As I have been planning and preparing over the past few months, I have made a small list of things I have learned about hobbies, creating things, and the hidden arts. Attatched to each lesson is a photograph that has inspired me or is just on of my favorites!
First, as a job "well begun is half done",
I think the best place to start in your own industrious endeavours is in the purpose of your business. This may seem obvious but is vital to the growth and flow of your own shop.
Why are you doing this? Where do you plan to go with it?
And more importantly, whom will you glorify with your endeavour?
As believers we understand that,
"...the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
And that, as an extension of this, we ought "to do everything as unto the Lord".
So, before starting anything we must say in our hearts with the Psalmist,
"Bless the Lord, O my soul!
And all that is within, bless His holy name!"
Peonies are one of my very favorite types of flowers. It is such a pity that they do not grow well in Houston, and an even greater pity that they are $4 a stem in Whole Foods.
Do you have a favorite flower? A favorite anything?
I've found it very important to establish exactly what it is that I like and what sort of style that I pattern my hobbies after.
It doesn't have to be perfect.
If you don't draw attention to it, people do not generally notice.
Contrary to popular belief, this is true at piano recitals, speech presentations, string quartet practice, and yes, in your hobby. Whether it be painting, tatting, knitting, sewing, or cello practice. There are not as many professionals out there as you may think. In fact, that majority of the people you share your art with love you. And they really won't notice when you play an E flat instead of a D, that you increased five stitches in your scarf, or if you accidentally forgot a stick of butter in a cookie recipe...okay they might notice but hey, sugar and flour are very forgiving when baked.
This is one of my favorite Norman Rockwell paintings.
There is so much description in the frame that tells such stories. Which is one of the things that I love about Rockwell; the detail he adds and how he makes his point in each of his paintings.
His artwork always inspires me; and if I were a painter, I would quickly take out my brush and try to capture something from my life.
But alas I am not!
What does end up happening is that I try to consider what detail I am showing people in everything I do. Whether it is writing, art, or simply talking with people; how am I representing the Lord, myself, my family?
What is it that people walk away thinking?
Take good photographs.
This is very important when selling things online or simple posting them on your own blog.
Although I am no photographer, I have learned to appreciate a photo taken in the right lighting and proper emphasis on the subject. Take the time to test your lighting, create an interesting shot, and use the attention of the viewer to your advantage.
And finally, I think it very important that you enjoy what you are creating.
People will be more prone to take interest in what you are doing if they see that you are excited about it.
So, the next time some project catches your fancy, take it up! Do something with it, learn more about it!
Who knows, it may be your next favorite hobby...
to add to your budding collection.
