On My Desk . . . Are Peggy WIPs
Finally found little bits of time here and there to get started on some Peg Bears:
I must admit I’ve been feeling really frustrated lately. With the continuing unpacking, cleaning, chasing up of stuff after the settlement, and other things that need to be planned/organised, in addition to daily life, blah, blah, blah, I can’t seem to find time to work on what I really want to work on – which is my up-coming solo show. And time is ticking away! September is just around the corner.
This show (though not big and fancy) is very important to me – I’ve had some major disappointments in my crafty life in the last few months including a failed book deal, failed custom-made toy, rejection from a toy show I finally found the courage to apply too, and a dream-job opportunity up in smoke. This show is the one thing that hopefully won’t follow the same fate. It frustrates the heck out of me that it keeps getting pushed aside for other ‘more important‘ things (some of which can actually wait for a few more months).
Ahhh, thanks for letting me vent :-) I try to keep this blog positive and upbeat but I can’t deny how disillusioned I’m feeling at the moment. I know many of you can relate to that same feeling of frustration (tinged with feelings of failure) and that build up of creative energy that just can’t seem to find a way out.
Anyway, I’ve almost got my little crafting nook done – just need to put some artwork up on the walls and rearrange a few things, but it’s workable. Here’s my crafting space:
And around the corner is my ‘office‘ space:
And here’s some linky love – hope you enjoy them too!
>> A super quick and easy skirt to make thanks to Amy – must get me some of that FOE!
>> Tutorial for making a delightful little Mushroom by Myra.
>> Jaime’s Luca the Lion for Softies for Mirabel is adorable.
>> Mel’s wall art made for her daughter using an embroidery hoop and scrap-booking supplies is such a fantastic idea!
>> I personally think Elsita (aka Elsa Mora) is a creative genius. I love, love, love everything she creates. Elsita’s charming pins featuring one of her stunning paper-cuts sold out in a flash – here’s hoping she’ll be making more soon.
>> Label-free found via the lovely Leya of Curious Bird – looks like this is going to be a fantastic resource for all things sewing-related with a great line-up of contributors
>> CraftBlog – a great new Aussie blog on all things crafty.
Hopefully, I’ll have some finished Peggies to share on the weekend :-)
Check out more On My Desk-ers here.
July 16th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Sorry things have been frustrating. Hope you’ll share the details on your show as the time gets closer as I for one would love to check it out! looking forward to seeing the new peg bears too :)
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July 16th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
building up quite a big fabric stash there!
don’t get too disheartened, all things happen for a reason… chin up.
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July 16th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Don’t you hate how all those things seem to happen all at once. I know that we still love our custom made peg bear that you did for us. It takes pride of place in my little ones bedroom.
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July 16th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I hope everything works out for your solo show-that sounds very exciting! Your working space looks lovely:)
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July 16th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
So sorry, Jhoanna. About the dream job, the custom order, all of it. I think you deserve a book deal so much. If the last one didn’t work out, then other opportunities, other successes are sure to come along. Your talent and style are strong and clear, everyone who reads your blog sees it, and so do the magazine editors. I suspect the thing that makes you keep putting your work on the back burner is the same thing that makes you a great Mom, wife, person. Sometimes we can’t do it all, let some things go if you can, and remember that your work is valuable and you’re teaching your kids important lessons with everything you do to advance your art.
Anyway, sorry for the rambling. You take care and set small goals. I know you’ll get there, hopefully with all your sanity intact!
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July 16th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
You are sooo good & your makings are sooo good. Keep on keeping on.
The new HQ of One Red Robin look lovely.
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July 16th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Hope everything starts to get better for you – maybe all these things happened because your show is going to be huge and an even better deal will come along!
Love the look of your studio.
Michelle
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July 16th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Sorry to hear that all is frustration at the moment. Love the look of the sewing nook. Hopefully somewhere in the future is an opportunity waiting. This might be totally irrelevant but Mem Fox’s book Possum Magic had eight or nine rejections before a publishing company took it on (and insisted on some pretty radical changes) and it is still going strong 25 years later – I am sure that somewhere in the future a great opportunity will arise for your creative talents.
Best wishes for the solo show!!!
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July 17th, 2008 at 8:53 am
All I can say to the things that have fallen through (dream job, book deal) is boy I’m sure they’ll regret it later when someone else sees how good you are and snaps you up! Like the schmuck who turned down Bill Gates because “personal computers will never really take off”.
Perhaps you can take dedicated “ME!” days? Surely your family will understand that you are part mother, part house wife, part organiser but also part crafty lady and that needs to play an equal part in your life too.
And I do have to say that the peg bears are just a little creepy inside out, what with the eye stalks poking out like that! :p
-Holly
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July 17th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Jhoanna,
Thanks for mentioning my little Luca Lion, I’m so glad you like him. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been having such a struggle lately. Don’t be too disheartened by these things. I didn’t get into the Fashion Exposed competition the first time I entered but I got the courage to try again, and I got in and went on to win. I think you are extremely talented so I’m sure it will all come together in the end. Also, it must be tough living with a superstar husband!
love Jaime (Paisley St Claire)
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July 17th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
It can be so tough sometimes I think. Especially when you put your heart and soul into everything you make, it can be easy to take things personally.
Keep positive, you make beautiful creations, its a shame that some people just don’t appreciate that. Its their loss.
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July 17th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
HI:
I am in the USA and I have been trying to find a website that sells your pattern for the “Baby Chibi Doll Ana”
and I have not been able to find one. Can you help me?
Jane Ponath
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July 17th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I cant believe someone of your TALLENT has had bad luck.
Its there loss!! I know one day VERY soon you will have all these things you wish for.
I believe that you are the best doll maker that I have ever seen.
Your Design’s are original and amazing .
I really just cant believe it !!!!!!!
I’m so Sorry to hear this, keep going just KEEP beliveing in yourself. You are an amazing doll maker , extraordinaire!!
LOVE and a BIG HUG from sesga xx
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July 19th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Hey sending a little prayer your way that you would feel uplifted. It’s really hard when icky things happen–makes us start questioning ourselves. If you are, listen to this: your work is awesome, amazing, fantastic and I would SO buy a book of your work. Sending you a few hugs from the States!
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July 21st, 2008 at 3:37 am
well i think you’re incredibly talented, along with MAAANY other people!!!! i know things will look up! everything happens for a reason, i truly believe that. But i know that’s easy for me to say. ;-) Just know that your work brings alot of joy to me and many others. And i know how frustrating it can be to have to deal with other more “important” things.. just daily life-stuff.. boring stuff. ;-) When you’d rather be working on things that are more fulfilling.. it’s such a hard balance! In the meantime, i’ll keep enjoying your blog and i’m thinking of you!
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July 21st, 2008 at 7:21 am
Thankyou for being honest, I really look up to you for that!!! Along with all the other comments I agree that you are wonderfully talented. True success lies past all the road blocks where others have turned around before you. I really admire your determination and it will happen.
Chin up hun
…Katie
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