This holiday season I made the handmade pledge. And while I didn’t make EVERYTHING (except for gifts to the hubs!) I made a valiant effort. I made potholders, partridge ornaments, an apron, bunting and a felt eyeglasses case among other things.
I stuck my fingers repeatedly with an embroidery needle, tangled the bobbin thread on my machine about every other time I set to sewing, glued my fingers together accidentally…. suffice it to say I had many crafting injuries.
And my holiday crafting stressed me the heck out! I was freaking about if I was going to get everything done, if people were going to be let down that they didn’t get a fancy new-fangled mall gift etc. My neurosis know no bounds!
In the end I was satisfied with my output, proud of myself for stepping outside my crafting boundaries, and generally boastful of my handmade projects. I feel like the things I make are an extension of who I am, and it’s such a joy, and really a relief, to be able to express that.
If anything, this crafting venture has helped me prove TO MYSELF that I can make awesome things, and with a little practice someone might actually want to pay money (okay, nominally, but money nonetheless) for my rad, handmade wares! It’s all up to me. And in this new year, I’m going to start talking less and doing more.
I am Shrie. I craft, write, design, organize, love… watch me Ggggoooooo!!!
All things nice..
Jan 6, 2010 -
Oh your handmade presents look lovely, good on you, keep up the good work..
All things nice…
Amie
Jan 7, 2010 -
Everything looks so AWESOME Shrie! I’d love one of the potholders, ornaments or eyeglass cases & I would gladly pay you for them. 😉
JB
Jan 20, 2010 -
THOSE ITEMS ARE AWESOME. THE POTHOLDERS HOLD UP WELL IN THE WASH AS WELL. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK YOU ARE INSPIRING.
alissamiles
Jan 27, 2010 -
Okay. So, you can stop being all crafty. I mean, you’re giving us beginner-crafty people a lot to live up to. Love the potholders. I would love to hold pots with one of those. And, the eyeglass case is pretty adorable. More pics of your creations, please. Thanks. Alissa.
loandbehold
Jan 27, 2010 -
Hahaha… thanks Alissa. Perhaps one day you’ll get a surprise package of crafty goodness? I’ll try to post more pics.