Posts Tagged ‘making’

Sometimes, One of A Kind is wonderful. New to Mireio: Hand lined vintage straw beach bag.

Dilemma:

I think like most artists, I sometimes struggle with the sameness of what I do. I find myself daydreaming about a jewelry line or a clothing line or a “that’s just amazing thingamajigit” line. It’s not that I don’t love making the things I make,  I do, I do! It’s just that at times I want to try something new. Something different. Something outside my comfort zone, or something to challenge my skill-set and help me grow.

There is a special balance to keeping your store well-stocked. If you strike it correctly, then you have time to make new items AND fill current orders. But it doesn’t leave much time for CREATIVITY.  It’s the curse of being busy—one I am deeply grateful for, even if I lament just a bit the loss of exploration.

And then there is the question of multiples. As store owners, it’s easy to get ahead of yourself on this one. You spend a ton of time sourcing and launch into a supply buying frenzy before you’ve really figured out if this new passion is really for you!  I’ve found my-self down that particular rabbit hole far too many times.

When you create using vintage and upcycled goods, there is a nagging thought that sticks with you, “Yes, this is perfect. But it’s just ONE. Can you actually make more?” A lot of time can be invested sourcing only to discover that as much as you love your creation, it can’t be easily reproduced. Which throws a big old wet towel on you burning desire for creativity.

Darn it! What’s an artist to do?

Solution:

I’ve come to a conclusion. It’s OK to do one of kind things. Even if those things are completely unrelated to what I typically create for Mireio. I can make anything I want to! And I should. When the muse strikes, I’m not going to spend dozens of hours researching the details and specifics. I’m not going to get ahead of myself ordering supplies to make LOTS. I’m just going to MAKE. ONE.

And I’ve come to another conclusion. It’s OK to sell those one of a kind things! Even if those things are unrelated to what I typically create for Mireio! If my moment of creativity becomes something I want share —then Mireio is all the better for it. It doesn’t dilute my line or my brand or my niche (no matter what the artist-run business pundits might advise.) It just means that Mireio will reflect my passion and creativity —and those of you who follow my work will have an opportunity to collect something completely unique and wonderfully Mireio.

I’m convinced this exercise in giving myself permission to be creative has had a powerful influence on the rest of my work. Taking time to be creative, to just create because you WANT to, not because you have an order to fill, or need to stock your store, is invigorating.

So, if you find yourself wishing to make something different, something beyond what you normally do. DO IT! But do it just ONCE. Don’t spend time sourcing out supplies to make more at a better profit. Don’t even think profit. Think CREATIVITY! Do, and be inspired. And share your creation if you so choose. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make!

A glimpse into my studio: buttons, buttons, buttons!

Where have I been? Where have YOU been? I hope outside playing and enjoying summer. I’ve been splitting my time between a stack of library books and doing time in the studio. And I’ve been photo-journaling my summer over on Evidently.

I’ve also been thinking a lot about the fall launch and making plans, sourcing new products, and getting ready for the big 2 year Anniversary in August. There will be a SALE! as always and I hope you’ll tune in to see all the new and amazing things I have in store for Mireio as we head into the Fall.

But not just yet… soon! I’ll keep you all posted and hope you’ll keep in touch! There’s still plenty of time for playing in the sun and I’m hoping to squeeze in some of that while I work on all the surprises in store for Mireio!

So, tell me… what have YOU been doing?

There’s something about September that gets me thinking about holiday crafting. Not everything on my gift lists will be handmade, but I try to include at least one thing I’ve made each year. Having a store helps, but even so—there are just so many candles and pillows my family wants. I think I might have saturated that market a bit. . . so I’m working on collecting new ideas for this season.

Below you’ll find beginnings of  a resource list I hope to keep adding to, so we’ll call this Part One. It’s separated into 4 categories—Supplies, Fiber, Diy kits, and Fabric. As I find new ideas for “making” this holiday, I’m going to keep adding to this list. If it gets too long, well–we’ll give its own page! So, keep checking back for new ideas. And, by all means, if you have a suggestion please leave it in the comments!

The Best of Etsy — 9 September 2009 — The Ultimate Craft List (part one!)

Supplies:

(shown) Carta, inc (gorgeous ribbon from Italy!)

Mosaics! If you need tiles for anything Cocomo is the place to go!

Handknitted and crocheted By Clarice

Chicalessia (ooh, velvet beads!)

Anti-nu Fun vintage and upcycled notions

Whimsical ceramic buttons Sienna Orlando

Hand-dyed ribbon Jody Poesy

Paper stock ThienThanh

Fiber:

(shown) Yarmee

Spazzy Handspun Yarn

Robayre

For a deeper palette Three Ravens

Fibro Fibers (for charity!)

Loop (fiber arts and supplies)

Hazel Knits

Lulubeans

Rawfish (batts and handspun yarn!)

Springtree Road

Knitty and Color (ooh, hand-painted roving!)

Moonrover

DIY:

(shown) DIY kit and tutorial for ribbon rosettes Bustle

DIY kit Doll house miniatures by The Twelfth Dimension (Seriously cute!!)

Kit: Make your own cosy cup by Bird and Belle

Patterns! Taffy Jane

Fabric:

(shown) Uberstitch

Antique Linen Store, Grainsack

Cicada Studio (handprinted fabrics)

Yarnahoy (exotic fabrics)

Varigated Wool and linen remnants

Feedsax

Paperhill Fabric (bolt vintage!!)