Made For Each Other. Pretty soon those conversation hearts will be in stores everywhere, but this anagram has been on my mind as I have been creating this season. As an opener I would like to touch upon a few elements of the creative process that I have learned to appreciate even more recently. They are :
1. Being Patient
I have had so much fun creating dessert pedestals (cake stands, cupcake stands, candle stands … the list alternative titles goes on). I love a beautiful cake stand, but mostly they tend to be a little blah. These, however, each have their own unique personality, and will “speak” to a certain customer. It is really interesting to observe. Everyone has different favorites. The other thing I love about these stands is I LOVE using recycled materials. It is exciting to create something new and beautifully unique from something used and sometimes even discarded. I love the challenge.
When I go about creating these, rarely do I find both pieces, the base and the plate, at the same time. So, I have to be patient and hope that every piece I find will eventually come to its perfect match, which ties into the next element…
2. Trust your instinct, but don’t be afraid to go beyond it sometimes!
My friend, who I was collaborating with, brought me this unique, solid brass candlestick. It was cool, but I can’t say I was in love, not at first. I had nothing that went with it no matter how hard I tried. The proportions were always off and it seemed too masculine. Hmmm? So I shined it up and set it aside trusting that , YES, there was potential. Its match hadn’t been discovered yet. Many times the things I don’t love right away are the pieces I end up loving more, because they are unexpected.
3. Being aware and grateful when the magic happens! It’s when an idea you like, becomes a reality you love.
A few weeks later at one of my many haunts, what should be peaking out at me? Buried on the bottom shelf, was this beauty! It is a Dept. 56 platter inspired by Santa’s red suit.
Yes, there was an audible gasp that escaped my lips when I saw this.
Judging the proportions and style of this platter, I knew exactly the perfect base for this.
This turned out to be an absolute favorite this season! The chunky solid base gives it that masculine touch it needed. The black coat of paint has transformed the brass candlestick into Santa’s black boots that go so nicely with his striking red suit.
Yes, M.F.E.O!
So get creative! Be patient, go with your instinct and beyond, and receive that lightning when it strikes because it will.
Happy New Year!
Tara
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