Hold on tight folks this may be a long one!! First of all though here is my white piece. the white piece that will go with my hexagons which will also go with the next piece which I have started and may show you tomorrow. Phew, did you get that? Very poor light today but I did my best, could be better but not too bad. Some raw edges are visible here, hope you don't mind but they will disappear when it's finished. The next piece which I have started is different again, a six patch with colour. I envisage a quite large throw, different sections joined together higgledy piggledy, (love that phrase!!) I want it to be big enough for my lap, or for my feet when they're cold in the winter, when I get up and have my first coffee, you know the one, the one that makes me human again.
This time next week I will be here. I love it here, I wander, I sit, I think, I feel so refreshed. I can't wait to go, I am looking forward to it more than you can imagine. Anyway, it's momentous decision time and what better place to make it. I am closing the shop on friday. I have no motivation for it anymore. Whatever is in there will most likely be added to my throw and the rest given as christmas gifts, so if you are someone who usually gets a christmas gift from me have a look now and pick. I have to do this, I feel I owe it to myself to try something alse. I take it personally when I can't move my work and I see poor quality, mass produced things flying off the shelves. There are 2 ideas I am going to persue, which may in turn mean less blogging too. If they don't work, who knows I may come back to the disheartening way of doing things but I am going to give my new venture 500%, more even. Today I have to clean, I can't leave my son in a filthy house while I'm off jet setting. I also have to start packing, make lists and yes, make more favours......
well it wasn't so long a post after all was it?
20 comments:
No, silly girl...you LEAVE THE mess for your son to clean WHILE you're away!! (You need to come and visit and I'll give you a couple of 'evil mommy' lessons!!) Grin.
Have a wonderful trip. It sounds like all manner of exciting things are brewing for you. I look forward to hearing about your new projects!!
Hugs--
The whole shop/selling thing is such hard work. I think its hard to keep putting your work out there and I admire you greatly for doing it. I hope you next venture is one you can share with us. It would be sad not see you here. Have a good holiday
joanna
I will miss you terribly, I look forward to your dailyish posts. I am insanely jealous that you are going to Stockholm.
Can't wait to see what your new ventures will be.
x
You have a lovely time away and come back refreshed. I hope that whatever you have in the pipeline works out for you
Fully understand your disillusionment Karen, but why not just leave the shop open, even if you're not making specially for it any more? Some things need longer for the right person to happen across them, if they haven't sold yet it doesn't mean they won't.
a trip to a wonderful place always refreshes and brings new ideas.have a great time.look forward to hearing all kinds of tales upon your return.you'll be missed.
Yep, have a super time away and I hope you come back feeling all optimistic and full of that 300%+ zing! xxx
Sounds like you need some time off, lassie!
And definitely leave Son to tidy up. He's grown now, or you wouldn't be leaving him, so he's grown enough to keep house!
Have a wonderful, refreshing holiday!
Love the cloth you are working on. Hope any changes are positive ones for you!
delurking to say I very much admire your work and I also completely understand the frustration of trying to sell in today's market. I'm in the same boat with my jewelry, I can't quite close up though, I have been out of work since last year with an injury and can't afford to, and there's just some desire to keep going with it.
Anyway, have a grand time in Stockholm! also jealous :)
If feel sad because if someone as talented as you can't get your store to thrive, with what is our society satisfied with. I'm glad to hear you have a plan B.
Hope you have great trip to Stockholm and enjoy yourself.
This piece you have photographed is spectacular! Then again all your work is. I think selling ones work is the toughest thing ever. I have several pieces of my work in a local gallery and it just sits... I can not understand either why the crap sells... Don't quit working though! It is good for the mind and soul. I just figure I am hearing and dancing to music that others don't hear... Your work belongs in an art museum with other priceless works of art!!!
I hope your trip clears your head. I can hardly wait until I can go and visit Stockholm...
change can be good, who knows?
Have a lovely break, hopefully you will return full of vim and vigour for your next project. I am so thankful I purchased a couple of your pieces before the shop closes. They are pieces made by a true artist.
Kim
The whole selling-online-thing is devilishly difficult, I know. I would love to go to Sweden. Sounds like you're ready for a break.
Hi Karen,
I can't wait to hear about your new ideas. I too (as you know) am always having new creative and business ideas and heading off on them full pelt. It's really interesting to hear your take on the shop, and trying not to take it personally when things don't shift. I think in the back of my mind this is one of the reasons I have never quite 'gone for it' with an etsy shop as I am a little concerned about what might (or might not) happen!
I wish you the best trip and loads of luck with new things :)
Amelia.x
I'm sorry you've come to that decision because I think things will pick up for Christmas. (I hope)
Have a great time and as has been said, come back refreshed.
Stockholm look wonderful.
Now about that tidying..will he tidy for your return?
I'm sorry to hear you're closing up shop. I've been lusting after one of those books but I'm only paid once a month and with all the unexpected repairs that have come up lately, the lovely piece is not in the budget. I understand your choice though. Might be more productive elsewhere and you have to feel good about where you are at.
Have a WONDERFUL holiday! I haven't gotten to travel for a few years now and I miss it!
Hello my dear, I was just wondering how James' gig went?
Hope you are ok.
Much love x
I am sorry about your closing shop, Karen, as your work is so magnificent. However, I whole heartily support you following your heart and your instincts, and totally get the frustration of seeing crap fly off the shelves. (Something to consider... I've been hearing a lot about people selling on "Big Cartel"... apparently it is more favorable to artists. Maybe this is something you could try?) I hope you have a marvelous time vacationing in Stockholm, and that you come back refreshed and recharged. xo
Post a Comment