Admit it. (That's the first step.) Many of us are bad gift givers, restricted by budget, time, and - let's face it - interest. Uncomfortable admission #2: most of us are frustrated - perhaps even misguided - artists. Somewhere there's an insane part of us that believes we can paint, write, sculpt, etc. (We don't know why.) Well, I have embraced my pseudo-artist and vowed (to at least attempt) to design and make all of my gifts. Oh, yes. I have descended into madness, and this blog tells the story.
One day, I realized that I could channel my varied interests and hobbies by creating personalized gifts for my friends and family. These would be gifts that really meant something because each project would be designed with the recipient in mind. Over the last couple of years, I have made everything from ridiculously psychedelic Cheshire Cat pillows to mosaic photographs to sibling bracelets; you name it. I love to learn and use new art forms and techniques.
Over time, word of mouth has led some people to commission customized gifts from me, which is flattering and fulfilling. Still, I get the most pleasure in knowing that I will no longer be subjecting my loved ones to pre-packaged, impersonal gifts.
Instead, each piece I create becomes a unique expression of the relationship between the giver and the receiver. Each gift bears an emotional imprint - a physical manifestation of the act of creation - of both joy and pain intertwined.
All that being said, mi blog es su blog. As I share my tips, ideas, and experiences, please feel free to leave your mark and share your stories, anecdotes, and opinions as well.
.jpg)
Blast From The Past!!!
12 years ago
I love the way you draw in the reader right from the start. Reading this post was like whispering with a co-conspirator about the next great plan to accomplish a lofty goal.
ReplyDeleteI'm also impressed on a personal level by your dedication to meaningful gift giving. I congratulate you on having been so successful with your art that people give you commissions for special items, and I wish you well in your future creative endeavors.
The only small criticism I have of this post is that the last sentence of the first paragraph comes across in a slightly disjointed way due to the phrase "this is blog tells the story." It's a minor mistake that is easy to miss in editing, but it does detract just slightly from the post. It is also more noticeable because it is in the first paragraph, so it is in immediate view of anyone who reads the post.
This blog is a great idea. Many times I have found myself giving a bad gift. Ideas like these would be helpful to many people. Sometimes there's no gift on the shelf for a particular person. Sometimes it needs to be a created gift made personally for them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I'm sure the receivers of these gifts are really touched by the personalization. I'm thinking of maybe making videos for people this year for Christmas with my Sony Vegas software. Have you ever considered trying something like that?
ReplyDeleteI sometimes explore creative gift ideas for friends and family as well, but I'm no where near consistency. Lately I've been making my own cards (birthday, mother's day, etc.) out of thick watercolor paper with my own artwork brushed to the front.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about everyone being an artist. I think we all have the capability, some of us just find it easier to channel.
Looking forward to see the upcoming gift ideas.
In my experience, creative gifts are always the most cherished in the long haul. Like Heather posted before about the Sony Vegas software, there's so many ways to create. I've created something similar for my family, like DVD slide-shows using Encore DVD. What's great about it is, people are always stunned and surprised at the finished product.
ReplyDelete