life is full. and good. and really, really busy.
during the last few weeks, my life has been full of creating.
lots and lots of creating.
in august, i began listening to my own advice and started creating things that made me happy...not really focusing on "will this sell?" instead focusing on "does creating this make me happy?" i found a rhythm creating aprons and scarves and necklaces and a few bags before heading to squam.
and at squam, it seems that my joy about what i had created was a bit contagious as those lovely squamlettes proceeded to buy me out of almost everything i brought with me.
it was pretty amazing.
you see, this experience at squam was my first time with such a positive response that also involved people buying. (insert silly smiley face here.)
the thing is, i haven't often talked about the downsides of figuring out the etsy world or vending at an event that doesn't go that well. how does one talk about that in such a public forum? so i share this not to say, look at me!! but instead to say: do what you love. listen to yourself...really listen to yourself. do what brings a wide, real smile to your face. create what makes your heart fill with joy.
the momentum to keep creating and sharing the joys of this creating that has been swirling inside me lately has meant that i am updating my shop more often. (a big thank you to those of you who have visited my shop and found something that speaks to you...thank you all so very much.)
and it has meant that i have been attempting to balance my "day" job, life, orders, family and friends, creating items for the little room, and...well...everything else in between. it has been a bit hectic around here...but hectic in a good way.
and some exciting things are happening.
in this moment, my heart is so full of the goodness and the blessings of this life.
this post is peppered with photos from my sunday: creating new pendants, sewing up the little fabric bags my items now come packaged inside, packaging items up to take to the post office, taking photos of items for etsy, getting a wee bit organized...
so life is full and good. and i am riding the wave as it happens...letting myself enjoy the joy while also learning to set some boundaries...figuring out where i should seek advice and support...walking tall in my decisions as i do know what is best for me...embracing community in a new way...living...
this afternoon, i gave myself a treat of a (high-maintenance) pumpkin spice (soy, two-pump, no whip) latte as a little reward for getting six new selma patchwork scarves up in the shop and sending off quite a few packages at the post office (i love the postal workers at my local post office!).
i hope you give yourself permission to reward yourself with a little treat when you need one too.
blessings,
liz
this is me
Reader Comments (23)
It makes me smile so much that things are coming together just as they should now...and the major sales certainly don't hurt one bit either! (he he)
Hope you are feeling well today. See you soon. xoxo
I love that you're in such a good place and creating your beautiful heart out. I love that this post reminded me to calm down and just do what I love. And mostly? Mostly I love the word "squamlettes." :)
"riding the wave". Oh, this makes me very happy. Stay happy, that makes me happy too.
you unlocked the key :)
create only what brings you joy.
then that joy will permeate everything you do.
then it's released and becomes everyone else's joy.
and then the circle keeps going.
and the waves keep going.
and off you go into FULL ON bliss!
i am loving watching this all unfold for you!
you have no idea!
you are making me grin, late at night here...i am so damned proud of you, honey! keep up the excellent work - and remember always to pat yourself on the back....see you soon....love x
oh help! reading this makes me all weepy and smiley at the same time. happy for you that you are finding and doing what makes you happy and bringing you joy and weepy because i keep getting the same message over and over this past week...
you said "do what you love. listen to yourself...really listen to yourself. do what brings a wide, real smile to your face. create what makes your heart fill with joy."
it's coming to me from everywhere. from the cards that came with my copy of "ordinary sparkling moments", from friends via email and in books i am reading.
but i have forgotten how to listen to myself. so right now it feels too hard. too hard to find my way back to the part of me that knows what i love and has the courage to go out and do it.
thanks for writing this, for speaking to me and also sharing your joy with me.
:)
this post makes me smile
so wide
for you.
i am loving that you are loving
what you are doing...
xo
the pleasure and passion you have about your creative life simply beams off the screen, and i love being in your light! it is really so inspiring :)
i too am soooo so happy for you!
thank you for sharing all the beauty you do with all of us!
looking forward to seeing your lovely self soon! safe travels! xoxo
Thanks for the encouragement and insight on etsy. Create from the heart- perfect!
Liz, I'm glad that you addressed the whole topic of the rough patches of etsy and craft fair sales. I told myself I won't do craft fairs any longer because they've been so energy consuming and so unsuccessful for me in the past (not to mention awkward... I never know where to look or what to say when people are looking at my pieces). It's all very tricky to figure out, and I'm so glad that you've had so much recent success in doing so. Your jewelry pieces are beautiful, and I think you've hit the nail on the head with your approach of only creating what excites you. Congratulations! I was so happy to hear your positive tone in this post.
Yay for doing the things that make you smile that beautiful smile of yours, and having it translate it into more and more people loving what you are creating... your post has such a full and joyous ring to it... like stepping out of a beautiful forest, longing for the sunlight, and there is your bright, wildflower-filled grassy meadow...
*~*Happy Creating*~*
Aren't those pumpkin spice lattes the best-I order mine skim so I can have the whip!?? I love wearing the necklace I ordered from your etsy shop -it has sparked many interesting conversations with people who admire it. See how we are all connected-and the good in the universe when we love? May you always be able to do what you love! CW
i'm so happy for you. business is good, your pics are warm and glowy, and mostly... mostly you're doing what you love and loving what you do.
I love all the wonderful things you have been adding to your little room. It's nice to hear you are busy and content and productive with such creative and fulfilling projects.
I'm so glad you finally hit your stride at Squam, Liz. :) Wishing you more success as you continue to explore what makes your heart sing.
I am in love with the beautiful pendant you created for me.
Yay! for doing what brings you joy.
yes yes ~ you have got it!!
Good stuff here! Kudos to you for following your heart and doing what you love.
I could use some of your energy and inspiration in the creativity dept. My efforts have been scattered and tangental lately.
Wish I could be there with you to share in the creative energy - and then go enjoy our rewards at that fun little sandwish shop :-)
so yummy!!!!!!! All of it.
Especially you:)
so yummy!!!!!!! All of it.
Especially you:)
Wonderful post! I´m just about to go and sit at my sewing machine and do what I love this morning. It´s so important that we keep good energy flowing so it can spread and grow.
Will you be making silver pendants sometime soon?