If I am, I’m not the only one.
You see, I have this wild and crazy notion that one day – in the not too distant future – I may actually be able to make a living from my creativity.
It’s my passion – the thing I think about endlessly from when I wake to when my eyes start to droop at the end of a long day. My jewellery, and this blog – and all the things I find and share with you all – it’s the thing that keeps me motivated – that keeps me alive!
I don’t mean alive in the physical, breathing/eating/heart beating way, I mean alive mentally – vitally!
Before I started creating, there was always a void. Something was missing, but I didn’t know what it was. I’d always had vague aspirations to write, but art and craft had never really occurred to me – it seemed like something only super-talented people (or grannies!!) did.
It’s funny – neither my mother or grandmother showed any crafty tendencies during my childhood. I had no role models around me. I focussed on academic achievement, and found fulfillment in achieving good marks at school, as well as devouring many, many novels. I was never a girly-girl – I wasn’t interested in fashion or makeup or any of those typically feminine interests.
But once I took up the knitting needles (which was where my crafty journey began), a whole new world opened up for me.
Craft was something I had to discover for myself. It has shown me a world of fellow creatrixes, women (and some men, too) who find fulfillment in making useful, beautiful, unique creations. And not only that, but also a world of small businesses, home-based entrepreneurs – people who share my dream of making a living from doing what they love!
There seems to be a slow shift in the Western world back towards valuing the work we do with our own hands. I can only hope that this trend continues, and we start to value an item that is handcrafted with skill and love above one that has a particular brand or logo stamped on the label.
This is my dream – and it is what I am committed to being a part of – and sharing with you all here. Thank you for joining me in my crazy dream! Knowing I’m not alone in my journey to make a living from doing what I love – that all of you are here with me – is what keeps me going.
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It’s like I could have written that myself. You are not alone Jess – It is creating that makes us happy – if we go one day without making something it doesn’t feel as though the day is complete. I share your crazy dream – maybe one day it will come true.
Thank you, Del!! It is a wonderful feeling to know you are part of a big community of people… it really makes a difference 🙂
Amen. (Yes, we really say that instead of agreed or indeed in the Southern US.)
I have always known how to sew and embroider and crochet. But I didn’t embrace it until I was an adult. I’m so glad I did. Like you, it makes me feel happy.
You are most definitely not alone… I bit the bullet to put in the hard yards and risk by quitting my day job… not monetarily paying off yet, but when I get to sit and create all day…. every day… it’s like an adrenaline rush!!! Keep on pushing lovely!!
You totally just summed up everything that I’ve been thinking & feeling as well! It’s so great to connect with like-minded people who also share a passion for what they do. Thanks for sharing!
P.S. I do believe one day in the not too distant future, we can all making a living doing what we love! I can’t wait!
You are less crazy than me – I am craft handicapped & yet spend much of my time surrounded by beads – millions & zillions of beautiful vintage beads. I get excited about thinking where my beads are from (as I like to say, most of them are from ‘long ago & far away’). I totally love the process of finding NOS vintage beads. These are beads that have sat in warehouses for decades waiting for me to find them. I love people (especially older people) & I have met some of the most interesting people while buying and selling beads. I get excited from where my beads will go & what they will become. Every so often some one will show me some great piece that they have made with my beads & it makes me so happy. I’ve even bought finished pieces made from beads that I sold. I love the feeling of being able to point people in the direction of the supplies that I don’t have but may know someone who does have.
Basically, I like the feeling of helping people like you create.
So absolutely WONDERFUL to know that there are other *crazy* people out there.
A topic close to my heart – valuing the work we do with our own hands – valuing handmade…
Thanks for the awesome share Jess 🙂
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and stories, too! I think the whole crafty/handmade world is just amazing, and I feel so lucky to have become a part of it, and met such lovely people!
you can do it! you have my full support- how awesome would it be to make a living doing what you LOVE!