I've never been what one would call a "creative" person. Artsy and Jenny have never resided in the same sentence ... not even close. Quiet for sure, reserved yep, math-nerd at times, weather-freak most definitely .. but creative, artsy, craftsy nope, nada. But I've always wanted to be and I've always been envious of others who are.
I'm sure a lot of you are rolling your eyes right now, shaking your heads, saying "everyone is creative, everyone can be artsy" but truth be told, I've never allowed myself to be. And this goes way back. I can remember absolutely hating elementary school art class. I mean seriously ... who would rather be taking math speed tests than drawing in art class? Yep that would be me, the math-nerd. The very last art class I took was in 6th grade and I have never looked back.
So what's my problem you may ask? Fear, plain and simple. Fear of being judged and being found unacceptable. Fear of being wrong or doing the wrong thing. Stupid, creativity-squashing fear. Give me a blank canvas and tell me to do something, anything and I will panic. I just can't do it. I wouldn't even know where to begin. After 30 years of holding back, I just can't seem to break through and allow myself to just create. Which makes what I've done this week so out of my comfort zone it makes me ill to even think about it ... but in a good way. I agreed to participate in a Modern Hoop Swap ... please hold while I get sick.
What's a Modern Hoop Swap you may ask? It's where you create a modern embroidery hoop design using fabric, embroidery, buttons, you name it and giving it to whomever you are partnered with. Below is a sample of some of the hoops given in another swap and more can be found here.
Gorgeous and so freaking creative! What the hell have I gotten myself into?! My first thoughts when it started getting bounced around Twitter was "absolutely no way", "I can't do it", "mine would suck and my partner would hate it" but at the same time a part of me really, really wanted to do it. So after some reassurance from some amazing Twitter friends, I agreed to do it. Oh boy! Bring on the panic attack.
So if you follow me on Pinterest, you know I've been pinning hoops like crazy and getting mad inspired. If I can just push through the fear that keeps creeping up, I'll be good and who knows ... might even be creative, dare we say "artsy"! :)
Some encouragement would be welcomed LOL!
