Today I’m thinking that I’d love to own everything in the Little Circus shop… I love that all of their products inspire curiosity and an appreciation for the small, the handmade, the lovely. All items are made by crafters and artists worldwide — mostly small ateliers churning out pretty things by hand. I currently see a trend in thinking out there that also inspires me personally — the trend of thinking small. Not in terms of dreams and goals, but in terms of doing 5 things exceptionally well vs. 100 things not so well. I notice this increasingly becoming popular as it relates to how we work and live. It is better to be small and really good at what you do, filling a niche that is unique to you – to be a giant in your field but not a corporate giant or some massive brand. I appreciate and respect those who have chosen to stay small, focused and grounded.
In addition to those writing books and producing beautiful magazines, designing clothes that make us drool, and food show hosts that get us in front of the stove and off of the sofa, this is a shout out to the smaller makers out there who may not be “known” in terms of being a household name like Jamie Oliver or Donna Hay or Martha Stewart. I respect the small zine authors and self-publishers and makers who are motivated so very deeply by their passions — those processing orders at midnight as their little ones sleep (Jenna!) and those producing interesting content that is authentic (Nichole!), and others who work so diligently to create something with a personal stamp on it (Lena! Tara! Alex! Mati! Lisa!Jason! Kelly-Rae! and also to my dedicated friends making and writing and encouraging our online community in so many countless ways). There is a human being attached to the products and/or services these great people offer. There is heart. And if you are one who makes something and wonders if anyone cares, if it all really matters, let me tell you right now. It does matter. You matter. In fact, people like YOU inspire me and so many others. I wouldn’t author this blog if I didn’t appreciate all makers despite size or popularity. Like Little Circus for instance — a shop with heart & soul which makes it a very special place to find very special things. Please have a look around… There is definitely a good vibe within their shop full of treasures…
And so I’m thinking that this week, in my Talk It Out column, we’ll discuss the value in focusing on smaller batches, less is more thinking, the trend of being small but great vs. big and overbearing. Not that big is always overbearing but there was a trend that made people think for many years that ruling the world was the ultimate goal. I’m suggesting otherwise. So think over this topic until Thursday when I post Talk It Out and we’ll discuss it then. You have a few days to let this idea simmer and stew. Sound like a plan?
(images: little circus)
November 10th, 2009 at 6:32 am
Love those mushrooms. The illustrations on the cards are minimal and cute. I’ll forward to the Thursday’s Talk It Out.
My Owl Barn´s last blog ..Elsewares: Owl Towel
November 10th, 2009 at 6:48 am
I am really enjoying your “Talk it Out” columns!! I agree, Small by Great is worth “talking” about :)
laura trevey´s last blog ..Peppermint, 5 by 7 Original Watercolor Painting
November 10th, 2009 at 6:58 am
oh, how lovely!
I just LOVE all Handmade! the feeling and love behind every object..unique!!!
November 10th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Adorable! Love those postcards in french :)
Sophia Mar´s last blog ..Organize yourself
November 10th, 2009 at 7:27 am
yeah – props to the peeps!
I have always liked how your blog has focused on the indie artists as opposed to trying to catch or recreate the big waves of what’s out there. It’s your hallmark.
juliette´s last blog ..The Berlin Wall: then and now
November 10th, 2009 at 7:46 am
A very thought-worthy topic – something I have struggled to balance for a long time.
November 10th, 2009 at 8:05 am
I’ve been thinking a lot about this topic lately and wondering…… I can’t wait for Thursday!
I love the Talk It Out column. What a great idea.
November 10th, 2009 at 8:37 am
The little mushrooms are killing me!
I’m looking forward to another handmade Christmas. Last year we made most of our gifts or bought handmade for extended family and friends, and it was handsdown the best Christmas ever. People really appreciated the fact that their package came from someone who put alot of love and work into their gift, as opposed to a mass produced item, grabbed from a big box madhouse. I agree, small is good.
lindsay´s last blog ..Paperdoll.
November 10th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Holly, looking forward to your simmered thoughts about keeping it real and not trying to take over the world. :) What’s happening with your dream of a little shop of your own?
Tricia McKellar´s last blog ..Niche Thyself: Variety vs. Consistency in Your Online Shop
November 10th, 2009 at 10:19 am
love love love all these adorable goodies! i certainly agree that small and special way beats out huge and average!
jenn´s last blog ..barkley discovers fall…
November 10th, 2009 at 10:39 am
I feel quite emotional after reading that! Thanks for you lovely post. :0)
Helen Cuthbert´s last blog ..Dottie Angel!
November 10th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Hello Holly,
I declare Decor8 the best blog ever!! I don’t know how you come up with this fantastic posts all the time, I am very fussy about things I like and I can tell you, you surprise me all the time!! I knew about Little Circus already, it is an amazing shop!! I may not leave comments on your blog everyday but follow it like a bible.
Thanks for being there.
Regards from London
Marga
Margarita´s last blog ..My home in Etsy Finds Decor column
November 10th, 2009 at 10:59 am
You have said exactly what I need to hear today. :) I’ve been making jewellery for over ten years now but I’ve only just thought about sharing my passion with the rest of the world. Over the last few days I’ve been hesitating and wondering if my rather specialized jewellery will be appreciated by anyone else out there. I can’t wait to read your Talk it Out post on Thursday and thank you so much for the encouraging words! :)
Nem´s last blog ..I Miss You
November 10th, 2009 at 11:28 am
cute cute.
November 10th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Tricia – I’m still thinking of various ideas — I have my business plan laid out yet I have a few things that I need to do first — obtain residency here (currently I’m only temporarily able to live in Germany for one year) and of course, learn German (if I do not, I can be sent home if I do not pass the required language and history/culture tests in order to stay here for a long period of time). So for the next year, I will be in school for 16 hrs per week and then I can think more about my little shop. Some dreams must be placed on a back burner until it’s the right time to turn up the heat! But I will be happier for waiting and by then, the economy may be better so the timing just may be perfect.
November 10th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
That owl plush is PERFECT. Small-but-great is definitely a concept that needs more attention~ Thanks for this post!
Catherine´s last blog ..Recycled: See by Chloé
November 10th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Lovely lovely post, Holly. Such heartfelt words and encouragement to all the makers out there. Thank you so much for the shout out. You are always so supportive of small, independent businesses. xoxo
sweet fine day/Jenna´s last blog ..closings
November 10th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Wow, Holly. Thanks so much.
Your words mean so much to everyone and we all know that what you say comes from the bottom of your heart.
I heart Holly.
;)
nichole´s last blog ..Paris in America
November 11th, 2009 at 5:51 am
I love the handmade carpet, so colourful!
November 11th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Thank YOU Holly, for being so sweet.
Wendy´s last blog ..Another installment of 5 posts commented