The part about me that I hate the most is that I don't finish things. I know I've shown you projects here that I have finished but the truth is for every project I complete there are probably 5 more that I have started and not finished. I get really excited about new projects and then somewhere along the way I lose the enthusiasm I once had. Knitting is a perfect example of this. I learned to knit when I was young. I think I must have been about 5 the first time my mom taught me. It wasn't until I was in my 20s that I really learned how to make a sweater. I had a goal when I was in my early 20s to knit an Irish knit sweater and I did! It's a button down sweater with pockets. I still have it, although back then I didn't know that you can't wash wool in warm water so it felted a little bit. I can't believe I still have something I knit at 23 years old! I started these two projects a couple years ago. They are both almost finished but not quite. 
Along with unfinished needlepoint, counted cross stitch, embroidery, and crochet projects there is drawing. I would love to be an artist. If I was granted three wishes that would be one of them. I admire people like Susan Branch, Christie Repasy and Gail McComack and I would love to be like them.
A few years ago, during an ALL DAY meeting at work I was REALLY bored so I started doodling. I drew a topiary on a small notepad with ball point pen. Everyone sitting around me was really impressed but not more than I was...I didn't even know I could draw. I went directly after work to Michaels and bought some water color pencils. The first photo below is my very first drawing. The second photo of the heart topiary seems to be a favorite of everyone I've shown my drawing to. My dad has really encouraged me to take drawing lessons but I haven't. I've tried to draw other things but it seems like topiaries are the only thing I can draw. (I'm not very good at the perspective thing so my urns are a little off)
Like knitting I go back to drawing every once in awhile but can't seem to focus enough to get really good. I'm so impressed with people that really know what they are good at and can stay focused and love it for their lifetime. Maybe I just haven't found what it is I should be doing yet???
22 comments:
WOWZEEEE! Those are so nice. I painted some flowers once and have never done it again. I was surprised with myself. The topiaries are colored pencil? Is that right?
Don't we at some point realize it's okay not to know things and okay not to finish things and just okay to "be". You seem to do such a wonderful job at just being you...projects, finished, unfinished and all.
Blessings to the topiary artiste!
Darling! I love them both, but I'd say I actaully like the first one the best.
You really should work on developing this talent!!! Maybe each night before bed doodle for 20 minutes of so?? I could see these topiary pictures being fabulous on place cards, invitations, note cards...framed on the wall with big mocha matts...Really!!! Wonderful!
(theyare done with watercolor pencils,like Susan branch uses?...I might need to go get some and try this too! You've inspired me once again.)
Those drawings are GOOD! For the life of me, I can't use watercolour pencils ~ is there a trick to using them? ♥
Your knitting projects are so great.
I knit and well I usually have about 5 projects going at the same time. Usually I end up ripping one or two out because by the time I get back to them I don't care for them or I just don't want to make that item anymore.
Cindy,
I love your drawings. They are really good. Who cares about the perfect perspective.
I saw that a couple people on the blogs, have decided to make a list of things they would like to do, or start, or finish. Maybe you should try that.
Keep up with the drawing!!
I know how to knit, but I don't know how to make anything out of it. So at least you know how to make the sweater.
I am one of those people, who can't start the next project, until the first one is finished.
Rosemary
When you were speaking of the unfinished projects, I thought for a moment you had been peeking in my window!
I like your drawings. Nice blog.
Those are great! I think drawing is so peaceful and you don't have to think or feel guilty about the unfinished project. I stopped scrapbooking because of all that guilt.
Cindy, you truly are talented...those are very, very beautiful! You should follow your heart, and pick up and enjoy whatever brings you joy (and no guilt about not finishing! :) Your knitting is quite beautiful, too!
I laugh when I read some of your posts...I think that you're my long-lost West Coast sister. My worst trait is that I start things and don't finish them (my mother kindly says that I'm a "delegator").
Thank you for your sweet note today...that is one of the nicest comments I've ever gotten. I'm glad that you enjoyed seeing the photos (can you tell I'm a photo junkie?).
I can't wait to see your next projects...you have talents in many different areas.
Andrea
Unfinished things?? Do I have them. I have so many projects going that are unfinished I hope I live long enough to finish all of them. I showed my daughter a floral picture that I painted yesterday, it took me two weeks to finish and picture is only 2.5" x 3.5".
Your drawings are so good! Truly, they are very well done, and so is the knitting - those sweaters are beautiful. I'm so impressed with people who have skills like that!
allie
www.mycozyhome.typepad.com
You go girl....these are good...and you will just get better...
Don`t talk to me about unfinished projects...I`m always doing 10 things at once and lots of 'casualties" along the way....
I love your sketches Cindy, I don't think you have to be properly taught to achieve your artistic dreams, in my case I wasn't at all, I was in admin for ages just like you and for lots of hard work and circumstances ended up making painting my fulltime living, don't loose faith in your dreams, I know it will happen for you, just make sure you don't let your dream slip away, you will do well I know, you just have that talent....will look forward to more very soon.....Gail
Your knitting is lovely and your drawings are wonderful. I can see your drawings on cards, gift tags, or framed. Keep up the good work. xoxo
Wow - you have a natural gift for drawing. I hope you know that. Your topiaries are beautiful and I, for one, would be proud to have one of those hanging on my wall. Get going - do something with that talent!! (although you already do so much with all your other talents on your home - it is really no surprise that you have revealed yourself as an artist - we all already know you have an amazing eye!)
Well, Cindy, those topiaries are really great drawings. I'd saw you do have some talent, so keep working at it. I can't draw a decent stick figure!
Rhoda
You want to talk about unfinished projects - I had a needlepoint christmas stocking from 1993 that I was working on up until last year when I finally realized it was never going to be done and I gave it to the thrift store! I'm sure we all have unfinished projects laying around.
Those topiaries are good! You're talented in so many ways!
Manuela
As I sit here with my half-painted end table and my to-be-transformed bare bulletin boards behind me, I can sympathize with the frustration of unfinished projects! Sometimes making a list and going full steam at a few items for several days helps. Sometimes sitting down with a cup of tea and a magazine helps, too!
LOVE your topiary drawings--they are so charming!
I'm the same way- I love starting things, but if it takes too long to finish, it ends up in the "to do" basket. My feeling is: do what you enjoy at the time- the important part is the process of creation, not the finish product (this from the woman with 3 half done cross-stitch canvases, 2 washclothes, & one sock waiting to be completed :P)
I love your blog. I too love Romantic Homes. Our store has just been in Romantic Homes magazine which was always a dream of mine. I came across your blog by accident and I love it. If you get a chance visit my site www.lavenderfieldsonline.com
I ditto your dad~take some lessons. I see a real talent there, Cindy.
Unfinished projects~I'm not as bad as I used to be. Mostly there are decorating things around the house I need to finish. When it involves the sewing machine I really procrastinate. I've been getting my crocheting done in the evenings while watching TV. It is mindless enough to be able to do both. Your knitting is gorgeous! I love cable knit. I'm a drop out knitter, I'm afraid.
I love both the drawings & the knitting...by the way, you are not alone...I'm the queen of half finished projects. I drive myself crazy with it.
I know exactly how you feel. So many great ideas and wonderful projects it's hard to get it all done!
Enjoyed my visit to your blog.
God bless.
Terri
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