Imperfection or Beauty?

“The beauty of a handcrafted item lies in the imperfections obvious to the creator but oblivious to the admirer.” anon

“The beauty of imperfections”. What an amazing phrase. how many times have we said about our own work it is nice but…… it is finished but……..

Perhaps if we saw the imperfections which we think are obvious as things of beauty would we actually accept our work as a thing of beauty? Is it easier to add in the “but”, to be the one to highlight the imperfection and so prevent another from mentioning it? Is the “BUT” a defence mechanism?

I love to get items which have been made especially for me. I love the fact that someone has spent time choosing and then using items especially for me. It makes me feel special and very priviledged.

I have been the privileged recipient of so many hand crafted works. The Christmas Tree decoration made out of wood by our son. The first birthday card I received from a friend who had spent hours making it and sharing with me her papercrafting. The the reading shawl from another friend which has seen me absorbed in the wolrds of so many authors. A hand painted tile from my sister which is part of my craftroom. Then there is thedish made by my husband to hold a floating candle while I write.

Each and everyone of thes works of art I treasure because someone thought enough of me to design, make somehting specific for me. They used their talent, resources and time just for me.

So perhaps the next time you might see a “glaring” imperfection in your work perhaps you can stop and instead see the beauty. Perhaps the next time you can see the beauty you are giving to someone else. Perhaps you can see the wonderful gift of allowing someon to feel good about themselves and in turn feel good about your own work..

Lord byron may have wrote “ self praise is not praise” however, self worth and being aware of how our talents can help another person is something to be truely valued.

Go on give your self a cheer, do a little dance when you have completed that piece of craftwork. You and your creative craft are special.