(if you want just the news about the Lulu 30% off sale, just skip to the bottom of this post, thanks!)
As the year winds down and we all reflect on the past 12 months and look eagerly forward to the next cycle of seasons, I want to say how truly grateful I am to each of you. While it is true that much of my time is spent in solitude making my art and trying to run this funny little business, NONE of it would be possible without your interest and support. Sure, I could be making my little creations in the woods and in my studio for no reason other than the pure joy of it. But I'm also trying to do something really outrageously daring too, which is to find out if it is possible to make a living following my heart.
We hear about this all the time: "Just follow your dream and the rest will follow..." I suppose if one's dream is to be an investment banker, or a lawyer, then a comfortable life with no worries about money is highly likely because this world is built to propel that kind of rational/organized person into a successful outcome. But artists know that a different fate often awaits them and no matter how passionate, dedicated or talented they are, being able to actually do what you love AND pay the bills is an even bigger challenge when you're in the arts...especially when the vast majority of the current culture is spending more and more time living inside the electronic world of mobile screens.
I honestly don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to do this but I'm going to keep at it until I get 2 books finished and published, the first being my Kickstarter book (which is still a work-in-progress) and a new project commissioned by an actual book publisher on how I make my Faerie Houses. I'm ready to share my secrets and techniques....things I've learned over the past 10 years of doing this work. I want to share these skills with the next generation of crafty folk who want to learn how to build miniature worlds using Nature's bounty as a source for materials and inspiration. It sounds silly, but I do believe there is much that is therapeutic and healing that lies deep within this work, though it is not something I talk about so often as I like to just let folks find their own way with the images and sculptures I create. But I do know that actually going out in nature and making something yourself is a fulfilling adventure in and of itself, and if my work can act as an aid or inspiration for people to have their own story of magic and creativity unfold for them, then I am very content indeed. So, a book seems like a worthwhile way to reach out to interested people and give them some useful suggestions in a very practical format.
This is where you come in. I would like to know if you, as one of my dear readers, have anything specific you'd like to see in a book about building Faerie Houses. Is there something in particular, some question you've always wanted to ask? Something you've always wanted to try for yourself but didn't know how? If so, leave a comment here on this post, or if you're shy, send me an email (click HERE to go to my website's contact page) as I want to hear from you!
And now for that news from Lulu about 30% off!! (this is for you Gillian, they must have heard you! ;-) If you'd like to order any of my self-published calendars or books, now is a great time! You have until 11:59 on December 31st. Just use the coupon code:
NEWYEAR30
Make sure it is all caps and no spaces. And for an easy click over to my products page in Lulu, just click HERE to get to my Lulu storefront to make your purchase.
Thank you everyone and may your New Year be Bright, Beautiful and Magical!!
Bright Blessings to one and All!
1 comment:
Do you base your designs just on whimsical ideas you create yourself, or do you research the faerie world and use elements of myth and legend? What does your studio/workspace look like? How do you organize your project from the first lightbulb idea to finished house?
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