Mishmash is the perfect word to describe what’s going on in the studio this week. There is a lot happening all at once. Several custom projects have been completed. I’ve participated in two different Open Studio sales. Internet purchases are pinging my cell phone. And, I still want to be in the studio exploring some recent ideas. Probably lots of creative makers are experiencing this combination of controlled chaos in their lives as well. Maybe you are too!
Take a drive to this Open Studio and you won't be disappointed! Stacey Krantz invited a wonderful mishmash of area artists to participate in her annual Open Studio including me. Not only is her fantastic workspace filled with her own amazing creations, there are gifts galore to satisfy a number of people on your holiday list. I've already shopped there myself and made note of some more I'd like to purchase. I'll be in Stacey's studio this coming weekend -- so I hope you'll stop in and say hello.
The winter season is full tilt for many people who are balancing their regular life schedule with additional social events, home decorating, holiday shopping, family gatherings, special cooking and baking activities. It’s a good time to remember to pace ourselves, say no when it’s too much and choose to spend our time on what’s personally valuable. It’s different for each and everyone.
Here's one idea that's brewing for me. After a conversation with a friend who was using one of the 'cake plates' I'd made for her many years ago when I was primarily using the potter's wheel, I started thinking about how I could recreate this popular item using my current hand-building methods. In between everything else that is happening in my studio, I quickly made a sample to see. It's a start and I already know how to make some improvements to the design.
Embrace the mishmash of your life right now. Weed out what doesn't work for you. Think of ways to improve your experience. Try new things. And stay positive!