blowing my own horn

I haven't shared much on my blog recently about my projects for my Etsy shop.  There's always another blog post to write... And I don't really like to blow my own horn.  My Etsy shop has been slow in its creation.  I opened it last September and started stocking it in October as I slowly created inventory (one piece at a time).  I've had exactly one sale, which is ok.  Sometimes it can be discouraging, but I find that overall I'm very optimistic.  That might not make sense, but I'm ok with that, too.  Chapter 2 in the Artist's Way talks about the universe (or God, if you like) cooperating with our creativity, encouraging and helping, even.  Yes, this is a hard concept for me to wrap my head around, but I've been thinking a lot about it since I read the chapter before going on vacation.  A very interesting thing happened that day.  After lunch I checked my email and I had a message from one of the Etsy administrators.  He wanted me to send one of my necklaces to a TV personality and style expert for consideration for a TV spot on crochet trends.  This happened the very same day I read about listening for encouragement from the universe.  And what was my first reaction to that email?  Fear.  I wanted to give up and not send my necklace.  I had doubts about my necklace.  I had doubts about the logistics of trying to get a package sent out last minute.  I had doubts about my packing materials.  So funny because that is the very same thing that Julia Cameron explains in the chapter.  "We've gotten brave enough to try recovery, but we don't want the universe to really pay attention.  We still feel too much like frauds to handle some success.  When it comes, we want to go," she writes.  I scribbled "YES!" in the margin and this was before I got that email.  I pushed through my fears and sent my package.  My necklace was not included in the TV spot, but that doesn't really matter so much to me.  The whole experience was encouragement from the universe.  I'm listening!

I've gotten more encouragement this morning, too.  First an email from a lovely Etsy seller and blogger letting me know that she'd featured one of my bracelets on her blog.  Her blog is beautiful and I'm really happy to have found it!

I really love the bracelet she featured, too.




And the other one I made with the same yarn in a different color:




Truthfully, I'm very proud of the creations that I've been making.  They are all my own designs and when I'm finished with each one I'm a bit surprised by it.  Each really pleases me.  Two others that I've made recently both fill me with such joy.  This bracelet:




And this necklace:




(Each piece has been featured in two treasures, too!)  So why am I not sharing the joy???

After that first message today I then had two messages about pieces of mine being featured in treasuries.

This one by the wonderful artist Ayca:




And this one by Adva Bruner a textile designer who makes amazing clothing:




Hello, universe, I'm listening!

So I'll keep creating as I have been since I opened my shop.  I'm working on some plans to develop my business (and actually make it a business instead of just this thing I do).  I'll keep you posted.  Until then, I want to thank each of you for all of the encouragement.  It really means a lot to me.

Comments

  1. You do make the most beautiful things Anne. If funds permitted, I would buy from your shop. I especially like your fine rose crocheted necklaces and the single crochet daffodil necklace. I could see your necklaces being featured in bridal magazines. They would look beautiful on a bridal party. In etsy you are competing against people in the same genre. Is there somewhere else you could sell your goods? With regards to the Artists Way, I worked my way through the book at the end of last year. I don't know if it was helpful or not but I went through the process of writing every day and I have never returned to re-read what I wrote! Keep on creating Anne. Your time for success will come!

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  2. Congratulations. You do beautiful work. I love the necklace and rose bracelet especially.

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  3. Yay!!! Hooray Universe! That is all very exciting! :)

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  4. Wow I can really relate to your reaction to the TV opportunity! I fear I would feel the same :P SO glad you pushed thought it and congrats on such an offer! Your work is really pretty and I know more opportunities will come along.

    The sightly featured button looks grand on your sidebar :)

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  5. ~~~Happy dance for you!~~~
    You are a very talented artist. Best wishes on your Etsy adventures.

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  6. Across The Pond I am cheering and frantically whooping you on! Keep reading that book it's doing you the world of good - such wise words (Cameron's and yours.)

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  7. Thank you all so much! I really appreciate all of the support, encouragement and affirmations that you've been giving me. Hugs, hugs, hugs to all of you.

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  8. Congratulations on your opportunities and opening the door to more instead of shutting it in fear! Your crocheted jewelry is gorgeous and deserves a wider audience :)

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  9. Oh my God this is so awesome!!! I LOVE IT!! Congratulations to you and I hope you keep on moving forward through every door the Universe opens for you, fearlessly! And another thing, your pieces are so beautiful! I really love that blue roses wristlet - just gorgeous!! Sorry for all the exclamation points, but I'm truly excited for you. :)

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  10. That is soo awesome about the tv spot even if it didn't work out!! Amazing! I can absolutely and completely relate to the fear you felt. I've had a few sales from my Etsy shop (and a few more from friends which I don't totally count haha!) and every time I've had one, I go into panic mode thinking they won't like it as much in real life and that I somehow tricked them...I can totally relate to the fraud thing! I really need to buy that book...
    Also, really like the last necklace pictured...really beautiful detail and the colors are so soft and sweet

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  11. I'm so glad you pushed through the fear! And I'm so happy for all the wonderful things happening for you! xo

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