Hedge Witch

Poor witch, I lost her arms, looked everywhere; they were of course, right in front of me.  If I would pay attention to what I put down and where, I wouldn't waste so much time.

My hedge witch now has hair and her hat is in progress.  Why, when I finally decide on what I (kind of) want, do things go off in a different direction? I had some lovely velvet with gold stars picked out for her skirt, but when it came down to it,  it didn't feel right.  

I'm uncertain now, pulling out more fabric, and making a huge mess that will remain until I decide on something.  

Here's what happens in my creative process:  I lose things, make a mess, can't decide, give up and come back downstairs, read, clean/straighten, go back up and do one little thing, despair, and leave again.  

Later, for no particular reason,  I often decide that maybe things are OK (or accept that I don't have a better idea) and proceed.  Sometimes, I think maybe I like what's happening after all; sometimes, I make major changes.  I search through embellishments, fabrics, and artifacts for an idea that will give hope and direction.  Find it or give up and leave again. Those stairs get a lot of use, and I get plenty of exercise.

It used to bother me that I didn't have a clear idea of where anything was going and that even vague ideas underwent drastic changes.  It bothered me that I'd throw up my hands and retreat, abandoning what was in progress for both short and long durations.  

After reading How We Learn, I realize that these steps are not only part of a learning process, but also part of a creative process--leaving at a difficult point, finding distraction, letting ideas incubate or percolate.  

Frank N. Stein will have to wait a lot longer.  I'm at an impasse with him, and I'm having enough trouble with the Hedge Witch, but at least I found her arms.

Bryce Eleanor and I watched episodes of How to Train Your Dragon yesterday; lots of episodes on the DVD she brought with her.  I love how excited she gets, her eyes get huge, her face so animated, her hands move as if she can't contain them.  She is so animated about everything-- from informing me that Astrid kisses Hiccup after happy endings to telling me what she wants for breakfast.  

Amelia and Chris picked her up a little while ago and were off on some adventures downtown.  So things are quiet around here, and I'm going upstairs to play.

Fee went fishing early this morning, and I'm hoping for a little fried fish tonight and maybe a little wine and watching neighborhood fireworks!

(Free printable found via A Little Crafting)