This year was going to be about challenging the rules of creativity and building a creative business. But honestly? The deeper I got, the more the books faded, and the more the simple truth took over: I just want to make stuff.
I've heard the advice a million times: "Niche down." "Specialize." "Find your one signature style." But the minute I started thinking about locking myself into just jewelry, I felt the creative joy drain right out of me. It felt like being told I could only play with one color of crayon. No thanks.
My Declaration: Just Make Stuff!
Many of us at this stage of life (50+) are hitting a second adolescence—a moment of delightful self-rebellion. While I'm still handling my professional commitments, I realized I don't have to wait for some distant retirement date to finally give myself permission to play. I do hope to sell some stuff to fund the playtime, but I’m not about “monetizing” my knowledge - I just want to make and share the joy.
My passion isn't a single lane; it's an entire traffic jam of fantastic ideas.
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One week, I'm absolutely obsessed with the meditative rhythm of macrame knots.
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The next, I'm covered in paint, splattering abstract chaos onto a canvas.
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The next, I'm back to my first love, crafting intricate jewelry.
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And sometimes? I'm just organizing my spice cabinet because that, too, is a creative act!
The truly exciting realization for me is this: the goal isn't to maximize output for the market; it's to maximize the joy that funds the materials! I'm not worried about being a "master of one." I'm aiming to be a gloriously happy creator of many. I want to make things and share them with anyone who happens to think my chaotic creations are cool.
Welcome to The Happy Chickery: Where Fun is the Only Rule
This new focus required a proper headquarters, which is why I created The Happy Chickery. This shop behind my house isn't some formal studio; it's my creative playground—a dedicated space where the only governing rule is joyful experimentation. If I feel like trying polymer clay at 10 PM on a Tuesday, I can. If I want to leave a giant macrame project hanging in the middle of the room for a week, I will.
Kerry Best Designs is officially expanding its definition. It won't just be about jewelry anymore (although it’s still a main focus); it's a home for all these quirky expressions. Don't be surprised to see a sudden, enthusiastic burst of painted pieces, followed by a collection of handmade clay trinkets, or even some weirdly awesome crochet—all born from the spirit of having fun and following the muse of the moment.
My journey proves that you can commit to your responsibilities while simultaneously building a vibrant, multi-faceted creative life. I've given myself permission to play, and honestly, I'm about to have the time of my life.