I've been thinking...

about taking a break. I'm not really sure if it has anything to do with the whole Fern Animals copyright thing, or if it's just that I have made so many little ornaments over the past couple months that I'm feeling a little burnt out.  

I feel like I tend to go through this every few months where I get tired of making one specific item - that's why I make so many different things. But right now, I'm thinking of starting the new year off by focusing less on Fern Animals, and more on quilting. My mind has just been elsewhere. I've been working really hard over the past few weeks making one animal after another, trying desperately to complete all my holiday orders so I can finally focus on making another quilt and patchwork pouches and wedding birds. Maybe it's also because I got this new job at Whole Foods, and, while it's not the greatest job in the world, there's something nice about it. I like everyone I work with, and I like that it is completely separate from making stuff. I already feel more relaxed and I'm only working part time. 

I don't know how many of you are crafters who rely on making sales in order to pay your bills, but if you're like me, you probably feel quite stressed all the time. It's been putting too much pressure on my cute little Fern Animals; always needing to make more and make more and sell more. I think I need to take a break for my own sanity and to allow myself to come back to the animals when it feels right, when I'm making one or two because it's purely fun. I mean, I always love making them, don't get me wrong! I've never lost the pleasure that goes along with bringing one of those little ones to life. But it is exhausting. 

With the New Year approaching, I've been thinking about making some changes, and focusing in on the things that make me the happiest. I've been quilting since I was 13 (I think that's when I made my first full size long cabin, in my mom's quilt shop), and I'm really excited about spending my free time hunting down unique vintage materials. It really sounds like the best idea ever. I mean, I have been doing this already for years, but so much of my time is taken up staying at home sewing, that I can never really get out to flea markets or antique shops as often as I always want to. 

 

I want to have my other job be my main source of income, and making stuff be a fun bonus. I know this goes against the whole "Etsy: Quit Your Day Job" thing, but really, I barely make $10/hour for the 3-4 hours it takes to make one Fern Animal (for the ones that sell at $35). But then I end up working an average of 12 hours a day sewing as well as doing all the other things that go along with having this little business. I've never been good at factoring those hours into the price of my creations. And that's on a regular day - not these crazy holiday order days! It's been really great for the past two and a half years spending most of my days at home sewing - I have really enjoyed it, but I think it's time for a change. And I am really looking forward to it. 

Here's a sneak-peek at one project I have been dying to dive in to but just can't until my holiday orders are finished (and it's been killing me!): 

 

I found this incredible hand sewn quilt super cheap (and really dirty). I already washed and soaked it once (though I'll have to do it a couple more times), and tore off a couple hideous newer patches. I can't wait to be able to sit down with it, and study the fabrics and little stitches and hand sew some vintage fabric into the holes, and put the whole thing back together. The middle "batting" layer seems to be made up of various different materials, and is quite lumpy in places. I haven't decided yet if I should just take the whole back off, add some cotton batting to the middle and re-back it, or some how smooth out what's already in there. This will be a big project I can't wait to get started on. 

Well, I'm sorry I have been absent from here for so long, and then was just kind of ramble-y. I've just been doing a lot of thinking and needed to get some thoughts down on paper, so to speak. 

 

I hope you are all doing well, and enjoying the first bits of winter and snow! I imagine I'm going to be pretty busy right up until the New Year, but I am going to try to be better about checking in here more often. I have been finding things that I'd like to share with you all, just inspiring images and stuff, so I'll be back again soon.

Oh! And my sister is visiting tonight with her kids so we can go on a hay ride through Look Park after dark when all their lights are lit up, and we'll visit Santa's Workshop too! So I'll probably be back in the next couple of days just to share some cute pictures! (I wish it wasn't sooo incredibly freezing out today!) 

   

I'll leave you with these funny pictures of Kitchen. Last week she was sleeping on my lap while I watched a movie and stitched up some Fern Animals, and somehow ended up gradually sliding off until she was curled up in my basket of cotton! Cute! (Also be sure to note how my shirt matches my blanket. Oops!)

Stay Warm!

Comments

[Skunkboy]

It's good to take care of yourself and not let business suck the fun out of your art. When my Christmas rush is over I'm taking 2 months off, and I'm hoping to come back revived. When you are in a business like ours, taking advantage of the Holiday Season is a must, but really takes its toll. I hope you find the peace you are looking for. All my best... Katie

[liane]

Ashley, I'm tempted to write a long response but I think you are a smart woman and thoughtful so mainly I just know you know what you need.
And where/what was your Mom's quilt shop?? I really feel like we've crossed paths in the past.
xo
Liane

[Ashley Anna Brown]

Thanks katie! I've noticed you have been super busy too! I know this is our prime time of the year, and I really really love getting to share all my animals with so many people. I just need to learn when to cut myself off, to set some boundaries so I can relax a little too. I've only just begun figuring out what I'm going to give my friends and family! Time is running out so fast!

Liane - My mom's quilt shop was Dreamtime Quilts & Crafts, above the video store right next to Second Story! That's when Louisa and I started spending a lot of time together, because we both had to work in our mom's shops after school. I have this vague memory of hanging out with her once, and you were there... you know, her cool older sister that I could barely even look at! But, who knows, maybe I made that memory up!

[Holly in Virginia, USA]

Hi there, As a Mom to five adult 20-something kiddos, I can so relate to your challenges! Trying to live a meaningful life, working in the arts industry is well, 'dang-amazin' if ya ask me!! Only one of my kiddos is 100% self-sufficient, and the others are working just as hard, and we so admire them all, and you, too. I have always dabbled, and I must say, dabble-babble in fabric & paper arts, never ever selling, just giving my stuff away. For a brief time, I did have a paper arts store in the past....and my 2 daughters helped out as you did for your mom's quilt store. There is absolutely nothing wrong with adding 'a career path' or branch to your major 'tree of life'.....so don't worry about working somewhere/anytime in your life......happy holidays to you & your family!
Holly
PS I don't have a blog, but I sure do love escaping into blogland wonders.

[nicole/astulabee]

oh my goodness! I absolutely hear you! I actually forwarded this to my boyfriend asking him if it read familiar.
My best to you! You are so multi talented Ashley, I really look forward to seeing what you choose to work on when freed up a bit!

[anna slezak]

ashley im so happy for you!
kittttchhhieeeeeeee

ps. i had a dream about kitchen last night (seriously!)

[Allyson Mellberg Taylor]

Good for you. It is the hardest thing sometimes to acknowledge when we need a break, or to do something new... especially when other people really like what you are doing but you might be tired of it (or just feeling like an over-steaped tea bag!) I struggle lots with balancing art-making and being a full time professor, I really like teaching but sometimes I feel like I miss out on a lot of fun 'personal' projects. I have been really missing making clothes lately... I used to make all of my clothes now I barely make any. My new years wish this year is to make a dress for myself before 2010 or when school starts back up again! Even if its a wonky dress! Anyhow, I hope you have fun making quilts and giving yourself some well deserved fun times making stuff... I am pretty sure that whatever you make will be rad.

[laurenalane]

Hi Ashley! I'm late hearing about the copyright thing but I'm sorry you've had so much trouble over the last year with stealers! So sad. You should take all the time you need to get back to enjoying your craft. The quilts will be a fun break! I've taken a huge long break because we are expecting a little Henry in May, just like I told you we might ;) I'll miss you at Renegade next year but will keep up with you online!