Friday, December 2, 2011

Hanging Out The Open Sign


Yay! I know I have been gone from the this blog, (and everyone else's) for weeks now, but I am happy to say that after a month of work, (zig-zagged around a head cold that apparently likes me so much it has decided to stay indefinitely) I have finally, (as of yesterday) opened up my new Etsy shop Rural Retro Designs.


I have already had a few folks ask what the point was in opening a 2nd shop, when everything shown in this post, as well as everything else in the RRD shop, could have easily gone into my Silly BooDilly shop, and trust me, I have examined and questioned that logic myself while embarking on this new project.


Ultimately it boils down to this... It is basically an experiment in trying to find balance. As I have mentioned before, I am a bit ADD. Along with that I have a inherent rebellious side to me, (if anyone has doubts on that, they need only ask my mother!)


Together those traits can give birth to some wonderful creativeness, but they can also cause difficulty in maintaining motivation, focus, and clear direction.


And because I am someone who wants to maintain motivation, focus, and clear direction, I often find myself exhausted and at odds with myself...


Without specific boundaries, I tend to wander. Weeks can go by with no creative output, and frankly that leaves me feeling like crap.



Now in the past I have tried to rectify this by deciding I would just focus on one thing, such as art quilts, or art dolls, or mixed media, etc. etc. (because again, I looonnnggg for clear and focused direction!)


However, each and every time I grow bored and restless, and once again, I feel like crap.


Silly BooDilly is vital to me as it allows me to have the open playground of fun and experimentation that I need...



If I want to create pojagi patchwork one week and whimsical embroidered little houses the next, and after that do some stitched paper, well by golly I've got a home for all of it!



And now, with Rural Retro Designs, I will also get to have the boundaries and clear focused direction that I crave. This last month was almost blissful, (even with the head cold) as everyday I had a clear focus and was able to work within specific self-imposed boundaries that kept me energized and on track. The key to all of this was that I also knew that when ever the mood struck I still had a place to go with no creative boundaries.


I understand if all of that maybe sounds a bit schizophrenic, and overly complicated, but for me it's just the opposite. Rural Retro Designs is my way of finding balance and becoming centered in a vast universe of sometimes lovely and sometimes not so lovely distraction. With this venture I get a daily reminder to hone in and focus on appreciating the simply pleasures of life, along with a way of expressing that idea creatively. Having both Silly Boodilly and Rural Retro Designs is like a having a disciplined exercise routine that still allows me to eat all the chocolate cake I want!


Now, if you are so inclined, my newly opened Rural Retro Designs shop could use a little love. Right now it's feeling like the new kid on the block and a wee bit lonely! You would make my day if would be so kind as to go and have a look, and if you like what you see add it to your favorites. Thanks so much to each of you for all of your continued support in my creative journey! xo


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Oh, and before I forget... many thanks to all who entered the the giveaway in my last post! The winner was Kim of Pokeytown Kim. Congratulations Kim! And good news... if you would still like a chance to win Candy's Dyeing to Stitch DVD, the blog tour is still going on. Go to the bottom of my post here to see where to go. Good luck!

22 comments:

Kit Lang said...

Victoria - your work is beautiful, and so is (from what I read here) your mind.

I like that you've given yourself the spaces you need to be what you need to be. And who cares what other people think about it? Seriously!

You know that qoute "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams."? People always stop there, but there's more:

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.

Thoreau


Organizing/compartmentalizing in a way that makes sense to you is only simplfying - no matter what it looks like to the rest of us. Seek your dreams. :)


Off to check out your new shop...

Clare Wassermann said...

I think your shop looks wonderful x

Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts said...

Hi Vic, I wish you much success with your new etsy shop. I think your incredible talent needs two shops. I totally get your reasons for doing so. I love the picture for your new shop banner. Everything looks fantastic!
xo Erin

Esch House Quilts said...

Sounds like a perfect solution for the focused style you want to give RRD and the experimental style of SBD. Good luck!

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

your work is wonderful and beautiful. I long to be you.
glen

Katrin said...

Hello Victoria,
here is an old, but really helpful recepie against evil,sticky head colds for you:

Take
2 spoons of dried sage,
1 spoon of dried thyme,
1 spoon of dried common yarrow
and a pinch of sea salt,

mix everything in a wide bowl and pour about aquart of boiling water over it. Place the bowl in front of yourself and inhale the vapor, as hot as you can stand it, bending over the bowl, head and bowl covered in a big towel, for at least 10 minutes.
It smells good and really works wonders.

By the way: I love your blog, especially your pictures!
Greetings from Germany!

Mary Keasler said...

You have perfectly described what I feel that many of us experience. And now you have found a way to work without constrictions and boundarys so perfectly. Bravo. Rural Retro Designs is one of the best shops I've ever seen. What a lovely cohesive group of art. Fabulous

Hoola Tallulah said...

Oh wow oh wow! I am loving your new store, I have sent a couple of links of things I like to santa, keeping my fingers crossed that he will take notice, hehe. Welcome back and congratulations!

Karin på Ösäter said...

I have been missing your blogging, you are a great inspiration to me.

Hugs, Karin

Cheryl Arkison said...

As soon as you said having the multiple spaces to go to was like exercising and having all the chocolate you want it all made sense.

Besides, you need to do what works for you!

It all looks great.

meli B said...

I get it and I love your work. You inspire me.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic Rural Retro and all the photos. I am loving ypur freedom for creative exploration. xox Corrine

Alexis Deise said...

Love the new shop, love everything in it, and I especially love the quotes for each item! Left you some hearts.

ale balanzario said...

Love your new shop, and love the photos in this new post, your work is beautiful!!

Kathryn said...

Congrats on finding a way to 'go with' the creative process! I can SO relate to overdoing it and then feeling undone for not doing anything. It all looks so great too! Enjoy making!!

Kim said...

Guess what I received today!
Yes, Candy's "Dyeing to stitch" DVD.....can't wait to watch it!

thanks again for the win :0).

Happy Sewing and continued success to you.

Nina said...

Makes sense to me! I'm trying to find a bit of direction and focus myself, but I think that, like you, I need to do that in a way that's freeing rather than stifling. Not easy... Glad you've found an arrangement that seems to work for you!

Deborah OHare said...

I had already been over and favourited (is there such a word?) before you asked. I love your Rural Retro style.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts in this post. I now understand my own schizophrenic existence on Etsy a bit better.

blandina said...

Your explanation is perfectly clear and makes sense to me. I always said to my children that a disciplined life gives a lot of freedom, I am sure that you understand.
Your production is absolutely beautiful, congratulations for your good taste.

Nifty Quilts said...

Congratulations on your opening! All of these pieces are really exquisite. I've never seen a work of yours that I didn't LOVE. I will go visit right now!

Katrina said...

oh, i agree. structure and freedom are both necessary in the studio for me too. i haven't yet set up such clear boundaries for both, but i love that you have. congrats on a gorgeous 2nd shop!

Susii Hoseley McCoy said...

the actions you are describing never go away, I am 77 and continue to challenge my ADHD and keep the balance I need to be creative, love your posts keep them coming Susii in So California