Everybody Starts Somewhere...

Everybody starts somewhere, so I'm going to be a little bit vulnerable today and show you one of the first things I made, back when I was just starting to work with polymer clay:

     Sure, a little bit embarrassing, bumpy and lumpy, and very simple cane work, but this was made with love for a set of my "bonus" (in-law) grandparents for Christmas. I did the best job I could, at the time, with the skills and tools I had available, and it brought me joy to both make this little ornament, and to give it as a gift. (And they hung it on their tree every year until they both passed away, and this little memory was returned to me.)

     When I have had my artwork on display in my booth, I have heard all sorts of comments
"Oh, I could never do that!"
"Oh, I'm just not creative like you are!"
"Oh, I tried that once and it came out terrible!"

Well, here's the thing. I believe, down to my toes that creativity is like a muscle. And like any muscle, it get stronger if you put the time and energy into nurturing it. Your creativity is not going to take the same form as my creativity - but it is there. if your skills are mediocre in whatever artistic outlet makes your little heart sing? Well. there's no magic wand to wave to improve those skills. Time and practice, time and practice, time and practice. Twenty years later, and looking back at things I made when I was learning may make me cringe a little bit - but mostly, they make me smile and realize how far I've come.