Bad Crafter Blues

19th February 2013 at 03:03

Ever since I started working regularly I haven't been crafting like I used to...

And it's not like I work any more then most people.. probably less since so many people have to work overtime or two jobs to make ends meet - but my free time after work isn't spent crafting anymore and I miss it.

I think my biggest problem is I like to dive into projects for hours at a time and having to break just isn't my thing. Anyone have this problem? Or have any suggestions on small projects to get me going again?

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8 replies since 19th February 2013 • Last reply 19th February 2013

Amberlynn Reid

Reply #1: 19th February 2013 at 04:04

no worries i have this problem except for too young for jobs....y'see my baby sister cousin is about 2 and a half and i need to take care of her since she is an accident prone (lol) and i really don't have time because of school projects and stuff.....this is all stress you'll need a routine i guess. when im really stressed i have CHOCOLATE WITH MILK AND HONEY, try it maybe it'll soothe your mind first

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Arty Kitkat

Reply #2: 19th February 2013 at 18:06

I can relate to this. I'm lucky that I get to do creative stuff in my job (I work at a mental health daycentre) but some days, especially ones where I've spent the day doing paperwork or on the phone, I feel completely zapped of any creativity.
Something I find helpful is keeping a art diary. I don't use it as often as I should but I use it for doodles and ideas and just messing around. Playing is meant to be very good for stimulating creativity and its something I encourage clients to do when they hit a block. I run an art group on our local psychiatric ward and we always bring colouring in books along with other art materials as it seems to get people started when they can't think what to do. I also organise my crafting materials when I need ideas. I organise my beads by colour and like getting a tray or piece of fabric and collecting together beads I like as it helps me come up with jewellery designs. I also have an inspiration board (got the idea from here so have a search in the projects bit).

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Reply #3: 20th February 2013 at 22:10

Make a journal of blank croquis sketches and cover them in clothing designs you want to make, or even use them to help you design jewelry or other accessories. Make a little schedule for yourself and establish a routine.
Keep a sketchbook or notebook handy and just doodle as things come to mind, then make them one at a time when you have the time.

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TK Rainy

Reply #4: 21st February 2013 at 05:05

Having an inspiration board is fabulous, I want to have a more physical, not online one, but I don't have a color printer to just print stuff out.

I have a drawing book that I use to sketch ideas out, write down details of what they would have, (like where pockets would go on a purse) and try to figure out how I would put it together. This takes a lot less time than actually doing the project, and it kind of jump starts my mind on thinking about something I could do right now instead of later.

I also like to take a look at all of my crafting stuff, which is A LOT because I sew, make jewelry, draw, woodburn, write, attempt to cook... and try to just think of things that I can do with what I have.

Smaller things to make could include hair accessories (like knit/crochet small flowers and attach them to headbands, clips, etc.), bracelets, sketches, simple shirt recons, and cookies, to name a few. Or try knitting/crocheting simpler items, like a simple scarf, that you can put down and pick up later, to try to get into the habit of breaks.

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