Sometimes it’s hard to let go.
I like making Artists Trading Cards. You may remember, I made some before.
I still have the ones I received in the previous swap I entered. They are, I think, tucked down the side of the kitchen Drawer of Doom (so named as it is the drawer where everything that is small, sad and doesn’t have a proper place or purpose ends up.)
I decided to enter this year’s Artist Trading Card swap, which takes place on Wednesday evening as part of Sherwood Art Week.
I like the process of making a tiny piece of textile art – they have to be just 2.5 by 3.5 inches in size – or rather, ten tiny pieces of art, which is how many you need to bring to the swap. You then receive a random selection of ten cards made by other people in return.
I’ve based some of this year’s designs on miniature patchwork quilts. There’s the log cabin block above, and a couple of patchwork and quilted ones…
The rest are embroidered and appliqued designs.
I really like them and I am tempted to make more to frame, as they are quite satisfying to do and pretty when done.
They can be displayed, used to make greetings cards, or even sewn onto clothing like a patch, being entirely made of fabric.
But I must admit, I have a confession to make.
I find it hard to let go of these miniature artworks once they’re made.
I like the idea of swapping them for a random selection of other people’s works, really I do…
But I just feel – and it sounds awful I know, so don’t tell anyone – I just know that I’ll like mine best.
So I’m treating this as a test of character. A challenge to my selfish nature. A lesson in letting go.
I will not hang onto them. I will not hoard them. My little artworks, about which I feel so proud and proprietorial, will be released into the world, hopefully to brighten someone else’s day.
After all, I can always make myself some more, can’t I? ♥
Love them, well done.
It’s a sign you’ve created something good. Now, if you love them, set them free!
Will do, tomorrow evening!
don’t be silly. Keep them. They are too good to give away, not knowing if the person who receives one will even like it. Tell you what, keep these and next year if there is a swap and you want to enter, give them then if you feel like it. But in the meantime you will get to keep your precious little handmade dears.
ahh, you are appealing to my worst, hoardy, selfish instincts Patricia! But I have made up my mind and once I’ve put my foot down I will stand firm. I am already making some more, so will put my energies into making even better ones, rather than mourning these when they go tonight!
hummmm…I’ve always wondered what it would be like to “make up my mind…and stand firm”…..I am wonderful at rationalizing. heh heh. Now, I make art books, and people who see them always want to buy them, but I don’t make them to sell. If I want to give one to someone, I do. And I have given away so many. But I make them for myself just because I really love them! That’s really all I meant when I encouraged you to keep your little quilts because you love them so much. :o)
Yes, I see your point! But I did make these with the intention of giving them away… I never would have made them at all were it not for the swap event this evening. So if I were to keep them it would feel like giving way to a selfish instinct, which perhaps would tarnish my enjoyment of them anyway!
well that’s true. You did make them to give away, or trade. Probably each person who receives one in trade will love it. I always read your blog and look at the photos you post. My favorite material is a bit more vintage than the 70’s, but I still love all the wild and crazy fabric you use!
So you live in Nottingham then? I was in Sherwood last night for my Silversmithing class and was admiring all the art in shop windows and the yarn bombing. I had no idea it was Sherwood Art week so i probably missed loads of good stuff
Yep! Nottingham born and bred, me! You should’ve popped into the pub for the ATC Swap exhibition! There are further events for Sherwood Art Week happening until Sunday – full details (and a downloadable brochure) here: http://www.sherwoodartweek.co.uk
Unfortunately i already have plans for this weekend so i’ll have to wait until next year.