Do you love a creative project? I obviously do… and I love sharing them with you. It’s the reason I have been posting so many videos of me making all your orders on Instagram lately. I love how each bag starts the same, but by the end is completely different from the previous one. I love the process of making each one. I love taking each request, measuring out the design, placing it, then adding it to the bags. Each one is so tempting to duplicate with my own letters.
*A step by step in photos from start to finish: 1. Place stencil. 2. Paint over stencil. 3. Peel stencil. 4. Rough, post peel letter. 5. Polishing letter by cleaning up and smoothing edges. 6. Tah Dah!
If you are a “Buy” kinda girl, YAY! Did I mention above, that I LOVE making Alllllll the custom bags?!
If you are a “DIY” kinda girl, also YAY! Kindred Spirits!! This post is mostly for you…
Over the years, I have learned from other designers and creatives. I have watched countless YouTube videos. I have received personal instructions and best practices advice from some of the most talented people. I have scoured the internet for tools, and materials, and tips. And I have listened to what my customers ideas are for their own bags, and suggestions for how they’d like them done. This has helped me exponentially! There is no way on earth that I would have figured everything out on my own. I can’t even take credit for it all. (Some things, yes, of course, but not Everything)
I always tell people that my greatest gift is being resourceful. If something needs to be done, I will figure it out. (This doesn’t just apply to design, I fixed our washing machine earlier this week. I cursed my way through it, sorry but it’s true. And the self satisfaction of not having to call the service pro to come out was worth the language. I really didn’t want to wait to use my washer and I was really mad that it stopped working and started beeping…)
Ok, ok, getting back on track. What’s the value of having a greatest gift if you’re not willing to share it to help others if you can? To be clear, I’m not able to come help everyone fix their washers, I actually wouldn’t offer because what if I broke it even more. This would be horrible and I’d have some pretty angry friends. Also, I know my limits… So what can I help with? I can help you with your DIY creativity. You can watch my videos to see how I do what I do. And now you can shop the monogram stencils. You can use them on anything, you don’t have to use them on a tote you purchase from me. They are removable, peel and stick vinyl. Peel, stick, paint, remove. Super Easy! You’ll also find a list of materials I like to use when painting the canvas included in my Trade Secrets post.
Having a creative outlet has helped me in many ways. It’s given me a business, it’s given me a way to entertain myself, quiet my very excitable mind, and connect with people in a really fun way.
I hope you enjoyed this post, and as always I love seeing the pics of how you use your pieces, so please tag me! @helenejewels
Thank you for reading!