I am walking in a daze right now, with the goofiest smile on my face. My face actually hurts from smiling so hard. My co-workers saw way too many impromptu happy dances from me today. Sorry about that guys!

“Midnight Cloud”

It all started with a request for a piece of art. When I saw who was requesting it, I was giddy because she is an amazing local photographer. Absolutely AH-amazing! So as we were discussing size, colors, etc. I asked if she would be interested in trade. I knew I was in need of a social media presence that wasn’t just my work, but I realized I love “meeting the artist”. I figured other people do to. And while I absolutely do not like getting in front of the camera, I knew I was going to have to put on my big girl pants and get to it. To my delight, she agreed and we got together on Monday. It was an amazing experience. Jess of Jon and Jess Photography was wonderful, put me at ease, and realized we have been almost neighbors for a while! By the afternoon, she asked if she could post a couple of photos to Instagram. I said, “Of course!”

Within moments of that post, one of my favorite Lodi boutiques messaged me about collaborating and making some pieces for the shop. I may have been a little eager! My answer was, “ YES YES YES!”

So today we met, looked at a handful of items I brought and talked shop. By the time I left my day job, Amanda of Boxwood Finch had already sold a necklace and original piece. I am just over the moon, walking on Cloud Nine.

I feel validated. I am proud. But it only happened when I stepped out of my comfort level, worked with amazing people and kept a clear vision. I have more growing to do, but I am excited for the journey!

Jen

Last month, I had a stall with the Lodi Chamber of Commerce Street Faire. I showed some of my prep for my first event through my Instagram account (@jenmarieink). It was both liberating and frightening at the same time. I was creating a small space for me to sell my art.

Through the process, I learned that I love power tools while creating my peg boards. I created a copper hanging rack that might have killed me. Thank goodness I set up a dry run in my backyard. I had to see what I was doing. The copper frame came from inspiration from Pinterest. But all the photos were taken indoors. Not outside where the wind was whipping through my yard. I grabbed my phone, keys and wallet and headed back to Lowe’s. I grabbed some 3M clear hooks and some copper wire. Back at home I realized the hooks were not going to stick to the back of the pipe, nor would it hold up my art. I was about to cry. Then I heard a voice that simply said that I was over thinking it.

I calmed myself down and looked at the rack again and simply stretched the copper wire from side to side. I grabbed the paper clips, prayed and hung a few pieces. It worked.

I was blessed to have a couple of my friends help me throughout the day - THANK YOU Kristi, Jerry, Shannon and Maddie. I was blessed by a few friends buy some pieces. Kids stopped by to buy bookmarks.

But David and his wife were the highlight of the event. It was earlier in the day. The couple entered the tent. The wife gravitated to a piece she liked, but I was watching David. He kept going back and forth between three pieces. He was admiring them. He was studying them. I could tell when he narrowed it down to two of the them. He kept going back to one. It was one I thought was a mistake to bring. While it was “perfect” when it was done, it came into contact with plastic wrap while drying. At first, I may have said a few adult words. But as I looked at it, the texture it created was kinda cool. So I brought it anyways. It was the piece that David chose.

David didn’t want to carry it through the Faire as they were just starting. I offered to hold it while they shopped. The Faire was nearing the final hour and I was afraid that he had forgotten his investment. At that moment, the darling couple arrived with nothing else in hand. I told him I was getting worried. He laughed and his wife noticed that the piece that she liked had been sold. When I handed them their bag, David mentioned that they collected art and their walls are covered. Now they were going to make room for my piece. He then said out of everything they saw that day, my art was the best.

I am still on cloud nine. His words gave me the affirmation I needed. Of course, my friends say my stuff is cool or beautiful. But these words from a stranger, who was going to appreciate what I made, will always be a favorite moment in my journey.

Thank you to everyone who came out! Be sure to check the calendar for upcoming events.

xo

Jen