5 Lessons Learnt from Crafting

Making isn’t always straightforward. A lot of my projects (especially the ones I design from scratch!) are bumbled through. It’s a journey, not a process. There’s always more to learn, even if some things are easy to pick up: take it slow, measure twice, and check colours in daylight!

Here are some of the other lessons I’ve learnt from crafting.

1. Handmade doesn’t always = better.

Handmade doesn’t mean it’s ethical, well made, eco-friendly, or local. And crafting isn’t cheap. Or easy. And it’s NEVER done in five minutes. (And, technically, handmade can be just as systemised as machine production.)

That’s why beautiful, ethically produced, and quality handmade design is so worth investing in. Even better if the materials are eco-friendly and the designer is local.

All the more reason to make something yourself!

2. There’s more than one way to be rich.

There is only one universal currency: time. Crafters need a lot of it. It doesn’t matter what the materials are or what the craft is, you need time. Time to learn, time to design, time to make.

To craft, you need to be rich in time. Not money. (Although the latter does help when you binge-buy fabric!) Let yourself take it slow. 

3. Community = sharing.

Online marketing makes a big deal out of ‘building community’. I think we’re making it way too complicated. Sharing crafts online is like attending a worldwide knitting circle.

Show your makes, help troubleshoot problems, share what your friends have been making, ask for help when you need it, and keep on crafting! How would you treat a crafting buddy at your local meetup?

4. There will be blood, sweat, and tears.

I have burnt myself on hot wax, played ‘find the needle on the carpet’ with my toes (quite accidentally), thrown down various bits of haberdashery in frustration (which may or may not be related to ‘find the needle’), and sniffled my way through unravelling dozens of different knitting projects.

If I sound emotional, that’s just the reality of crafting. You have to invest yourself in it. The lows are low, but the highs are on cloud nine.

5. Anyone can craft.

It’s like the film Ratatouille. Anyone can craft. Handmade isn’t even as strict as its name; some people use their feet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYUjNQrokeg

Whatever your age, occupation, location, disability or no — you can make something beautiful.

My lovely new set of jewellery-making pliers are courtesy of Rakuten’s Play.com. They have a new crafts section in their online shop, go check it out!

What’s your favourite ‘lesson’ from crafting? I love that making reminds me to slow down and take it easy. (Rushing things never ends well.)

Lots of crafty love,