Thursday, November 21

Practice Makes Perfect or Something Like That

As I make and remake these little animals, I'm constantly reminded that being "good" at something is maybe a little bit of talent, but it's a lot of practice.  I spent a couple of hours last night tweaking a bunny pattern and in the end it was just kind of a flop (har har).  But it's okay!  Not everything I dream up in my head translates the way I expect it to, and the more I do this thing I'm doing, the more I learn and the better I become.  I wrote this post a long time ago about how I used to just think certain people got to be "good" at things and for some reason, I didn't feel like I was good at anything... until I figured out that the world isn't chock-full of lucky ducks.  It's lots of people who work hard at what they love.  And I like that.

So, here's a "real" glimpse of what my studio looks like right now.  A friend came over last week and said, "So your studio just kinda stays like this until after the rush, huh?"  That is exactly right.  If you were to come over from October-mid December, this is pretty much what it would look like.  :)

I'm tentatively planning my shop update for Tuesday (11/26) and more will be added Wednesday (11/27).  I decided this year it would be nice to give as many people a chance of snagging an ornament as possible, so breaking it up into 2 days will hopefully help that!

I hope you are all having a wonderful week so far!

36 comments:

  1. carliNovember 21, 2013 at 9:07 AM

    Beautifully said Katie. Can't wait to see your creations this year!!

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  2. thrifty-foxNovember 21, 2013 at 9:25 AM

    Eeeek! I hope I can snag a flamingo! Soo stinkin' cute! :) I have a small collection of your ornaments that I have bought for my kids & I every year! I love them, they make my Christmas tree extra cute!

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    1. skunkboyNovember 24, 2013 at 10:35 AM

      I would love to see a picture of your tree someday! How many years has it been now?

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  3. vintage honeybeeNovember 21, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    I agree that if it's something you really love to do that if you work hard at it, that it's possible for you to accomplish anything. I love how your flamingo's turned out. Your so cute.

    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

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  4. AnnejelinaNovember 21, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    One of my favorite things things about your blog sweetie is how real you are =) I love your little creations and it is inspiring that you're also a great moma, wife, and musician too! You rock! A beautiful quote that I keep close in my heart is "Start where you are." Thanks for the post xoxo
    <3 Annejelina
    Visit my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrownofCreationShop

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    1. skunkboyNovember 24, 2013 at 10:34 AM

      Thank you so much for such sweet words. I truly appreciate them. xo.

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  5. HannahNovember 21, 2013 at 9:52 AM

    Oh gosh I am in LOVE with those flamingoes! I might have to try and snag one.

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  6. AnonymousNovember 21, 2013 at 9:58 AM

    Eek, these ornaments are too cute!

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  7. UnknownNovember 21, 2013 at 10:35 AM

    love that plaid shirt!

    xxoo,
    nikki

    www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com

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  8. UnknownNovember 21, 2013 at 11:14 AM

    Oh my word, those flamingos look so cute! I can't wait to see the finished products. And yes, I think it's hard to forget about the hard work of creators when all we see are finished products online... keep at it, they look amazing!
    -Jenni
    www.bottomleycottage.blogspot.ca

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  9. AnonymousNovember 21, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    Excited for the new ornaments!

    Unrelated but where is your plaid shirt from? I really like the fit.

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    1. skunkboyNovember 24, 2013 at 10:33 AM

      Thank you! This is actually just a shirt I borrowed from Johnny's closet-- sometimes those are the very best!

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  10. FrancineNovember 21, 2013 at 11:25 AM

    Those flamingos are so great. Good job! You should be very proud of your accomplishments and talents.

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  11. UnknownNovember 21, 2013 at 11:49 AM

    Those ornaments are so darn cute! Talent is definitely a strange mixture of hard work and natural ability. Your work is lovely and it's great to hear that you are pushing yourself and your designs so you can continually improve! Rock on, girly!

    http://sometimesgracefully.com

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  12. AnonymousNovember 21, 2013 at 11:53 AM

    While there are some people who naturally pick up a hobby or a trade, most of us have to work freaking hard to get good. Also, you have to be bad for a while in order to get better. Do you know how many preliminary sketches Picasso drew before painting Les Demoiselles D'Avignon? And do you know how many "studies" he made of models? Tons! Just like you will, he foraged on and eventually created a masterpiece. Keep up the good work!

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  13. shanaleeNovember 21, 2013 at 12:05 PM

    i'm dead from flamingo love.

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  14. ohsorosieNovember 21, 2013 at 12:19 PM

    They look great Katie, I hope the shop is a success for you
    Rosie x | Every Word Handwritten

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  15. KaterNovember 21, 2013 at 12:47 PM

    I hope I can snag an ornament this year! Whether it's talent, pure luck or hard work, your stuff is always amazing.

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  16. Kelly MitchemNovember 21, 2013 at 1:52 PM

    These are so flipping cute! I love it!

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  17. Hannah.November 21, 2013 at 2:22 PM

    I've always loved your ornaments, you are very talented =) Do you ship outside of the US, I would love one of these =) I want a Christmas tree filled with handmade ornaments!

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    1. skunkboyNovember 24, 2013 at 10:31 AM

      I DO ship outside of the US! I love my international customers!!

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  18. Free and LivingNovember 21, 2013 at 2:48 PM

    Thanks for the realism and the creativity! It's nice to see a little chaos in workspaces!!! :)

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  19. Free and LivingNovember 21, 2013 at 2:48 PM

    Cute ornaments! Love your passion, the mess craft room & your perspective

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  20. LisaNovember 21, 2013 at 4:58 PM

    everything you said here. Amen.

    xo Lisa | Making Life's Lemons {soon to be c/oMKE}

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  21. UnknownNovember 21, 2013 at 5:25 PM

    You are SO talented! Also, where is that PERFECT flannel from?!

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  22. floating thru fieldsNovember 21, 2013 at 7:15 PM

    this is so great thanks for sharing Katie :)
    I need to work harder and get focused...... thanks for the inspiration
    the flamingos look amazing with their feathers!!!

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  23. Hanna LeiNovember 21, 2013 at 8:06 PM

    I love your ornaments -Hanna Lei

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  24. NycoleNovember 22, 2013 at 12:47 AM

    Hey there! Wondering if you'd be willing to create a fashion post on what to wear to a concert. I'm needing some inspiration! Thanks :)

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  25. robayreNovember 22, 2013 at 1:43 PM

    Katie, When I was at the beginning Art school I remember a teacher or two talking about that idea that it is very common for schools to teach the idea, or encourage the notion, that some people are just born with a talent, but that "We know better than that. People improve by hard work and practice." It was probably the first time I'd heard that and I thought "woah, if I hadn't been one of those lucky kids that was told that I had a natural talent for art, I probably wouldn't have been so encouraged and excited to spend so much time practicing".

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  26. LeilaNovember 22, 2013 at 6:35 PM

    LOVE the flamingos, Katie! They're adorable!

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  27. Valentina DuracinskyNovember 23, 2013 at 7:40 PM

    oh god those flamingos!
    totally true - always a lot of practice.

    Valentina
    Valentina Duracinsky Blog
    -- Facebook Page

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  28. Stacia, Paper Swallow EventsNovember 30, 2013 at 3:43 AM

    I love the realness you share.

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