Recently I hosted an Operation Write Home card-making party. One of my guests was a card-making newbie, so I was sharing some of my “craft test dummies pointers” with her. And one of them I thought I’d share with you today: working in a series.
Most artists, in the course of their training, learn to do this- but we crafters need to be prompted! So what exactly is working in a series?
Briefly, it’s the idea that you make the same object (be it sewing, painting, maodelling/sculpting, whatever) a number of times, with minor variations. By doing so, you can “audition” little changes to see what you like best, which technique works most effectively, and really master your materials!
I’ve got 5 great reasons to work in a series to help you make the most of your crafting!
1.) Work in a series to finalize a design. In the series above, I had a basic design I wanted to use, featuring Decorative Paper (Washi) Tape. But I wasn’t sure where exactly I wanted to put the sentiment and place the embellishments. So I planned to make more than one- in multiple color ways– so I could choose the one I like best to send out. Of course, I’ll have a few “on-hand” for just-in-case.
2) Work in a series to explore a theme. Sometimes an image or quote just won’t get out of your head. By working in a seriers, you get a chance to really explore what that quote/theme/image means to you.
3) Work in a series to master a technique. Like the polymer-clay buttons above, making a BUNCH helps you master your technique and refine your craft. Doing it MORE = doing it better. And improving your workmanship should always be a goal of every crafter at any level!
Work in a series to maximize your time.
4) Work in a series to maximize your time. Sure, you only need to make ONE bracelet, or pair of earrings, or card. But since you’ve already got all your supplies out, why not make another- or three? Your mojo is flowing, your crafts are out, so it makes sense to crank a few more out. And who knows, the FOURTH one you make may be your favorite! In addition, you are more likely to actually USE UP your supplies rather than just stashing them aways if you work in a series.
5) Work in a series to become FEARLESS! When all of your hopes and dreams rest on ONE product- one card, one piece of jewelry- you are more likely to deliberate, second-guess, and worry about whether or not you got it “right.” By working in a series, you can let go, let yourself play, and make the mistakes you need to make to grow as an artist and a crafter. Fear is a creativity-killer- so be brave and make MORE!
So… what might you do with the extra things you make? Here are a few ideas:
- Keep extras on hand for gift-giving occasions and random acts of kindness.
- Donate greeting cards to Operation Write Home or a local nursing home for residents to send to their families.
- Sell some of your goods on Etsy or Ebay- make some cash to buy more supplies!
- Sell some of your goods at a local craft fair, store, etc…and donate the proceeds to your favorite local charity.
- Get on Swapbot and swap, baby, swap! You’ll enjoy getting some art in return.
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This is a great post! I especially love all the options you gave for what to do with the extras. How common sense is it to do one or two more cards, for example, while you have everything out anyway. I LOVE it! I had about 6 different kids who graduated from high school this year. I decided to make mini autograph albums for 3 of the high schoolers, so they could go around and get guest autographs from those who attend their joint party. It was a breeze to cut all the papers at the same time and the assembly, which took a little time for the first one, went much swifter for the second and third. I am now going to make 2 more to have on hand! I embellished each mini album individually for each of the 3 kids, so it turned out to be a very cool project. I will post pics on my blog after tomorrow-that’s the party day, when I had out the albums.
I’ve done series of little art like atcs and Christmas cards, but I am now just doing my first series of mixed media to hang in our house. It’s been a challenge. I’m ready to work on the third piece and questioning this series. It takes some patience to not want to move on to other stuff! Thanks for the post.