Remembering to be me.........

Do you ever get the idea when creating something – that you want to try and do it a slightly different way and then it just doesn’t work out – because it is not ‘you’?

I learned a lesson yesterday from this. I was trying to make the simplest of things – just wishing to take my little crochet flower bobby pins a step further, create something a little more interesting and unique. I also wanted to find a different way of attaching them to the new bobby pins that I am using – something secure but pretty.

Having had this felt kicking around my loft space forever and a day if seemed like the perfect opportunity to try to use it. However after cutting out meticulous shapes and sewing ever more meticulous stitches (or so I thought at the time) in embroidery thread I took one look at the finished piece and could not believe how unhappy I was with the result. Talk about trying too hard! There are many wonderful artists on etsy beautifully hand stitching felt designs and it seems I am not to be one of them!

Therefore, after thinking about it for a little while I decided to pull out my bag of tiny fabric scraps and hand dyed remnants of costume fabrics – the very same ones I have been using on my art bags. Playing around a little brought me to make these one of a kind accessories – so very much more my style, and consequently, so much more enjoyable to make. Can you see the difference?!

So – for me, there is a lesson – don’t try to be something I am not – and make the things I love and that reflect my very own creativity. One of the things I love about these is the added texture created by the frayed edges and the fact that they are not ‘perfect’. I am the girl after all who loves when the edges of my Victorian petticoats become slightly frayed and torn – for me it adds to the beauty. I think this is something I have talked about in reference to my art also. Beauty does not equal perfection and perfection does not necessarily mean beauty – I love all those little flaws in nature and art. The torn edges, the areas where the paint puddles a little, the aged effect given by smudging the ink and the frayed edges of these silks and taffetas in these accessories. For me – that is beauty. These of course are currently being listed in my etsy shop.

I have a few new pieces of art to show you hopefully tomorrow - I have had a few great days in my studio - it is just a pity the light makes photographing so difficult.

Just to remind you I am having a little blog anniversary give-away. Any comments made on blog up until Wednesday (inclusive) are to be entered into a draw for a wee parcel – one entry per person. Good luck!

Oh and PS - I know I have recently been having problems commenting on typepad blogs (Lou if you are reading this - I am still reading your blog - just not able to comment!) - so if you are unable to comment here, then you can email me at gillian@gilflingsdesigns.co.uk and you will still be entered into the draw. xxx

Comments

[Casey]

Yay for being true to your own aesthetics!! :) I've been "discovering" that same thing recently; when I try to do something that isn't really a reflection of me that it usually doesn't turn out right. But happily, I've found that those instances are when some of my best brainwaves come while trying to "fix" the creative misstep. hehe!! :)

Oh, and Happy Blogiversary!!! Hope you're having a lovely week. :)

[Christine]

I agree, you have to be yourself, I'm working on some new gocco card designs at the moment and I know that when I try to draw something that isn't me, they just don't work.
I love those fabric scrap bobby pins by the way :)

[PG]

Did you get my email about the exhibition? I sent it to your hotmail address, but I notice you are using a different one here.

[Zann Carter]

Ah, what a good post - I need this reminder, too. There are so many amazing people making glorious things I often feel my own vision and voice are lacking. But what I know is that at a show or display of my pieces, people gravitate towards what is most my original design, rather than derivative work...
Happy New Year!
Zann

[Karen Beth]

The art that is you, my dear, is completely wonderful and beautiful and could be no better. I love that you stick to your authenticity. :)

[Blaze]

I just happened to stumble across your blog, and it is quite lovely! I plan on visiting it again!!

[Mica]

yummy I love your cuffs so much. would adore wearing that. I think it would be magical if you turned your work into a doll. Hope to see one....just do it. It shant ake too long trust me. Would love to add you to my blog roll and hope to see you again. Thanks for stopping in my little part of the world. Mica

[stilettoheights]

happy blogaversary!!!

xoxoxo