My latest Streaming Pillow that I made for Barb
It’s true, many of you read in Jon’s blog that I was down, feeling overwhelmed with orders, mostly for pillows. It’s also true that making the Shibori Quilt seems to have been the cure. This morning I woke up ready to take on my list of special orders. I started at the beginning. First I emailed Barb to make sure she still wanted a pillow. I wasn’t sure, because she first asked me in August. Barb said yes, she would like to have the pillow by April, it’s a gift. I’m learning that I’m putting the pressure on myself. Most people are willing to wait and plan better than I do.
So here’s my plan, one pillow a week, maybe sometimes two. A day for potholders, and the rest for quilts (I have a few orders for these too) and a free day or two, to let something unexpected happen. I’m not really one for schedules or planning, but I think just having this loose plan in my head will keep my anxiety away and allow me to work through my lists and make those things I love to make for all of you who want them. But I also need to make space for the new ideas to evolve.
There are some days when my body and brain want to do what’s familiar, what’s known. And there are other days when the excitement of a new idea refuses to be squelched by anything other than being realized. It’s when I don’t answer that need that I get in trouble. Once again, it comes down to listening to and trusting myself. Believing that a long list of orders is not something to be afraid of but grateful for.
Gratitude is the key!
Maria,
So glad you have found a loose plan to deal with your backlog of orders. So glad to know that you have left space in the plan for being spontaneous and creative. Enjoy the ride!
Janet
Know thyself….you’ve got it. The Shibori quilt really is a masterpiece and it needed to happen, and make it happen you did. Wonderful!
I would love to see you create a chicken potholder, using your unique style!
I love the last line. Wonderfully said. This concept applies nicely to many areas of life. I will keep it at the forefront of my days, especially the ones that seem overwhelming.
Good for you, Maria. Wise woman.
I love the way you came to terms with this….you have a gift, but the giving of it (your many forms of art) has to come from a place that gives you joy. Glad that you were able to work your way back from gloom into a positive place, Maria.
Maria, you might just need a break from your relentless schedule. You’ve been slaving away like a factory worker. I agree, this would kill any creative spirit.
Maria I think your on to something…This pillow is so full of sunshine!
You said it C.S. Just got my creative spirit back.
It’s true Tara, It does have to come from a place of joy. I will try and remember that.
What a good problem to have, Maria. Everyone covets a Maria Wulf art creation. But balance is important, so be true to yourself. xoxo
Creativity isn’t born out of stress. You create beautiful things. They are all worth the wait. Enjoy the ride! peace to you on this ‘another day of love’.
I love the way you describe your process, and the peace you found in setting a loose (and malleable) schedule for yourself.