Creating great crafts involves having a creative imagination and access to materials. While you can create something new and interesting from something boring and dull, it is difficult to do without using any other tools or materials. For example, without a staple gun, some fabric and other necessary materials, it would be nearly impossible to bring a dilapidated piece of furniture back to its original splendor. Having the necessary tools and accessories for your craft of choice will enhance your crafting experience. Below I’ve put together some tips that hopefully will make your crafting experience easier, more enjoyable and less stressful.
Basic Materials
People who craft tend to pick one genre and stick with it, painting or wood working, for example; if you are a quilter, chances are high that you won’t explore painting or scrap booking. If painting is your passion, your time spent creating your latest masterpiece will be easier, more fun and less stressful when you have your favorite paints, brushes, tools, canvases and easels handy. If you find yourself frequently using the same supplies for multiple projects, consider investing in those materials so that you always have them handy.
Organization
You might have many supplies and accessories for creating your craft of choice but if they are disorganized or scattered so you can’t easily access them when need be, having them doesn’t do you much good. Getting and staying organized not only keeps your supplies neat and tidy, but it will save you a great deal of time, money and aggravation when it comes to finding exactly what you need to start or complete a project efficiently. Easy crafting is more about getting and staying organized and eliminating unnecessary steps in the crafting process than about choosing simpler crafts; you can’t create a popsicle stick cabin without popsicle sticks and glue.
One Project at a Time
Crafters are typically creative people who, confident in their abilities, enjoy crafting for themselves and for others. Typically multi-taskers by nature, crafters may be prone to starting multiple projects which they usually don’t finish; this trend is especially prevalent in new crafters. Therefore, seasoned crafters suggest finishing your current project before you start a new one, as novice crafters sometimes start projects they have neither the know how nor the resources to finish. As stumbling blocks like this often prove difficult to overcome, it is important be aware of your creative limits so that you start projects that you know you can finish.
Crafting vs. Hoarding
A difficulty unique to crafters is the pressure to create crafts that reflect their personalities, values and hobbies. For example, knick knack collectors may try and find a craft which allows them to display their treasures in a constructive and creative way. Many crafters are closet hoarders who save everything from brochures to wrappers with the intention of using them for something; crafters often put pressure on themselves to craft to accommodate their inability to let go of things. Keeping only the supplies that you need for your craft will keep you from the temptation to hoard.