Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Slow Down...You're Moving Too Fast

Irv came into my workshop last night and asked, "Are you okay? You don't seem to be very into all of this anymore."

"I'm fine. I just have a nasty headache," was my answer.

"All of this" meant my crafting and our upcoming craft shows, and my answer was an honest one. I did have a headache, but his question did make me realize that it's time to slow down a bit.

I have been working at warp speed since April when I was accepted into my first show. About that time I started working with fabric and my entire focus changed. That has meant working every evening and every weekend to get enough items to have a nice variety at my shows. It probably wasn't good timing on my part, but it is what it is.

I am excited about the two indoor shows and my new display...which Irv almost has done...and the prospect of seeing how my aprons and tote bags are received, BUT I have to admit that I am definitely looking forward to the shows being done....because I want my life back! HAHA!

I have a really hard time enjoying what I am doing when I have to work every minute of every day on it, and when I have a deadline. It will be so nice to be able to exhale.

I have also not touched my etsy shops in ages. I'm finding it difficult to prepare for the shows and keep up with listing new items. I am renewing as needed, but haven't listed anything new.

So, my plan is to make what I can without causing myself to have a mini meltdown, and just go with the flow until after the shows. My shops are doing okay, I have made some awesome aprons and totes and all will be well. The pictures are some of my new things.

What do you do when you have too much to do and not enough time to get it done....I'm thinking chocolate just might help!

7 comments:

Lanyardlady said...

When I go too hard and am under too much pressure my creativity just shuts down. I have to have that freedom from deadlines in order to think imaginatively. You are so busy and so driven—I admire that! But your brain and your soul might need some R&R soon!

Angela said...

Chocolate dip a Twinkie!

I was on the craft show circuit for a few years and I really got burned out.

I try to keep my Etsy shop fun. If it ever turns into more work than fun...I will have to quit.

Good luck on keeping things balanced.

I LOVE the pear apron BTW!

Tins and Treasures said...

I, too, think there are never enough hours in the day...and I go back to school tomorrow...Yikes!!

But I agree with Angela...this is supposed to be fun, right?

Cathy Winsby said...

I know exactly how you feel. I've just finished a large 4 day outdoor festival and have been making soap like a mad woman for the past 4 months. Now that it's all over with, I've no desire at all to get back to work!

My therapy is to focus on organizing my home and scaling down....and I need to decide what my future focus is going to be. Like you, I've filled my plate WAY too full!

Good luck and take some time for you.

Storm1 said...

well I like to stay busy..and I like to be able to look forward to creating tomorrow!
maybe I'm just weird that way?
I love having alot of projects going all at the same time...and having a deadline!
otherwise I procrastinate...

Beth Anderson said...

I work best under pressure!
Don't stress though, keep it fun.

By the way, chocolate works, as does wine!
:-)

KnittingKel said...

When I am burnt out and have too much to do and too little time to do it, I usually take a walk or try to focus on other things for a little while, just so I can get recharged and get my mind off of the thing that was bothering me. I know it seems anti-intuative, but it usually helps me. Good luck with everything.

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