Seriously, you can do it.

Two days ago I attended a luncheon with an awesome group of ladies.  While waiting for the speakers to get situated I was talking to a friend of mine – incredibly talented, charismatic, huge heart and a beautiful sense of style.  We were explaining this website to some other women at the table and as I described how I wanted to show people how to “free their inner artist” and teach them to create the same kind of art I create, Sandy (the aforementioned friend) stopped me and said, “Now Katie, do you really think I can create one of those jackets?”  She was referring to one of the customized blazers I make – she has two – where I take a plain blazer or sweatshirt and then completely transform it into a “wearable piece of art” with buttons, piping, phrases, words, hand-sewn appliques…the options are endless.  Anyway, I think that I can teach people how to create their own customized jacket with an instructional post on this blog.  She disagreed.  

“Of course I think you could do it!” I exclaimed, as she looked skeptically back at me. “With the right instructions, I think I could her the idea across and hopefully get people to tap into their own creativity.”  With a wave of her lovely manicure she responded, “They may be able to do it, but it won’t be the same.”  

She’s right, I admit.  But just because it won’t be the same, doesn’t mean that mine are better. This is the great thing about art – and this doesn’t just apply to the jackets – there is no one judging you.  no one looking over your shoulder telling you you’re wrong.  just do what looks right to you, what feels right, and it will be awesome.  I have started so many projects that, halfway though, I end up taking apart because they just aren’t what I envisioned.  My stitches are basic, my techniques very much my own.  I don’t follow anyone’s rules or try to live up to anyone’s expectations.  I am an artist for the sake of creating beautiful and quirky pieces.

There are always going to be naysayers and people who thrive on giving you negative feedback.  Ignore it.  The rewards of being creative and actually creating far outweigh the possible criticism out there.  And trust me, once you create your own piece of art and have it hanging on your wall, or you sew your own customized blazer, people’s jaws will drop when they realize you did it yourself.  

So try it.  Just give it a shot.  If you hate it, you don’t ever have to paint or sew or tape or decorate ever again.  But I bet you find something you enjoy somewhere on this site.  Just try…and be proud of your results!