Making Matters: Crafty Confessions

I recently signed up for Jennifer Priest's (of Hydrangea Hippo) latest project called Making Matters. She is offering a weekly email newsletter intended to inspire people to make and create, with ideas covering everything from "creating a space you love to make in to shopping for craft supplies in a different way to challenges to make from the resources you already have."

The first prompt arrived today, and I thought I would blog about it. The theme is Crafty Confessions: "this week is all about being super truthful with yourself about what your biggest challenges are when crafting...Whatever things interfere with your ability to be creative, identify those and write them down."

1. While I do create projects for my Etsy shop, and did make a few things for Christmas, I still struggle with feeling like I'm letting my "crafting superpowers" go to waste. I let the fact that I work full-time, have a family, and want to exercise take precedence over being creative. 
2. Working full-time seriously cramps my crafting time. I mean, I have to go to work EVERY DAY and stuff. Bummer.
3. Speaking of my Etsy shop, I let crafting for profit overshadow crafting for fun. I often feel like the time I do spend crafting should be "productive" (read: profitable).
4. I let my perfectionist nature dictate whether I even try new techniques or crafts. If I don't think something will turn out well, I don't do it. Which is ridiculous - there are so many crafts I really do want to try. But because my time is limited, and reason #2 (wanting to feel "productive"), I often stick with things I know I'm good at. In 2015, I want to try more new things and feel ok when they don't turn out great at first, and not worry about "wasting" supplies on trying new things.
5. My craft room is my personal dungeon. I hate even going down there. I have too much stuff and feel completely overwhelmed by what to do with it. I know I have bought multiples of things because I couldn't find the first set. It's very hard to feel inspired to create when your creative space zaps your mojo before you even start a project! So often I have been sorely tempted to just donate everything without even looking through it, just to clear the space. Seriously - here's a picture I should be ashamed to share, but maybe you can relate:
   

   

6. Related to #4, I think I have hoarding tendencies. I have so much product still from when I was teaching scrapbooking, over 10 years ago now. Product never opened, but held onto because I'm sure I'll *need* it at some point, and how would I feel if I needed it, and didn't have it?? How could I possibly go on? I need to let go of that mentality AND the STUFF. I did make strides in that direction a couple of months ago when I donated two huge totes of scrapbooking supplies to a support group for 10- to 12-year-old boys at a grieving center for children and families - now THERE'S a good use for those supplies gathering dust in my dungeon! I've already prepped a bag of punches to donate next.
7. I am currently struggling with The Next Big Thing. I've written four books, traveled around the US to teach classes, even gave a keynote to 1500 people. But I'm not sure what's next for me. I know I love crafting, and I'm good at it, but don't have a clear purpose or path. And it weighs on me. But I do know that I am open to possibilities.

I haven't always subscribed to (or followed through with) the One Little Word movement, but maybe this year's One Little Word should be "open" - open to letting go, open to trying new things, open to making messes and mistakes. Open to possibilities. Thanks to Jennifer and Making Matters for *opening* my eyes to that!

 

Digi-scrap credit: Aug20 Freebie frame 1 by Leora Sanford; Fonts: Toreador & Amertype

Comments

[Jennifer Priest]

Oh my gosh this reads like a page from my own journal. I have alot of the same struggles with being productive, hanging on to old things, and so on. I hope MM will help you get through some of this!!!!! Thank you for sharing - I love it :)

[Ellen Mancuso]

I can relate. Except I'm not selling my stuff, I'm strictly in it for fun. But my work surface is less than 9" square now. Eeek!

[Angie Pedersen]

Thanks Jennifer and Ellen - nice to know others can relate! I think we crafters see so many possibilities in different supplies, it's hard not to hold on to them "just in case" we might need them!

[Kathy]

I am in same boat..closed my lss in 2010 ..tried to do some online stuff and kept buying. My life has been one circus after another the past 5 years... My room is such a mess and has slowly moved into hallway and creepinge in my downstairs bedroom after a year of going to sell and do CTMH... Never used any... So new year..baby steps so far $20 per week budget max at craft stores or target. Journal ...post more imstagram makes me accountable...Let go...enjoy crafts again...I finally am done with the business part..There is no income in a hobby... A hobby is something you do for enjoyment. I have stepped away from groups of people ... Tired of I have , I need, I went to two events last year... Just not the same , I learned a lot if hard lessons from my adventure of owning a business in a small town. No next big thing...

[Angie]

I hear ya, Kathy! Being in the industry gives a whole different perspective on one's "hobby." As well as the resulting stash! I agree that getting back to what we enjoy about the hobby is key.