I needed to write this post today because I was recently reminded by my own words of something that I try to pass on to others when I teach classes, and that is to think about “the process”. I’ve written before about the importance of identifying our own personal processes in crafting and spending time doing what we love, not what we think we should be doing instead. You can read more about that here. Clearly, even I need reminders!
So the other day I was thinking about how I wanted a new blanket ladder for staging my quilt photos. I’ve used a little bunk bed one that dates back to before I was born and it could have been painted but I wanted a more rustic looking one – stained and worn rather than painted – and because that one is mahogany, even if I stripped it the chances of getting it to be anything other than a shade of red or burgundy were next to nothing.
I finally decided one day last week that I could make one myself, using a simple pattern; I have the necessary tools and skills! The weather had cooled to the point where I could actually work outside without dying, and I was motivated to get in the car and head for the store to buy a piece of 2X2. Between my driveway and main street (in my town that is about 30 seconds) the following went through my mind:
- I just have to buy a 16ft. piece, ask them to cut it into three pieces for me to fit in my car and I can do the rest.
- I have the screws so it will be together in no time.
- I’ll have to stain it.
- I’ll have to clear coat it.
- I’m tired…why am I doing this again?
- Turn around, go home, and message Sara.
Sara is a teenager I know who paints and stains and distresses and refinishes wood furniture. And she loves doing it. (Their Facebook page is called “Making Beautiful Things“) She has refinished an end table for me and recently redid my old rocking chair (I was always going to do that one myself too!) and I know she will do a good job when I ask for something.
I’ve worked with wood and refinishing in the past and I enjoyed it tremendously. I might again at any time. But this was not that time. I had quilting projects I wanted to work on and having a new ladder was poking at my brain daily; I thought that because I COULD make my own, I SHOULD make my own. Can anyone else relate? HAHA As creative people, I think it’s a common thing we do to ourselves.
But you see, I was not feeling the build-a-ladder love.
So I came home, messaged Sara, and it was delivered to my house this afternoon, less than one week later. Not only did I get just what I wanted and needed but I avoided my potential frustration and supported another maker who loves her process!
And I got to thinking that really, it makes so much more sense for me to do what I love and allow myself to forego things that I can easily have someone else do for me. In the end, it’s a win for both of us 🙂
Thanks, Sara!
Ann Walsh Quilting 