Sometimes when I feel like I’m creatively blocked, I eventually realize it’s because there’s something on my to-do list that I can’t get past. It’s probably something I’ve been putting off because I haven’t figured it out yet, but for some reason I feel unable to move on to anything else until it’s done. I think that’s what’s happened with me lately.
This week I finally took the steps I needed to draw a pattern for my dollhouse embroidery. It was a huge task, and I’ve never done that type of drawing nor used that type of software program before. Hence the avoidance and subsequent avoiding of everything else on my to-do list.
It definitely took some work to get it all sorted out, but finally, finally, I took the plunge. (And I need to send a huge thanks to Kellie for the e-mail support. If you aren’t familiar with her blog and her work, go check it out!) Once I got going, I was able to put it together much faster than I’d anticipated, and I’m nearly finished.
Suddenly I’m feeling a huge rush of relief and creative ambition. Cross that one off the list and bring on the others!
This pattern was the one big thing I wanted to have finished before I launched my new Etsy shop. I know, I know. I’ve been talking about it for months now. You were starting to think it wasn’t really going to happen. Me too. But I’m happy to say that, barring any unforeseen implosions, I plan to open the shop next week, on November 16.
My stock will be small, but that’s how it’s going to have to be during this phase of my life, so I’m ok with that. The dollhouse pattern, and a few others, will always be in stock, and I’ll add new things as I’m able. That works for me.
This week I’m going to be featuring a few of the items you’ll find in the shop when it opens. And I hope you’ll check back lots next week, my Grand Opening Week, so you can take part in the multiple giveaways and enjoy the freebies! I think it’s going to be a fun week!
Best of luck with the shop! And congratulations on the return of your creative ambition. :-)
written on November 9th, 2009, at 11:42 pmGood luck for the shop! You can count on me buying the dollshouse pattern for sure.
written on November 9th, 2009, at 11:45 pmI can’t wait!! I will be buying it for sure. Will it be in pdf form?
written on November 9th, 2009, at 11:45 pmGeorgia, I tried to e-mail you and it bounced back to me, so I hope you’ll check back here. Yes, the pattern will be in pdf form, e-mailed directly to the buyer. I plan to have a version that is pretty much exactly like the one I stitched, and then another, more “interactive” version with all the individual pieces separated out so you can choose where to place each item in the house. I haven’t decided if I’ll offer them together or separately…
written on November 9th, 2009, at 11:53 pmWow, how brave and impressive! Congratulations! Starting small with an Etsy shop is a good thing I think. I am accepting that for myself, realizing that for now I can only do so much – and that is alright.
written on November 10th, 2009, at 1:47 amYour store is going to be awesome!
Well done on getting your doll’s house pattern finished – what an amazing job! I think having a few good quality items in your Etsy shop will be enough to get people interested. Very exciting to be selling your own patterns!! :D
written on November 10th, 2009, at 4:28 amThis is fantastic news! I adore your dollshouse embroidery, it’s so beautiful, it’s perfect. I can’t wait to buy the pattern and I’ll be more than happy to support your shop.
written on November 10th, 2009, at 4:42 amThank you for making this pattern available to us.
incredible list-crossing-off!
written on November 10th, 2009, at 5:43 ammmm, learning illustrator, creating a sale-able pattern with the drawing, making it into a pdf ready to list . . . no small achievements there, congrats :)
Looking forward to it!
written on November 10th, 2009, at 9:51 amI’m super excited for that dollhouse pattern! I have never done an actual embroidery piece but this one I really want to do and WILL do!
written on November 10th, 2009, at 10:42 amGood Luck with your new shop! Cant wait to see it!
Oh yeah… I will be buying your embroidery pattern too.
written on November 10th, 2009, at 1:05 pmI love all the details and ways to make it your own…
Super Excited!!
I, too, am really excited about that dollhouse pattern. Even more, I’m happy for you that you’ve made it past the creative block. What a relief for you. I sure wish it would happen to me. Maybe your embroidery pattern will do it? Bring it on!
written on November 10th, 2009, at 3:25 pmAdd me to the list of folks who will be buying the dollhouse pattern :).
What program did you end up using to draw the pattern???
written on November 11th, 2009, at 11:09 pmGreat idea to sell your amazingly beautiful redwork pattern Gretchen. After all your work, it will be lovely to sell and to know that it is loved by lots of people.
written on November 12th, 2009, at 4:21 am