Clik here to view.
By Bridget Gazlay
You would think being chronically ill, a full-time administrative assistant, and a devotional writer would be enough to keep my time occupied. I also have the great joy of being a fabric artist. Now that title alone doesn’t really tell you what I do. I don’t design fabric or make clothing. I draw a design and then I make it in fabric, creating my own fabric art scene. I then scan my fabric original to produce my own prints, bookmarks, and note cards. That way I can spend as long as I need to on each design – which could be anywhere from 4 to 20 hours – and not have to make hundreds of them.
I started making fabric pictures in 2000 when I was a missionary. I was a quilter at the time and wondered if I could figure out a way to make note cards from all my leftover fabric scraps. After many trials and mess-ups, I perfected the process and came up with my own stationery.
Many people began asking me about the cards and if they could learn to make them too. I started teaching classes and that’s where my first craft book, Fabric Cards, came from. That book was published in 2005 and sold almost 5,000 copies. Unfortunately, the publisher is now out of business after twenty years so I have those rights back. I haven’t decided if I will publish another book or not, but I do continue to make art and teach classes as I am able.
You might be thinking this doesn’t seem so unusual or astounding. The interesting thing is I have never had an art class in my life and it is totally amazing to see how much art and drawing are a part of my life now even though I have never had any formal training.
This is miracle number two in my life. If you had asked me ten years ago if I thought I’d be an artist or an author, I would have said no way. Whenever I write or create something new I am always awestruck at the wonderfulness of it all. I am not alone on this journey though – whenever I teach classes or do public speaking, I have several family and friends that jump in to help me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.
If I can be an artist and author without any professional training, you can follow your dream too! When you dedicate your talents and skills to God, He can lead you on an exciting road! “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3)
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Bridget Gazlay resides in the beautiful West Michigan. She struggles with Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, IBS, arthritis and migraines. She works full time but writes and designs fabric cards as she is able. Bridget’s prayer is for readers who come across her writing or fabric cards to see that she allows, “God’s creation to be my inspiration.” You can reach Bridget at: quiltforhim@yahoo.com or www.pfccreations.com. Make sure to check out her new blog: www.pfccreations.com/blog.
The post Finding New Hobbies and Joys Within The Midst of Pain appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.
