Y is for Your this, your that or your other word ~ The A to Z challenge of one word messages

Windward Farm Garden Retreat
lettering by Wayne Stratz
background by Margaret Almon

This has been all about one word messages and I will get back to that in a second. But truth is, some things can't be said in one word, when Dorothy Ernst contacted us to make the above sign, we did not tell her that she had to change her business name no matter how much easier that would have been.

As I have travelled from a to nearly z, some of the words have been mine and some have been Margaret's, and some of our words have been made for your situation. At Nutmeg Designs, we love to be inspired by you. 

Info about commissioning us can be found here. 

because it is all about YOUR... 

• Your Baby's Name
• Your Daughter's Passion
• Your favorite animal (I have also done Siamese Cats, a Pug, Red_Winged Blackbirds, and a Collared Lizard by request)
• Your City (or state, town, or village)
• Your Word of the Year 
• Your House's Name

7 best things and worst things about being an artist

Stratoz with his largest Mandala
Forgiveness

Mosaic Woman and I had a conversation and as she made dinner, I contemplated things.  Into my head came a thought, enough already... stop thinking you can be both a teacher and an artist.  Step away.  Fill your life with neglected gardens, hiking paths, movie theaters, and books.

It looked enticing.

Since then we have had more talks including one after dinner over pie at our favorite diner.

Since then I have spent a lot of time in my studio:  so in my opinion this is why I give away so much to be an artist:

1. Moments in the studio when I see how I am slowly mastering the skills needed to work with glass.
2. Bringing smiles to some people who I love dearly and some who I may never meet. 
3. Spending time with colors.
4. Bringing my interests into my art.
5. Being humbled by those who trust me with commissions.
6. Opportunites to be better at accepting praise.
7. Meeting and becoming friends with artists.

now the bad stuff ~

1. pricing and then being told we charge too much and being told we charge too little
2. having to accept praise and criticism with grace
3. deciding which of the many things I desire to make, to create
4. reproducing a completed piece in the same colors
5. giving over much of your life to the making and selling of art
6. selling much loved pieces.  Selling anything (there have been some longs days at shows)
7. capturing the spirit of glass with a camera