One of the most common questions I get is, "do you really make these?"
Even though I've heard this question often, I'll never get used to it. Hopefully the asker intends it as a compliment each time, but a little part of it always feels like being called a liar, right? Yes, I promise I really do make these.
Even my family members have a hard time believing that I make the items in my shop. My husband loves telling people who ask my profession that my job is making custom lamp shades and decorative tassels.... and candles, and pillows... and watercolors. If only I had more time... and room.
At this point in my life, I've realized that this is who I am, and I've embraced it. Instead of seeing it as being indecisive, I see that I don't have to commit to one medium. I'm an artist and a maker, but a better description might be a tinkerer. I love problem solving, bringing ideas to life, and the curiosity and persistence involved with making things work using new materials and processes.
Exploration is my medium.
In my explorings, I've picked up some pretty random knowledge. It would be a pity for these findings to end with me. Many of the things I've learned through my own experiments because I couldn't find the answers online. Other knowledge nuggets I've gained through my eclectic collection of previous jobs (I dare you to say that sentence three times fast).
I thought this blog might be a convenient way to share some of the things I've learned. Are you ready to do Some Light Reading?