a combination of statements, ideas or features of a situation that are opposed to one another. Hmmm. Here is the deal...the holidays are upon us, and I love the holidays. I put the red stocking I made in the previous posting up for sale on my Etsy shop (ifeltlikeitbyterry) and it got lots of hits and was "favorited" many times. And, yes, it sold. One gentleman even asked if I could make four stockings in different colors with that design on them, they're pictured above. He was very flattering and naturally I said yes! I could really use the $$ too. So far I've sold 8 stockings off my site and I'm super happy about that.
Here is the "contradiction" . I would one day like to feel comfortable calling myself a fiber artist. That being said, am I getting off on the right foot creating multiples of something-the same thing over and over-like offering the above stockings again? I ended up re-listing them on my site, and I hate to say it but the main reason was that it was an easy money maker. OK, I know we're just talking Christmas stockings here, but it's a start. One reason people buy hand made is because they want to get something original. I would hate to buy a nuno felted scarf and a few weeks later see that same scarf on someone else, or even for sale again in the shop I bought it from.
A friend of mine said I'm being too hard on myself and that since I did design them I should feel free to make as many of them as I like. True too. But does someone who wants to consider herself an artist one day create the same thing over again or does she come up with new and original ideas in order to further her creativity?
Now I think I may contradict myself...I've started making these simple necklaces pictured below left. I make a felt cord with these beautiful lampwork beads my cousin makes on them. They are tricky to make since you have create the cord while the bead is on it. Anyway, I'm really jazzed at how they turned out, there is a felt loop and hook at the back. I just got a new batch of beads and plan to make some of the necklaces in different colors to put on my etsy site. Now here, I don't feel that making multiples of the necklaces is a problem like I did with the stockings. Hmmm. Now I could never make a replica of the scarf I just made, pictured below right. That would just be plain wrong in my book. Now, in another color with different yarns....maybe. Contradiction?
One thing I am sure of though is that I love making felt and feel blessed to be able to have the opportunity to do what I love. For that I need to thank my husband, Jack. He makes it possible for me to study the craft of felting and then run with what I've learned. I am such a lucky gal! And there is no contradiction there.
