Thursday 11 April 2013

A Creative Mess = Happiness!

In the struggle to earn a living (and the focus on where you want to be) it's easy to forget the really good things that are happening right now.

Yesterday was one of those days where I felt really, really happy to be doing what I'm doing.  I was making a mess with glue and fabric and beachy imagery and I just thought I can't believe someone is actually paying me to do this!



I was popping a picture together as I went, on the side of a vintage vanity case...


using fabric and scissors


and messy splodges of glue...


when the doorbell went and I was handed a parcel of fabric (and yummy orange buttons - wow, look at them!)  from the very lovely Abakhan. 


Just as I was thinking it couldn't get any better, it had done.  Not only was I suddenly reminded of another very summery project (for which this fabric is earmarked) but I sliced off a couple of small pieces of that lovely blue and white stripe to use on my beach hut...

can you spot the blue and white stripe?

This project made me realise how lucky I am be creative, to be able to work on a project where my own designs are central (and beachy and blue...) and it underlined for me some of the directions I really want to be going in. It made me realise there is very definitely not just one direction for me.

So it was a hugely successful project on more than one level!

I love the finished case too.  It may actually be my favourite project to date.  I can't show you the whole finished item (it will be in issue 25 of Craftseller) but here are a couple of sneaky peek close ups...



Here's hoping your creative endeavours bring some happiness (and/or revelations!) your way today too.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow, Wendy I love it! (even though I can't see all of it!) will keep my eyes peeled for Issue 25 :-) Simmi x

Anonymous said...

Really enjoy your blog articles and this one one is great; upbeat, inspiring and I can really identify with the joy of being in the flow of creativity - and of receiving a parcel of new 'stuff'!

Ali (Patchwork Fairy) said...

I think there's a deep joy at soul level from being creative, and if it also earns you a living it's a huge bonus!! I am always interested to see what you design next and those orange buttons are fab!!

stylesofcooking said...

Cant wait to see what the finished article looks like properly as the little sneak preview looks fab. You are right it is lovely to make your living doing something you love.

Frannyaitch said...

I love this beachy look and wish my creative streak would permit me to come up with such great designs

daisymarmalade said...

This looks great. I wondered what glue you use for sticking fabric to other surfaces. I have seen some lovely refurb ideas but when I have tried similar in the past I get the glue showing through. :)

Wendy said...

DaisyMarmalade: I used PVA, undiluted. I think it's often a case of trial and error, because the glue can still show through, especially on thinner fabrics - however, you can use PVA on top as well (as a varnish), and you can lightly sand the finished piece with fine sandpaper for a smoother finish. I tried out the fabrics on an old lever arch file as it was a similar surface to my vanity case!!

Natalie Jones said...

Oh, I can't wait to see the finished article! The sneeky peeks look great. Those buttons are gorgeous.