Can't Quit Making Things!
I've always loved making things (I cringe when I think about the "shawl" I crocheted and then sold to my grandma at a "craft sale" in my driveway), but never saw that as a viable career option until I heard about Etsy.
I started to dabble in Etsy as a creative outlet while working full time at a non-creative job; when my position became redundant (I LOVE that British term--it's so much nicer than saying I got fired), I used my severance pay (another thing I LOVE) to live on while I built up my Etsy shop which lets me make things every day and still pay the bills!
Each time I sit down to sew, I focus on putting joy into my work and I hope that joy radiates in the homes of my lovely and wonderful customers.
I have a theory that people who are passionate about something--anything--are happier than those you haven't yet found their passion. My passion--the thing that gives me the greatest satisfaction and gets me into that wonderful state of flow--is Making Things. My joy doesn't really depend a whole lot on what I'm making, as long as my hands are busy turning something simple into a finished good. And it's a bonus if that finished good is something someone else can use and pay me for so I can continue to Make Things.
Every day as I do my work--smoothing out fabric in preparation for cutting, serging together layers of padding and fabric, even tidying and organizing my supplies--I am grateful that I can make a living with my hands, my heart, and my mind. I recognize and appreciate that very few people get to follow their passion and I never take that for granted. I appreciate my customers all over the world who make my work possible and share a little bit of themselves and their lives with me.
The very best part of my job is thinking up and then making and fine tuning new Things. I have my Grandma Cannon's antique pink couch in my studio where I do my best thinking, working through ideas and construction steps in my mind, even though it might look like I'm just taking a nap (which I also love to do!). Then I jump up and test out the idea, cutting, sewing, measuring, testing, over and over until I'm pleased with the result. I LOVE it!
Currently I'm exploring all of the Things I can Make with laminated cotton. There is something about the bright shiny fabric that always makes me happy; I think everyone should have something made with laminated cotton! And I'm happy to make it.
Follow me on Facebook for news of special discounts, giveaways, and new products: https://www.facebook.com/HouseHomemadeByCompelledtocraft