From "Artist" to Etsy: A Resolution Kept . . .

"You miss 100% of the shots you never take." 

- Wayne Gretzy

You know, if you asked me three years ago if I would have ever (ever, ever, ever) considered myself an "Artist," I would have laughed out loud. A Makeup Artist - yes - but a real artist?! Um, no. Not even a little bit. And yet, here I am. A Mother, Blogger and yeah, an Artist. 

I mean, Art - creating it, studying it, dreaming about it - is my complete passion. Like many of us in this creative Blog Land, I feel lucky to have even found it. I could have gone my whole life not knowing that this joy existed. Not knowing that through creating art - and sharing it with others - I could actually change my life in a profound way - and maybe, just maybe, bring joy to others in the process.  

I have learned in the last few years that creativity and community are the backbone of what we do here. That Bloggers are amazing, gracious people and that together, we can make a difference in our world. I recently completed a painting that I didn't love. (I didn't love it a lot). But what I did like is the concept behind it and the words I wrote to accompany it: 

I love Us. We are talented, generous and Real. And our Art - that intangible bit of fabulousness we create - allows us to blanket the world with Joy. Yeah, Us.

Even though the painting was a major fail, the words that came from it have inspired me to take the next step in my creative journey, one that I have been threatening to do since the beginning of the year. I am going legit.

I have just opened the first retail outlet for my art - an Etsy Shop. I've been biting my nails (and pulling out my hair!) for weeks now as I have catalogued, researched and prepared for the opening. I have put a lot of attention and energy into what to offer, trying to find the most unique items along the way. 

I listened to those who said they wanted to find kits like those I offered for The Summer of Color. So I created several - all bundled together in vintage themed packs (I even have some for Christmas for those who want to journal their way through the holidays) - and hope they'll bring inspiration to the artist and collector alike.

I listened to those who said that they loved my "Santa's Pooped" painting and work on canvas pillows, so I created one in response, my first ever original painting for sale:

I listened to those who asked if I had prints for sale, and selected some of my favorites to offer:

And lastly, I listened to the questions from non-bloggers as to where they can get a IPhone cover like the one I carry, so I had a few of those professionally printed as well:

I'm excited, nervous, anxious and relieved that it is all up and (now) running. I'm proud of myself for taking the risk and eager to learn from all of you how to really run in the Etsy circles . . . . AND, after being a SAHM for 6 years, I'm excited to start this new chapter in my life. Thank you for all of your support and encouragement to do so. . . . 

And for those in the States, I want to wish you Happy, Beautiful and Warm Thanksgiving. May it be full of all of the people and things you love.

Kristin xo