When you’re called to do something in this life journey, it always surfaces somehow. Even if that calling is not what you pictured you would be doing in life or it seems frivolous or just plain uncharacteristic. Sometimes I feel that my hands have a life of their own…just sewing, making, creating…and I’m still trying to convince my brain to get on the same page and fully embrace this creative life. I certainly did not go to college for this life. My intent was to be in the business world until I retired and maybe settle into this creative life to remain active. But even through moments of burnout due to managing a full-time job, gearing up for Spring and Fall craft shows, fulfilling orders, putting dinner on the table, staying on top of laundry, helping with homework and going to parent-teacher conferences, something always guides me back to this life even if I'm finding out that the term "starving artist" is not a myth. It’s much like when you hit the rumble strips when you drift out of your lane while driving. It’s the people I meet and the “I love your stuff, it’s so cute!” and “I love everything in your booth!” comments, the positive, heartfelt reviews and I suppose some other divine energy that continually guide me back to stay in this lane.

So that’s why I’m craft happy. Going with the flow. Riding the wave. Catching the trade winds in my sails. I hope you can see this passion to create come through in the products I make. It certainly helps when you’re working with materials so beautiful they’re inspiring. And keeping front of mind one of my favorite inspiring quotes:

“Go into the arts. I’m not kidding. The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.”
- Kurt Vonnegut

Indeed! And if the inspiration strikes you, I encourage you to be craft happy in your own way too!