It all started with one of those all-in-one arts and craft kits. As a kid, I got one for Christmas, and I realized there was nothing my introverted heart wanted to do more than to sit in my room making loomed potholders and painting with watercolors. I got bit by the crafting bug early, but there are a few things anybody who finds immense joy in making something out of nothing can relate to, no matter their craft.
1. You are always down to “Up-cycle” something.
See that old chair at Goodwill? With some fabric and a staple gun, it could be vintage perfection. Grandma has some old dresses in funky prints? A pair of scissors and a well place hemline make you a boho queen. A window frame? A cool way to hang pictures. Mason Jars? The possibilities are endless with that one. Overall, as a crafter, you don’t see things for what they are, but for what they could be.
2. Michaels is to you as Target is to a millennial woman.
This place. You have spent so much time walking the aisle wishing you could buy everything. Do you scrapbook? No. Do you want to get that super cool paper and sticker set that you will most likely never use? Yes, obviously. Some how, you always end up leaving with way more than you ever needed — with an empty wallet, but a full heart.
3. You still end up with supplies you never remember buying.
Maybe this water color set was a gift five years ago, but you are just now finding it. Also, you might feel like you’re becoming the queen of the island of misfit yarn. It just appears. In your room, with the other yarn, in your car. It’s everywhere, but you love it.
4. Pinterest is good for more than outfit inspiration.
I taught myself how to cross stitch and embroider off of Pinterest. There are so many resources on there and for free. Pretty much any skill that you want to pick up is possible with a simple search.
5. You dream of a room dedicated to crafts.
You can picture it now. Yarn is spooled neatly on shelves. Embroidery floss is organized by color and never tangled. You have a place where all your projects are displayed, and there is a comfy chair where you can work for hours. This is the stuff dreams are made of.
6. You question if crafting in public is socially acceptable.
Situation: You have a scarf you really need to finish, but you also want to see your friends. What do you do? I’ve often wondered this, and wondered if knitting in public will actually make me look crazy.
7. A new project is like a new relationship.
There is no feeling like sitting in front of a blank canvas with all your paints and good ideas. You’re excited! It’s going to look so amazing! You are a creative genius, and the process of making it is going to be so fun!
8. But you will get frustrated and need to take a step back.
You have been working on getting the perfect shading on one part for what feels like an hour, and you can’t even think of trying to paint letters at this point. Is printing out clip art acceptable now? It’s easy to get discouraged, so you just have to take a minute to get your creative flow back.
9. You can give some pretty good gifts.
Handmade gifts are the best. Not only do you save money, but you can make anything completely personalized. I also love thinking of the person I’m making something for while I’m making it. It’s a sweet way to tell someone you appreciate them, and the effort you put into something makes it that much more meaningful.
10. You know that there is no peace like crafting.
After a long day of classes and work, there’s nothing like putting on a good series and getting out the knitting needles, paint brush or thread. It’s relaxing, and finally your Netflix binge can have an Etsy-worthy product.
