Hello, all! Iām a bit late in posting this video, but I hope you enjoy it, nevertheless! It is a personal look at my own creative journey in life. It goes hand in hand with my decision to start Dryad Designs and is quick overview of what got me to this point. I have enjoyed all the encouragement and growth I have experienced in my Creative Nonfiction Writing class this semester, and am looking forward to utilizing what Iāve learned!
The video ran over the 5 minute mark by a tad, and this was after HEAVY editing. I tried to keep only the key portions of my essay, and while I was able to get it down to 5 minutes at one point, I realized I was leaving out necessary transitions and information! I think the final product ending up being pretty good though, and really hope you think so, too!Ā
This semester in my Creative Nonfiction Writing class we were tasked with creating a creative nonfiction essay about ourselves. As daunting as this task was to me, I looked forward to the assignments with excitement. Why? Because I knew this would be a healing experience for me. I have always struggled with my confidence, and when it came to creative outlets an inner voice (is that you, mom?) was constantly telling me I would never be good enough. I have always welcomed constructive feedback and knew that I would get some truly excellent advice from both my professor and my peers. And -Spoiler Alert- this experience has helped me free MY inner voice, giving it a strength I have never known before. Between creating one of a kind designs for my new business and learning how to write in new creative mediums (this blog, for one!) I have gained a newfound confidence I am absolutely reveling in.
I hope the revisions Iāve made (and will probably continue to make up until the due day) do my peers proud, as I am truly grateful for the critique they provided. One of the first things I looked to revise was my title. Even as I submitted the essay looking for guidance I knew it didnāt do my story justice. The feedback I received from my peers helped me bring it to life! They picked out certain things in my rough draft, pieces that tied the individual scenes together, that I had not. After reading their feedback I was able to go through my essay and clean up areas I felt iffy about, but couldnāt quite figure out how to correct.
For instance, my section Lifestyle Changes was pointed out as exposition, something I didnāt realize when I initially added it to the story. I felt it didnāt quite fit with the other sections but couldnāt quite put my finger on why. After this was pointed out I read back through and agreed that it couldāve been "absorbedā into another section to help the story flow better.
I also realized I was leaving out key information about Dryad Designs because I knew anyone who read the paper would be familiar with my blog and wouldnāt necessarily need it. But that context is needed! I went back through my paper and added more information about my business, foreshadowing it a bit in earlier passages to make its relevance make more sense! I was also encouraged to include visuals within the essayĀ to help clarify some parts and add a bit of flair. I am so used to writing formal essays for school I forgot visuals were acceptable in this assignment!
I have revised my paper a few times now, each time tweaking here and there, leaning on the amazing feedback I received. I canāt help but liken it to macrame, when Iām standing in front of several long strands of cord, knotting and twisting; creating art. Itās why I chose the Lyric Essay as my format for this assignment, as theĀ āweavingā style it is modeled after is very similar to the patterns in rope and thread. I love the connections and creations I have been encouraged to make this semester!Ā
The market on September 25th in EAV wore me out so completely that it took me 2 weeks before I could get back into the groove of creating. It was a much needed break, and one I spent catching up on schoolwork and educating myself on other crafts that interested me. You heard it hear first, but Dryad Designs is officially branching out from macrame!Ā
Embroidery is always something that has interested me. My mom used to work at a laundromat, and I remember working tirelessly on an embroidery pattern I found there. I was so proud of the finished result, even though it was a snarled mess when it turned it over. Despite remembering how much I loved it I never continued pursuing the craft until recently, and all the credit goes to Pinterest!
I also wanted to just start making more magical/whimsical decorations/items because it appeals to me. Iāve always loved fantasy, mythology, and fairy tales, and wanted to try my best to incorporate that into my creations. I was left unsupervised in Hobby Lobby and bought some neat Fairy Garden decorations that I had a lot of fun incorporating!
Pinterest is easily one of the best sites available for finding inspiration on anything from crafts to food to home design and beyond. It truly is a great resource for anyone wanting to create an event, a small business, or way of life. It has been unbelievably helpful to me in learning how to create the things I do, office organization, market booth setup, and small business best practices. Below are some links to boards I have created on Pinterest in addition to boards that I started following:Ā
https://pin.it/1Ba7SIZ
https://pin.it/4C45VsI
https://pin.it/6Vw6eMA
https://pin.it/7eLzyQy
Aside from compiling pins and boards on Pinterest, Iāve also been jumping into research on finances. I was understandably worried when it came to my attention that the government is looking to start taxing transactions on money transferring apps like Venmo and PayPal (https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/10/biden-administration-proposing-plan-to-track-bank-transactions-of-600-or-more-to-fill-tax-gap.html). I have been diving deep into financial advice articles on the best way to itemize deductions for small businesses, and trying to understand some of the more complicated math involved in it all. I am thankful that both my husband and mother-in-law have a great grasp on things like that and are willing to explain the things I still donāt fully understand. But below are a few articles that helped me the most:
It was also brought to my attention that despite my shameless business plugging I have yet to share links to my business pages! Please feel free to give me a like/follow on Facebook and Instagram!
https://www.facebook.com/dryaddesigns1024
https://www.instagram.com/dryad.designs/
I am looking into getting a website started, as well! Iām wanting to stay away from Etsy currently because Iāve seen that lately theyāve been treating the sellers horribly. But be on the lookout for my website in the near future!Ā
Blog Post 7: Letās Go on a Virtual Adventure Together!
I have A LOT to say about my first art market as Dryad Designs, but I feel that the best way to take you on this journey with me is to show you exactly how the day progressed! Please follow this link to view:Ā
Second, NEVER get an arm tattoo 2 days before an outdoor market. ESPECIALLY if that tattoo is on the sensitive inner arm area. I was useless for most of the day and was so thankful my husband has a strong back and a cheerful personality!Ā
Third, I am going to be investing in a banner to hang from my canopy. We positioned our booth horribly, and as the sun continued itās climb in the sky we were left chasing the shade! I also noticed that pretty much everyone had a big sign indicating what business they were and I realized it was such a good opportunity to get my name out there for people who might be interested but werenāt able to stop by the booth.
And lastly, even if I didnāt make the most money that day I did win an unofficial best business card contest! There were a few little girls that were running around to all the booths getting business cards, and then they compared all of these business cards trying to find the coolest one. They stated mine was the clear winner!Ā
These trays came out so good! The butterfly one is slightly different because I figured out a better way to gather the ropes underneath the second time around. But both are sturdy and would look great holding just about anything ā„ļøā„ļø #macrame #diy #hangingshelf #hangingtray #plants #pothos #strawberry #butterfly #countrychic #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses #dryaddesigns https://www.instagram.com/p/CUImqU9rdBg/?utm_medium=tumblr
I had a lot of fun putting this together, even if the software was giving me a little pushback! I love all the magazine/poster board iterations Iāve been seeing, but since I sadly do not own a single magazine digital was my only recourse! I definitely feel a sense of myself when looking at this collage and hope it gives you a little insight into what influences me <3
Excited to show yāall this new design! These coasters are lovely in their understated simplicity š the cork base will prevent any water rings on your tables while the 5mm rope gives you a cozy spot to set your drinks on ā„ļø planning on getting a little crazy with my dyes that finally arrived to deliver some fun and exciting patterns! #macrame #diy #rope #cork #mugs #protectyourtable #nobodylikeswaterrings #dryaddesigns #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses https://www.instagram.com/p/CUF7OnDLNhb/?utm_medium=tumblr
So this weekās post is going to venture in on a more personal note. I just kissed my husband one last time before he departed for a 5 day work trip. While I am excited for him to become more integrated with his team, I cannot help but already miss him. Since our whirlwind romance two years prior, and in large part thanks to the pandemic, we have hardly taken time apart. And yes, while my loved ones remind me of the familiar platitude that distance makes the heart grow fonder, I cannot help but feel a little stressy and depressy, as he jokingly identifies it.
With my very first market being this Saturday I am starting to feel the pressures of my little business venture. I worry that I wonāt have enough product, or that the product I do have wonāt appeal to the customers that stop by. I worry that Iāll fumble in the social interactions with others because this pandemic has really erased nearly all of the social niceties Iāve learned through the years. Will I let out a burp unthinkingly and gross out those around me?? Am I pricing my items too high? Too low? Will there be a more skilled macrame vendor whose products far outshine my own?
Thankfully my husband will be back Friday evening, and is still fully planning on helping me with the market on Saturday! And he has assured me he will call every night to talk with me, and message me throughout the day like he usually does. So, for the next handful of days Iām going to do my best to not let my emotions overwhelm me! Iāll take the time to have mindful meditation when it feels like too much and just absolutely refuse to allow myself to turn into a mopey mess! Iāll try to update the blog with all the items I churn out this week!
So, youād think that my research would be about the ins and outs of managing a business, but I havenāt quite made it that far yet. While I am aware on some level I need to be balancing the finances so I can track and maintain profits, Iām finding it is a little more imperative that I research the products and the people first. Which is a little odd, but let me explain!
I wanted to get into something that I enjoyed doing and that would be beneficial to others, whether by just bringing them joy or by being useful. I really wanted to focus on creating things that were both aesthetically pleasing while also being useful. Which is why, in the beginning, I was primarily focused on making bags and plant holders, as these things have more to them than just looking nice.Ā
Aside from that I wanted to learn what types of people would be drawn in by macrame. Itās interesting to realize that itās one of those things that spans multiple generations. Older generations see the vintage in my orange yarn holders, while younger generations see a design that looks boho chic. I love seeing how these patterns passed down through the ages have that ability to bridge generational gaps in even the smallest of ways.
Researching both the people and the product has been a bit of a whirlwind. I mean, Iāve made a friendship bracelet or two back in my day, but certainly never something along this size. Learning the different knot names and techniques is absolutely still a work in progress. I have multiple Pinterest boards dedicated to patterns, ideas, designs, marketing styles, etc. I have playlists saved on YouTube that actually walk me through the patterns while also educating me on the verbiage and techniques of this trade.Ā
I am also working on researching how to market my brand and grow it from its humble beginnings. I know that getting my name out is going to be the most important factor, and Iām hoping that with the connections I have finding other markets to go to wonāt be an issue. I also spent nearly all day yesterday coming up with ideas to stage my booth. Iāve read numerousĀ ātips and tricksā articles on how to make a market booth stand out while being functional. I also found that my years in retail really made the staging part easy, as I have taken down, moved, and built numerous displays over the years!Ā
Some tentative ideas for my setup:
One of the tables I ordered arrived busted up, and Iām currently dealing with getting the claim taken care of so I can get the replacement before the market, so just imagine these tables are together! I also ordered a 10x10 canopy as that is the standard size for an outdoor market, and I wanted it to be big enough to provide shade while also protecting my items.Ā
Please let me know what you think of this setup and I am always open to any suggestions or recommendations on how to make it more functional and aesthetic!Ā
One of my main Pinterest boards that Iāve used to compile patterns and style ideas: https://pin.it/1qBn5O5
Sep 10, 2021 - Explore Amanda Crawley's board "Macrame" on Pinterest. See more ideas about macrame, macrame design, macrame patterns.
Along with Soulful Notionsā YouTube channel. She has been instrumental in helping me learn patterns and the verbiage for them ā„ļø https://youtube.com/channel/UCTVqmbd_Iwu4IIW-931TcPQ
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Everyone say hello to my little squid pal! My amazing husband suggested this great idea when looking at one of the mermaid tails I made! I absolutely love how it turned out š„° this fella ALSO looks great paired with one of my jute market bags š #macrame #diy #squid #keychain #googlyeyes #supersoft #dryaddesigns https://www.instagram.com/p/CTvNGrTLjMA/?utm_medium=tumblr
I absolutely love making these market bags! So glad @theoakandash requested the jute twine; I really think it took this look to the next level! And they look great paired with a mermaid tail keychain! ā„ļøā„ļø macrame cord handle added for comfort āŗļø #jute #twine #diy #macrame #mermaidtail #marketbag #keychain #dryaddesigns #shoplocal #supportsmallbusiness https://www.instagram.com/p/CTvIq1FLO8U/?utm_medium=tumblr
So unbelievably stoked at how much I was able to make today! Gearing up for the market in a couple of weeks šš youāll notice the tall display stand is bare... be on the lookout for a new project for them šš #macrame #mermaidtail #keychains #bracelets #lavastones #diy #jewelry #smallbusiness #shoplocal #dryaddesigns https://www.instagram.com/p/CTqm24CrS_J/?utm_medium=tumblr
More colors! Loving this mermaid tail pattern I found by @marchingnorth ā„ļøā„ļø I need ALL the rope colors. And thinking about adding trinkets in the tails. Keep an eye out for these at my first market in EAV September 25! #macrame #diy #smallbusiness #shoplocal #mermaidtail #pastels #dryaddesigns #keychain https://www.instagram.com/p/CTpbROYLW1v/?utm_medium=tumblr
My business page finally hit 100 likes on Facebook! This was a personal goal I had set for myself, as well as one that Facebook encourages, as new features open at that marker!Ā
I also did my giveaway and the winner was a woman Iāve been internet buddies with for about 7 years, even though we have never met in person. I am glad that she was the random winner!Ā
However, shortly after I did my giveaway video my husband and I were informed that my brother-in-law, who lives next to us, tested positive for Covid. Since we had just had dinner over there the other night I was in a bit of a panic. Thankfully, my test indicated negative, but I am staying in quarantine just in case. Because of this I havenāt done any new macrame projects and I am itching to! I should be able to start by Wednesday, though!
Also, now that it is finally the month of September the event on the 25th seems like it is just around the corner. I have been a frequenter of art markets in and around Atlanta for a few years, so I am well aware of their structure, but for some reason that does little to appease my nerves! Representing myself as my own business is a big responsibility in my estimation, and I donāt want to present myself poorly to the public.
While I am confident that my products are well-made and aesthetically pleasing, I am forever worried about having to deal with a rude or impatient customer. Spending most of my adult life working in retail or customer service intensive jobs has given me a healthy distaste for the general public, and Iām not sure if Iāll be able to hold my tongue if someone gets nasty with me. Or worse, I wonāt say anything and revert back to the exemplary customer service employee that would let a customer walk all over her for the sake of a company that wouldnāt do the same.Ā
Although, in all probability I am overthinking the entire thing and the market will go swimmingly! I can be very personable and personality flex with the best of them. People arenāt typically rude to me because I donāt really give them a reason to be. Sending out prayers to the cosmos that nobody decides to test me on that the day of the market!Ā
As of right now my small business has made a total of 3 sales (nearly 4, but Iām currently waiting on payment and donāt count it until that money hits my account). The fact that I only started this venture a couple of weeks ago and considering that Iāve only made a dozen products so far, Iām feeling like these are great odds. On top of that my Facebook business page is teetering on the bring of 100 likes/followers! Once it hits 100 likes I plan on doing a free giveaway to all of my lovely followers and am probably more excited about drawing a name than they are! The page is currently sitting at 93 likes and 99 followers, and while those likes have primarily come from people I know and love the few that Iāve garnered from absolute strangers gets me so hype!
Just yesterday I received my business cards in the mail, logo created by my wonderfully supportive and artistic husband, and I cannot wait to get them in circulation. Thereās just something so official and professional in the act of presenting a business card to someone. I fully plan on including one in every sale I make going forward.
Another achievement I am very excited for is my inclusion in a market in East Atlanta Village in September! I have a very dear friend who organizes and participates in markets/events year round where she sells creations both she and her husband craft. I have gone to a few of them to show support and stand in as aĀ ābooth babeā when necessary, and really got a feel for the ins and outs through her guidance. She invited me to join her at a market that offers free registration for the attending artists as it is a non-profit organization. To say I am excited for the market is a massive understatement, but there are also some stressors involved.
While I have been working on the goodies to sale at the market Iām finding it a little difficult locating the furniture I will need to display my products to their best advantage. Since I have sunk so much money into the necessary materials needed Iām trying to be a little more conscious of my spending at this point, and donāt want to drop a lot of money on the foldable table, tent, and display racks Iāll be needing. I have combed through our local goodwill and have asked family members to keep an eye out for what Iām looking for and am hoping for some good news soon.
Another drawback I am facing is the strain this is having on my shoulders. Depending on the size of the project I can find myself sitting for hours with my arms up as I sit and work on patterns which causes extreme tension. I try to alternate between sitting and standing so as to help this particular situation, but am thinking I need to incorporate some light stretching throughout my day. If anyone has any stretching techniques they would be willing to share I am very open to trying any and all out!Ā
