This weekend, I’m participating in a local fall festival. I’m selling the polymer clay jewelry and accessories that I have designed. It’s very rewarding to have people compliment me on my artistic ability.
I started to design jewelry not long after I stopped working full-time. It was a hobby that took my mind off of the overwhelming decision to stop working. I ended up liking it immensely.
Partipating in this activity reminded me of just how much I had neglected my artistic interests when I focused so heavily on working. I taught myself about how to work with polymer clay, how to custom mix colors, how to cure it, seal it, etc.
Eventually, I had created enough pieces to start selling at local craft shows and vendor fairs. I still enjoy working with polymer clay. More recently, I’ve started to design accessories, in addition to jewelry. I’ve made decorative bookmarks, key chains/purse ornaments, magnetic tins, wine bottle stoppers, bottle openers, and magnets.
This has been a fun, interesting, and rewarding activity. It remains a very important distraction from my health problems.