Ups and Downs
My poor hubby. Himself has had to suffer through putting up with me this week. I've been grumpy. No real reason. Just a big old grumpy pants. Yesterday I got bummd out cause the gallery that has been selling my dolls decided not to sell them anymore. They have sold some of them, but what sells are these tiny fairy's I used to make and frankly I'm not interested in cranking out endless identical fairies just for the sake of sales. And I'm not hurt about the fact that they've told me they're not interested anymore. I know that what is selling there is kids craft kits. Finished crafts aren't a big hit for the shop. And I have no issue with that. But due to the fact that I'm generally grumpy, I started thinking 'What do I make all these dolls for?'. I know the answer - I make them for me. I don't really want to have the finished product for ever, I just love the process of designing and making them. People ask which is my favourite doll and it is always the one I'm working on. Granted, I care that the finished product is beautiful and well made, but it is not why I do it. Himself said it's like when you are really enjoying a book and you rush to get to the end because you need to know what happens, but when you finish you are devastated that it is over and you are no longer part of that world. And that's it. The crux of it.
Plus. I live in a shoe box. Not literally, but my flat is very small. London small (as opposed to North America small) which is really small. Did I mention that it's small? So there isn't the room to store a large collection of dolls. I could sell them on Ebay or Etsy. But then I'd have to regularly meet my nemesis - the post office! I hate posting things. I have issues. So I'm undecided as to what to do with these dolls.
But in the cheerful department, one of my students from my online class for Bea in her Bonnet , Louise Bergeron from Quebec, sent me some pictures of her finished doll and she is a stunner!
Louise even crocheted the hat herself. Fab, huh? I love that each student interprets the pattern differently. Louise really went for a garden theme with the little shovel and mossy socks. So this answers my question too - What do I make dolls for? I make them for this. Seeing other people get joy out of what I've designed. Man, I'm welling up. And now Louise has gone and signed up for Water Lily. Sniff, sniff, don't mind me.
Colleen, I hope you are feeling in better spirits. I know the London Grumpies, the oh god I can't fit everything in and want a space and stuff.
I'd love to do your doll classes and have you bookmarked for when I can. Chin up - you make lovely things - people love them too!
Posted by: Marjorie Dawson | March 19, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Colleen, we all have diiffernt moods. That's part of being a woman! LOL
I am like you and just love the creating part. Most of my dolls I give away and that solves the storage problem. They are my friends so I can always go visit my old dolls!
hugs Karen
Posted by: Karen Mallory | March 17, 2008 at 09:23 AM
hey we all get grumpy LOL... keep doing your beautiful dolls cause we love em.....love the doll made from the class its just gorgeous
Posted by: sharon-nz | March 16, 2008 at 10:20 PM
that is SO true, I feel the same way about making them. Once they're done, I'm usually DONE with them, and unless they sell or are presents, I just don't know what to do with them because I don't need them anymore. It's about getting an idea and then creating it - or sometimes, just the creating w/o the idea and seeing what comes out!
Posted by: soren | March 16, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Ah yes, the grumpys. Been there, done that...and they will pass. As to the loss of the shop....you know what they say....when one door closes, another door opens! Just keep doing what you are doing with a "happy heart"! It is a wonderful gift to make folks smile and you do it every day!
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie Goode | March 15, 2008 at 03:17 PM
What a bummer, but as you say what you do is for yourself and you share and we enjoy your lovely dolls.
Which must be so satisfying. Look at your students they do you proud. The doll made by Louise is gorgeous. That is the best reward you can get.
Posted by: shashi | March 14, 2008 at 07:39 PM
You cutie! You get to be grumpy sometimes if you WANT to! And look what a beauty your student produced! You're RIGHT, you know - there is your justification for making dolls. (If you must have one, of course. I say just the sheer JOY of creating is enough! And YOUR creations ARE a joy, Colleen!)
Posted by: Kai | March 14, 2008 at 05:53 PM