Friday at Carol's was the best. I've never been to an event quite like it. You know how I love, love, love arty weekend gatherings and blather on and on about them, right?
Well, I now know that I love creative business workshops too.
Mostly because Debbie is a fascinating story teller, Carol is an empathetic, creative, and knowledgeable store owner, and Amy is a sharp business person with a lot to share. I learned something from each of them.
All in the gorgeous setting of Carol's late 1800s farmhouse.
Where everything was simply styled beautifully.
The treats were yummy!
And the crowd was as talented as can be. Before we began, everyone spoke a little bit about themselves and I was intimidated by the level of success many of them were at.
I always say that I attend workshops for the friendships and the creative atmosphere, not always the projects. I leave them pumped up and with a spring in my step just from mingling with the other attendees.
This day was no exception, and I was so impressed with Carol and the job she did putting it together.
It was an honor to be in such company as a presenter, even though I was a bit out of my league. I didn't have a power point presentation, I decided not to use the projector since I was doing a little make and take project.
So, I just kinda winged it and talked while we were making things. My talk was about blogging and tutorials, so we did one of my projects from a tutorial while I spoke.
Basically, what my talk boiled down to, was that you need to decide just what is important to you before you go into a business. I didn't talk finances, business plans, or profit margins, I talked about looking for happiness.
I you are an artist and want to do art, do you really need a huge business to run, or do you want to make things? What I had to say might not be what they were there to hear, but it was sincere and I just told them what works for me.
In my world, I've realized that you can't have it all. You figure out what parts are really important, compromise and make it fit.
I'm glad I had a project for them to make, glitter up, and take home, hopefully, they didn't feel like I left them hanging. Because my advice was more about being creative in all aspects of your life and less about building a creative business.
I should have just called it, "Me Like Blogs, Blogs is Purdy"
Hopefully, my ramblings about being happy and what success really means was slightly coherent.
And I hope they liked my cookies. See, to me, having time to bake homemade butter cookies with edible glitter on the frosting is very important. I would be miserable if I had to spend all my time in an office managing a business, I like my little corner of the world where I can bake cookies, make pretties, and play with the grand fairies and dorkies.
Being happy goes a lot further than being rich and important.
Oh my, I'll probably never be asked to speak again.
Along the way, I tried to impart some pearls, no nuggets blobs of wisdom about blogging and marketing. I hope it made sense.
Carol, Debbie, and Amy had smart and topical things to say, so I couldn't ruin the day with my blathers, it was a very worthwhile day for everyone because of them.
(the bottle brush tree on a candlestick is a gift I made for Carol)
I learned a lot from the three of them. And any time you spend in Carol's home, is a time of beauty.
Wow.
Just Wow.
It was like being in a magazine spread.
Thanks, Carol!
It sounds like your presentation was full of your warm and cozy “realness” and that your talk was a wonderful balance to what the other ladies spoke about. I would have wanted to spontaneously run over and hug you because you seemed so lovable! Also, what fun that you brought those yummy cookies and provided a project for them to do!
Carol’s home looks gorgeous, and that tree you made her is beautiful. I know all of you loved learning from the speakers who were there, and in such a lovely atmosphere, too.
It all looks so beautiful! I’m sure they loved you, Karla! Who wouldn’t – you brought cookies and a make’n’take too – along with your wit and wisdom! Sounds like you spoke from your heart with a good perspective based on your life experiences.
Merry Christmas!
Wow…… I’m so jealous ….I’d love to go to a gathering like that. It sounds like so much fun. Everything looks so beautiful to . I love being inspired by others . :o) Sue
I loved your inspiring creative craft, but especially you talking from your heart, sharing your pearls of wisdom (not blobs)and being so very real. You, along with all the incredible ladies and other creatives, made it such a memorable event. Thank you so much for an awesome day!
It must have been so inspiring to all the attendees! I would have gone just to see her home:)
Speaking from your heart, talking about things you love and sharing your knowledge is what you do best! I’ve found it all here!!!
Leann
Karla:
Don’t down yourself, I could listen to you talk all day long. You are “real” and have “real” stuff to say and I enjoy your blog immensely. You don’t push your stuff, you just put it out there and if we want to purchase we do, if we don’t, thats okay too. I LOVE reading your blog and peaking into your world and your blog embodies happiness and the information you share and the stuff you show how to make is incredible. Your true spirit and happiness shines through in EVERYTHING you do. Keep up the great work, and don’t ever retire from blogging. You make my day each and every day!!
I would love to hear you speak any day! I’m “on your page” in wanting to live a loving and creative life. It’s what matters and is important to me.
You always inspire me…and p.s……I love my recent purchase from your shop!
the sugar cookies would have won me over. i am sure what you said was needed to balance out what everyone else did and honestly the most improtant part of any life. and they took home a pretty too-OMGosh! what is not to love.
Dear Sweet Friend,
You were AMAZING~of course I knew you would be:! Thank You for sharing your incredible talents and making the day so special for everyone. I could not have done it without you:) The ornament was beautiful too and the perfect memento of the day:)
(((Hugs))) Carol
LOVELY! I am sure everyone enjoyed your talk and the sharing of your talents…and cookies! I wish I could have been there!
Karla
When we reach the end of our road in life, sure having a nice bank account to “buy things” or travel is all fun, but when all is said and done no business plan etc. is food for the soul as a ceative life. A life where you choose to live not just produce for the sake of profit margins. I wouldn’t change one thing about you except I wished you lived in IN like your sis. Your spirit and zest for life, family and art is soothing, incredible and inspiring! You bring me joy in your blog and in my life now since loosing my son and spot of joy my heart can find comes ten fold. Thank you Karla for you so very much! Love,Lori Kolecki