Nanna's Nook

Every year in late January, the women of the Work of Christ Community and friends celebrate a Festival of Tables.  Approximately 20 women "Hostesses" each decorate a round table to the theme of her choice.  This year, I chose the theme "Nanna's Nook," pulling items that I have that were owned by my maternal grandmother, mom and myself.  My maternal grandmother went by the title "Nanna" by myself and my siblings.  I have chosen to take on the same title for my grandchildren since my 1st granddaughter was born in 2007.  I currently have 2 granddaughters, ages 5 and 3 1/2, and am looking forward to my 3rd grandchild this December.

My mom and dad, when they were married

This towel was made by my Nanna

This pitcher and 3 cups were my Nanna's.  She also crocheted the green and white doily.  

This picture was taken of me (Nanna) and my 1st grand daughter, Susanna

Susanna with her Nanna (me)

Imperfection

"The insidious demon of perfectionism can frustrate the artist at any and all stages of the creative process. Perfectionism can delay the beginning of any creative project or stop us in our tracks halfway through. As the harsh voice of criticism within, it says, Don't even bother, you won't get it right." - Creativity and Divine Surprise by Karla M. Kincannon

We, as artists, need to embrace imperfections. For me, sometimes it's the mistakes that lead to something NEW!! I am only just beginning to realize this, however.

The first cut is often the hardest for me.

An example of this is a tablecloth I just recently finished. I bought a number of Christmas-themed bandanas on impulse from an after-Christmas sale. Later, I ran across tablectloth instructions online. I then sat on the idea for several months.

Finally, at the beginning of August, I decided to take the plunge and make the 1st cut, starting with a layout.

I tried a number of layouts on the bed - coming up with one that pleased me.

I then proceeded to sew them together row by row. One of the first imperfections I had to deal with and eventually let go was that the corners of the "square" bandanas did not come together! In fact, the final intersection of corners was WAY off!

My finished large square was composed of 16 squares, 4 x 4.

Because I was not home at the time, I was not able to figure on an exact size for a particular table, so when I returned home, I tried it on some of my tables. I have 2 glass-topped circular tables on our screened porch that are the perfect size for the cloth. However, that wouldn't be a solution because of the Christmas/winter theme. We simply don't use that porch n the winter.

I then tried a card table. The tablecloth was almost to the floor, which I call too long!

Another consideration was the weight of the cloth - too light.

I came up with the idea of turning under the sides and sewing points. This added weight to the edges and added some interest to the sides, besides making the tablecloth shorter.

However, the corner bandanas ended up on the floor! My perfectionism said that I wasted those bandanas, but the artist in me had to let that go.

I am becoming more comfortable with the imperfect in me and embracing the possibilities.

Go for the first cut!!

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