Save the world through good-feeling clothes and stuff.

I definitely want to steer my business in a local direction. I am surrounded by talented folks trying to support themselves the same way I am. I want to work with them. I’m still planning on having some garments sewn for me… to start, I’ve made some hemp wraps and a hat. Super easy to sew, I have a person in mind already. I’d also like to find some glass beads for my pendants. There are a billion glass blowers around here, I’m sure I can find someone.

I’ve been turning around in my head is um… maybe going back to Easter Seals (where I used to teach disabled folks) with a couple of my silk painting classes. Then, taking the stuff they make and selling it to benefit their program. Either a little area in my booth, or a local gallery or something. That would be fun. I could go to different places too… old folks homes or other non profit programs. hm.

Maybe I need more of a focus on what my biz is about. I mean, yes… artists are saving the world. Someone has to bring a little magic and expression and beauty and depth. Spreading that around is important, inspiring others to live a creative life. All that good stuff.

And I said before how I’m trying to help women with body image in my own small way.

But lately I’ve been thinking more about um… hm. Having more of a purpose with my clothes. I’m conflicted about some issues like imports vs USA made vs fair trade. Natural fabrics vs sustainable or organics. I need to think harder on these and other issues in my head right now. I feel like as I go further into my biz, I need more of a purpose. A clearer one. Or to benefit some cause. Something.

The new print booth might help this feeling. I’ll be teaching again, sort of. Well, teaching folks that art is for everyone. It’s more about the fun (and benefits) of the doing than the perfection of the end product. Parents really need to learn this.

Clearly this needs more thought…

You know, I have to work on my patience level with these women… I mean, I have all of society & a lifetime of self deprecation working against me.

“Oh, that’s pretty but I need to lose more weight before I can buy clothes.” – I need a cute comeback for that. Because I get so annoyed it’s hard not to say ‘how long have you been saying that? how about you live your life and accept who you are? It’s much more fun, believe me.’ But I don’t. I sort of quietly roll my eyes and say, ‘now, now…’ and point out how flattering the clothes are.

“I’m sure that doesn’t come in my size, cute though.” – This one really bugs me. I do know how it is to go to craft fairs and not find anything to fit me. That’s why I don’t carry anything that doesn’t come in my size (XL that is). So, even though all my little signs say S-XXL… I still hear this one a lot. And it’s just so negative and assuming the worst. Argh. Try asking or reading the signs lady. I’m trying to help you here.

Plus, look at me! I’m a freakin size 16, ok? But, sometimes the ladies don’t even believe me (ok, i’m 5’10 sorta amazon like). They get all snotty and say stuff like, ‘big girls need things too you know’ and I stand up and say, you mean like me?? Bah it’s so frustrating.

I’m doing Gawd’s work here… a little help please.

Yeah, I like fabric and dyeing stuff. That’s my gig. And generally I believe art is saving the world… in many ways.

But just for the purpose of this post, let’s focus on how I am saving the world through my Mermaid clothing – as seen here: http://bohemianmermaid.vstore.ca.

Well, it’s pretty simple. I make things that feel good. They are pretty colors and soft fabrics in flattering styles and just about every size. Still, I’m amazed at how even the skinniest prettiest women hate how they look. So, I feel like part of my job is to re-educate women about beauty.

We are all beautiful and it has nothing to do with weight or shit people sell you like makeup or fake nails or whatever. That’s just marketing… we live in a fucked up consumer society. People just want to make you feel like shit so you buy their crap.

Really, we are born as we should be. Love it, baby. Nothing is prettier than confidence in who you are. I try to bring that across in my clothing and in my booth… ok, yes I’m trying to sell you stuff (ironic I know, as much as I hate consumerism) but it’s soft and pretty and natural and damnit you look good! Shutup about how you can’t wear this or that cuz of your thighs or arms or whatever. If you love it, wear it. Baaaah.

Yeah, ok I have to go dye more stuff now… and clothe the masses tomorrow. Wooooo!