Something I have learned recently from watching on periscope, blogger friend Gina from Shabby creek cottage. She said something that really resonated with me on a personal level that is so darn simple… write and share what you know about! I don’t know a lot:) But what I have learned to do is craft over the years. And craft on a really low budget. And I want to clarify, it’s because I like to, not necessarily have to. I mean,I don’t have money to burn, but I can afford a new pillow or new picture on occasion. But honestly, I love to make them if I can. I can share with you some of my past disasters, but I really don’t wish to look back. It’s all about moving forward in 2016, growing, learning and sharing what I know and have grown a deep passion for. I certainly can’t write about how to build a trundle bed, or how to sew your own couch slip covers. There are many blogs out there that can though.
I have been blogging for 6+ years now. I wasn’t much of a crafter, and I have shared that fact with you all several times. It’s called practice. practice, practice, trial and error.
Please be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of this post, as I have an important announcement as well:)
What I will share with you today is 5 easy tips for the newbie crafter. Many of my readers tell me they wish they could do what I can do, or had my talent. TALENT ??? I sort of shake my head on that one. To me at this point it all seems so basic. But here’s the thing….. You probably do not do it as often as perhaps I do, but you want to learn as well. I have to keep that in mind.
Y’all don’t do what I do every single day. I will be more mindful of that even when sharing my tutorials. Which btw, if there is ever a tutorial you would like for me to share again, I certainly will in a more specific and thorough manner. I wish I was more comfortable in front of the camera. But for some reason, I get this horrible stage fright, which I do not have in any sort of social setting or gatherings. But put a camera in front of me, and OYE..it’s like over analyzing and finding fault in every thing about me..it’s weird!
Let’s start with the basics.
What inspires you? Whether it be people who decorate and change their decor often (which you need money for that..lots of money) Budget friendly seasonal crafts? How to sew? How to make yummy simple recipes? Recycling craft ideas? Figure out what inspires you first moving forward.
We are all different. Which is the beauty of all man kind. Just think how boring it would be if we all were the same..all our likes, all our decor, etc. We would be a bunch of drones in the world walking around all zombie like lol.
So here are my 5 basic tips for the newbie in you.
- Start simple. Don’t go for something you see on the internet. Let’s say for example, someone making a coffee table from a pallet. In time, you may be able to tackle that, but for now, start basic, like a no sew pillow, a table runner, a mantel banner, or a simple work of art using a stencil, or perhaps like I just shared a winter snowflake frame with old book pages, mod podge and dollar tree snowflakes.
- Start budget friendly- the last thing you want to do is spend more money than you have to!
- Choose crafts that fit into your decor. Just don’t make something because you like it so much. You then wind up not knowing where to put it in your home. I have done that before. It just wasn’t me:)
- Go to the Dollar stores. There are so many things there you can look at and change up. Just don’t look at it for what it is. Whether it be a holiday sign, a glass, baskets, vases, etc. Some of my most popular crafts are made from simple ordinary items found at the dollar tree.
- Invest in craft supplies. Craft paint, chalky paint, sponge brushes, small artist brushes mod podge, twine, burlap rolls, hot glue gun and sticks, buttons, ribbon, fabrics you like, drop cloths, and last but not least, some stencils. These are all my big go to’s and you see them time and time again used for my crafts. You are more likely to get in the mood to craft when you least expect it. Like for me, sometimes it is 8:00 at night. Surely, I am not running out to the stores to get what I need. I always have the supplies on hand. It’s an investment and a small one at that, that you will use time and time again and they go along way. Especially the chalky paints. I love that stuff! It is my favorite to paint on glass with. Oh and let’s not forget a little rit dye perhaps and gesso. That’s when you are getting advanced HA!!~I hope this inspires the inner crafter in you. Forget the therapist…take up crafting. Trust me, it will save your menopausal mind, hot flashes, and the highs and lows that sometimes life brings us.
- One last thing for good measure that I plan on doing a lot more of myself this year. SHOP your own house. Surely, you have table cloths, old curtains, picture frames, old pillows, etc. Think of ways you can repurpose them and bring them back to new life. Table cloths make great window treatments. Old curtains can make cute no sew pillows. Just don’t toss them away or give them to goodwill. Just when you think you will never be able to use them. Think outside the box. You can even make cute dinner napkins from old curtains, or pillows.
Love ya guys and I wish you all the very best in 2016..and thanks for being here today. If you are new here, Welcome!! Check out my galleries while you are here. They are all beginner friendly imo. You will find all my projects per category down below:
Please feel free to share your tips! I would love to hear them.
XO
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