A Crafty Obsession {Cre8time Challenge}

As you may know, I’ve been taking part in a challenge sponsored by Cre8time and Michaels Craft Stores in which I was charged to spend an hour a day creating for eight days straight. I’m at the end of that challenge, and while I can’t say I hit the mark every single day, I certainly got more creative time in than I normally would and got some projects taken care of that I have wanted to do for a long time.

Unfortunately there’s not a lot new to report since my last dispatch, because I’ve basically been working on just one thing: cross stitch.

I told you last time that I picked a pattern I found highlighted on Connie’s site and started stitching, and I pretty much haven’t stopped since.

I’ve been cross stitching in a way that I often knit. The project has been on my desk, and I’ll pick it up while I’m waiting for something to download, watching a video on my computer or even reading long e-mails. Whenever there’s a lull or I need a break I’ll pick it up.

And I’d say I’m making good progress. I’m really slow because I’m so out of practice, but I finished the edging and most of the two highlight colors (which I’ve done in shades of purple instead of the blue and teal the pattern called for). Then I’ll just have the background to finish up, which I’m stitching in lavender instead of ecru. I don’t know what I’m going to do with it when it’s done. Any ideas?

That problem of what to do with cross stitch things when they’re finished is the main reason I don’t think I’m adding cross stitch to my regular crafting rotation, but it sure has been fun for a few days.

Observations and Reflections

This creative challenge was a lot of fun for me, and inspirational in lots of ways. I still have a long (probably even longer now) list of crafty to-dos, but I’m choosing to look at that as a good thing.

I learned that I do in fact have time for more creativity in my life. I did most of my extra time during what would normally be working hours, which did put me behind on things, but at least I know that the time is there if I want it or need it. You probably can’t take time from work to create, but maybe you can think of a way to create more time (see what I did there?) in your schedule for creative activities.

I did find that, because I was taking “work” time to create (even though making stuff is my job), I felt a little guilt about it and pressure to get things done quickly. Thus the huge number of projects I started in the beginning. By the end I was able to calm down and focus on just the one project, which was nice.

I think the main thing I learned from this challenge, though, is that creativity can and should happen any time. It doesn’t have to go into a precious time you’re carved out in advance. It can be as simple as taking a fun picture of your kids playing at the park and sharing it on Facebook, engaging in a finger-painting session (with or without a kid to help) or doing a little stitching in front of the TV or while you’re reading something.

Using those pockets of time keeps your creativity flowing all day long, and will probably mean you get more projects done, too.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little crafty diversion; I know I have. What crafts other than knitting do you enjoy? I’d love to hear what you’re up to when you’re not stitching.