Jean's Jems - The First Post!

Why do we craft? I know it’s not because we have lots of spare time on our hands. I don’t know a single woman who says she is looking for one more things to fill her day. Yet we do craft, a lot; scrapbooking, stamping, knitting, beading, just to name a few.

I think that so much of our day is filled with mundane chores and duties that our souls cry out with a need to have something that’s uniquely our own. We spend such a large part of our day caring for others, that we can feel that we lose some of ourselves in the day to day. A craft is something that does not need to be fed, changed, bathed, washed & dried, ironed or driven somewhere. I think that crafting can help us reconnect to ourselves. To make us feel special and accomplished. Crafting, whatever your specialty, satisfies a need to create something beautiful: crafts also connect us to other women in a way that is not connected to what we are -- a mom, a wife, a doctor, a teacher. Fellow Crafters appreciate the creativity, the time and the effort that go into each project like no one else can. Lastly, crafts are often a way to share ourselves with others. Giving a gift of a craft says I think you are so special that I made this for you.

A word of caution, be careful not to get too craft crazy. I recommend picking one or two types of crafts and resist the urge to jump into every project you come across. Pick crafts that fit your temperament. For example, if you like to finish things quickly and see fast results, then beading is a great craft for you. A pair of earrings can take just minutes and provide you with years of enjoyment. If you like to get really involved and have lots of ideas, then scrap booking might be the thing for you. You can get involved with hundreds of details and keep adding and adding to your album.

I have found a couple of simple rules for my crafting time. First, I never start a new project before I have finished the current one. I can hear some of you groaning at that, but unless you want 20 unfinished projects lying around your house [and I have been there – it’s no fun!] then this should be your rule #1. Second, I always make sure that I have the money to finish the project. It is easy to start a project and find that you need something to do the next step and again and again and you can find yourself spending lots of $$ that you didn’t budget for. My third and final rule – ENJOY if you don’t love the craft you are doing, but maybe got started because someone said they thought you’d like it, or you’d be good at it, or they were selling the supplies for it, or whatever if you are not in love with you craft – DON'T continue. Cut your losses, your time is precious and your craft should be precious to you.

In the articles to follow, I will be sharing some ideas and experiences with specific crafts. The ladies of Women’s Ministry got together before the retreat at Forest Home to make a beautiful beaded bookmark. They have been so warmly received that I will be posting the instructions in the days ahead.

I would love to hear any thoughts you have on crafting or special projects that you have done. Just click on the “comments” button below or you can e-mail me directly at jean4mcwm@san.rr.com. God bless & happy crafting!