Introducing “Creative Magpie” Blog Feature

Magpie Treasure

The magpie in me finds many and varied wondrous treasures in the world and I have decided to feature in a blog post one person each week who I find particularly inspiring. They may be a textile artist (as I am) or a poet, songwriter/singer, ceramicist, jewelry maker or dreamcatcher. This blog feature will allow me to self-indulge in some creative candy and to share the love by bringing them to your attention too along with observations about their own particular brand of creativity. If you want to star in my Creative Magpie feature then please email me.

Never Underestimate You Own Influence

Recently I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to feel that no-one notices our own creative endeavours. Sometimes when we are passionate about something like a creative pursuit it can be deadly dull for the people around us when we are banging on about it constantly. Unless they are interested in quilting for example it can be really boring for family members to hear me wax lyrical about all the different kinds of batting available – just like I would feel if someone talked to me at length about engine oil or different kinds of carburettors. So I had kind of resigned myself to the idea that if I want approval or recognition I had better go somewhere else to get it like the textile groups I belong to because I know that people there are as crazy about stitching as I am and won’t look at me with a glassy stare, murmuring a reluctant “hmmm….” each time I discuss the merits of fly over daisy stitch.

That is until recently. I am making a patchwork quilt and have been sitting in front of the telly while I cut out the template pieces and tack the hexagons on. The other day I noticed a couple of times that when doing the patchwork in front of my family they have started to take notice and compliment me on what I am doing, admiring the fabrics and interested in the process. I didn’t consciously try to talk to them about it like I had in the past, they started to talk to me. It was like, once I had resigned myself to the idea that I couldn’t expect them to be interested then they became interested. I was surprised and delighted to hear them proudly telling visitors about this wonderful quilt I am making and how patient I am to even attempt such a thing. 

Interesting how once others see you creating they see an example of what is possible and doable and inspiring. It gives them an idea of what kind of person you are. It’s another side of you that they can see; you being creative, persistant and patient. The you that bravely tries creative experiments and inspires others to be creative and try new things too. All this happened for me unconsciously but now I realise how important it is not to hide away creative projects – categorising it as “me” time, only doing creative things when the kids are out for example. Creating in the midst of busy family life is especially important for women, I feel, as it gives the message to other family members that creativity is important and that it can be done there and then right where you are in the midst of all the happenings of daily life.