Welcome!
This blog is a place where we can share ideas about how to live more creatively.
While growing up, I never thought of myself as a very creative person. My art projects never measured up to those that my sister or mom did. Theirs always looked better. I got discouraged and stopped trying. In recent years, however, I’ve made some wonderfully creative friends. One, in particular, changed how I felt about even attempting artsy stuff.
She encouraged me to just give my creative side a chance. It didn’t matter that my creations weren’t the best. There were things to be gained just in the act of creating. I had always been focused on the end product and, having a perfectionist streak, didn’t want to waste time on something that wouldn’t work out. I have always liked directions, assembling toys and furniture, cooking with recipes, that kind of thing. I still do. But now I find that after I’ve read the recipe or basic instructions on how to do a craft, I’m using it more as a guideline, rather than a must-follow. (That thinking doesn’t work with the assembly stuff yet - I still follow those step-by-step.)
Anyway, this new-found freedom to try has got me attempting all kinds of projects. I know there are tons of people out there that can do the projects I’m going to post much better than I can - I don’t claim to be a specialist at anything. What I’ve found, though, is that I can make lots of fun, useful, even pretty things with very little specific talent and enjoy the process too.
I love to involve kids whenever possible, as they haven’t learned all the second-guessing we adults tend to do, and they approach things with a very different eye. The kids I’ve involved in projects sometimes love the activity so much that they put down their DS Lites for weeks on end to make scarves! Unbelievable! I hope you too will find the projects and ideas interesting and have fun in the process of creating.
Next article: "Stained Glass" Painted Canvases
More articles about: creativity
Comments (8)
I love your website and am so thankful that you introduced me to the Knifty Knitter! I am NOT creative, but you have inspired me to try something new! I look forward to seeing what new project ideas start popping up on your site!
Jen
January 10, 2008
4:56 p.m.
Wow, this is a great website and I can totally identify with you on the Creativity thing. I also gave up because I felt like I was being outdone by everyone else. However, I did complete knitting a scarf for my daughter recently and presented it to her for Christmas. I think it really amazed some people in our family that I could actually do something besides play golf. Also,I recently found out from a friend of mine who had a book published that I was the one who had inspired her to expand her writing skills. There are lots of ways to be creative...even when we are not aware of them. Thanks for being such an encourager and I'll look forward to tuning in again soon.
Chris
January 10, 2008
6:16 p.m.
Love this new site, it is great!! Thanks
Ann
January 11, 2008
4 p.m.
This website is great! I, too, have never considered myself creative. Your website is an inspiration that creativity is in the process itself and not only the end result. Keep the great ideas coming!
Kathy
January 12, 2008
11:02 p.m.
Love your site, Kirstin! I used to do lots of crafts when the children were young and still at home. Now drawing close to retirement, you are inspiring me to drag out some of those crafts and renew those skills that brought a lot of pleasure and satisfaction to my life. Go, girl!
Audrey
January 13, 2008
5:29 p.m.
I love the way this site is laid out. The topics are terrific also. You are very talented. The raffia bag turned out beautiful. I think the belt bag is a great idea to use those belts. I can visualize the thickness, they would be hard to sew. Also, I love the way you relate these for kids. I teach children in Sunday School and Vacation bible school. When I tell them 'anything goes' after a basic instruction they give me a quizzical look. That part gets stiffled mostly in schools now days. Once they pass the fear of failure they come up with so many useable ideas that they out surpass anything I could have come up with.It is a joy to release the free thinking part we all have. Keep up the good work.
Jeannette
Jeannette
January 22, 2008
11:18 a.m.
This is a great site, Kirstin! You have become more and more creative as each year goes by and I think it's so cool that you are sharing this with others. I was just talking today with a co-worker about my need to come up with a new creative outlet in my life. I decided to take a look at your site for some ideas and especially liked your blog about creative thinking on cleaning day! I really need to do that!
Heather
February 24, 2008
10:48 p.m.
Hi Kirstin, I have a request for a recipe for the bath "fizz balls" you sent as a gift several years ago. Caroline and Claire used them when they bathed here and loved that. Caroline remembered them and wants to make some to sell for an economics project in 2nd grade this fall. I told her I would try to get the recipe so if you can find that we would be very appreciative. Hope all is well with all of you.
Loretta Raschen
August 3, 2008
4:54 p.m.
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