of what the world says? How to make it marketable is another question for another day. So find your voice, create what makes you happy. Why spend your time making things that you do not have a passion about! Why create things that make you frustrated or worried. Your joy in creating and your passion in your art will translate itself into sales. If you wonder why on earth anyone would pay for "it", you should not be trying to sell "it". If you create something and then say "I love it" this is great. I have such a hard time selling this because I love it so much. Then you are on the right track.

Talk to you later,

Karen

Do you agree or disagree?

 

Summer on Etsy

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Here are a few shops on Etsy that have beautiful items for Summer. I can just see my summer reading or pool items packed into this wonderful bag.

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I would love to journal all of my wonderful summer vacation into the luxurious leather journal. What a great gift for for a writer!

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This glowing sea glass pendant would go great with just about anything in my closet.

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I really love the combination of the blues and yellows in this table runner. It  is just gorgeous and what a easy way to set the patio table.

See you later,

Karen

 

Quilts of Love

Nancy Henry started quilting when her oldeest son (now 30) was a year old.

"It got me out of the house for a class once a week. The one block I was supposed to make turned into 20 and became a whole quilt. Being in a community of crafters has saved my sanity more than once. I draw inspiration and wisdom from others in my quilt guild!



I fell into Etsy after I left a corporate accounting job over an ethical issue. I was so disillusioned that I just wanted to quilt and hide. And my husband let me!!! My best friend had heard of Etsy and suggested it. The people on Etsy and my teams in particular are wonderful and kind and we are our own crafting community.



In my shop I talk about tucking my boys in at night when they were little and putting on quilts and calling them "Layers of Love"...One layer of love, two layers of love, and on a REALLY cold night, three layers of love."



These are just a few of my favorites. Aren't they beautiful hand made layers of love? Which quilt of Nancy's is your favorite? Did your Mom do anything that spoke of her love for you? You can find Nancy and her quilts here at http://www.NHquiltarts.etsy.com.

See you later,

Karen