When embarking upon a new endeavor, I take special care in selecting the jewelry I wear to any events related to the new venture.  This is not done out of a sense of vanity, but rather a habit born out of the need for encouragement and reassurance.

This tradition began unintentionally one cold and crisp winter morning during a tapestry weaving class I attended the year I thought I’d try my hand at this particular fiber art.  The instructor, a renowned tapestry artist who perfected his craft in the deserts of New Mexico, had been invited by the local weavers guild to teach a course in advanced tapestry weaving techniques.  The other participants, all members of the local guild, had been at the craft for years.  I, on the other hand, was a newbie who had just taken her very first weaving class less than six months prior to this event.

While the other participants strutted into the room and gleefully set up their expensive, state-of-the-art specialty tapestry looms, I nervously pulled out my economical, all-purpose portable table loom and quietly placed it in front of me.  As introductions were made, I began to feel more and more inept and out of place.  I felt unworthy.

Once the class commenced, the instructor fell into the pattern of demonstrating a technique and then giving participants the chance to practice it on our own as he walked around, observing and providing feedback regarding our efforts.  After one particular demonstration, he started winding his way in my direction.  The closer he got to me, the further I slumped in my chair and the more I fumbled with my threads.  All too soon he stopped in front of my loom.  Bracing myself for criticism regarding my ineptitude, I was beyond surprised when instead he complimented me on the necklace I wore.  Not remembering which one I had put on that day, I glanced down and realized it was a necklace I had designed and created myself.

Growing up I had always been drawn to creative endeavors.  While I had dabbled in a variety of creative outlets and with many different mediums, I never took more than a superficial interest in any one in particular and eventually followed a conventional path to college and a career in corporate America.

When I left my career to become a full time stay-at-home mom, I began to wonder if I could generate any sort of an income based on my creative interests and soon became intrigued with the idea of making jewelry.  Unfortunately, aside from the simple beading kits I played with as a child, the only other jewelry making experience I had consisted of braiding recycled telephone wire into rings and bracelets on the elementary school playground one afternoon with a group of friends.

Deciding to purchase a few inexpensive tools and materials to explore this option, I quickly realized I had neither the skills nor the time to turn this idea into a viable income stream while caring for an infant and a toddler.  At that point I resorted to selling educational toys and products, which was a better fit for my lifestyle at the time and provided me with enough spending cash to begin pursuing jewelry making as a hobby.

To uncover my preferred jewelry design style, I collected and studied jewelry making books and magazines and combed the internet for design ideas.  I then began to practice the techniques required to create the styles I was most drawn to, but soon became discouraged that my aspirations far exceeded my skill level.  Would I ever develop the skills or confidence necessary to pursue my dream of starting a jewelry design business?  

Eventually I earned enough income from my toy business to invest in some jewelry making classes taught by artists who had mastered the techniques I was interested in learning and gained a mentor or two along the way.  After much time, practice, trial and error, my skills and confidence increased.  And with the sales and marketing experience I had gained through running my toy business, I felt the time had finally come to officially set up shop.

My first jewelry line was plain, simple, and more similar to the styles of my mentors and teachers than that of my own vision.  However, the fact that my jewelry was well-received gave me the determination needed to stay the course.

By practicing my craft regularly and remaining open to feedback, my skills and designs evolved, allowing me to eventually achieve my vision to create jewelry that was “fun, sophisticated and inspired.”  A vision that took a number of years to reach.

As I sat staring at my necklace on that cold and crisp winter day in that tapestry weaving class, I no longer felt unworthy.  Looking at that necklace reminded me of the effort it takes to become skilled in something new.  Looking at that necklace reminded me of the road I traveled and the time it took to be able to create that work of art.  Looking at that necklace made me realize that with time, practice, and determination I could master the skills I was learning that day.  And at that point I graciously and confidently accepted the instructor’s compliment.

The tapestry I completed in that class included samples of the various techniques we learned during our time together, it’s purpose to serve as a guide to refer back to as we continued to work on the skills we learned during the session.

The compliment I received that day reminded me of another tapestry I’ve woven, one created with guidance from The Master Weaver, my God and Heavenly Father.  The tapestry made up of my life’s experiences.  The one that serves as a guide as I continue along the path of life.  One that I can refer back to as a source of encouragement when I’m ready to try something new.

I’ve long since moved on from both my dabbles in weaving as well as my jewelry business to embark upon new adventures.  And, at the start of each new endeavor, I make it a point to wear at least one piece of my jewelry.  Not to show it off, but to remind myself how the threads of my experiences have woven themselves together to give me the knowledge and confidence necessary to pursue the next thing I am called to do.

What about you?  Do you have a past experience that can serve as a guide and encourager for you?

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