One thing I struggle with in my crafting is trying to make everything *perfect*. Yes, I have high expectations about the quality of my recipes, but it even goes beyond that. I fret if I've cut a bar of soap just a little off square. I stress about the color if it comes out not exactly as I've planned. And don't get me started on what I do if the finish on a candle isn't flawless!
I'm sure I'm not alone in this kind of thinking. "My work has to be perfect for it to be professional." Heaven forbid someone out there thinks I'm an amateur!
We as artists and crafters need to break out of this pattern of thought. We create amazing and beautiful items. Each is unique and wonderful. If buyers want machine-accuracy and assembly-line perfect then they'll go shop elsewhere. Our buyers see the value of handmade. As a buyer of handmade, I value more the personal thought, effort, creativity (blood, sweat, and tears) that went into the item.
And so today I want to celebrate the imperfections that make our work better than perfect! Here's a spotlight of Etsy items that have been marked down because of small flaws. These are great, unique items! I made this spotlight on byhand.me and you can see it online here.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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4 comments:
Amen! :)
You're so right. Us perfectionists can drive ourselves to an early grave. My jewelry making teacher used to tell me that every authentic persian rug has at least one mistake in it, so why not every piece of intricate jewelry.
Thanks for entering my contest and putting a link on your site!
I was thinking of the very same thing today when I was listing prints. Every print has some 'less than perfect' blip but hopefully savvy buyers will understand that.
Thanks for advertising on my blog. I thought I'd return the favor and advertise through projectwonderful on yours as well.
Great article and point. I have a few oops items in my shop too. We are human and make mistakes.
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