Expose', Exposure, Just Plain Exposed

Expose'
"A report of the facts about something, esp. a journalistic report that reveals something scandalous"

You've been begging for the words, demanding the goss, wanting all the dirt on the show. Today you shall have it. Today has been a day of rest and recuperation, unpacking all the boxes and containers, restoring order to my studio and house, taking photos of all the fabulous goodies I came home with and hanging out in my pj's. Now I am ready to tell you a tale.

Gorgeous wool from The Yarn Barn - I feel a winter project coming on

Exposure
"the state of being exposed to contact with something, the revelation of an identity or fact, the action of placing oneself at risk of financial losses, the publicising of information or an event"

I had no idea when I said yes to joining the incubator section at the Stitches and Craft Show what I was in for. I saw it as an opportunity to put TinnieGirl out there in the world and see what kind of reaction I got. (In the interests of complete honesty, I secretly dreamed of making my fortunes.) Given my lack of experience with markets I focused on the tangible and went about the business of creating stock and designing a stall ready to sell my wares to the crafty people. With a strong chant of "you have to spend money to make money" constantly drumming in my ear I set off on a journey to take TinnieGirl to new heights.

Gorgeous wares from Leni and Rose. She gifted this to me. I was so lucky to have a buddy to share my stall with the whole time. So many great conversations, giggles and reflections.

Day 1. Totally excited, totally unsure of what to expect, totally hopeful. It's a very quiet day. Not many people come to the show. Few people seem interested in what I have to offer. No-one buys any of my things. Self doubt begins to grow. I feel looming failure. What does it mean? Have I got it all wrong? Are my ideas stupid? All that work, the tears, the financial outlay, all for nothing. What a disaster. I can hardly walk my feet and legs are so tired.

By the end of Day 2 I feel totally despondent. I've sold one Tinnie and had 3 people come to my workshops. I'm at a complete loss. What a waste of time and money. I never entertained the possibility that it could be this bad.


Something shifts. I look around me. I talk briefly with this woman who is so positive and inspiring, and reminds me that life is what you make of it. I'm surrounded by the most amazing and talented group of women. Crafters, bloggers, the exact kind of people I want to be surrounded by. I have the opportunity to spend 5 days living the very life I want to live. A creative one. There is so much fun to be had, so many lovely goodies to look at, purchase and swap. How could I not see it, the gift that the universe has given me.

Entangled scarf by Green Olive. I've been eyeing off one of these since last winter.

Exposed
"make something visible, typically by uncovering it, leave or put someone in an unprotected or vulnerable state, introduce someone to an area of knowledge"

Day 3 comes and I arrive with a new attitude. So many people are saying lovely things about my Tinnies, how original and unique the idea is, how lovely they look. I start to listen and watch and learn. The collective wisdom in this group of crafters is extensive. There are woman here who are established business women freely sharing their experience and knowledge. How often do you have the opportunity to soak up free business advice from people you respect and admire.

Not to mention the Friday night bloggers dinner organised by Sooz. Enfolded in the arms of community.


I use the time and headspace that the show affords to reflect on what I want for myself in terms of a creative life. A rare opportunity in itself. It's hard to look directly at yourself and have honest soul searching conversations about commitment, desire, fears and dreams. I'm lucky, so very lucky to have this time, this challenge. If it had been all about sales and success I never would have seen the things I needed to see and learned what I needed to learn. Again the universe delivers me just what I need.

Hand dyed felt by the talented Winterwood. I hear that once you use this felt you never go back. I can't wait.

Day 4 and 5 are fabulous. Fun days filled with visitors, opportunities, laughter, conversation, creative dreaming, shopping and swapping. Oh, and sales of Tinnies!

Now at home, I am filled with courage, with new ideas and a long term direction for TinnieGirl starting to emerge. I have lots of work to do to take this dream of mine from idea to reality. However, I know that there's time. It's a marathon full of twists and turns, hurdles, uphills and downhills. I will keep on this creative path and keep seeing where it leads.


I have been completely laid bare on so many levels. I couldn't possibly have known that exposing TinnieGirl to the craft community of Melbourne would involve exposing my creative soul to me. With hindsight it makes perfect sense. Every step of my creative journey over this past 12 months has been this way. You'd think by now I'd be prepared but it blindsides me every time. All I can do these days (when I stop crying) is laugh. How could I not?

So there you have it. A flurry of words. A full expose'. All the dirt and grime that you could possibly wish for. It was wonderful. I'd do it all again in a flash.

In fact I am. I'll be at the Made n' Thornbury market on Saturday 28th March with CurlyPops, Buttons By Lou Lou, Finki, All Toile and No Reward and lots of other crafty souls. Come along.