sweet inspiration: January 2010

1.29.2010

Makeshift studio

This is my temporary studio (aka the dining room), until magical elves come over and puppy-proof my real studio.

1.28.2010

I've been having fun working on a new project the past few days (in between taking Lola for what seems like 5 walks a day, letting her out 20 times a day, and distracting her from biting my knees while I sit). It's not something I'm going to sell on my site, just a piece I had in my head that needed to get out! Here's a sneak peek:

1.27.2010

Difficult conversations

How much do you tell a small child (a 6-year-old, for example) about the bad stuff that's happening in the world? Malayna's school is collecting items to send to Haiti, so I know she's heard about it there. We talked about it very briefly here at home - just telling her that there was an earthquake and that people lost their homes. She didn't ask any more about it, so we didn't tell her more than that. But is that keeping her in a bubble? I want her to know about things that happen outside of her little part of the world, but I do not want to scare her. Her school has assigned each grade an item to donate, and kindergarten has been asked to donate powdered baby formula. Giving that to her to take to school will probably bring up all kinds of questions. Questions that I'm not sure how to answer. There are babies and kids in Haiti with no mom and dad, no home, and no one to take care of them. Is that too much for a 6-year-old to handle? Or am I not giving her enough credit? I'm all for being honest, but how much does she need to know? What are you telling your kids?

{PS: Thank you all SO much for the comments the other day. I'll have something to show in a few days!}

1.25.2010

Moving past the fear

Sometimes I don't try new things because I'm afraid of failing. I build it up in my mind to something huge - something I can't possibly accomplish. I expect to fail, and instead of believing in myself I think about all the things that could go wrong. There's a list in my head of everything I don't know about this particular project. That list needs to be replaced with a list of the things I DO know.

I bought a bunch of canvases yesterday. I even have a project in mind. I have all the supplies. I have the time. The girl is in school and the puppy is sleeping. Yet here I sit.

I know exactly what's holding me back from starting this particular project. I don't know how to create an interesting background with paint. I'm not a painter. Just writing that makes me annoyed with myself. Who cares?! Who's even going to see what I make? I don't have to show it to anyone. I could even throw it away if I don't like it.

Writing this post did just what I'd hoped it would do - it made me want to get up off the couch and start that project. Maybe I'll even post the results.

1.21.2010

Imitation

…is the sincerest form of flattery when it comes from your daughter.

1.14.2010

Four year anniversary

milkshake is four years old this month! I've learned so much these past four years, like how to start a business from scratch, market the business, create products that sell (that I also enjoy making), how to set up a successful booth at a craft show, how to work my schedule around my child's (and then a puppy's!) and so much more. I'm grateful to all my friends, family and customers for supporting me and I want to thank you for making this past year my most successful yet.

Thanks to everyone who came to a show, visited the website, and purchased my work. I appreciate every bit of kindness you've shown me!

To show my appreciation, when you purchase something from milkshake from now until the end of February, you'll receive a free gift AND free shipping! (Enter code four years when checking out.)

After all that holiday shopping, don't you deserve a little gift for yourself?!