Crafting Corner

Crafting is one of those challenges of life that I have yet to figure out. This means several things to me. First, I am by nature, a person that likes to "do" things. I like to decorate, organize, create. I like colors, things of beauty, all types of materials (papers, paints, fabrics, and even just writing). I appreciate the talent and creativity of others. I like to look at art, I like to experience art. I have come to accept (begrudgingly at times) that the season of life that I am in does not allow me much, if any, creative time. I try my best to create through the meals I provide and have found great pleasure in building an urban farm where the children and I (and Daddy of course) can work together. Outside my farm, my blog has been my main project. Schooling, I thought would become a huge outlet but I simply don't have time to put together elaborate, creative lessons. I have struggled with the the notion that other homeschooling mothers can manage to make beautiful quilts, sew adorable clothing, knit or crochet projects, scrapbook or stamp cards, display their photography, and keep beautiful homes full of decorating wonders and seasonal changes. I may not be the multitasker that others are. I may lack the skills that others have to work efficiently. I may lack the creativity needed to follow a vision. I may have a harder time getting started. I may prioritze differently. I may be hindered by perfectionism. I know that I am trying my best to be the best wife and mother that I can be and that I can only do what I am capable of doing! (Of course, there is always room for improvement.) So, where does this leave me? I still really crave time to create and I have noticed that the creative aspect of myself has really atrophied over time. I can't think like I used to. I can't put pictures in my head like I used to. I stare at my various collections of supplies and I can't focus. I think this is why I enjoy cleaning and purging so much. It dusts the cobwebs in my brain. All that to say...that Phil has been incredibly supportive of trying to help me find a way to work on some creative projects. He suggested that maybe I set up a crafting corner away from distrations where I could get out supplies and leave it out while I am working. He thought we should set up a crafting corner in our room. So, without further ado, here are the pictures of my new crafting corner. It isn't pretty (and it will look cluttered when I have materials out) but the point was functionalism and a place for me to designate as my own work space. Now, will I ever get out a project to start (or better yet, finish one I already started)?

3 years after buying this fabric, I managed to finish the main part of this quilt. I need to add borders, a back, quilt it, and do binding. I doubt I will ever get to it but I was pleased to at least be able to finish piecing it together.

I have been teaching myself to crochet thanks to library books and a few online tutorials. It is slow going. I find that hours and hours of practice is helping me to learn just the basics. I have yet to make anything besides practice swatches and directions still confuse me. I am trying my hand now at a baby blanket to give Sis for her birthday. Crocheting is a nice because it is something that I can pick up and put down quickly and I it keeps my hands busy and leaves my brain free to handle distractions.