Happy New Year, all! I have to say 2019 went out with a whirlwind of activity around here. There were a few times when I would have loved to sit down and write a post, but then other things got in the way. Yes, there’s work, and schlepping the kids around, and trying to come up with dinner ideas that don’t involve a trip to the grocery store and other day-to-day activities. And then there’s training for a marathon (Chicago!) and cranking out origami bags and felted embroidered hearts for three craft shows. It’s a nonstop, sometimes exhausting kind of busyness, but it’s exhilarating too.
I’m starting to realize that I’m happiest when I’m making things on a regular basis, whether it’s sewing a bag, throwing a pot, or baking a pie. More and more I’m relating to this quote I found in Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon (which I read cover to cover on New Year’s Day—you should read it!).
In fact when I read this quote it stopped me in my tracks, like I’d been caught skipping school or something. Sure I may take some time away from that chapter I’m working on to cruise Pinterest for pottery ideas. Or sort through my fabrics looking for the perfect mix of patterns for my next bag. Heck, I might even trace a few hearts on felted wool to be cut out later. What’s the harm in that? I still get my work done, right?
The truth is, when I get on these creative binges I can’t seem to stop my whizzing brain from tossing out more ideas (that third cup of coffee probably doesn’t help!). And, I don’t WANT to stop those ideas from flowing. It’s exciting to be driven to make things. I’ve rarely felt this way about anything before…not even about writing. So I want to free up the time and the space to create. Yet I also need to get my “real” work done. What I don’t want is to fall into the habit of setting aside creative projects because I have “work” to do, as I have in the past. This is my year to balance the two pursuits.
So for 2020 I’m setting an intention to continue to make and craft consistently, no matter what life throws my way. I’ve learned that having a few events on the calendar is a big motivator for me, so I’m looking forward to collaborating with a few friends on upcoming shows and workshops. The first will be the Creative Valentine Workshop on February 9 at Fiberworksmpls in Northeast. Stop by and make one of my felted embroidered hearts for your valentine…or for yourself!
Stay tuned for more info on upcoming events. In the meantime, try one of the projects in my Craft a Day Book!
Kari Cornell 