Image credit: "Change" by Conal Gallagher
Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable. ~ William Pollard
With the political climate what it is ... a ton of fuckery to put it mildly ... it's more important than ever to create change. As an artist I am a changemaker, I can use my power to support or challenge the status quo in overt or less than overt ways. One way in which I seek to do this is by not promoting the fodder of consumerism. We buy things because we need them, but also want them. Because we've been fed the idea that these things will make a difference or change our lives. Sometimes this is true, but not necessarily in the ways we imagine. The saying, the grass is greener comes to mind. The expectations you have about the change that will occur are often inflated, in part because you don't really understand what you want & need, and in part because you believe the person or entity selling something to you has your best interests in mind.
Sadly this is not necessarily true, especially at a larger corporate level. Money is exchanged, only to be exchanged again and again (sometimes for the same thing). It's a seemingly endless cycle. Part of my mission is to help you make meaningful connections with what you bring into your life and each of my businesses (Aradia's Hand & Butterfly Phoenix Coaching) does that in a different manner. So put your money where your values are, promote & support those things that matter to you, shop small, & do good in the world in every way you can!
Bring it Forth
Lunar Eclipse (2/10, 7:44 pm, 22 deg Leo, EST). This energy brings about changes you know you must implement, and in the realm of your "kingdom" (or community). These changes can figure into your creativity & how it plays out into your world. Have you been neglecting your creative gifts lately? Time to change that!
Play it Forward
Full Moon in Leo (2/10, 7:33 pm EST). The Full Moon reminds you to clear things out & release so that wishes can be properly made on the New Moon. Leo's energy is joyful, playful, & at best benevolent. This combination encourages you to let go & have a bit of fun, working things out in a playful & creative manner. Ditch any hangups and spread the loving sunshine of your creativity around!
Awaiting Answers
Things seem to have calmed down health-wise a bit, but I'm still in limbo land. I've been doing my best to get out & enjoy the bits of nicer weather that have been peeking through the cooler days too. Being productive is a wonderful balm to the waiting game as well.
Buzzing About
In the Shadows ~ Tarot Bag
As I get back into listing things regularly it's got me a bit nervous. It feels like it's been so long since I've added anything to the store, which is pretty true. The new process I'm using for my listings is a bit more involved than my previous one (which already took 2 hours). I'm pretty confident that the newer listings will be even better & more on point with my mission ~ which is to help you connect meaningfully to your purchases in a way that enriches your life.
This new process might also mean that I'm shifting my listing days to Fridays, so I literally have all week to work on listings and can break down the process a little better, so here's hoping!
At the moment my queue for making is also full too. While I am procrastinating (or rather procraftinating) working on my Temari notes (mostly because my hand was starting to hurt from taking notes), I'm almost done with them...which means I can actually start making temari soon. This is great because it will also let me de-stash the collection of bits & bobs I've been putting together for their making, including an inherited tin of threads & plastic bottle caps.
Temari Thread & Notes
I haven't gotten around to putting down my new pattern, Garter Rib Baby Hat out yet, as now I'm thinking of only releasing one pattern a month. I'm also thinking about making a few other sizes since I love the pattern so much. It'll be my first foray into re-sizing, and with all that in mind I might also just make a few edits to this coming pattern to allow for different yarn sizes!
Slipped Rib Shawl
I'm also excited to be working more on Project: De-Stash, this means getting rid of yarn I've had hanging around + getting something off my queue. Although to be fair I did just add this project. I'll say it took me awhile, and a lot of searching on Ravelry, to decide on something that would work for this particular yarn. I wanted something fairly light, but not too dainty and with a worsted weight yarn that was a feat. It will also lead me into being able to do a proper review of the yarn I'm using, Yarn Bee Diva Sequins. This beauty is for a friend who loves blue & sparkles, so naturally this was the perfect yarn!
Brick-a-brack Scarf WIP
Another pattern I'll be releasing I'm working on the test for, it's a quick & easy knit so I haven't been stressing about getting it done. I also believe I came across the stitch pattern I used for it (complete accident) in my search to identify the stitch pattern for a shawl pattern I came across last week at my knit night. I'll have to double check, but it would make for a good reference for the pattern itself.
Freeform Journal Covers
The final project on my queue is my Top Secret one...I've literally set it aside & walked away from it for now as it will involve a bit more planning. I'm exciting to see what comes about, but I already know creatively it's going to take over my brain and not leave room for anything else. So best to get some other things off my list first before I dive back into the deep end of the creative pool with that.
Other meanderings in creativity include me joining in the #yarnlovechallenge challenge, returning to lettering with the #blpchallenge. And my coup de grâce, the #Blackartists share I've been doing this month too, it's gotten me excited to discover & share new artists, especially women of color, via my Instagram.
Communal Musings
Within the artistic community I'm part of online there is a segment specifically of women of color, being part of that group reminds me how I got started in my own work. It also reminds me to stay connected to the mission & purpose of what I'm doing, which is making mindful connections with the world outside of yourself. As a hermit it's a hard lesson to learn in practice, and with limited funds it can be harder still. But literally, putting your money where your mouth is, is important to me. It's not just voting with your dollars, it's forming meaningful relationships & supporting those things, people, places, & items that matter in your life. It's about bringing about that which you wish to see more of into the world, instead of following some catchy trend. It's about quality & care, and really connecting to what matters to you.
Progress Made
As I said I'm back to working on listing things for the store. I know I've said this to myself & you, a few times but really I am. I'm learning to work around the interruptions better and set up what I need to work so as to get more done. Currently I'm working on putting up a tarot card bag I've had in my stash of finished objects for awhile. The way I designed it allows for a fun diagonal striping to take affect which was a pleasant surprise.
In the Shadows ~ Tarot Bag
I've also considered sharing this on my IG first, allowing people to buy before it's made it to the shop. If you'd like to snatch it up make sure you're following me on Instagram & have the notifications on to snag it up!
In the comments below, share with me...
- Where is your creativity leading you lately?
- How can you actively do good in the world?
- What are you working on in you life?
Thanks for tuning in to this week's "What's Up Wednesday?". Make sure you come back next week to see what's going on in my world! And if you haven't yet be sure to join my newsletter and connect with me on your favorite social media!
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