I've heard my sister in law and others talk about how they really don't like the constraints of custom projects but never really understood what they meant until recently. I've been getting several custom requests which I actually love, don't get me wrong. I just sent off a custom cold weather headband in wool to a fellow blogger and crafter Ollie McKay from Ollie McKay's Chic Boutique. I enjoyed working with her and I hope I came up with what she needs to keep her ears warm on her cold winter walks in style. I took a picture on my cluttered dining room table seen above. I also had fun making a few wild little girl scarves for a colleague's granddaughters. These projects were fun and relatively quick and easy.
The project that I have hanging over my head that is causing me some concern is an order for bridal attendant's jewelry for a super sweet bride to be that found me on Etsy. I'm making wire bracelets with sparkly citrine and silver beads and some simple earrings to match. I'm going to have my friend Leslie help me with the earrings since that's her thing, not mine. I had the bride pay 25% down to cover my upfront expenses for beads. I have all the supplies I need now but I'm feeling a bit paralyzed by the pressure. I want them to be perfect since they are going to be for such a big event. I know that I need to get going on it but it's not procrastination stopping me, it's perfectionism. I have the vision in my head and I know it is want she wants so I need to do it. I think I will get one done and then e-mail her a picture for her to approve before I do them all. Creativity not confidence is my speciality.
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5 comments:
I would probably turn down a custom order request for this exact reason. I am a graphic designer by trade, and I tried freelancing for a while to make extra money. But the pressure and stress of trying to put the together the right design for someone who I don't know very well is more than I'm willing at go through. It was more stressful than my day job, and I need my sanity more than I need extra money.
lindsey has a good point... even though we love to do everything.. we have a limit... I would stop taking custom orders unless they have a later deadline. gl!
oh I feel for you..I don't do custom anymore, I can't stand the pressure.:-) You're work is lovely..I'm sure she'll be delighted!
OH GIRL, do I ever hear ya about the whole "perfectionist" thing. I can work on the same pair of earrings for 4 hours, tweaking things here and there, until I finally realize that no matter how much I work on them, they're never going to be "perfect." Then I start a new project, and 4 hours later.....
Way to go for picking up so many custom orders!!
I looove that custom ear warmer! I want one! Thanks for stopping by my blog! If you want to send me a link to your Etsy shop I would be happy to post it on the Feel Chic blog. melissa at organizedlifebydesign dot com. TGIF!
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