Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Imagination

One of the things I love so much about being creative is that it usually takes a bit of imagination sprinkled in the mixture. Although as knitters and crocheters we are oftentimes working from a written or charted pattern, we still have to use our imagination to a certain degree. We use it when we make decisions about color and how to combine different colors to get the right look we want in the finished piece. This actually takes some thought process, especially when we are making an item for someone else, as everyone sees color differently. Actually I believe people feel and experience color because, just as smells do, color often subconsciously grounds us to things deep down in our core. I think that's why we become so creative when we work with color and our imagination comes into play even when we are not aware of it. We must visualize the final result, yes. But we are also, on some level trying to capture how that finished item will make us or the recipient feel. Ahhh.... now that requires imagination. We use it automatically in this way, all of the time, and don't even know it.
Then there are the times we knowingly and very purposely tap into our imagination during the creative process. When I make crocheted covers for these Nursery Hangers is such a time for me. I have to say these are one of my all time favorite items to make because they allow me to let my imagination roam free. They are totally my own design and creation. Each time I am crocheting the cover piece for the hanger I am letting my mind ponder the possibilities of how to embellish that particular sweet creation. Once a year a place an order from my supplier and buy these beautiful  wooden hangers in bulk. The hangers themselves are solid, gorgeous and of excellent quality but they are plain on their own and I like to cover them. Plus adding a nice covering to them helps to keep the clothing from sliding off.
Early last Winter I had a custom order through my Shop for 24 of these covered in all different flowers. My customer wanted to open her little girls closet and feel like she was walking into a Fairy Garden. See, once again, it's about the way things make us feel. This particular customer was a Marketing Manager on Wall Street. I'm sure she had plenty of hectic things in her daily life and when she crossed the threshold of home I can only imagine her need to surround herself with pretty, soothing things that might make her feel peaceful and give her a sense of well being and happiness. Maybe she even needed a magical moment when she opened the closet doors.
 She and I had a great deal of correspondence back and forth while I worked on that job. She gave me free reign to create as I wanted to with one stipulation only. No Repeats. So I went to work and I spent hours upon hours laying out color pallets and making plans for twenty four different flowers to adorn those hangers. Some were knitted and some were crocheted. Some had glass pearls sewn in the centers and others had very tiny glass beads added to look like dew drops. Just a hint though. As I made a couple I would send her pictures for her approval. She was thrilled the whole way through. My favorite was one with a pink cover that I attached three tiny white lily of the valley to. The cute little bells dangled down over the arch of the hanger with soft green slender leaves behind them. During that time I definitely discovered that creativity is imagination at work.
Then the day came and I wrapped them all lovingly in tissue paper and boxed them carefully for their journey to  New York City... and I held my breath. Nothing looks the same in person as it does online. One must hold and experience things. The package finally arrived at its destination and immediately I received a long and wonderful message. My customer and her Nanny were so filled with delight and wonder that they could not put the hangers down. They filled the closet together then took all the hangers back out because they just had to hold them again. Then they called the grandma over so she could do it all with them. Well, don't you know, I was over the moon with some delight of my own. All those hours of planning and working and laying in bed imagining fairy flowers through the nights had paid off. I still hear from that sweet customer from time to time and she sends me pictures of her beautiful little girl.
The hangers pictured in this post were shipped off to a customer in Brisbane, Australia yesterday. It will take approximately two weeks for them to reach her in the land down under. I am hoping she lets me know when they arrive and whether she likes them or not. The one with the sprigs of lavender and the tiny glass butterfly is a particular favorite of mine.
Of all the things in my life I am thankful for, I have to say, imagination ranks pretty high.

"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."
Albert Einstein

8 comments:

  1. Gorgeous! You are so good with the color combos!

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  2. Hi Danette! It was such a joy to happen upon your blog. I thoroughly enjoyed scrolling through your posts and seeing your beautiful work. And I was tickled pink to learn of your love for tea {{smiles}}

    I shall have to follow along by email and I must say that I look forward to visiting again. Hugs and blessings to you! Stephanie-The Enchanting Rose

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    1. Well My Goodness Stephanie! Welcome to YOU! I am so happy you enjoyed my blog so much and you are going to keep coming back. I LOVE making new friends! I can't get through my day without a whole lot of tea :-)
      I am heading over to your blog this very moment...
      See you there,
      Danette

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  3. Danette, you are just the loveliest person alive. What a wonderful project you made with such love and care. Heirlooms I think!
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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    1. My Sweet Meredith, You have no idea how very timely your words are. I am having a rather emotionally difficult day {week actually} and you have blessed me so much more than you will ever know my very dear friend.
      Love to you... and our precious Little Buddy who I think of and pray for so often,
      Danette

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  4. You are so right, it IS all about how things make us feel. Those 24 hanger covers must have created such a magical feeling when doing something as mundane as putting away laundry or choosing what to wear! So very special, indeed. It's like you said in an earlier post, abut sending out prayers to everyone with your wonderful work.

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    1. Somehow I missed this comment my Dear Friend. Thanks for making that connection Julie. I LOVE IT that you see it that way. She did tell me it just made her feel SO Happy to open that closet. I still think of that. Don't know that I'll ever forget it. Or how it made ME feel.

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Thank you for taking time to chat with me ~
Your comments make me so Happy!
Have a lovely day.
Danette