Yes, I get scared too. Fuel your MOJO Part 5 of 5

HI QUILTERS!
Wrapping up my creative thoughts for the summer-
1. Fear and doubt around making and creativity
2. It's Ok- It happens
3. Pinterest is like dessert...and all other social media!
4.  Just start MAKING- Adopt a YES I CAN attitude :)

​I have been a dedicated creative my entire life. Do I still get scared? Get brain cramp and maker's block? Have a hard time starting a new project. Do I still question my abilities? Do you get these jitters too? I bet you do. 

I do. Not every single time, but my ball and chain of FEAR and DOUBT have a nice little cozy spot in my studio. Sometimes they are loud buggers just bringing me down and sometimes, like my cat Al, they sleep peacefully under the table,  as I hum along in a blissful, timeless process of creativity. Or as my dear buddy, Marcella says (who is an amazing jewelry maker) "They're (Fear and Doubt) in that nicely sealed mason jar up on the shelf, there (as she points up high). Seen, but contained... Crap!! DONT OPEN THAT! WHAT HAPPENED? What are they doing?????Wait wait.....WAIT!!!!  NOOOOOOOOO!!

It's OK. I have come to learn through experience, perseverance and a huge dose of humor,  that fear is a necessary, albeit an unpleasant PART OF THE CREATIVE PROCESS and it to keeps my on my toes. I used to wonder if it will ever just go away? Sorry, that's not part of the deal. But when I make the commitment to DIVE IN and just DO IT, they settle down. It doesn't mean that I am going to now make a masterpiece or love every minute of the process, but I just got over the hardest part. Lots of creatives feel the same way. I have talked, listened, and shared with so many creatives, as well as read lots of books over the years to really know and understand fear and doubt. If we are honest, thoughtful, reflective and looking to grow and better ourselves/each other, most of us relate to this thing that challenges us. It frightens us and it's our courage that fuels the stubbornness of a committed, creative person. No, I am not gonna let you bring me down!!! You're not going to win. I am!!  

Shimmer On shipping this month worldwide!

Thoughts 3. and 4. go hand in hand-

Pinterest is like dessert.
Why? It's super rich and if you consume too much, it makes you sick. It's as simple as that.  Just turn it off. It's not serving you when you feel like crap after wasting 45 minutes in that rabbit hole. I pretty much took my entire summer off from social media. It was wonderful :) which leads to number four:

Just start MAKING! 
Here lies the cure for the lazies, the naysayers, the excuses. Just start making! Going back to my previous posts, pull out your fabrics and do 15 minutes of play, take a class with a friend, go online and learn a new technique. Give yourself this gift! You may not be making your masterpiece, but you are oiling the machine. Wiping out the cobwebs. Good stuff!

Empowering others, empowers me. Seeing you shine is what I love to cultivate in the classroom. Not only do I teach color, value and design , I teach confidence and courage. To take leaps, risks and try new things is exciting and enriching. I am offering my second Octagon Shimmer Retreat October 20-22 in my home town of Orinda and it is a wonderful treat. Sewing, creating, hanging out at my home and studio, having chefs cook for you, drinking craft wines, wandering massuese  to keep you relaxed and limited to 10 students. Click here for  information.  I am also teaching at Alden Lane September 20-21 in Livermore, California which will be a ball. 

My new collection, SHIMMER ON is the third in this line and I am still so enamored with the pearlescent glow on the cotton fabric and the palette of nature. It is available now and I hope it comes to a store near you.  You can also find it here.  

​Until next time, go create and shimmer. xo

 A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. (James Keller) In fact, we just get more SHIMMER (me!)