This luscious bundle of ribbons, still on my desk because they are too pretty to use, is from Becky
All of my Faery Swap books have been mailed! (well, except two late people who missed out, but I am trading with them one on one)
I
want to thank everyone who left a comment about the person complaining
about the page she hated and threw away. Thoughtful, heart felt comments
came from the crafty world of swappers, and lots of private emails
filled with caring came too.
The
one thing I want to clarify is that the page that she complained about
was NICE. Really nice. Quality materials, done well. I didn't mean for
anyone out there to be feeling bad or having second thoughts about
their own work!!
This
shouldn't cast a shadow over this amazing swap, the work that came in
was top notch, filled with creativity. I was so impressed.
The only reason I brought up the whole issue, is that I was hoping she would read the comments you left and be too embarrassed to bring up the subject on her blog or Facebook. If she hurt the feelings of the person who made that page, it would break my heart.
And now I need to apologize to all of you, whose feelings I hurt by making you wonder if your page was the one in the trash. I should have kept the complaint to myself, but she was so ANGRY that I wanted to do what I could to make sure she didn't speak out publicly about this and name names!!!
Thank you all once again for being supportive. There is a wonderful arty community out there and I'm honored to be a part of it!
Karla, I’m glad you shared it. I think a lot of us wondered and not necessarily because our work isn’t good but just because we all have different styles or tastes and things like that are bound to end up in any book — not meaning it isn’t good, just not someone’s style. Sometimes we work out of our comfort zones or try new techniques, too. Any one of a number of reasons that we’d all wonder.
I’m distressed she was so vocal about it. And so harsh. But it was important that you share this — partly for her and partly for general good swap etiquette for new swappers.
I’m so excited for my book to come — I can hardly wait!
Please…you have no need to apologize or second guess how you handled the situation. From the conversations we have had (both in person and in writing) I, like everyone else, knows you are a kind person who doesn’t like to see people hurt.
Therefore, you spoke out in kindess–not anger (which would have been SO easy to have done)–and that is a good lesson for not just the upset swapper but for all of us to remember when we are put in not so pleasant conversations or circumstances….
Thank you, Karla, for standing up to what you thought was right. Being born and raised in the South,I was brought up to be gracious in receiving gifts. I am appalled that someone would be ANGRY about receiving a handmade piece of art. It’s hard for me not to judge but that person has a lot of growing up to do. (She is no lady.) The book you made for me was delightful, beautiful and full of new techniques and ideas I can’t wait to try. Thank you so much for all the effort you went to to make this swap a success! Don’t let this person ruin an overall wonderful experience.
Karla, I did not even join this swap and I am glad you spoke out to keep the person from naming names…I would not like to see a persons creative drive be ruined b/c of one opinion. I think there are many different artistic skill levels and everyone should be proud. Instead of criticizing another’s work maybe we should support it. Encourage and appreciate the hard work that is put into every piece of art. I always thought art was subjective and that what one person loves another may not but if it is done with love and hard work than that is to be respected…Now I am rambling…Just let me finish with I wish it had not been destroyed…I would have said,”Send it to me if you are not open enough to appreciate the piece”.
I think that anyone who makes something and shares it with someone is at least a little insecure about whether the person will like it or not. I was surprised that so many people assumed it was their page. We, as crafters and artists, are really insecure about our abilities and the worth of our work and something like that happening really brings it out. I think it was good that you mentioned it so we all will think hard about being gracious when receiving something someone went to the trouble to make. I can’t wait to get my book and I will be very happy with the pages. I haven’t seen a single picture of a page that I wouldn’t want. Thanks again for the swap and don’t be discouraged by people who are unhappy and want to share it with others!
Funny, the range of artists who were afraid it was their page was from experienced pros to beginners. Few were safe from the nagging doubt that the abused piece of work was their own!
Sent from my iPad
Like I said it’s subjective…Even Andy Warhol, Normal Rockwell, Monet and Picasso have people who live their work and others who do not….
Too true!
Sent from my iPad
Karla, I think this experience was a good reminder to us all to respect the individual tastes and the different levels of experience of all artists when we are involved in a swap! There are so many things to learn and to appreciate from each other’s art.
I love taking out my faerie book and looking at it. I find that here are new things I notice, appreciate, and think about each time! : )
it was an amazing swap and i wanted every book i saw! i am very happy with my book and can’t stop looking at it. i think you did right and certainly would have been wrong to post on her blog or facebook-can’t believe she would consider it. who ever did the page-no reflection on them or their work-her problem not theirs.