Saturday 31 July 2010

Why do you make stuff?

Sometimes when I tell people I like to make things I get comments like: "How do you find the time?" and "Oh I'd love to make things but I'm just not creative enough". And other people just don't get it or see the point of making things just for fun.

Let's look at each of those comments in turn...

"How do your find the time?"
I simply make the time. If I find myself spending too much time surfing around the crafty internet instead of doing some actual crafting I stop and go and do something less boring instead (why don't you?).
Of course having a project to drive me helps as well. And sometimes I'll craft instead of doing the cleaning (am I a terrible wife?).

"Oh I'd love to make things but I'm just not creative enough"
I fundamentally believe that everyone is creative. Some people are just too scared to let go and try. There are tonnes of articles about how adults have forgotten how to just relax and create - as children we'd happily make things out of toilet rolls and yoghurt pots. I also think that creativity is a bit like a muscle - the more you use it, the more you can do. I learn new techniques all the time (literally every week at the moment of course!) and that keeps my muscle working.

"I don't see the point"
I mainly make stuff to relax and have fun. Of course I enjoy sharing the results of what I make with my internet friends but it also helps me forget the stresses of work and just be myself. 


So over to you - why do you make things? And what do people say about it when you tell them: I'm a crafter!



PS Just for fun - here's the first project I ever posted a photo of on the internet...  



I have certainly learnt some better photography skills in the last four years - and the box the card is sitting on used to contain all the craft supplies I owned. Now I can fill a room. How times change!

Friday 23 July 2010

Fabric addict

I need help - look at all this fabric I've bought lately! And there's more on the way.

Let's look at each pile in turn...

This gorgeous selection was from Saints & Pinners - brilliant service and a great range of fabrics.

Building up my fabric stash

All these goodies were from Seamstar - a lovely shop full of things to tempt you. And they're lovely to deal with too.

Lots of yummy fabric

And finally, this little stash of Anna Maria loveliness was from my favourite shop - Quilters Haven. The staff are all so knowledgeable and friendly. And the shop is stacked full of beautiful fabrics. A must-visit if you're ever in the area. They do mail order too.

You can never have too much fabric

Wednesday 21 July 2010

Meet Mr.Bunny

Well the weeks are marching by and I've completed more weeks of my 52 crafts in 52 weeks project.

Week 5 was all about yummy felt - read more about the project here.

My party garland on the dresser

Week 6 was toy-making - see all of Mr.Bunny's adventures here.

Cutey

Hope you're enjoying all the projects so far - I'm trying not to think about how many more weeks there are to go!

Sunday 11 July 2010

Beautiful weekend

Guess what? It's my birthday. And I've had a wonderful weekend of celebrations.

 Felixstowe beach - taken with my iphone (hipstamatic application)
My new toy! A very big surprise present from my lovely husband.
Birthday pressies - Gizzi's Kitchen Magic and The Homemade Home.
Wearing my new dress - design by me, fabric by Anna-Maria Horner.

PS Week 5 of 52 crafts in 52 weeks is up on the blog (it involves felt).

Thursday 1 July 2010

Catching up with 52 crafts in 52 weeks...

Can you believe I'm on week 4 already?

Finished papier-mâché bowl

{week 3} papier-mâché


First attempt at papercutting

{week 4} papercutting

Haven't decided on week 5 yet but I think I should move away from paper as three of the four have involved my favourite material so far. I just love paper. What's your favourite material to craft with?

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