Thursday, January 10, 2008

Making Important Stuff

The other day Carol left a comment that she gets bogged down making things for others which leaves her no time to explore her creativity. While she is kind and generous in doling out her beady things, her muse is starving for attention. Oddly enough, I am familiar with this concept. It's not that I make things for others, rather I make things that I know will sell in quantity, like patterns and kits. That leaves little time for the creative artsy items I take to art shows. The problem there being that I need to have a booth full of creative artsy items for every art show I do. It is a quandary, is it not?

So, how do we fulfill the one without neglecting the other? I would bet that some of you have family/friends who are always asking you to make something for them, right? But in order to do that, you put that fabulous necklace for yourself on hold, so much so that when the big event you wanted it for came along, you didn't get to wear it because it wasn't finished. Anyone? Show of hands please. Ah, I thought as much. The bracelet did not get worn because so many others needed jewelry for that event. Granted, I got paid well, but still . . .

So, what must we do to overcome the necessary obstacles in order to make ourselves happy. It is human nature for women to put themselves second because of the gene that makes nurturing creatures. It's not easy to be selfish and do something just for us, and even when we do, chances are we will feel guilty about it. So, I propose a project to you all. Make a piece, just for you and your muse. You have six months (because I know a lot of you have 8-5 commitments). That makes July 10 you deadline. Send me pictures. I'll post them. Send me progress pictures I'll post them. But also send me a story to go with the pictures -- a journal even, of how doing this makes you feel. I will do the same, but I don't want to do it all by myself. I would really, really like for this to be a collaborative effort. Deal? Deal!

Oh crap, I almost forgot! Pam updated her page. I'm not the bully she writes of, really I'm not. I'm just looking out for her best interests, really. Oh, and I'm getting one of those rings!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your post. Even as I wrote, I felt wierd about using the word "selfish," which shows the way our culture views women being 'selfish.' I saw a women's screen saver once that had 'practice responsible selfishness' on it. She said it meaant that if you don't take care of yourself, you can't take care of anything else. I intend to work on not feeling guilty for tending my own needs, which includes the need to create for me. So, thanks for your challenge. I always work better with a deadline. One set for something for me is new and exciting.
Carol

Bead-Mused said...

Our first contestant. Yeah!! And it's good to think of ourselves first. Unfortunately, it's something we must learn to do since are not wired that way in the beginning. Keep us updated on the project!
T

Anonymous said...

You're so right T. That ring is Goooorgeous! Yaay! Pam! Count me in on the challenge. But now a challenge to you. Yes, I know things have been kinda crazy and you haven't been feeling well. But...when will we have updates from you for Tbuchle.etsy.com and Tbuchle.com.

;)
Clara

Bead-Mused said...

Crikey, you caught me. Actually, I just bought some things to make new stuff for Etsy and I need to dig out some more stuff to destash. This weekend I will up date the web site, with new events and pictures. And I still need to do a slide show of the vacation pcitures. And yes, things have been crazy and I'm STILL 10 days behind where I wanted to be.

T