I'm joining Christina and her weekly Made by Hand linky thing, because I have actually been doing some making today.
I am slowly changing my attitude to my crafty activities so it is more than just a hobby, I'd like to earn a small living making things and selling wool, so I need to put the time in and not feel guilty about all the other things I could be doing. If I was working for someone else doing the same things, I wouldn't feel like it wasn't work and not worthwhile, so I don't really understand why I feel that I am being self indulgent when I am working on things here at home by myself.
Am I worried about what other people think of my choices? Do I feel like I should get a 'proper' job? Am I just easily distracted? I don't know. Hopefully I will be able to get rid of these negative thoughts and enjoy the making process and get excited about making things as more than just my hobby. I think I really need to do a bit of time scheduling, and block in some solid crafting time, maybe then I would be a bit more productive......
Anyway, enough of my moaning, let me show you what I finished off this morning, a couple of my little tree decorations. They had been sitting here in pieces for ages, (I think I showed progress pictures a long time ago), so I am glad they are complete now.
The idea was for me to make a collection of these and sell them coming up to Christmas, but they are taking me so long to make, I'll probably only have a few finished. Hardly seems worth it!
Gotta get my act into gear.
.....so here is my work space, looking pretty crowded as it is doubling as my wool shop, but I love having all the wool around the space, I don't have to go far for colour inspiration!...
I am also working on a little secret something that I hope you guys might like, it is not really that exciting but I am having fun putting them together, but more on that later......
Anyhoo, what have you been making lately?
Before I go I'd just like to say a big hello to any new readers (and all you long time guys!) that have stumbled across this little space recently, thanks for visiting here, my posting has been quite sporadic lately, so I appreciate all the visits I get and I enjoy all the comments you leave, so a big, friendly wave to you from me! I have been struggling with things to blog about recently, hence the lack of posts, but I'm sure my inspiration will come back soon!
Talk soon .....xxxxxxxxxx
your little trees are always so lovely to admire!!!!!
ReplyDeletebest wishes for your work!!!!
xxxxx Ale
Hi Jules, I know what you mean! At the moment I'm in my last year of college and I have to do so many things, but I noticed that ever since my Etsy shop opened I just have a burning desire to be in the creative business instead of jobs I was trained and educated for. It makes me kind of sad that it's probably not going to happen because living here required two full-time incomes to have any kind of financial breathing space, and my bf doesn't want to move anywhere else (I WOULD!!). I also looked at other educations in the graphical sector but if you're going to get a second degree here it's really too expensive. Sooooooo.. we just have to make due with what we have right? Anyhow, I'm glad your wool shop seems to be running well :)
ReplyDeleteKirsten
oh totally cute trees!
ReplyDeleteThey are very cute, your trees and I like the way you took the photographs, chapeau! :) And about your moaning: don't, be creative, that is what you want to do! Wishing you lot of creative time, enjoy this and succes with the shop. byebye
ReplyDeleteThose trees are great. I sell stuff but I only sell items made from surplus materials from my own projects and things that don't take me too much time or cost much for materials. I also block in hours for craft, and not craft and that does seem to work for me. Keep going on your dream. I am sewing at the moment and have made a pinafore - for a grown up! Jo x
ReplyDeleteMorning Jules
ReplyDeleteYou have sooooo much talent - of course you should go ahead and use the gift that you have been given. Creativity is such a vital part of our lives - its what keeps me sane !!! You give some much joy and inspiration to others with all of the beautiful things you make - you ABSOLUTELY should make it a bigger part of your life and so NOT feel guilty about it.
You go girl !!!!!
Kate x
justpootling.blogspot.co.uk
Hey Julie, would love a forest of those trees growing here, they are just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteSo much colour and inspiration everywhere you look.
The crafting/income dilemma is a tough one and i think you just have to work out what's right for you depending on your
financial needs.
I know that crafting at home to make money requires focus and organisation amongst other things......not my greatest
character traits. But a bit of preplanning would certainly make the difference and little by little you'll get there.
All the best and don't worry about what other people think, it's your life, your family....your choice
Claire x
So hard not to feel guilty doing the things we really love at times - but so worth the moments we do spend going them. Love all your colours Jules - and love your table too. Very retro. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteActually it is quite inspiring to see that you are moving with your hobbies farther than just doing it for yourself. I support you and I know that all that requires loads of hard work, and patience, because making same things more than 2-3 times can be annoying at times. But I guess it is not your case and you really enjoy your crafty time :) Take care and all the best!!
ReplyDeleteAnna
I think its great that your taking the leap into making a hobby a business, and the way I look at it, there are so many who do it sucessfully, why not you ! ? Right !! Stay positive. Your space looks great, I love all that wool around you, so inspiring. Wish you luck and lots of progress. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteFantastic , marvelous, I like your products very much, ania,bye,I wish a lot of wonderful things.
ReplyDeleteHi, I love your little trees and I can just see them scattered about the house come Christmas time. They would look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a talent that you need to get out there and promote with your selling. Good luck.
Sally xxx
I love your trees. I make a different tree each year for my nature woodsy scene at Christmas time. I would love to make one! I can see how they would take a long time to make, but just charge for your time. You could also put together a pattern and some wool and make it a 'kit' and sell kits. Just an idea. Why not give selling your wares a try? I am a beekeeper and I wasn't sure if it would be worthwhile setting up at an event in our town to sell my honey. My Mom said, "well one thing is for sure, you won't sell any if you don't try." I went and I sold honey! So, why not sell your wares? You won't sell any if you don't try! If you figure out how to get a schedule working at home, let us know how you did it. I never have been able to do it.
ReplyDeleteCindy Bee
Oh, I know what you mean! I felt the same way about my jewellery making until I went to the Big Hearted Business morning tea and I realised, this is my business, I need to make it a priority. It's so simple but so life changing at the same time! Good on you for following your heart. All the very best. Why shouldn't you do something you love and get paid for it?!
ReplyDeleteLoving all the colour combinations of your gorgeous trees, and those bags of wool look rather inviting as well too. Little wonder you would want to craft all day! :)
Thanks for joining in!
I wish you great luck in your new venture. (p.s. I want to hang out in your work space.) :)
ReplyDeleteYour little trees are lovely. I work part-time in a paid job, and just try to cram my crafting into the evenings and days off. Although I would probably love to be at home crafting all week, this gives me a balance. It is still hard for the crafting not to take over.
ReplyDeleteI love your little trees, they are so adorable. I find it really hard to stick within my pacing time for crafting, so many things I want to make
ReplyDeleteClare x
http://summerhousebythesea.blogspot.co.uk
Love your blog, and always visit here....participating in the Made By Hand blog hop, so happy I did, meeting so many wonderful new people too! Stop by and visit mine, please join my blog, would love to have you. www.sanderellas1.com Sanderella's Crochet Blog Sandy
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I'd love to see posts about whatever you're making, and I'd like it if they included links to purchasing the things you make. Go for it!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog and it doesn't matter how a sparodic, we all know life gets in the way. You could try making a few of something then make up some kits with all the stuff. I'm sure they would be a goer for Xmas presents. It's the kind of think that my mother would buy for me. Good luck in your venture. I try selling bits and pieces, mainly so that I can buy better quality fabric and yarn.
ReplyDeleteS xx
Adorable little trees! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jules, having a lovely little catch-up on your recent Posts. Good on you for turning your hobby into an income-earner. I think we've been conditioned to think of "work" as unenjoyable and so feel a bit guilty when our work is actually fun! Go for it. i adore your crochet trees and I'm completely envious you get to surround yourself with all that yarn :-) Have a lovely weekend! Mel x
ReplyDeleteCan i come and play amongst the wool and inspiration :)
ReplyDeletewow!! what a lovely busy looking workspace :)
ReplyDeleteI always like seeing lots of colour and finished items in my craft space.
I really love you christmas trees. they are fabulous!! ans so colourful