Not Everyone Believes Creativity Can Change Your Life

Crafts are for kids.

I don’t have time to craft.

I’m not creative.

Crafting is expensive

Crafts suck.

I have definitely heard these quotes before.  Maybe you have even said them yourself.  If so, please keep reading.  I want to show you how crafting can be a benefit in your life.

There is CREATIVITY in everyone, I promise

I LOVE Crafts and creativity comes naturally to me. (Click here to read more about me and my creative story)  When I start talking about my current craft projects I see some people’s eyes start to glaze over.  Then they see something I’ve made and they say, “I can’t do stuff like that.  I’m not creative like you.”  That is the BIGGEST falsehood I hear about crafting.  Everyone has creativity in them.  The style of clothes you wear, the way you decorate your home, the car you choose, what you name your kids, your daily routine…it’s all something your mind “Creates”.

The bible says in Genesis 1:27 that God created us in his image and God is the ultimately the most creative.  He created the mountains and the valleys.  God crafted every species of animal and gave them all the physical make-up they needed for their environment.  Many times I just stand and take in the beautiful flowers and trees and I’m in awe of God’s creation.  So if we were made in HIS image, we have the ability to tap into that powerful creativity

What varies is our level and style of creativity.  You may not be able to write a play, but you paint your nails…creativity.  You may not be able to cook a meal, but you sing random word lullabies that you made up to your baby at night…creativity.  There’s creativity in you, I promise, and it’s worth developing and exploring.

Crafting Matters!

Here are 9 ways I believe crafting can change your life.  Let’s dive in:

 1. Crafting sparks creativity, which can spark innovation in other areas of your life.

When you get your creative juices flowing while doing crafts the creativity doesn’t just stop when the craft stops.  That creativity will flow into other areas of your life.  Even if you are just following a step by step tutorial, you are still creating and can reap the benefits.

Start by incorporating small crafts into your life.  You will see yourself go from crafting to wanting to try a new recipe.  Then you will want to try new make-up.  Next, your thinking outside the box at work, and on and on.  Think of creativity as a muscle and just like other muscles, it has to be worked and used regularly for it to grow.

There are no limits what your creativity can lead you to.  I’m tryna convince you that creativity can change your life!

2.  Crafting is a way to express yourself

In a society where we constantly told no, don’t do that, do wear that, etc., crafting is a safe zone where you can express yourself freely.  There are so many different types of crafts to appeal to every different type of person.  Find something that appeals to you.

A mother in my church quilts memory blankets.  My god-brother makes custom bowties.  I know someone who does balloon art.  My uncle makes model airplanes.  A friend of mine enjoys welding.  My dad built a wrought iron dining room table from scratch. The news showcased a young lady the other day that made her prom dress out of hair and it was amazing.  There is something for everyone.  There’s freedom in expressing yourself.

3. Crafting is a way to connect with your kids

Today is all about electronics.  Kids can easily have a screen time overload.  I know, it’s hard.  The kids go crazy and the tablets occupy them and they love it.  What do you do?  Glad you asked…You pull out a craft.

Kids like to be hands-on and their little minds really enjoy the process of doing crafts.  I’m totally the Craft Auntie and I love it.  The kids (even the adult niece and nephews) expect me to have crafty activities when they come over.  When doing crafts with them you get to have lots of discussions and find out a lot about them without it being an interrogation.  While crafting, you are creating timeless memories and building their creative skills.

4. Crafting gives you a sense of accomplishment

Very few things can make you more proud than making something with your own hands.  Completing crafts gives you a sense of accomplishment and builds self-esteem.  You feel fearless.  It makes you feel like “Bring it on” and “I can do anything.”  Who wouldn’t want to live this kind of fearless life?

5. DIY’s can help you save money

Just like any other craft, trade, or occupation, if you learn how to do things yourself, you don’t have to spend as much for others to do it for you.  If you know how to sew a simple seam, you don’t have to pay a seamstress just to hem pants for you.  If you are willing to have fun and paint, you can create wall decor for cheaper than anything in stores and it’s personal to you.  There are also tons of tips and “hacks” that you can do to save money around the house.

Beware though, you can fall into the trap of buying all the supplies for a craft and end up spending way more than what it would’ve cost to buy it ready made at a store.  Just weigh your options before you invest.

6.  You could make money crafting

Not only can you save money crafting, but you can make money too.  Once you’ve dibble and dabble in a few crafts you will get a sense of what type you really like to do.  If you make a unique item and spend the time to perfect it, you can sell your crafts.  There are so many avenues to sell hand-made items: family, friends, fairs, art shows, Etsy, Shopify, Amazon, boutique stores, etc.

This is my story.  I taught myself how to engrave and make jewelry for my niece’s 18th birthday.  So many people saw the things I was making and asked where they could buy my stuff.  I was blown away.  I had no intentions on selling anything.  The demand was growing faster than I could keep up, so I setup an Etsy page (Etsy is an online retailer for hand-made and vintage goods).  That then lead to me creating a whole Jewelry line (Check it Out Here) and the rest is history.  Creativity made me do it.

7. You can give more personal gifts

Whose tired of giving gift cards and random cutesy stuff you find at Target?  I know I am.  By crafting you can jazz up your gifts with the recipient’s name and favorites.  One Christmas I made everyone their own personal blanket.  Each blanket had their name on it and was in their favorite color.  When you give personal hand-made gifts, it means more and people tend to keep them longer.  My grandmother crocheted me a blanket when I was a toddler.  I kept that blanket until my 20’s because it was the blanket Grandma made!  I could could always feel her by my side.

Show up to the softball name with cups with the teams name on them.  Make fun matching tshirts for you and your family.  Make a card for your best friend with an inside joke that only you all would understand.  The possibilities are endless.

8. Crafting can help relieve stress

Many years ago, I found that baking calms my nerves (and I have the waistline to prove it LOL).  Something about focusing on measuring and mixing helps take my mind off my everyday problems.  Baking might not be your jam, but finding a hobby in something has proven to be relaxing to the body.  You are happy and at peace.  I don’t know about you but I have a lot of stress to relieve!  Bring on the crafts LOL.

9. Crafting is Fun

Last, but definitely not least…Crafting is FUN!  It’s no surprise that painting parties and online craft classes like Bluprint.com are popular.  Being creative is fun.  Get some friends, pick a project and make a day/night of it.  Who cares is you don’t do everything right?  Perfection doesn’t matter while crafting.  Laugh a lot and make memories.  Just enjoy the process.

Creativity can change your Life

My challenge to you is to give crafting a try.  Don’t miss out on joy and fulfillment due to society’s misconceptions about crafting.  It’s not just a hobby, but can also aid you in other areas of your life.  My signature saying is “Creativity is a world of possibilities.”  So what possibilities are waiting for you?

Until next time…Stay Crafty!

Angie