Friday, November 20, 2009

A Lovely Ending.........


(ran out in the cold to shoot this the other evening; one short moment of completely exquisite glow & then gone)

.......to a long and arduous project. Yesterday, early in the afternoon, the banners were safely moved to the living room, the tables knocked down in the studio, messes in the process of being cleaned up and sorted, and me.....not knowing exactly what to do with myself!
I will, before e-mailing the church, do one more look over for loose threads, anything that is not quite perfect and then, when sure and happy, send that e-mail out asking for a delivery time!
It is odd, because even when I did Advent banners for my church, they were strenuous and gave me grief. Most people like that set the best, yet I have the same feelings about them as I do these; I am glad the project is done. At the time I did ours, I had no budget for them, no heat in my newly built studio, and as I recall, about the same amount of time to get them completed. I vividly remember miserably cold fingers that could not grasp pins even with a tiny heater going full bore. (we were in the process of getting someone to install a furnace and hit an early cold spell for the year--typical Indiana)
It seems that I always like the Lent banners the best. I don't know if it is the time of year I work on them or if it is the difference in how they are constructed. Easter is usually pretty easy and my feelings are ambivilant on those; I just want the letters balanced evenly on the two pieces. I enjoy creating the letters, that is what captures my attention and after that, it's just grunt-work.
I am happy that I now have a little breathing room, that I have time to clean in the studio, or go lounge a bit and knit. I can set up my most nonprofessional camera background and have things easier to photograph for the blog. I can consider rearranging some of the furniture in here. I've been going through that in my head since I first started these and could not move a thing. I also need a big studio purge, and I don't have the time I need for THAT! Does anyone have a spare year they would like to donate to a good cause???
I sort of feel like I have just received a release from prison! And that is not right to feel that way about paying work! But I felt exactly the same when I was working on the first set of Advent banners, in the cold.
Maybe it's just ME.
Maybe I am remembering the other set.
Maybe there were too many distressing events going on during the construction process this time.
Maybe I'm thinking way too much again.....  ;-)
At any rate, I have no idea what I want to do creatively at the moment, and that is just plain ODD!!! And give me a day or two to get my acerbic humor back; I think it's buried in the studio somewhere......!
So I will leave you with a wish for a beautiful creative day, with ideas abounding, and no housework, and something good to relax with as the sun sinks this evening.

Pax.

22 comments:

Linda and Michelle said...

Congratulations!!! Sometimes cleaning is extremely therapeutic...and don't you have a surgery scheduled sometime soon? So the plan is....start putting together lots of little projects to have available as you are recivering - books, knitting, sketching...anything you've always wanted to try...But knowing you, you've already tried them!

My Vagabond Heart said...

I don't know what to say. I can't think of any job I've had that I enjoyed...especially the insurance clerk/accounts receivable. I hated it and the more difficult it became for me to do it (failing eyesight and memory) the more I hated it. I enjoyed teaching quilting and scrapbooking classes but could not make any money!

I'm sure you will find another outlet for your creativity!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Yes, Linda, sometimes when the job is doen it is the cleaning I (ACK! GAG!) enjoy, because I am sort of mentally cleaning the slate for whatever is coming next.
Surgery is set for December (mid part) and heaven knows I have enough knitting to keep me busy FOR EVER...... and books, a pile.
I have, and I hate to admit this, a felting macjine I have used once since I bought it. This might just be the time to take it out and DO something with it. Wool slippers for winter, with needlepunched yarn embellishments. To see me coming from miles away! LOL!!!!
I think---and I am sure you relate---when you have been so driven it is hard to stop, breathe, and then figure where to go next.
And yes, there are things I have wanted to try, but no time. I need to make a list.....

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey vicki,

I think it was just all the stuff going on while working on these that made it NOT FUN. The struggles to find fabric, the one company fighting me on a refund for stuff that was not as described on their website (that was a pip), illness, deaths, etc.
There are, actually some of the banners I enjoy---the Lent ones because I dye the fabric and print it....I think it is more artistic than sewing and that is the difference.
I'll manage--it's just been a really ODD Fall this year....to say the least! LOL!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anonymous said...

Tis' Done... Tis' Done.... Thank Goodness Tis' Done!!
That being said... CONGRATULATIONS on the finish of a long project!!
Now just relax & knit....
Have a great day my friend, you deserve it!!
Love,
Marilyn

yoborobo said...

Yippeeee! I am giving a big old sigh of relief for you. I have about 5 pieces (orders) to finish, and then I can just play! Play play play!!!! And maybe eat turkey if I ever buy one! haha! So I'm happy for you, Anne. Rest up, fill up that creative bucket, tidy, and I'm betting by Monday morning you will be ready to rock and roll. :) Happy weekend! xox Pam

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

hey Marilyn,

I'll get to relax and knit AFTER the laundry list of errands for the day! LOL!
That is indeed what my next project is.....

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey PAm,

You poor thing and your turkey.... :) I'm looking for duck! Or anything.
It is sooooo good to have the studio in some state of order; still some things to sort/toss but that can be done later.
I know you'll get those 5 pieces done and they will be as lovely as the painting I bought! See it every day, numerous times, in my hall.....love it!
Play sounds so good!

XXOO!!
Anne

Tristan Robin said...

congratulations on finishing them up!

I think we started our commission projects about the same time - and I just wrapped up mine as well.

I know what you mean about not knowing where to go from here. I'm in the same quandry. I'd really like to do some sewing and make a quilt - it's been a while. But I hate the idea of moving all my mixed media stuff out of the way. sigh. Oh, for a larger studio!

Enjoy your down time while you have it. Watch a movie and do absolutely nothing!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Tristan,

It's nice to hear someone else that feels the same way when something *big* is done. I'm glad I have the space to have the sewing seperated from the art supplies, but still, it doesn't make it any easier to decide. I just dither.
Therefore, I'm going to knit until something really smacks me up side of the head! LOL!!! Finish my full length stockings.....that will make me happy!

XXOO!!
Anne

Deborah said...

Oh Happy Day! Anne has been set free to play!!! I think we feel that way about about any big undertaking. It is good to have a beginning and an end. When I used to teach in the Montessori catichism, I felt that way about the school year...excited to begin a new year with new little ones, and by the end, I was looking forward to the end... Enjoy your FREE weekend my friend. **blows kisses** Deb

audrey said...

I am so happy for you that this project is complete!! What a great feeling to be finished and happy with the outcome!
I think you are just in a state of numbness. Give it a couple of days and you will have projects swirling in your head that you won't be able to get started on quick enough.
Congratulations on the finish of a large undertaking!
Enjoy your free time!!
audrey

Leslie said...

Whoo-hoo! Interesting thoughts about which ones you like the best. I find I am fondest of the Easter ones, maybe the joy of the season, I dunno.

Congrats on reaching the light at the end of the tunnel and finding it wasn't a train coming to hit you.

Georgina said...

Yep, you think too much!!! But I think we all know how you feel about a job well-done and thank God it's over!!! Just give yourself a little time..the juices will begin to ooze and you'll be back in your happy place. I'm feeling the same way, and decided I'm not making anything with a Christmas motif...just don't feel like it, so I'll be in the studio today, the first time in a month, making some Christmas gifts. Hang in there, my friend, "if you believe, they will come!" Creative thoughts, not a bunch of dead baseball players!!!

di from di-did-it said...

Congratulations on accomplishing your goal! I'm looking forward to seeing where your creativity takes you next.....

Deborah said...

Anne, the answer to your question is: It wasn't on the list!

tallboy said...

Congratulations--more exquisite offerings for us to enjoy! The ladies are eager and excited for your "next" project--after surgery of course. Smell the coffee, enjoy the sunshine and know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

To everyone---sorry for a mass response but I just spent the whole day running the errands I had diligently put off....we now have food and money in the bank; a good combination. ;)
And yes, I have my mood stabilizing drugs refilled too! LOL!!! (oh Lord, yes, poor DH if he had to survive me without those....)
I am going to try to shoot pics here, but think it may have to be in the church....not sure. So it might be Monday before that is posted.
In the meantime, I am all for a bubblebath and a large glass of wine......
The play in the studio, after the stockings I'm knitting are finished off!
Thanks for the moral support.....back to little details like what in the HELL I am cooking for dinner.

XXOO!!
Anne....more than slightly frazzled...

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

Commissions are just plain hard..we judge our marks in a hyper critical manner and when the deadline draws near we feel every ounce of panic in our beings. I am so proud of you and NOW just sit still...yes sit and knit if you need to...but sit and enjoy your accomplishments. Remember me as May draws near and my exhibit is due to be installed. The difference is that I am working to make my marks for me...the highest quality I can humanly produce. Love yourself and enjoy your rest. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Alexandra MacVean said...

What a stunning photo!! I often try to capture the sunset here, but can never quite get it...goes way too fast, as you say. Lovely image!

Good to hear you knocked out a project, despite how it made you feel. It's time to move on to new things...and maybe better? Like knitting your favorite little girl in the world a pair of striped socks!!!! hahahahaha :)

BIG HUGS!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Oh Mary Helen, you summed it up so well. putting the word *commission* with any work doubles the panic level. Had I beendoing those for myself, there would not have been some of the problems (caused internally by *moi*!!!) but it is odd how we process it all!
Keep me posted on FAVA---that is a wonderful show and I wish I had had time for making something worhty of hanging.

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Sophia,

Yes, I literally RAN out---no jacket or gloves---to grab that shot. I think I had time to click off three images before it was gone? It was unbelievable how quickly it passed.
I got my stockings finished last evening! And the only striped socks I have knit are usually in a lace pattern, using up my leftover tidbit, which aren't exactly what you are known for! ;) I'm thinking your purchases would be better than my knitting on a plain stripe! LOL!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Post a Comment

Talk to me Dahling!
I'm waiting, breathless...... ;-D