Are you a quilter? (Which you know is very different from saying “I am a sewer.”)
Are you a paper lover?
Are you a jewelry maker?
Are you a butcher, a baker, or a candlestick maker?
Most crafters like fitting into these nice, neat molds. It’s their comfort zone.
The problem with staying in your comfort zone is that it makes you less likely to jump into something new!
Creativity is about exploring the edges of what you know and experimenting with what you find there. If you never leave your comfortable and safe place, you’ll never learn new mediums, take exciting risks, or grow as a crafter.
Being creative comes with risks.
When you first started creating, you had no idea where it would take you. Would you be good at it? Would it turn into a passion for you? Would it turn into a business for you? Would other people like what you made? Would it matter to you if other people liked what you made? All of these things were uncertain. You risked all of this for the potential love of what you would make.
Where did that risk taking person go?
Why don’t you jump into a new medium with that same reckless abandon?
If you’re a fabric lover, are you brave enough to switch over to paper? Could you ever imagine putting a sheet of cardstock through your sewing machine?
If you’re a jewelry maker, do you have the courage to explore the world of yarn? Are you courageous enough to combine the two? Could you incorporate beads into a knitting project? Could you crochet a bracelet?
What’s holding you back from delving into a new medium?
- Is it cost? There’s really not much more to say here. Crafting can be expensive. Some mediums more than others. Does the potential cost of supplies, equipment, notions, etc. turn you away from jumping into something new?
- Is it the already ridiculously large stash of craft supplies you already have and feel guilty about adding another whole category of products to?
- Is it a lack of knowledge, combined with a fear of starting and not being able to finish?
Tell me…what’s holding you back from breaking out of your mold and starting something new?
You never know.
You could find out you’re not a baker….you’re really a candlestick maker.
Nikki, In Stitches
PS…The response to my last “Why Don’t Crafters Finish What They Start?” email was huge! Thanks so much to all of you that opened up and honestly sent in your reasons for not completing so many projects. Just comment below to tell me why you’re afraid to try something new, or, of course, you can email me directly at Nikki@NikkiInStitches.com. Your responses will come right to me, and only me!
I can’t exactly explain why, but when I do crafts like making a doll or an animal or anything that requires a face, I do that last and I get so distressed that it won’t look pretty or cute or whatever it should look like. I really stress myself out. Usually I do just fine, but I really put myself under pressure. (I need therapy :)) I quilt, crochet, embroider, needlefelt and. in years past, macramed and cross stitched. I love them all. I don’t have any one in my family who does these things and they don’t appreciate the effort and energy that goes into the things I make. So, I pretty much don’t make them anything anymore. I am only really confident in embroidery. Quilting is hard because I have a really old machine and doing it by hand, which takes for-ev-er, makes me reluctant to even undertake the effort. Though I have done it and will continue to do it, it’s moved lower on my list. The other thing is, money is a factor, I would love to do other things, like scrapbooking, but can’t really branch out into new venues. I have always worked, so finding time is difficult, and with kids, my time gets eaten up. But, I have always loved creating things and I will continue to do so. I don’t have a dedicated area to do my crafts so I tend to do things that are portable, so I can take them with me to wherever I can find a space to spread out my stuff. But, then I have to pack up again and so goes the drudgery of getting it out, packing it up, etc. And, I do keep things handy so if I have even a 15 minute window of time available, I make the most of it. I love creating and plan to the rest of my life. One huge thing I would like from craft artisans is very clear, explicit directions. Don’t assume I know anything (or not that much)! Lots of really close up pictures. I tend to be a visual learner and that helps me most of all. I love your website and the way you explain things. Keep up the good work and I’ll be looking forward to more great ideas from you. Thanks for asking!