Friday, March 22, 2013

Hope, Gratitude and Clay

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul- and sings the tunes without the words- and never stops at all. - Emily Dickinson

The older I get the more friends I have that seem to need comforting- health problems, deaths, divorces, broken hearts. For a while I sent my little "Mending a Broken Heart" hearts. Now I have feathers which I have been sending. Just small reminders to let people know that there is hope and I am thinking of them. My youngest son insists (daily lately) that I need to sell them so I am now in the process of setting up an Etsy shop. This is more of an undertaking than I realized but I hate to disappoint him. He is such a great cheerleader and he loves what I am doing. I know that I will get asked so here's the scoop and maybe you can share your thoughts with me. I am thinking about selling the larger feathers for $10.00 each or 3 for $25.00 plus shipping. The feathers are individually made and approx. 7 inches long so no two are alike as you can see. They are light enough to ship first class which will keep the shipping cost down. I have also considered including a small card with the Emily Dickinson quote on it. Thoughts?

Wednesday was a tough day. It was one of those days that started out full of promise and quickly turned into a day where nothing seemed to go right. That is until I arrived at Clay Space and found a bowl from Ken on my shelf. I didn't think he was serious when he said that he was going to give me the bowl. Ken is a new friend. He and I are totally honest with each other which is so refreshing. We can critique each others work. We both love the positiveness from the people from Clay Space but we both want constructive and honest feedback not just cheer leading.

When I finally ran into ken to thank him, he said that I could throw it in the dumpster. I have to say that at first I thought the bowl was a hot mess but on closer examination I found the shape of a tree. The bowl went from ugly to interesting. Ken was thrilled that I have seen the tree and happy when I called it a "hot mess." I am keeping the bowl as a reminder to not be afraid to try new things (Ken was playing with wax on this piece), friendship, kindness, and gratitude. Do you have something that reminds you to focus on good things?

I am making this my Off the Wall Fridays post.
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21 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 22, 2013 at 12:03 PM

    I love your feathers! and you are fortunate in your friendship with a fellow artist. I love your story- it lightens my heart.

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  2. Marilyn WallMarch 22, 2013 at 2:20 PM

    What a great idea. I don't often take time to make small tokens for people who are in need. You are an inspiration.

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  3. Glen QuiltSwissyMarch 22, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    Let us know when the shop is up,and running. Those feathers are so interesting.

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  4. Angela FlowersMooreMarch 22, 2013 at 5:46 PM

    I love your idea, focus, and price. Inbox you with some things I have learned as a new shop owner.

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  5. Nina MarieMarch 22, 2013 at 7:38 PM

    I"m sharing this blog with my daughter who just finished her first term of ceramics in high school - I'm sure she'll find it as interesting as I do!

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  6. MartiMarch 22, 2013 at 9:56 PM

    Love those feathers, Karen. They look like you were having fun when making them. Good job, my friend.

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    1. Karen S MusgraveMarch 23, 2013 at 6:49 AM

      They are fun now that I have figured out how to get them to look the way I want them to look. Hugs, Karen

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    2. Angela FlowersMooreMarch 23, 2013 at 6:45 PM

      Started my shop during holidays. Since, I've gone Etsy crazy spending several hours a day learning the ins and outs, of making treasuries, joining teams, and have made many friends. Watch out etsy is never ending!!! My goal was to give it a try and if fail would have no problem closing shop.

      Frequently asked questions have been a great source for learning things from listing products to taking photos, promotions, etc. Etsy sellers are your best source of advertising. I have not made a sell yet and learned what people like best in my shop. Since I have a mix of this and that.

      What I like about your shop is that you have focus, the colors are very pretty, appealing, and the price is right. You are giving the customers options. The card with the Emily Dickson quote will be a hit and something extra nice.

      I have no doubt you will get off to a good start.

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    3. Karen S MusgraveMarch 25, 2013 at 9:42 AM

      You are a better person than me. I just can't send hours on Etsy. Thanks for your support. I know I am going to learn a lot! Hugs, Karen

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  7. bohemiannie! artMarch 23, 2013 at 9:34 AM

    You'll never know if you don't try! I think they're beautiful!

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  8. DianeMarch 23, 2013 at 10:51 AM

    Karen - The feathers are wonderful! You are such a thoughtful and generous person. They would be well accompanied by the Emily Dickinson quote. Good luck with an Etsy gig. I am sure that you will have great success. (My older son went so far as to set up an account for me, but I haven't fulfilled it yet.) Best wishes, Diane

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  9. QuiltdivajulieMarch 25, 2013 at 9:35 AM

    Love the feathers, have ALWAYS loved the quote - would happily buy some of these to send out into the world. You mention they are light enough for first class - how about 'durability' given the way some mail is handled? Keep us posted!!!

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    1. Karen S MusgraveMarch 25, 2013 at 9:44 AM

      Thanks! The encouragement is greatly appreciated. The feathers are pretty durable. I even dropped on on carpeting and it didn't break. I will be wrapping them in bubble wrap and I bought boxes that will allow for lots of packing. If it does happen to get broken, of course, I will replace it. Thanks so much! Hugs, Karen

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  10. AnonymousMarch 26, 2013 at 4:56 AM

    It's a lovely idea!

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  11. Michele BilyeuMarch 26, 2013 at 10:24 AM

    Karen, our connections are starting to get a bit freaky! Not only do I send healing hearts things, but I collect and offer feathers...real ones in my case. I used to find feathers (and pennies and dimes) after loved ones passed over. Signs from beyond filled with symbolism, all. And hot messes..gosh, we all take turns, don't we. Hotflash/mess!/hotflash/inspiration!

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Love comments! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.

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