Going all Buffy the Vampire Slayer on my crafting style.

Long story short, I recently re-watched the entire series Buffy the Vampire Slayer while also putting in some incredibly long office hours over the last month or so. Verdict?  My studio is a huge mess due to massive quantities of crafting. Ok but more relevant to the inspiration for today’s post: Not only is it still one of my all time favorite shows, but Buffy and company have some lessons to teach us crafty types. Good rules to live by really.

1. It is a journey and a process – something to build upon.

Whether battling the root of all evil or simply your ability to know what patterns work well together for your layouts – you don’t get amazing overnight. You learn from teachers, experience, and hours put in. Can you be amazing on your first try? Maybe you’ll get lucky. But know how you’ll really be great? Putting in the hours. Whether that means martial arts and weapons training or simply trial and error with craft supplies – you must put in the time.

2. There is always something.

In her case, it is usually an apocalypse of some type. Thankfully in my case this has yet to be my ‘something’. But the point remains – somewhere, something out there is going to cause a problem and try to trip you up. Maybe it’s a lack of motivation. Perhaps a super busy week that has you overwhelmed. From a lack of thoughtful journaling to a serious case of bad food and too much sugar choices – there will always be a challenge. Face it, rock it out, be ready for the next thing.

3. People will try to tear you down.

I’ve shared my journey before – in fact my career really launched because of some hurtful words. Maybe I don’t have vampires trying to rip my throat out literally, but I get my fair share of rude emails and comments. The thing is… that can’t be what defines me. I can’t let someone’s negativity change my outlook or make me want to give up altogheter.  Which leads me to…

4. Always believe in yourself and listen to your instincts.

If you’re doing this you will know when it is time to try the impossible. When it’s time to listen to criticism. Who to trust. Now true if you live on a hell mouth and battle demons daily perhaps the consequences of being wrong are a weeeeee bit higher than if I create a new crafty project that bombs. Even this post – I felt so moved to write it and even right now typing this I’m going “wow… this is pretty geeky and maybe too much… maybe I should hit delete….” but NO! I was inspired. I’m sharing. End of story no room for doubts.

5. Own your awesomeness.

Does Buffy pretend she’s not the strongest human around? Does she go around saying “Oh no, I’m really not very good…” heck no! She recognizes her strengths and embraces them. Why can’t we? Why can’t I say “yes, I worked quite hard for years to be able to make nice looking cards and now look!” Why not say “this layout turned out exactly how I wanted it to, and I love it!” WHY NOT recognize and embrace our strengths as women or as crafters?

Whether you slay the creatures of the night or just try to make it through a tough day as a stay at home mother – embrace some slayer wisdom and give yourself a big pat on the back. Then turn around and go do something awesome.

Oh, but if it’s going to involve slaying or epic battles please don’t come by my place for at least a month. I don’t have time for that!