gone bananas

Last night, I finished my monkey plushie.  What do you think?  I rushed through the pattern and had some construction problems (my own error) so he's a lil lopsided and puckering at the sides.  But he's still wonderfully soft and cuddly.  I need to cut him a little larger to account for the seaming and I need to be more careful with the sewing machine to keep his nice rounded shape.  But it's ok, I'll be more careful for next time and then he'll be ready for the shop!  My bf says the 'messed up' parts are what he likes best but they still bother me.

I got in a bit of a funk last night about my crafting.  Although I've made a few plushies, the perfectionist in me keeps focusing on the bad parts than just allowing myself to love all the great things - I mean, I made these things with my own two hands!  That's pretty amazing.  I need to stop comparing myself to other sellers and just do what I do.  My friends are always amazed and love my stuff and I can only try to make stuff and put it out there for other people to enjoy.  Being imperfect makes it homemade anyway and adds to the charm and character of my work.  I'll chalk it up to a small disheartened setback last night but I'm ready to forge ahead today.

I'm planning on working on and re-working some jewelry pieces this afternoon/night.  I'm still rusty on my wire work which is frustrating because I find myself wasting supplies doing things over and over again.  The wire just won't cooperate sometimes!  But once I get some more practice, it should be better.  And I need to stop overthinking my designs.  If I just let the wire and beads lead the way, I think the pieces will become more fluid and come together nicely.  I've been thinking of ways to simplify and improve what I've done and what I'm planning to do so I think that'll help me focus and get down to business.  I also got some small ziploc-style bags to store each of the pieces so I can finally protect them from tarnishing and getting dirty since I lack any way of storing everything up.  I'll choose some nice heavier stock scrapbook paper to use as a holder and then place each piece in its own bag.  Every piece will still be gift boxed and packaged nicely when bought so no worries!  This is just a way I can store them nicely now and protect them so they won't get damaged or tangled.

I hope I stay inspired and focused today!  Lots to do and I think I need a break from plushies anyway :)