You know the term Jack of all Trades. Well I've realized this last couple of weeks that I might be a Jackie of all Trades. My husband always tells me he has no idea how I accomplish all the things I do. And that my creativity amazes him. I just always tell him "whatever." But the truth is that I hate to be singled out. I mean HATE it. I do not like having attention drawn to me.
So imagine the leap of faith I've had to take to open my Etsy store. And no this post isn't about promoting my store although if you do wanna visit it's at My Little Etsy Store. I do want to explain real fast about what kind of items you'll see in my listings though.
I love to dabble in all sorts of crafting. I like to sew but not quilt, so you'll see blankets coming up shortly. And I'm currently working on some pillows. I guess some people would say that I'm eclectic in what I like to do. I'm still building an inventory but here is a small list of some of the other things you'll see pop up. Chalkboard items, holiday decor, wreaths, signs for in your home and on your front door, small floral arrangements and vases.
The one section that I'm still working on is building an area for children with special needs. I've mentioned before that my son has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. So I'm incorporating a special section for kids with special needs. In there you'll find chew toys, weighted toys, textured items. Activities for fine motor skills and whatever else I come up with that would help out other children like my son.
On to what this post is actually about. It's about finding inspiration and putting yourself out there. I've read so many blog posts and articles lately about publicity and getting your shop noticed. I read a really good one the other night about promoting on Facebook. As I read that blog I realized that it isn't about my business so much as it is about me. They said not to spam your followers but to make sure you're posting about you, your creativity, your inspirations. I thought to myself, ya who really wants to know more about a complete stranger.
But as I thought about that post I realized they do want to know you! I always feel better shopping at places where the cashiers, clerks, owners, whoever is more personable. They WANT to to talk to you while you're emptying your wallet into their hands.
So (BIG BREATH) here's my leap of faith in putting myself out there. My blog gives you a small insight into what I like. But not who I am. Yes I am a wife and a mother. Yes I love to cook, bake, and craft. But I love to find inspiration in the items and activities of every day life. I would say that the "theme" of my creations is traditional, rustic, and most of all simple. I am a stickler for traditions.
My biggest source of inspiration comes from other items I've seen in stores, waiting rooms, or mostly just what I want to put in my own home. I love to go to craft fairs and say I can do that. Or I'd have done that differently. And my favorite, is when I turn to my husband and say "I have a million ideas!" He rolls his eyes and says "Ok whatever you want." I know that is code for "not again!"
I also find myself holding conversations in my head. Which is really quite scary, but I think about changing things in my home which then turns into coming up with some way to make what I really want without spending a lot of money. My biggest problem is that I don't usually have the space to do what I want!
I think that one of the best parts of finding inspiration though is really my lack of money. I can't and really don't want to go out and buy something that someone else had designed. I want to make it myself. And usually, I don't want to drag all three kids through the local craft and fabric store. So I try to find things that I already have that can be re-purposed.
Speaking of re-purposing. That is a great source of inspiration. One of my favorite stores to shop is Deseret Industries. It is a second hand store where in donations are accepted and the profits are then returned into the welfare and charity programs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. To most of you if you aren't familiar with that term, we're more often referred to as Mormons.
We don't have many goodwills or Salvation Army stores around here, and honestly I would have no idea where they are anyways, so the DI as we refer to it IS our Salvation Army. They ALWAYS have great deals.
My husband is forever telling me that we don't need any more furniture. In reality he's saying we don't have room for any more furniture! Now I don't want you all thinking that my house is cluttered. It's not. I like things organized and wide open spaces. I hate feeling crammed in a room where I can't move cuz there is too much stuff. Which usually leads to being overwhelmed and stressed and then nothing gets done.
But every once in a while I think it would be nice to have something else in there. If you have a second hand store close to you I urge you to go check it out. There is always a good deal somewhere. And if you think about it enough you'll find someway to fix up that old dresser. You need a new set of shelves for pictures and knick knacks? That bakers rack could do with a quick coat of paint and maybe a scrap piece of wood covered in fabric to help fill in the shelves.
Simple changes are what is the most inspiring to me. I LOVE to change the color of something. Add an embellishment here or there. I myself do not like gaudy things. I like simple, traditional and most of all rustic items. I wish that my house was a large log cabin set back in the woods far enough away from people for space and privacy but close enough to run to Walmart when I needed too.
But lets face it as time goes by, it's harder to find things are old and rusty. Or worn and look like they sat on your grandmothers porch you're entire life! I search for things that match the colors, patterns, and overall design of what I want. And then I'll distress it myself
Movies, books, media, craft fairs. Just plain day to day life, is filled with inspiration. If you take the time to look around and really think about what you're seeing you will see the shape, color, FEEL of your environment. And you can then shape that into whatever you're doing. Sewing, cooking, crafting, woodwork.
A lot of times people get writers block, for me it's creative block. But I find that if I stop what I'm doing. Move onto something else, then after I've relaxed I can start thinking again. Not sure where to start on what you want to accomplish? Don't stress out about it. Think about something else and when you least expect it the inspiration will pop into your mind.
A good example is that recently on my Facebook page Etsy Facebook I ran a poll asking my fans what they would like to see next from me. From the four options available they chose Tooth Fairy Pillows. I had seen a pin on Pinterest for these and while the design was really cute it wasn't what I wanted to make. Every time I've sat down to really draw out the design of these pillows my mind goes blank. So instead of sitting agonizing over these pillows I moved on to something else. Working on the store listings, cleaning my house. Whatever needed to be done. Let's not forget that I am a stay at home mom even though I do work out of my home. I still have dishes, laundry, tubs to scrub and two kids still at home to chase. What I found myself doing was thinking about those pillows while I did the laundry and then I started getting ideas of what I wanted.
My point is not to stress over not being to come up with that really great idea at the exact moment you have time to think about. Or when you sit down to your workspace to create it. Keep a small notepad handy and when you have an idea doing the dishes stop and write it down. If you don't you won't remember it. Believe me I don't know how many times that's happened to me!
Last inspiration idea for the night. Craft stores. You don't have to have an idea in mind to be creative. Go wander around your favorite craft or fabric stores. That's one of my favorite past times. Joann's, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby (those three stores are like drugs to me, I can't get enough of them) If I walk around any one of those store for half an hour I have so many ideas I can't keep track of them. That's why you always carry a small notepad around with you. Or use your phone. For me it's the phone if I get a really good idea I don't want to forget I create a note and when I get home transfer it to my notebook of ideas.
So you see, inspiration is EVERYWHERE. I hope that this post has given you some insight into how I find inspiration and how I create my items in my store. And hopefully has allowed you to get to know me a little better. :)
I don't keep bankers hours. So stop by and visit to see what's new, to chat or offer up an ideas of what you would like to see in the store! Whether here, on Facebook, or in the store I'm always open!
-Michelle
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