Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawni Darling.
Hi Shawni, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started with an adult ed class in weaving and one in stained glass when my children were little. In 2005, two years after my first class, I started my Etsy shop for my textiles and created Three Fates Fiber, I did some shows and had some of my creations in small shops. Sadly, it was never full-time or consistent, but that was my first step into making it a possible career. However, life often gets in the way, and it became a side hobby that often fell to the wayside. That dream and taste of making it a career was always niggling in my heart and head. Fast forward a few years, and we moved from Maine to Texas. My two jobs I got in Texas were art studios, a DIY mosaic, and a paint your own pottery. That niggling and desire got bigger, so I restarted my Etsy and added my weaving and the glass work that I’d started doing. along with restarting my Etsy shop, I had started doing craft/art shows again but once covid hit, all the in-person events stopped. Part of what sadly stopped was also my job at the PYOP studio, so I knew I’d reached a crossroads. Do I take another job, or do I give my ART, my crafting a shot, I knew I didn’t want to regret a chance given, Since I no longer did just textiles and I wanted a fresh start, I rebranded my studio name to Darling Creative Works. I now have a studio outside the home, do shows, sell online, and am hoping to get into some stores/boutiques. I’m hoping to add classes for beginners as well as for appointments if someone wants to just make something, I also have a small retail space in my studio to showcase my art.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
For me, some of my biggest challenges were personal. I’m an introvert who struggles with depression and social anxiety. Because of that, I’ve often talked myself out of taking a leap and making certain choices. It took me a lot of years to really start to put myself and my art out there for people. I still struggle to talk with people which makes being an in-person salesperson a little rough. The anxiety before a show is sky high, but once I’m there and set up it does get better, and I use that to help me through the anxious part. It does also help when it’s repetitious, for example, when I’ve done the same venue multiple times. On the business side of things, my brain has been a challenge. Personally, I’ve found that business and running a business is a totally different mindset than being the artist or creative; some people are good at both, sadly not me. I’d rather be creating than balancing my books or making a social media post. No one ever talked about the business side of being an artist. That’s a business class I would have jumped at. Instead, I’ve had to (in some cases stumble) because I didn’t know something. It’s not as simple as making something and putting it online or in a show. Sometimes, you’ve got to make sure that it doesn’t run against any laws, rules, or regulations. I have to make sure I’ve done the appropriate taxes and filed it all correctly. I’m no longer just that creator or artist; I’m the business manager, an accountant, salesperson, and a social media marketer. That’s a lot of irons in the fire and it can be a challenge, but I think it’s an ongoing obstacle course that just needs to be taken one challenge at a time and learn with each new experience.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I work in glass and hand weaving. My weaving is home decor, and I make mostly rag rugs, table runners, and placemats. With my glass, I lean toward home and garden decor such as garden stakes, flower bowls, pocket vases, and windchimes. I love making everything bright and colorful and useful, and sometimes whimsical. I just enjoy making items that help people embellish their homes and lives. I’m not sure If I’m known for anything per se, but I have had a few people call me the “flower lady” because of my flower bowls.
I don’t know if I’d say I set myself apart; I never really thought of that; I just do what I do. I just want my items to bring someone a moment. Whether that moment is peace, joy, comfort, or just a smile. I want the colors in my glasswork to brighten someone’s day and my weaving to create a cozy atmosphere for their home.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I do custom work as well. Just contact me, and we’ll discuss what the vision is and whether or not I can help you reach it. They can contact me through my social medias, website, and/or email.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.darlingcreativeworks.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shawnidarling
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/darlingcreativeworks
- Other: https://linktr.ee/darlingcreativeworks
Image Credits
India Darling
