I had a few unexpected hours this past Saturday morning to work on Christmas projects. There's nothing like a little pressure to inspire me to get moving and finish a project.
I wasn't going to make candles this year. I've made candles in years past for Christmas gifts and really......How many candles to friends and family need? Buuuuuuut, a family member asked and I have all the supplies to make the candles (including a few pounds of paraffin wax I forgot I had), so I went for it.
Candle making is one of those projects you can batch. You can't do that with everything- like a watercolor picture or sewing an apron or creating a mixed media project. There's ways to do a few at the same time, but it's not the same. Once you have the supplies, it's almost a waste of time to NOT make more. One candle turned into nine- most of them turning out well enough to gift. ]
Not only that, but I had a great time making the candles. I listened to music and part of an audio book, drank coffee and enjoyed the creative time.
If it hadn't been for the encouragement of the family member, I don't think I would have made candles this year.
And if I hadn't taken the initial action, the motivation to make more and try different colors wouldn't have come.
As a creative, I want the inspiration to come but I've discovered that it's more likely to come after I start working on something.
So if you don't have anyone in your life giving you the push to throw yourself into making some gifts, consider this your creative nudge. Your welcome.
And remember. Sometimes you've got to take the first step and get into your work before the inspiration comes.
My ideas for color combinations starting kicking into high gear after I took some action.
(And if you'd like to learn how to make candles, I'm putting up a DIY Christmas Chunk Candle tutorial on Wednesday! It's very learnable- anyone can do it.)
Are you making gifts for Christmas? I'd love to know what you are up to!!!!
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