The second monthly newsletter... wow I'm on a roll.

Idk about you but it feels like this year will be over before I can find where I put my glasses. There is a lot I want to do before then so it can be hard not to feel like there is simply no time left. 

The pep talk I'm giving myself >>

"There is just no point stressing about having enough time. Somehow choosing to slow down actually helps you get more done. Slow down. Enjoy what you are actually doing right now. Ok, maybe write it down on a list when another thought pops up but leave it at that. Doing everything all at once is an amazing way to do nothing at all. Try your best. Screw efficiency, optimise for enjoyment. I know that when I'm enjoying what I'm doing I can just keep going and it's a whole lot less likely I'll pick up a phone wanting a distraction from the inner turmoil."

To counter this, I thought I would take some time to reflect on all that I got done this month as a reminder of how much happens whether or not you feel like you've done enough. 

Ok, so here is what I did in September:

1. Wizobel was born

I was invited to participate in a group show at Changing Room Galleries to celebrate 30 months since the gallery was started, alongside other artist's who had exhibited in the gallery since then. At the time, I was intentionally dialling down Clingy and was tempted to turn down the offer. I asked my housemate who is a talented hairdresser and performance artist, juggling the two, hoping that they'd tell me "yeah it's ok not to say yes to everything". Instead he said "Absolutely say yes. Make something new and do your best."

Wow, I wonder if I actually was hoping to hear that. In the spirit of throwing Spaghetti at the wall I decided why not take this opportunity to try something new. The idea came to me instantly like I'd planned it months ago. I was going to make a "full-sized" sculpture of my imaginary doppelgänger 'Wizobel', stuffed with my production waste. I've been developing an interest in soft sculpture since making the 'Armchair', so I thought this would be a good opportunity to experiment again.

Learnings:

• I enjoyed the freehand pattern making process, trying to create volume in the belly, boobs and butt etc. Making things 3D is a lot harder than it looks.
• It's hard to predict how the flat pattern will change when it's stuffed. Wizobel was a lot longer and skinnier than I expected. Would love to have another go at the pattern. 
• Using woven fabrics with stretch makes it challenging to create intentional shapes. Just by the way you stuff it, you can create bulges. Probably best to use woven fabrics or reinforce with other layers going forward.  
• Stuffing with large scraps makes the sculpture lumpy and HEAVY. I know she doesn't look it.

2. The Journal Sets have entered the world!

After what feels like a lifetime. Clingy's newest product: 'The Very Clingy Journal Set' has entered the world. I am so pleased to have gotten such a positive response to them from you all. Branching out to a new product line is always risky but it seems that you all are ready for me to grow and change. Maybe people can tell when you are following your passion and curiosity or maybe we are all growing in a similar direction.

It has really warmed my heart hearing how many of you are keen journallers or are inspired to make a start. Knowing that my work might play a hand in any single person finding or deepening their journalling practice is so fulfilling. I truly believe that the more people that are willing to look at themselves in the mirror and heal, the more the world will heal. 

I seriously enjoyed creating my first zine 'A Guide to Creating your own Journalling Practice' and to share a bit about my own practice as it is today and some books that got me into it. I've been enjoying scribbling too and am excited to share them. The zine is included with all Journal Sets and I can only hope it might inspire you a touch. 

I set up a home photography studio to create product photos for the sets and some of my core products. I am so happy how they came and out and think the quality of the product imagery has made a big difference. It's funny that it has taken me about 6 years to have some reasonable product images for my online store but sometimes that's how it goes. These small but impactful improvements are so satisfying and you know what at least I got there eventually. 

It's better to make incremental improvement than to wait for perfection to start!!

This also marks another first - the first time I've wholesaled other products. I had a vision of selling my journal covers as a complete set and looked into customising my own products. Being able to find pieces that aligned and fulfilled my vision and didn't take up all my time and energy was a game changer for a one woman show! I seriously love how they turned out!

3. I went back to school

On a personal note I've just started a course in Kinesiology (if you know you know) and I'm really excited to stretch myself in this new way. Of course I go and add study on top as I'm now juggling a new job and a business that's picking up demand. That seems to be the way it goes. If you throw a lot of spaghetti sometimes a lot of it can stick.

This month I'm feeling my excitement and energy for Clingy coming back and squeezing in work over my lunch break, nights and weekends doesn't feel like such a bad thing at the moment. It's nice to feel busy. I don't have enough time to overthink. I just do things and enjoy doing them. It feels like I'm doing it all for fun again. 

October is going to be a MASSIVE one. A lot to do, but all in good time. I can't wait to share more. Prepare for a big announcement in the next couple weeks!!!!

Thanks again for being here. It's such an honour to have your support and attention and I only hope that I can inspire you to create more, feel more and find more joy in every day. 

Loads of Love,

Izzy

Album I'm lovin': Honora by Flea

Book Recommendation: The Dreaming Way by Toko-Pa Turner

Something to think about: What did you do this month that you were proud of?