I am working towards getting my album sorted on Creative Connections for the CRAFTfest on the 26th and 27th November. A fantastic idea of an online craft fair, participating members have been split into coloured teams (Lilac, Purple, Pink, Blue and Teal) and in total approx 170 crafters are participating. Never done an online event before but cuts out the lugging of stock, unpacking and setting up, repacking and back to the car so looking forward to the weekend.
New Beginnings
I have been crafting for more years than I care to remember and every now and then I reinvent my business and the direction it is going in. I feel that as handmakers we have to evolve, move with the times try something different or revisit something old, My passion is vintage and whilst over the years I have tried out new things some have worked some not but at the back of my mind is still my first love of vintage, a gentler age, embroidery, lace, antique pearl buttons. These items take longer to produce but take me back to my training of freehand machine embroidery, hand and ribbon embroidery, delicate roses made from ribbons, flowers from organza embellished with pearls. A cushion with ribbon roses and a reclaimed vintage brooch. What does all this mean? well 2012 is the year I go back dig out my old sketch books and idea journals concentrate on Vintage and specialise doing what I love. I know that the older style is not for everyone but now is my time to return to a niche market and steer away from mass production.
Craft has changed so much over the years and trends come and go, the market is now flooded with so many people making the same style of thing, craft shows with table upon table of textiles or jewellery or sadly with imported goods. To earn money we all take the chance but sometimes, just every now and then you have to take a look at what you are doing, does it hold the same passion. To work for yourself you have to love what you do and most of all follow your dream hence 2012 for me is my dream year to produce wearable works of art and go back to my routes. I do hope you join me on my journey and enjoy the finished products as much as I know I will enjoy making them.
New Beginnings
I have been crafting for more years than I care to remember and every now and then I reinvent my business and the direction it is going in. I feel that as handmakers we have to evolve, move with the times try something different or revisit something old, My passion is vintage and whilst over the years I have tried out new things some have worked some not but at the back of my mind is still my first love of vintage, a gentler age, embroidery, lace, antique pearl buttons. These items take longer to produce but take me back to my training of freehand machine embroidery, hand and ribbon embroidery, delicate roses made from ribbons, flowers from organza embellished with pearls. A cushion with ribbon roses and a reclaimed vintage brooch. What does all this mean? well 2012 is the year I go back dig out my old sketch books and idea journals concentrate on Vintage and specialise doing what I love. I know that the older style is not for everyone but now is my time to return to a niche market and steer away from mass production.
Craft has changed so much over the years and trends come and go, the market is now flooded with so many people making the same style of thing, craft shows with table upon table of textiles or jewellery or sadly with imported goods. To earn money we all take the chance but sometimes, just every now and then you have to take a look at what you are doing, does it hold the same passion. To work for yourself you have to love what you do and most of all follow your dream hence 2012 for me is my dream year to produce wearable works of art and go back to my routes. I do hope you join me on my journey and enjoy the finished products as much as I know I will enjoy making them.
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Craft Fest does look like a fab event - I hope it works well for you! You are so right about following your own passions and not following the crowd. I think it's having something different and "standing out" that makes a business successful, whether it's handmade or otherwise. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteHear hear. Look forward to seeing your new album and the new, reinvented you.
ReplyDeleteI am going to take a proper look at Craft Fest when I have a good half hour to mooch. Am admiring you for taking stock and reinventing, change is always a brave decision but you get so much from it. :)
ReplyDeleteI always think it's hard to not follow what the crowd is doing, and go your own way. But true artists do just that. Sometimes they are not appreciated, but other times...well. I hope for the best! :)
ReplyDeleteA very thoughtful post, your best work comes from doing something that you really love. Will investigate the link to Craft fest
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the Craft Fest. Agree that you should follow your own passion and makes things you want. It will be more satisfying for you I think. Mich :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, you're definitely right about not following the crowd - I think that the best bit about Craft fest is that you can really show off the unique side to your crafts - really excited about it! :o) x
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your online event, sounds great.
ReplyDeleteFollow your dreams definately. Brilliant post and one for contemplation x
The online event sounds like fun, i'll try and have a look at it, but good luck anyhow x
ReplyDeleteCraftfest sounds like a great idea, i'll have to make a note and remind myself to have a look when its on. I'm still new to crafts so its good to hear that the passion for it stays for years. x
ReplyDeleteI hope you do well at Craft Fest it does look interesting.
ReplyDeleteI agree that passion is important especially with our crafts. Your ideas sound great, I doubt you are the only one that will appreciate those vintage styles.
I agree very much with your post. I'm looking forward to taking myself in a new direction next year. I wish you every success and look forward to seeing your new work :)
ReplyDeleteGood for You on concentrating on your niche. It's so easy to get distracted, and I'm very impressed you are planning for next year already.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to go back. look at old ideas with a fresh eye. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with! Penny x
ReplyDeleteCaroline
ReplyDeleteBest of luck on your new venture!
such a wonderful read and all so true good luck with your new venture xxx
ReplyDeleteA great post, I love your vintage items and I'm sure 2012 will be a great year for you, it's always best doing what you really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck on the Craft Fest, it looks such a good idea.
Jan x
Good luck with your craft fest Caroline - look forward to seeing the 2012 range
ReplyDeleteYou are one of the most unique and creative people I know! I know that whatever you decide to do for the Craft Fair, you'll do great!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with Craftfest - I shall definately visit it over that week-end. Good luck with your new drection, I shall look forward to seeing he pictures.
ReplyDeleteJo x
The craft Fest sounds like its going to be a fun day for everyone. You are right to follow your heart in what tyou like making best. This will always show in your work I feel. Thumbs down for mass produced items. Hugs Mrs A.
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline,,, Craft Fest sounds like a great idea. I hope you do fantastic!!! I cant wait to see all of your new beautiful things in 2012. I adore anything vintage! With your talent and creativity it is sure to be a very good direction for you. Follow your dreams!
ReplyDelete(()) Gail
You are so right Caroline we have to evolve and redesign ourselves to offer something that is unique only to your business - thinking outside the box. I look forward to seeing your vintage designs.
ReplyDeleteCraft Fest does seem to be a good idea - good luck with it hope it goes well for everyone involved.
Anita
I will join your craft event. Looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with Craft Fest. Your post was very thought provoking and I agree wholeheartedly with you on being 'true' to yourself. You have to keep reinventing/revisiting your crafts. I hope 2012 brings all your new ventures together and look forward to your future posts.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the Craftfest. Will have a lookie too ~ hopefully to enter next year!
ReplyDelete