I often ask myself that question. Why do I do this? Why am I always looking for that next unusual thing? What is my goal? What do I want to come of this venture that I'm pursuing in a way that seems to consume me? As a Christian, I know that none of this is permanent, it's all dust, I know that, yet I continue to pursue that next project, that next great find. Why do I do it? What is my goal?
When I was a little girl (only child), Friday nights were the family (just 3 of us) in the family room watching, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Odd Couple, Bob Newhart, and lastly Love American Style. My parents would laugh at the jokes I didn't get, and say they'd explain when I was older, and I would make stuff. I'd have tape, glue, tooth picks, popsicle sticks, string, paper, scissors, whatever else I could find, and I'd try to create. Often, the vision I had in my mind of what I was making never quite came out the way I had planned. Yet Every Friday night I'd do it all again.
My parent's did their best to feed this desire that this very un-artistic girl was pursuing. Mom bought kits and we'd do some projects together, enrolled me in crochet classes etc, but my projects never quite turned out. I just decide I didn't have a talent for crafty things and dropped it.
Then in my mid 20's I decided to try my hand at quilting. With the help of some talented ladies, I actually managed to make something that wasn't so bad. Then there were the MOPS groups, and the "craft" that came with each meeting. My stuff, again, wasn't turning out so badly. Hum, maybe I did have some talent after all and I just needed some help along the way. These small successes, built my self confidence, over time, to try different things down the line. Which leads me to where I am today, and that question. What is it that I want?
I guess it's a 2 part answer. I want to create. I wan't that "ah ha" moment, when I see an idea, and it sets my brain in gear, to either make it, or make it different. When I find an object meant for one purpose, but I see it as something completely different.
The second thing I want, is to inspire. When I get a note or an email that someone has been inspired to do something, because of what they saw on my blog or web site, that is right up there with the "ah ha" moments.
None of that feels like work to me. Making a living at it, that's work. I really don't want to get into the mass production of stuff, as much as people seem to love it. Making 1 of something is fun, making 20 is work.
So I will continue to try to create and inspire and have fun while doing it.
19 comments:
Good for you, Margo! Your creations always inspire me! Your brain and how it works inspires me! I'm very excited regarding your new endeavor! You go, girl! ~Mindy
I loved this post. You certainly inspire me! I wish I lived closer because I would love to attend one of your classes. I am sure they will be wonderful!
Nice, Margo! If only I lived in Texas! You've already inspired me to try something like those bottles you showed. I'll do my best and keep you posted!
Could you video tape it and "sell" it to us on the blog?? I want to learn but there are no classes like that around here!! Just a thought!
Well I would love to attend your class but I live on the Jersey shore. LOL. This post almost could have be written by me. I'm feeling all that and more. I sent you an e-mail a few weeks ago asking where you got your bottle brushes. I said I didn't blog well since then I have a blog, I've posted some of my projects on Flickr and because I have purchased junkmarket style mag in the past and because of your blog I now have added some projects at junkmarket style.
Thanks for being a great ARTIST.
Marie
RomanceRelics.blogspot.com
Good Luck on your classes. I taught decorative painting for years in my own shop and still dabble here and there and actually teach MOPS every now and then. I have met so many interesting through teaching craft classes and in the process learned so much from them.
Good luck with your classes...you can do it! About 10 years ago I worked at a local house museum and offered classes there. The house was built in the early 1800 so I held classes in all kinds of old fashioned crafts. I taught papercutting (really popular), quilling, sampler making, pinprick art and others. We always had a full house so the interest is out there. I advertised through the local libraries and community college along with the county that owned the historic house museum where I worked. I really miss it and wish I could do just that again instead of working a full time job. Someday I will do it again. Have fun and I wish Texas wasn't so far from Missouri or I'd be there.
Peggy
GO FOR IT! Sounds like a blast! I'd love to learn, but it'd cost $25 + airfare, so I'll await your fun photos...
Cool Idea, Margo! Understand your need to create & inspire...I think that's a common thread us Junkers share! I've always had the create thing, but the repurposing & reuse of something truly JUNK with a capital J is new! I love it, & most of my friends, outside of blogland, look at me like I have a few screws loose!!! That's why our blogging buddies are SO important! Your class sounds like fun, but I, like many others are way too far away! Good luck with it...and most of all, have FUN!!! *elaine*
You go girl! I have always have an urge to create as well. Unfortunately, I never had the supplies when I was little, but made do with what I had a hand. I wish I lived near you, I would definitely attend.
Blessings
Linda
What a great idea! Wish I lived near you I would love to come to your class. Not only to learn, but to hang out with cool creative minds!
TOT
Sounds like me! I also want to create and inspire.
Good luck on your new venture and here's to many more!
Cheryl
Well, I'm too far away,too! I'd love to know something about soldering! It's way at the top of my list of things to do. These bottle crafts are so beautiful. I made a few snowman type like I'd seen on the web.
I look forward to pics of the class and finished projects.
Great idea Margo! But I also like Jenny's idea of video-taping and somehow selling to us who are so far away. Or what about you-tube? I so wish I was closer; sounds like so much fun! Good Luck!
Margo, everything you do inspires me!! You sound like a bundle of energy! I was an only child, too and was always trying to create something. I am still waiting for that A-HA moment but in the mean time I will continue in my profession of cake decorating and pastime of restore-remake-reuse!! Diane in Ok.
Margo, your idea of classes sounds like a winner. I've started dabbling in holding classes, too. I've had limited turnout, but I don't have near the exposure that you do. The classes I did host were really great! I know you will be very successful and have a lot of fun.
I believe that passion comes from God, and not by accident. Junking so parallels the way God deals with us -- what others may label junk becomes something beautiful and treasured. The truth is it was never really junk in the first place, it just took someone looking through different eyes. If God gave you a passion for what you're doing, there's a reason. And now just look how many people you reach every day. That's amazing!
Didn't mean to "preach", I've just thought about this myself. And I bet everyone reading this asks themselves those same kind of questions. (It's probably healthy).
Midge
margo, i feel like this too....and i think its about exploring...its just so darn interesting and exciting....to see the next pile of stuff, or to make the new idea happen....
it seems all good to me....with good side affects...we are saving and revering the past.... and maybe saving mother earth a little too....plus all the fun..
I know what you mean--to create and inspire! I hope your classes are successfun-I'm sure they will be! I don't live close enough, but do know you do inspire me!
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