find my creative niche

Since I started using Pinterest I see more and more the need to document the stuff I am actually making. I won’t link to the blog yet, as it’s only got a few entries, and I’m not entirely happy with it, but I will when it feels more like mine, if you know what I mean :) But, if you want to see my pinboards, here’s that link.

And in the meantime, I’ve got to get going with some of these projects I’ve got piled up. The first one has to be this darned welcome quilt (it’s just a panel, but a lot of quilting is involved), and also I’ve had a commission for another pop art style picture. No money, sadly, it’s for MIL (she’s offered, but I can’t take money from family, it just doesn’t sit right with me).

I thought perhaps it might be cool to keep a crafting blog, of the projects I create etc. But then I thought I’d probably write food stuff there too, although that might not be such a bad thing. Things are rather hectic at the moment, so it’s something I will be thinking about more at the end of the summer/autumn.

Well, no, you wouldn’t, and couldn’t, since this is of my brother, and it’s for him. But something in a similar style perhaps? Just trying to get an idea if there’s any interest in this type of thing :)

• Painted on canvas
• Sewn cotton shopping bags
• Made wedding invitations & RSVPs
• Designed and embroidered a Mother’s Day card

But none of these things feels like ‘yeah, I could do this all the time’, or, if they do, I’m not making them to the quality where I would feel comfortable selling them. At the moment I am working on a Pop Art homage as a present, which I am a lot more pleased with than my previous paintings.

After that is finished I’m going to try and make some felt boutonnières (button holes), then I have a wall hanging quilt to do, and a regular quilt (with a lot of fabric and no pattern, just a basic idea in my head). I’ve only ever made one quilt before. The wall hanging is easier because there isn’t much patchwork involved as it’s a panel. The regular quilt however, will definitely be challenging.

I have made a couple of cross stitch bookmarks, and am now working on a kit I bought. But otherwise, my creativity is still pretty low. Sadly there’s not a lot I can do about that until I a. Am earning money and b. Have a sewing machine.

...I have a few ideas of things I can make AND probably sell, because I have been doing my research, and there don’t seem to be many people already making what I have in mind. I won’t spill the beans yet, as it’s definitely not going to be happening for a while. All I will say is that what I have in mind is a field I know a lot about – it having been my profession until recently. And for testing, I have a lot of friends I know who would definitely appreciate freebies for feedback :)

I will be continuing projects I have already started (and have all the materials for), but after that, I don’t know, because I still don’t have a job. And I can’t buy more materials/paints/threads, etc. with a free conscience, until the future is a little more certain.

Over the next year I have a couple of projects to try, as I plan on making some things for Christmas presents for family and friends this year. I know what you’re thinking, ‘Christmas 2009?? Already?’, but I’m going to pace myself, so I don’t feel pressured. I can take my time to make things exactly the way I want. Hopefully doing some varied projects will help me find out what I most enjoy making, and what I’m best at :)

A. Make something unique and attractive.
B. Make something to a high standard.
C. Make something not too expensive.
D. Make something seem a necessity.

I think these are the main points. Because I think of how I look at items also. I buy things that are new and exciting to me, that look like they could be sold in a store, aren’t going to break the bank, and will be used enough to warrant their price. Now, to find what it is I can make like that… I’ll get back to you.

I love crafting, and I would love to find something I can create that others would enjoy. I am interested in making jewellery, but lots of people already do that. I would also love to continue making quilts, but they are an expensive hobby, and if you’re goal is to sell them, it’s hard to find people who will pay what they are actually worth. I will keep trying and exploring. The goal is one day to maybe open an Etsy shop, that’d be very cool.