Monday, August 17, 2009

Is Creating Tedious?

A couple of weeks ago, when I described to a friend my latest projects - beadwork using small seed beads, she commented that it seemed "tedious." My gut reaction was NO, but I started thinking further, as I was beading.

Mirriam Webster defines "tedious" as tiresome because of length or dullness : boring.


Bead work involves taking several hundred beads and organizing them in some kind of pattern. I can see how that can fall under the above definition of tedious, very repetitious and long. However I enjoy it, partly because it gives me a chance to think as I'm working. There is also the satisfaction of the act of creation. I am organizing a mass of beads (2 pictures below) into something that looks nice, creating order out of chaos (top and last pictures). I am participating with the Lord, my creator!

This is also true of other crafts, such as counted cross stitch.





In fact, when I'm away from a project, I feel compelled to go back to it. I can't wait!
It can be looked at as being tedious, but there's a satisfaction in the end, akin to scratching that bothersome itch!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Introduction

I read 2 books last year that changed my perspective and helped me to learn more about me and my own creativity.

First, about 2 years ago, I came across the book The Creative Call - An Artist's Response to the Way of the Spirit by Janice Elsheimer. I bought the book, looked it over and put it on the shelf!!

Last year, I pulled it off the shelf and invited a friend of mine to work through the book together. I live in Michigan, and she in Texas, but we read and worked through each chapter and then had loooooooong conversations at the end of the week (sometimes 2 or 3 weeks).

As promised by the author (having spent time working through), I now have put these into practice:"...- learn to call on the Holy Spirit as your source of inspiration, your muse.- exercise your artistic gift regularly and begin to think of yourself as an artist.- develop the habit of journaling as a way to recognize the things that have kept your blocked.- have a richer deeper prayer life and a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ."

The second book that had an impact on me last year was Ladies Who Launch by Victoria Colligan, Beth Schoenfeldt, and Amy Swift This book isn't specifically Christian, but encouraged me to look at my life differently.

I pulled out the sewing machine and started creating things. I also have the vision to start a craft business.

Initially, I am making bags to sell. Ultimately, this will expand to include other sewn items and other crafts. I also want to expand to have a brick and mortor building where I can invite others to come hang out while doing and learning crafts.

What's your area of creativity?

Elaine