Creativity

Have I mentioned that I’m making pajamas? Why would I do that when I can get some at Kohls for like $10 you might be asking? Well some of you might know that I like to quilt, and I’m a bit crafty. So recently I noticed that my sewing machine has been sitting out collecting dust for far too long and since I have a list of fun sewing projects I want to work on this summer I decided to brush up on my sewing skills and take a class. So I’ve been taking a basic sewing class at my local quilt shop Always Quilting and in this class we are making pajamas.

My pattern and pink plaid fabric

This is working out pretty well because my husband recently made me throw away a pair of pajama pants that had holes been well loved. So it’s good timing because now I get to make a replacement.

I know you’re thinking you’re not all “crafty” types like me right? Well, I disagree. You see we were all made in the image of THE CREATOR. As in God, The One who made the entire World. And if it’s true that He made us in His likeness then one would conclude the He created US to be CREATIVE. OK so maybe you don’t like to sew or paper craft or have any idea what Mod Podge is but I believe that deep within in each and every one of us is an innate desire to create. To make something new; something beautiful out of nothing.

A few years ago as part of my counseling degree program I took an art therapy class for working with kids. And you know what? Being creative is totally a part of being a child. Kids are constantly creating. Blankets become forts, boxes become spaceships, socks become puppets and so on. It’s in their nature and they are “free” to be as creative as they want, in fact it’s even encouraged. (Btw, I had a lot of fun in that class) But at some point as we become adults we have fewer opportunities to be creative. We have to adapt, conform to standards. Take the “required” classes, do the same work as everyone else, and basically stick with duties within our “job description”.  Gets kind of boring after a while, no?

I know that there are some of you that might think me crazy right about now because you would rather get something waxed than do anything crafty. But stay with me. There are so many different ways of creating and I think we need to still embrace this part of who we are. Sewing, quilting, knitting, scrapbooking, music, paper crafts, flower arranging, photography, gardening, writing or journaling and cooking are just a few.
Yes, cooking. Hello? I mean I know there are some awesome chefs out there. Think of the joy you get in creating an amazing meal with just a few simple ingredients or a beautiful salad out of some colorful fruit or veggies. That’s being creative. I bet you hadn’t thought of it like that before, huh?

It seems that in this day and age tools to harness your creativity are just a click away. For example for my photography peeps, how much are you loving on Instagram? I mean you can seriously turn a simple snapshot into a work of art. Or have you checked out Project Life? This is such an ideal combination of scrapbooking and photography that is totally manageable (and fun and really cute).

Some of my “tools”

For my sewing friends, have you found Craftsy yet? It is this great site with a bunch of online tutorials and classes. You can find classes for free or very reasonably priced that you can do on your own time. I recently signed up for a block of the month quilting class that I still haven’t started but the great part is that I can access it whenever I want and can work on the blocks at my own pace.

That’s my sewing machine

Maybe you’re trying to reclaim the creative part of you that you know is in there but haven’t been able to access for a bit. Try a Soul Restoration class from Brave Girls where you can learn the art of “soul crafting” (creative art projects, collage, journaling, etc.). These workshops help you reconnect with your dreams and your gifts and talents.

And if you’re not hooked yet, you will be soon. I’m talking about Pinterest. This is the place for ideas and inspiration on just about anything. Seriously, anything. And if you want to see what I’m pinning click on my Pinterest button (the big P) under my “stay connected”.

Friends, being creative is not only really fun but I do believe it is also something we were all designed for. So I’d like to encourage everyone to maybe try something new or find a project in any area that maybe you’d like to pursue. And with summer just around the corner, take some time and just do it. Get yourselves to Michaels or Joann’s for some supplies and then come back and show me what you made.

For extra credit, maybe think about how you might use your “craft” to bless someone else. Because if He made us to be creative, I’m certain that God meant for us to share our gifts and talents with those around us. Maybe you can make an extra batch of a recipe and take half to a friend. Take some flowers from your garden and make some one’s day. Or you can use your photography skills to do a family portrait for a family who couldn’t afford to pay for one. Maybe knit blankets or hats for babies at a hospital. Or make some handmade cards and send them to encourage friends. Write a love note or poem for someone special. I’ve got my own project I’m working on. . . tell you more soon I promise.

Can’t wait to see what you all come up with. And if you’re already “crafty” what are some of the projects you’re working on? Leave me a comment and let me know. Hugs!

Some Crafty Places (In case you need some more inspiration)
If you’re in the bay area
http://crafthaven.org/class_list.htm
http://www.stonemountainfabric.com/sewing-classes.htm
http://www.scrap-sf.org/creative-reuse/workshops
http://www.thebeadingfrenzy.com/calendar/april_2012.html
http://www.sew-it-all.com/classes/