Thursday, January 20, 2011

Butterfly days


Do you ever get butterflies in your stomach?? I mean like when you are stretching out and trying something new?? It always happens to me, so what do I do, I keep my wings in, and stuff it all down.

I guess we all want to be creative in some way. Some people seem to have more talent and it just flows out of them. I recently read Kathleen Tracy's blog A Sentimental Quilter. She had a wonderful post that inspired me. You can read it. It's titled "A Little Something Every Day". What I loved about this transparent post was how she shared that she always wanted to be creative, but she just would play. She thought that she was not a creative person. A friend opened her eyes when he told her "Of course you're creative. You admire creative people and love creative things so much - you're just scared to try."

Oh wow, how true is that? How many of you are scared to try something? Failure rears it's very ugly head, especially when we seek the approval of others. So what does it mean to try your wings? What will it matter if you try something and it doesn't work?? What if it does work?

When you have something that is floating around in your head, how do you translate it? We are not all artists who can draw and paint and put what is in your head on paper. But yet, sometimes there is a little something that lingers.

So I've had these little images

that I've wanted to try

but I couldn't seem to put them down on paper

and then I read Kathy's post

and I said, oh why not try?

So I put them down on paper, and then transferred them to cloth.

Red floss and needle in hand..........


I am not really happy with how the words turned out, but it was my first attempt.

Okay, so I am not a designer, but I was very encouraged and inspired by Kathy's post. And I just wanted to share that with you :-)

Go, and be creative!

35 comments:

Linda said...

What a wonderful post. You are so right!! I think your redwork turned out amazing. It's perfect!! I can't believe it was your first attempt!

Susan said...

I was just saying the same thing to a friend yesterday. I finally worked up enough courage to try a new knit stitch (something that I have been avoiding for a long time) and I found out it wasn't hard to do at all. The fear of failing keeps me from trying so many things. Why? What's the worst than can happen if I try something new? No one is going to be hurt and the results might be wonderful, so why not try?

I love your redwork block and I'm looking forward to seeing more of them!

Barb said...

Enjoyed your post....and what a great job!

Cathy Burk said...

Those are darling little people! So glad you let them come out and join the party! Cute, cute, cute!

Michelle @ Sew-Krafty said...

Oh how true! I tend to be a "starter"...I have a lot of enthusiasm for a new project...as long as it's something I'm good at or familiar with. I love to try new things, just as long as no one's watching! LOL

Terry said...

It's very sweet! Sometimes I print out the words I want and then trace them onto the design. It just makes the letters nicer than I could write them myself.

antique quilter said...

oh my gosh how cute is this!
I read that post too, I love the way she writes and shares on her blog too.
So glad she inspired you and that you shared it with us
Kathie

Jan Hatchett said...

I think your little redwork image is wonderful! I really have always admired embroidery, but have never really done much. I think I might have to try!

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

You are very creative, and a designer, you designed the cute little people - I love the look of the them and how you embroidered them - you should do more. People really go for this kind of creative, one-of-a-kind look.

Cyndi said...

What a wonderful post, Jocelyn. And so very, very true. I was always afraid of trying quilting because of the fear of failing! Now I'm so happy that I finally took the plunge. I think your little stitchery is absolutely adorable. So happy you tried, too!

XOXO,

Cyndi

regan said...

Your 'love one another' is charming! Don't change a thing! I really like that the lettering is a little wonky....it adds to its sweetness!

sewfunquilts said...

Wonderful! Glad you enjoyed it and love the words.

Susan said...

Kathy's post was so encouraging. Your redwork design is adorable and I am happy you shared.

Loris said...

Very cute! Keep going, I think you are on to something here. I like the mouths you put on these kids.

Unknown said...

I love that butterfly posting! I used to embroider, but when not sewing, I'm now knitting fingerless gloves...

Aunty Bee said...

I think they are very cute, I hope this is the start of many more original designs. You have inspired me to have a g0.

JulieF1962 said...

How cute!

Amy Friend said...

Oh, I think that they are sweet! You are right, some ideas just have to get out. I am glad you let this one free :)

Rita said...

Way to go! I also saw Kathy's post and thought it was very inspiring. Sometimes we have to push ourselves out of the box. You did a great job.

Laura said...

They're too cute!

MarveLes Art Studios said...

I LOVE it! No FEAR! Keep it up!

Impera Magna said...

I'm so happy for you... trying something new and different... taking a chance... good job!

BTW - I also love your embroidery!

Paulette said...

Yay, you did it! I've been thinking along the same lines for a couple weeks myself. Haven't read Kathy's post (but I'll go do that now). Love your cute little redwork!

Unknown said...

I think it really looks TERRIFIC!!Keep the creative juices flowing!!:) Rosie

Mad about Craft said...

That is just so cute! Don't be too critical of yourself, that is very clever!

LV said...

I am the world's worst at getting butterflies. When I was young, I had a really hard time dealing with that. It is a wonder I ever graduated, as I was too scared to speak. I am not afraid to do most things except sky diving.

Carrie said...

Create and you shall be creative! :)

I love your little redwork and I applaud your jumping into the deep end of the pool and doing something that speaks to what matters to you!

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

Now wait a minute---I love them--they are so cute and look great--don't stop there--keep going!!!
Hugs,di

WallStickersDecals said...

Lovely indeed. My daughters love butterflies too. They want to setup butterfly wall stickers on their bedroom walls.

Allie said...

HOW DARLING!!! That is super cute, Jocelyn! Good for you on giving it a go - I'm going to have to read her post. I get butterflies ALL the time!

QuiltSue said...

What a wonderful and thought provoking post, thank you.

I think your stitchery looks good, far better than mine would, but I think I really should go and try some now.

Julia said...

Thanks for the encouragement. You are always an inspiration to me.

Darlene said...

I remember reading Kathy's post - very inspirational. Yes, there are many things I fear trying but I think it's because I fear the judgement of others more than my failure.

Your first attempt is delightful - keep going. :-)

Deanna said...

I hadn't seen the post you mentioned, but have been thinking similar thoughts myself. Many, probably most, of us have IDEAS, but ignore them for one reason or another: fear, embarrassment, denial. I, too, am trying to pay attention to my ideas and find that there are quite a few of them. What a discovery! You will find more and more as you look for and acknowledge them.

Sandi Linn Andersen said...

That is sooooo sweet. I think you are designer and am so glad you shared. :-)