One thing that hasn’t changed since I was a girl is my creativity. Some of my favorite gifts at Christmas often revolved around creative items such as paints, markers, paint by number, and make your own (clothing, paper dolls, jewelry, perfume, etc.). I enjoyed these types of toys because not only did I have the play time, but I also had the satisfaction of the keepsake.
My grandmother was all about learning new creative endeavors. She got me involved in paint by number sets, crocheting, knitting, macrame, and velvet poster coloring. She was always learning new things. I think if she were still around today, she would’ve been into the diamond painting. It just seems like something that was right up her alley.
Even cloth dolls were something that piqued my interest.
Of course, I do come from a long line of creative individuals on both sides of my family. My dad’s sister could decorate cakes and look at something and recreate it with a sewing machine. My brother is an excellent artist. My mom’s side of the family has several artists, and one of my cousin’s son has art hanging in a gallery.
No wonder it came naturally.
I do prefer textiles as my medium, but I will still play with paints, pens, and clay. I have no problem just letting loose with paper and stamps. Crafting is a way to release our inhibitions and enjoy the moment as we immerse ourselves in the process. If we go into it without perfection, we have the ability to allow a cathartic process to happen.
For me, sewing is my creative outlet of perfectionism and release. Painting and coloring is about the process, minus perfection. It’s one of the reasons why I try to get on here and find things that I’m sure we will all enjoy doing. And sometimes, I show my imperfection in the process (and if you’ve seen my YouTube channel, you know that to be the case).
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