The Answers: Why People Want To Craft

The question came via Craftdom's search keywords and I am grateful that some creative people took the time to answer.

Why Do You Enjoy Crafting?

Rainbow Heart by Clara Luna

Clara Luna from The Rainbow Room: I HAVE to, I have so many ideas going round my head of things to design, create & make! It stops the insanity, keeps me out of trouble and allows me to be self-employed : )

Bags from recycled juice pouches by Kristy

Kristy from Textiles4You: Without creative expression via both fine arts and crafts, I would go crazy. Crafting keeps me sane.

Hug A Tree Cards by See Spot Stamp

See Spot Stamp: I'm not really sure, I have been doing it since being a little kid.

But I do remember something profound. My husband died suddenly (and too young). I had no interest in doing anything but one day decided to make something for a little girl from church - and it felt SOOOO GOOD to be back at creating. I just got such joy from it.

So I guess it is just something innate in me anyway, that brings me joy.

Cosmetic and Accessory Pouch by Petra

Petra from Mami Made It on Etsy and DaWanda: I hate doing nothing - and I never feel bored. There is so much to do and life is so short. Crafting enriches my life, it is restful and the results make me happy. My daughter loves to watch me crafting. Someday, when she is old enough, I will teach her.

White Tara by Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo

Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo from Threads of Awakening: It feels like such a gift to take time to make something slowly, time to watch its beauty emerge from the efforts of your own hands. It feels good to touch the materials too, if you use soft silks and textured fabrics. It feels good to drench your eyes with color. To live with things you made or that some other human being made with care and with the generous gift of their time. For me, it's a spiritually enriching experience to make beautiful things and to be fully present in their making.

(Last year Craftdom published an interview with Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo, where she tells more about the the traditional art of Tibetan fabric thangka, in which sacred Buddhist images are rendered in mosaics of silk - and how she learned it from master T.G. Dorjee Wangdu.)

Bracelet by Christine

Christine from Christines Schmuckkastl: The reason why I love making jewelery is: It gives my thoughts time to rest and it makes me happy when I see what I can create with my hands. I love the variety of beads and colors and shapes, and it is always such a pleasure to combine them in bracelets, necklaces, earrings or whatever!

Embroidered Clutch Purse by Wanda

Wanda from Just For Giggles: I can not get enough of all of the fabrics, threads, patterns and designs! It is SO empowering to know that you can take bits and pieces and turn them into something Awesome all by yourself :D

Crafting has given me a way to express myself, show my style, and make a couple of pennies to pay the bills. I LOVE it so much and I'm almost mad at myself for rebelling against my mother and refusing to learn to sew until I was 30!!!

Spalted Maple Bowl by David

David from Darbynwoods: (I craft) so that I can get the extras for my family; last year it was a trip to Disneyland. Ii love to make what I make, so I do it. I also get to spend some time with my kids in the shop and teach them something.

 

ZigZag Photo Book by Nauli

Eva-Dewi from Nauli: Crafting let us do the whole thing. We don't sew that one kind of button at the same place day by day. Watching how something is developed by our own hands makes us happy and mostly proud. Sometimes disappointed, but that's how life is.

And beside that, crafting makes our living more independent from what's on the market. It is empowering, yes!

Carnelian Fairy Pendant by River Grace

River Grace from Gem Angels (OK, that's me:-): I've always been on the creative side and absolutely enjoy it. Crafting allows me to combine two interests of mine: angels and the crystals’ healing powers. I love holding the stones in my hands, and also trying to figure out which ones will be most helpful for a specific client. A big part of my jewelry is angel and fairy-themed, but it is meant to reach out to people regardless of their spiritual inclinations or religion (if they have one at all).

The customers’ response is very inspiring and motivates me to keep going. It is really touching when people share the reason for buying one of my angels: a relative is ill or has tough emotional issues to deal with; a friend is moving abroad or starts something completely new, etc.

Sometimes I meet people a year later who still remember me and tell me how much they love their gem angel, and how wonderful its energy is. Such things give me wings.