I’ve decided to do the next series of posts on my design process. I’m a little nervous to be doing this because as a perfectionist and a bit of an introvert I like to do everything from behind the curtain and then show the result with a single ‘ta da’. No risk of embarrassment by exposing all the flaws. I often try and share my process at the end but often forget a lot of what I did to get from Point A to Point Z. This is my attempt at giving a peek into the whole process in hopes that you feel inspired to make lots of mistakes yourself!
I’ve been contemplating an advent calendar design for years. December 1 seems to arrive sooner each year and I’ve continued to miss my starting date. Not this year. This year it is going to happen. I’ve gone to bed every night for the last week intentionally thinking about an advent calendar design. I tend to dream good ideas and thinking about the design while falling asleep seems to yield some useful results.
I got out the sketch pad Friday night. I can’t draw. This fact kept me from attempting the task for years. Now I just accept that I can’t draw and do it anyway. I discovered I sew and cut my designs better than I could ever draw them. The act of putting pencil to paper is a useful step that keeps me organized and helps me think through what I want a design to look like.
Point A. I wanted a wall hanging that most likely would be quilted. I wanted to use fabric. I’m not sure if I’ll fuse or piece the fabric components.
Point B. I drew my house and tried to brainstorm 24 objects that reminded me of Christmas. Looking over my shoulder, Leil asked why I had a sled since it never snows enough here to use one. We do have 4 deer that regularly camp out in our front yard.
Point C. Really couldn’t stand where all that was going. Decided to sketch a gingerbread house. Not much better. Decided to go to bed and sleep on it.
Point D. I got up early. Started Googling images of advent calendars. Found some really cool matchbox versions here and here. Decided I didn’t have time to get my hands on any matchboxes before December 1. Back to drawing. I pulled out paper from my recycling bin and started drawing trees and pockets, trying to take the paper versions and translate to a fabric wall hanging. This is a little trick. Since the paper is not IN my sketch book I can draw willy nilly and keep pitching the paper back into the recycle bin if it’s pure nonsense. Started thinking about the pockets being little envelopes which contained ornaments that would go on the tree. Got very excited about this idea. I’m learning to trust these feelings. They tend to be an accurate indicator that I’m heading in the right direction.
To be continued…
i have been meaning to make an advent calendar for years as well… ran out of time this year, next year? yes, for certain. the marie claire idees winter issues always have several ideas for inspriation… i can get copies of some to you if you would like? i am looking forward to seeing your internal workings exposed…
This is a great idea, Kathy. I’m very interested to see how the calendar progresses and I love that you’re showing us the whole process. I’m kind of a hide the flaws under the rug sort of girl myself, and I think you’re fabulous for showing the workings behind the curtain.
I’m just working up a post about the Advent calendar I made for my sister–which is a tree with little fabric pockets containing mini ornaments! It’s based on one we had when I was a kid–we LOVED decorating the tree a little bit each day. Can’t wait to see your version–I’m sure it will leave mine in the dust
OOOh- my advent calendar is one my nana made from a kit when i was little, and that’s the basic layout- numbered pockets at the bottom, big empty tree at the top. I’m going to post about it later in the week when I hang it… good luck, can’t wait to see where this leads you!
I’m really glad you’re doing this. I’m looking forward to being inspired by your process.
Can’t wait to see where this leads you!
Kathy, I am so glad you are posting about how your creative proccess works. It is so interesting to hear other. I am glad to hear that I am not the only who dreams her ideas. by the way now you can tell your DD it does snow on the island. Some years deep snow !! Clarice
Yes! Yes! Your last idea is absolutely PERFECT!
I really admire your blog and crafts and let me tell you, it makes me feel SO much better knowing that you and I share similar drawing skills – LOL! There’s hope for me yet, eh? Maybe people will learn to love what I do, too.
Go with your gut feeling – it’s always right . . .
This is a great idea~posting the process! It’s nice to see how other people work! and it will still be as wonderful to see the finished product, if not better because we’ll know the story behind it!
I love seeing your design process. I work in a similar manner, and I too, can not draw! I’m too embarrased to show my sketch book
Hey! I too have always wanted to make an advent calendar- I fell in love with this one at garnethill.com
hopefully that will link you to my Flickr pics
It’s an advent elf doll with 25 pockets!
oh, it didn’t work! sorry! Look at the Garnet Hill website or at my Flickr pictures under Calamity Kim
I bought an advent calendar much like that about 15 or more years ago. Way before I started sewing quilts. It has the empty tree on the top and then 25 little pockets that hold 25 ornaments. Some are really cute and some are plainer. I try to space the cute out among the ugly plain ones so I don’t end up with all the dull packages at the end! I also go between whether or not to have Santa go on last or have the angel top the tree last. Most of the time I top the tree on the 24th and have Santa come out on the 25th. The ornamanets all have a little tab of velcro on the back that makes them stick to the fuzzy-ish felt fabric. I love that calendar and doing it each year. I think your ideas are great and you will have a blast making one and using it with the girls each year!! Now to go dig out mine for this year!
Woohoo! I like hearing about your progress and seeing your design process. I can sort of draw but it takes a great deal of effort to make something attractive, so I like to see that you just do it. The recycle bin approach is a great solution. I will have to borrow it.
Can’t wait to see how the Advent calendar comes out. Did you draw the sled before or after it started slushing/snowing out?
Oh, I hope you figure something out. I designed 3 or 4 in my head too this weekend and still haven’t decided. Bea’s birthday is the 23rd so I feel like I have to make one custom so the 23rd can be extra special. Back to work.
It’s great to read about the process. This year I had planned to copy a simple advent calendar that I saw in the PBKids catalog, but now time is getting away from me AGAIN. I look forward to seeing what you make. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll have something to show as well…in January!
love the process posting and the idea of envelopes for your advent calendar
look forward to the rest of the process
juliann
How exciting! It will be so fun to peek into someone else’s creative process–and realize I’m not alone in my fear of sketching out designs! Love the fabrics you chose, too. Perfectly simple and elegant.
so glad to see someone else posting sketches of her work! i’m huge on process, and glad that some fiber (and other) artists post step-by-step how-to tutorials on their sites. i don’t often see the sketches, though. this is great!
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