A little lost.

I have to admit that I’m feeling a little lost with my work at the moment.

A gradual development of pain in my hands over the last two years has meant that I am having to change the way I work and stop making some of the things that I love to make. A diagnosis of osteoarthritis has been reassuring (at least it’s nothing worse) and I will learn to manage it and continue to be creative, but it has left me feeling that I’m lacking direction.

I have had to give up my gardening work as my hands can’t take long spells of pruning and weeding (gripping and pulling is the most difficult thing) and this is a real loss for me as this was my ‘headspace’ and such an enjoyable and satisfying thing to do. It was also my reliable, regular income.

Top end of the long raised border - Crathorne.

Currently I have brain fog. My head is an enormous jumble of ideas and I don’t know which ones are the right ones. Do I concentrate on making the things I truly love and believe in, or develop the things I think will make me some sales at this difficult time? Do I even consider giving up entirely, given that sales are so low they are practically non existent?

Hand printed vintage linen and lace cafe curtain.

An important thing to hang onto as I try to drive things forward is my commitment to sustainability. The use of recycled, repurposed, reclaimed and reused elements and creating as little waste as possible has to remain central and will continue to inspire my products. I just need to find a cosy niche to settle into that provides me with inspiration, satisfaction and a chance to continue doing what I’m good at…..and hopefully that will attract like-minded people who are with me for the long haul.

Karen