Friday, August 9, 2013

The gifts of stepping out of my comfort zone

I have a very exciting and rewarding custom order that I am working on.  It's also nerve wracking because it is taking me way out of my comfort zone. It's been awhile since I've done that.  And it's time.  It's the only way I am every going to grow my little Art Business.  It's not like I haven't ever created complex detailed  Custom Art, I have.   

Custom Set of four pieces of sea glass (harvested off the coast of Maine) that I painted and wire wrapped back in December 2008.  These are real houses and buildings on surfaces 2" and smaller.  Super cool project.

Back in 2008, I had not opened up my online shop on Etsy.com yet, that was just dream.  But after completing these sea glass pieces, I wanted it real bad.  So I pushed myself and opened www.bethscraftroom.etsy.com  on March 30, 2009 and had my first sale a few weeks later on April 8th, 2009.   

Fast forward almost five years later, a lot has happened in my life and through it all, my business has been growing.  The custom orders are varied and satisfying.   I am making the most wonderful connections with my creativity.  

Day 1  August 6, 2013



This particular order is for a local repeat customer.  Pinch me, I have repeat customers!   The photos are from my customer's childhood home in northern Maine.  The slate is also from that area of Maine.  I chose this piece of slate to "practice on" my technique.  The actual larger piece of slate that my customer wants painted is waiting back in my studio while a get my courage up to begin the one of a kind surface.    

Day 2   August 7, 2013


I am full of hope.  Every time I step out of my comfort zone, I grow and discover more courage I dared not believe I had.   I have found my Faith that I thought I had lost.   I am at a wonderful turning point in my life and it feels good.  

Day 3  August 8, 2013


When I look at these photos, it's hard to believe that it was my hand that held the paint brush.  I am humbled at the gifts that have been given to me.     

Day 4  August 9, 2013