Is it weird that I find skiving leather almost therapeutic? I used to hate it.
This weekend has left me kind of down… partly from my own “you suck, stop trying” demons (don’t compare yourself to others, don’t do it IT’S A TRAP) and partly from bigger hobby problems. I love this hobby but sometimes it makes me feel incredibly sad, and when one hurts, we all hurt.
(on a side note, I also think witch-hunting is wrong and won’t make the first wrong right)
Anyway.
Lately I’ve been trying to figure out how to balance the hobby side of my hobby (aka personal, fun projects) and the “work” side. (aka sales pieces) I’ve come to the realization that I need to make some changes with this, because a) I’m unhappy b) there isn’t enough time for everything c) Etsy is… UGHHHH right now. I’ll save that for another post. Maybe.
I’m so grateful that Model Horse Place exists, and if you haven’t checked it out yet please do! The direction I want to take with my work (and to help this Balance thing) is to focus more on higher quality, one of a kind pieces that I can list as they are completed. I’ve been experimenting a little with how I sell my work, and I’m hoping that MHP works out. It could be exactly what I’m looking for.
The second part of Balancing is to stop working on sales pieces on the weekends, using that time instead for personal projects or *GASP* non-hobby stuff! (I mean summer’s coming! It snowed this morning but summer is coming!)
Will it help? I don’t know.
In an attempt to put this idea into practice, I put my current dinosaur blanket aside for the weekend. It needs leg straps but they can wait till Monday dangit.
I’ve been wanting to make more bridles lately. I want to get better at them but never will unless I put the time in soooo…
Close to 8 years ago I started a dressage bridle. I got as far as the noseband and quit for reasons I can no longer remember. I don’t know what happened to it.
I decided on making a simple bridle for my Strapless this time, suitable for lower level Dressage. I started off with the crown piece. Split crown pieces on bridles stress me out because it’s so easy for me to mess them up. In fact, as soon as I cut this one I thought I had butchered it, but after some careful trimming, I think I’ll be able to make it work.
Still, this was really aggravating. I put the project aside and told myself this was a stupid waste of time and that I should stick to sewing and and and and…
Today, I put together the noseband and cavesson. The process went a lot smoother, but I still have a lot of work left to do.
The weekend isn’t totally over yet, and I doubt I’ll get this bridle done, but it’s a nice change of pace.
Anyone else struggle with finding balance? Any advice??
Desktop Stables 
Amazing! Your work is so beautiful!
I’d say I have trouble with keeping on task too, since I haven’t even attempted anything besides a couple of halters this year.
On a completely different note, do you have any tips for showing model horses? I’m looking to get into that part of the hobby, but don’t know where to start. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks! I’m afraid I’m not much help with showing as I’m still pretty new to it! You might want to consider going to a show that has a novice division. They’re usually really helpful and slower paced. Shows can be kind of overwhelming if you’ve never been to one before. 🙂
Alright, thank you! Haha I didn’t know if you were new or experienced or whatnot, but figured I might ask.
I’m just a newbie at tack making for my personal show string. The crown piece you posted was a huge ‘ah-ha’ moment for me. I’ve been just splitting a piece of lace to make them. Yours looks so beautiful and elegant and easier to keep the thicknesses of the cheek and throatlatch correct.
Thank you for all your in-progress articles and photos to inspire those of us just starting out!!!
Wow, let me just start by saying i LOVE all your work, and am amazed by the quality and details! You inspired me to start my own website for model horse stuff, and i’ve been in a “hobby slump” lately, but i still enjoy looking for ideas and your blog has really helped with that! Thank you so much!!! 😊
P.S. I really enjoyed all the photos from Breyerwest!! ❤️
Wow! The bridle looks great!
This blog was a relief to read. I don’t sell, but I can relate to your post. LOVELY bridle so far!
Awesome work! Also I wanted to ask where you get good quality dolls, because I have 2 classics dolls that don’t even move their arms, and it’s really frustrating because they won’t sit in the saddle, or hold the reins.
Classics dolls are really frustrating to use! The Traditional Breyer dolls are easier to pose, but my favorite is Gracie (also known as Yvonne) by KC’s Galloping Gals. She is great!
Oh that blanket is ADORABLE!! What a great idea! If I weren’t going out of town I’d be bidding… (shut it Sue, you already have 2 of hers, leave some for the world)… Yes, balance is hard to achieve, but if you’re unhappy, you should be trying something different. I’m with Kaitlin P. I think you’re “on the right road, with the right horse under you.” Good luck.