One Day at a Time... Working out of a Rut!

I've been in a funky rut. Yep, a rut. Something overwhelmed me and I just couldn't focus on my art! Not good for me and I felt a little lost for a bit. But honestly, every day isn't always the best is it? There are those ups and downs in life. I just didn't expect my rut to hit so hard!

I'm happy to say I have new energy and I am loving it! I've started tatting again and really thinking about what I want to do. What can I leave behind in my life? Why do I tend to repeat self-defeating patterns and how to solve that? I mean...really!? So, I turned to some help to get me focused and really pin point what I could do so I don't fall into this again. I have a long road, but step by step I'm getting there.  That reminds me of Eddie Rabbit's song, "Step by Step". Hmmm, now I am showing my age! haha

Hand-tatted heart with red glass seed beads necklace

But good things are on the horizon. I am tackling how to go about tatting bridal crowns, some with crystals and some without. Then I was thinking about small crowns for babies...like ones that photographers could use in photo shoots. Who doesn't have a baby girl who thinks she's as sweet as a princess? Really!?

Also, over the holidays I was commissioned to create a custom pair of panties for a gift. I incorporated hand-tatted lace into the design. And honestly, I think they are super cute! Some of my friends were like...will you make more? How much are they? Then I started making more lace for more pantie designs and I am starting to work through those now. It's just going to take time to get through my ideas and make it into a process I can work with!

Prototype X Lace Panties with Hand-Tatted Lace insert

I'm also preparing for festivals and art expos on the horizon. Which means my production of products are getting to be in full swing. I am happy to have so much variety in what I do - weaving, tatting, knitting. Creating things with fabric, paper and thread. It's really limitless and honestly I am my own boss and I like the idea that I can change gears and do something different.

Enjoy the leaping forward this weekend! Longer days equals more time to create! Right?

Close-up of my tag, a new line of intimate and bridal apparel - embrace.

Close-up of the hand-tatted lace insert

Packaged up for the customer, ready to send!

Design presented to the customer for the concept for the custom panties.