I just want to make stuff

I find myself thinking all day about things I want to make or new creative ideas. I started carrying around a journal type notebook so I can write down all my ideas. Geez, why can't I win the lottery and win enough to quit my day job and sit around all day and make stuff and not worry about getting paid for it? Sheesh.

Today, I was super busy at work, but I spent more time than I should on Facebook, twitter, checking my Etsy account, reading over my blog... you know, working on MY business. Lately that is all I want to do, actually it hasn't been lately, it's just that lately I've really acknowledged it and become very active in making my dreams to work for myself and create stuff a reality. It's time to bring out these thoughts in my head and put them in solid form.

It's scary to put yourself out there, but I've gotten a lot of positive feedback and I can't lie... It feels good! I think for most people, there is a small iota of fear, hoping that everyone will like what you're doing. As much as people try and act like they don't care what people think or say, I think deep inside, if they're really honest with themselves, it does bother them a little when people reject them or their ideas.

Anywhoooo, I'm going to make some more bangles this weekend. I just ordered about 20 more wooden bangles to decorate. I'm also going to practice more on my chainmaille technique and create some earrings and bracelets. I love chainmaille. The patters look complicated, but it's actually sometimes quite simple. That complex simplicity, I just love it.

Dagnabit, I just want to make stuff!  :)

Why Do I Craft?

I don't remember when I started making stuff, I just know that I love it. I like thinking of new ideas or learning a new technique, but what I love the most is taking one thing and turning it in to another thing. I think it's the same reason that I love butterflies. They start as one thing, and turn into something completely different and beautiful. 

This is also the way my life has been. I'm always trying to reinvent myself, to become a better person. My hairstyle is always changing, my clothes change, my tastes change. That's the way I have always lived my life. Lately, I've been doing decoupage, using plain wooden bracelets, and covering them with designs so that they look completely unrecognizable. From plain to beautiful. I love it. 

Sitting around making stuff, is also a form of relaxation for me. I usually sit on the floor, with the TV on in the background, surrounded by beads, bangles, paper, ribbons or whatever else I'm using. I'm totally at peace and I'm totally in the moment. I find that the more I do it, the more passionate I'm becoming about it. Years ago, I started making jewelry, and doing simple beading, but I didn't love it. I think it comes more from the fact that I was trying to make things that I thought other people would like, rather than making what I love. These days, I don't use as many beads. I like zippers, and leather and metals and chunky bangles. I make what I love. Now, I'm just working on turning my love for creating things into a business. It's a slow process, and I'm sometimes impatient and some days I wonder if I'm just making things that no one but me likes, but then I go to my etsy page, and see that someone favorited one of my items, and I think... it's just a matter of time and I create something else. 

www.blackroqs.etsy.com