Dare to Dream
A short letter to our community today about moving past those doubts, building things with patience, and finally taking that terrifying, wonderful first step into making art with your hands.
My Dearest Dreamers,
I’ve noticed a recurring theme in the conversations I’ve had at craft fairs and in our messages recently. It seems almost everyone has a dream of creating something with their own hands—whether it’s woodworking, painting, writing, or something else entirely. Across dozens, if not hundreds, of these conversations this year, they all stem from the exact same hope: a desire to create something meaningful and put it out into the world. Sometimes it’s a passion project to bring in a little extra income, and other times it’s a personal story or message waiting to be shared.
I deeply sympathize. It wasn’t that long ago that my own work was kept hidden away from the world. But this isn’t about me—it’s about you.
Many of you have shared how intimidating it is to take that first step. Between the investment of time and money, and the quiet doubt about whether your work is "good enough," there always seems to be a reason to wait. But—and I mean this with nothing but love—those doubts are often just excuses we make when we're afraid of how things will turn out. That’s completely natural. When it comes to our dreams, taking a risk feels scary.
If time is the hurdle, try setting aside just thirty minutes a day for your craft. If budget is the issue, start small with affordable tools and basic materials. And as for confidence? We are all nervous when we start. Skill takes patience, and every masterpiece begins with a rough first attempt. That’s not failure—that’s just the beginning of growth.
Creating something tangible with your hands takes courage. It’s terrifying to wonder, "What if I'm not good enough?" or "What if people don't like it?" In our heads, our creations are flawless; in reality, the process is unpredictable.
Betsy was in that exact spot a few months ago. She started making unique, handcrafted jams and dreamed of selling them alongside my art, but she was terrified to put herself out there. After a lot of hard work, patience, and delicious experimentation, she took the leap. Not only did she create incredible flavors, but they sold like crazy! She just had to get started.
Ultimately, it’s up to you. If keeping your dream safe as a quiet pastime is enough, I will never judge you for enjoying the fantasy. But if you’re ready to take that next step and bring your vision into reality, know that you aren't doing it alone. I’m right here in your corner, cheering you on every step of the way.
Show me what you’re working on—I’d love to see your creations, share feedback, and support you however I can. Take that first step. Our whole community is waiting to cheer you on.
With deepest regards,
David
