Thursday 5 July 2012

Performance Anxiety

Colour on this is looking particularly naff.....

After all the shenanigans of family, unexpected and planned travel, catching up and getting behind again, I've finally arrived at the day of the men's cards workshop.  It's this morning and repeats this evening.  Honestly, the cards are straightforward because that's the advice I was given (as you know from a previous post) and the techniques used are, if not favourites, ones that I've used and demonstrated many times.  My kits are packed, and I've even double checked supplies, and remembered my paper cutter.  I often don't.   But I'm suffering a bit of stage fright...honestly, it's been so long since I last conducted a workshop that I feel rusty.  It's been a while since I made these cards and am slightly scared that I won't remember the order of inking etc....where it matters, that is.  I once felt the biggest pressure was having new people at a workshop - new to the craft or the shop, just new.  But in fact, I now feel the pressure from regulars, people who know more than I do that come for ideas.  That pressure is a positive one, keeps me trying new stuff and trying to work out of my comfort zone, after all, there's nothing more flattering than a workshop attendee that signs up for another. So to borrow a phrase often used elsewhere in life, the anxiety that surfaced this morning: can I keep this up?  Coffee and Adrenaline please.  
   

26 comments:

Artyjen said...

I admire anyone who can conduct a workshop....it is a great skill. Something I do not think I could put myself through for the very same reasons you mention!!! LOL
Have a great day. ;)
xoxo Sioux

Sarah said...

I taught card making for Adult Community learning for 5 years so I can identify what you're going through! I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine! Have great day!

Sarah x

Ali said...

Card is looking good! You have plenty of talent to share - hope you have fun.

Elizabeth said...

Hi Julia, speaking to a gathering of people at any time can be incredibly stressful ... the first time I had to stand up and give a lecture to a bunch of students had me reduced to a blob of jelly! Just keep telling yourself that this is something you've done many times before, you're prepared, you know what you are doing, you're not going to declare worldwide nuclear war, and it is going to go like a dream ... I bet your ladies are a lovely bunch who are there because they LIKE you. The EM says, what gave him confidence on occasions like that, is that he always had something in his hand, e.g. a pen or a pointer - in other words he had something to hang on to, like a comfort blanket :))

Hope this helps, even if just a little.

Go break a leg :)

Elizabeth (and the EM)xxx

Annie said...

Good luck for the classes. I'm sure you can do it [and know for sure I couldn't!].
Hugs,
A x

kissinia said...

This is absolutely adorable! Love every single piece :)

Twiglet said...

You will be fine - enjoy the day and I am sure with your useful tips and clever ideas there will be lots of satisfied crafters there! x Jo

Angie said...

You will be absolutely fine ...but I think Elizabeth's hubby gave good advice ...maybe a card at your side with an order of play when it comes to inking....have fun. xx

Eliza said...

You can do it, you have done it before and you will do it again, just breathe and talk it will be fine, really your a champion. I do understand as I do public speaking all the time and the nerves are just there to let you know you are human.

Cyber hugs coming your way, just coz.

Eliza

Sarn said...

Oh you'll be fine once you get there Julia . . . I know you'll be just great and everyone will have fun.

xxx

Helen said...

I've never taken (or been to) workshops so I admire you. You'll be fine.

Sandy said...

You will be fine once you are there. You will be too busy to worry about it all and just do it. Good luck with it all love your card with the hearts. Sandy :)

Laura said...

Sending good thoughts winging your way. Make sure to regroup in between the two classes -- rest, hydrate, just like an athlete. :)

505whimsygirl said...

You'll be great, I'm sure! The card is very cute. Have a cupa jo, breathe deep, and enjoy!

I'm visiting desks today as yesterday was a holiday.

Hugs,Kay

Fiona@staring at the sea said...

Cute card. I'll know where to come for tips when I run my first workshop in a week or so. Eek!

Redanne said...

Hi Julia, it is just stage fright, one you get there and get started you will wonder why you worried - honestly, you will be brilliant. Take a deep breath and smile......have a wonderful day! Anne x

Valerie said...

Take a deep breath...you will do fine. Once you get started everything will come flooding back! Your card is very cute. I'm believing everything will go well!

Rita said...

Come on Girl, you can do it. It can be very nerve racking to say the least. Just remember how eager you were to learn everything too when you started out. Elizabeth's husband gave a good piece of advice. Hope all goes well. Hugs Rita xx
ps, I love your sample. xx

Craftychris said...

I love the card - simple and fabulous! I am sure this mornings workshop was fantastic and this evenings will be too. With your talent, what else could it be! xx

The Scrapbook Lady UK said...

You will be great! We are all sending you positive thoughts. Great work again. jenx

Hettie said...

I am sure you will be fine Honey. I do know what you are going through as I freeze when I get asked to talk through a dance with most peeps there who have known me a long long time!
I like this card too.
xx

BJ said...

Hope all went well. BJ

SandeeNC said...

I think it's nerve wracking myself until I get started and then I forget what I was nervous about! I bet you will be just fabulous, the fact that you care enought to be worried proves you are a good teacher! Have fun! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)

Lynn Holland said...

Just be yourself...... Your wonderful humour will see you through and people are kind and want you to do well.
By now you will be well into the day I think so I'm wishing you luck and hoping it's all flowing along as it should. Enjoy ! Then have a good rest.
Lynn and the Doodly Birds x x x

kassa said...

Pretty little card with a double wammy cute sentiment too!
Kxoxo

Queen Lightwell said...

So how did the workshop go? I hope it went well. I've never taught a workshop, per se, at least not that people paid for and/or signed up for! :) I've had some crafting parties for my local Church ladies and they don't all craft so I end up teaching them something...like how to make paper flowers, rosette's, etc...its fun, but like I said they aren't paying for it! :) It might be terribly nerve-wracking if they were! lol