A couple weeks ago I went to Houston’s Quilt Market. It’s a huge place for quilt shops and anyone related to the quilt industry to go and see what’s new, what companies have to offer and what’s coming as far as fabric lines go.
I went because I wanted to show some of my fabric designs to different companies and because I’m now working part time in a quilt shop.
I had to be brave, something I don’t always do well. It’s much easier to be brave for someone else, but when I have to do it for myself I become unsure, somewhat shy and my confidence always come into question.
I took along a small portfolio of projects and showed them around to a few companies. I could tell right away when I was more or less just another person in line showing designs - I’ll chalk those up to getting some experience. But there were a couple where they were really excited about what I had to show. They were huge confidence boosters and all-in-all I walked away feeling great just because I did it. I’m not sure what will happen, but I did it, I put myself out there.
On that same note, I was talking to a very good friend. She was feeling blue because she seems to have misplaced her motivation and more importantly I think, her inspiration. At times I’ve done that too, so I knew exactly how she was feeling. She’d like to design fabric and wants it to be brilliant. We’d all like to have this wonderful design (or whatever it is) that everybody loves and even better, that everybody wants. But I’ve found that when I try to plan for something spectacular, I tend to paralyze my creativity. My inner critic kicks in and I question, “is this good enough” and then I slide down the slippery slope to “am I good enough”.
One of the things I continually have to remind myself is something I started learning while going to school. We don’t have to be exceptional…we just need to be. With every step you will learn, you will be become better, you will find your way, your place. But only you and you alone can make yourself take the first step.
Here’s to taking your first step. :)
jane w. Says:
November 12th, 2011 at 5:25 pmVisit jane w.
Great Post! :) nuff said!
Nancy Says:
November 12th, 2011 at 9:11 pmVisit Nancy
Holly, I was looking for a Facebook icon to share your post with my friends. You’ve conveyed your thoughts beautifully ~ and your words have really hit home. I really needed to hear this right now ~ thank you. And congratulations on taking that big step showing your designs! You are an inspiration :) .
Cynde Says:
November 12th, 2011 at 11:25 pmVisit Cynde
Holly your so very talented…keep showing every one you can show your beautiful designs to. You’ll get so good at it and feel better about having shown it each time you do. Congratulations for being so Brave and facing that first really difficult outing. I loved your post!
Lori Shackleton Says:
November 16th, 2011 at 4:26 pmVisit Lori Shackleton
Holly–You are uber creative and talented! Remember, you have to suffer through 10 “no’s” before you get a “yes.” Perseverance is key. Do not for one minute doubt your talent. Hugs!
Edith Demshar Says:
November 19th, 2011 at 5:28 amVisit Edith Demshar
Holly….Your work is awesome and definitely speaks for itself! BEAUTIFUL and HEARTWARMING are just two descriptions that come to mind. You showed bravery and confidence with taking your samples and meeting with the prospective clients. So you are already well on your way! Listen to your heart and follow your dreams…they will take you to places that some of us could never dare to go.BRAVO! And thank you for sharing a bit of yourself through your work and your blog! Happy Thoughts!
Kevin Coughlin Says:
November 19th, 2011 at 7:46 amVisit Kevin Coughlin
Dear Holly,
Chatting with Kevin W. over the past few years, he has been so consistently bragging about you I finally had to go check. He was using understatement. You are PHENOMENAL! I recall our very first meeting, and have replayed it for others, to their delight and mine. To see how you have progressed–from that episode where you were so good with the technology of the day, to this post where you show such incredible depth of self-reflection–simply gladdens my heart, and makes me leap for joy. Those with the capacity for self-reflection ‘get’ life at an entirely different and wonderful level. I am so happy for you!
I am forwarding the link for your website to my distribution list. I am especially forwarding to my daughter, Amy, the mother of my 5 grandchildren.
May God continue to richly bless you and yours.
Oh, and BTW, the positioning of that watermark between the ropeline and the kids?? Classic Holly! Perfect!