I find that the busier I am, the more I need my hobbies! Not only do these diversions reduce tension, they also stretch my mind and make me more innovative in my paid work. I regularly snatch a bit of time to work on something earth-shatteringly important like:
- transforming an old bookcase with a can of paint
- creating a scrapbook page
- working on a sewing project
- potting herbs for my tabletop garden …
These may not seem like critical tasks but they ARE critical to my sanity! Here are some ideas to help you move beyond “I really don’t have the time or money to pursue a creative interest.”
I keep all the supplies for this project spread out on my craft table so I can work on it whenever I have a snippet of time.
Keep it handy: Set up a space where you can work on your stuff and keep out a project in progress. Then you can work on it in ten-minute increments. If you don’t have a room or table to devote to your projects, you could place them on a rolling cart that you store in a closet. Right now, I have the following spread out on my craft table: seashells from our recent Florida trip, two small prints I purchased from Florida artist Cara Roy, along with two frames, watercolor paints, paper and brushes. I plan to use the watercolors to paint photo mats for the prints then attach the seashells on the mats to surround the prints. Now, if I can just find a smidgen of time to work on the project!
This project took just minutes to complete. I stitched together loops of ribbon and attached fabric flowers with buttons to make napkin rings.
Make it snappy: You don’t need to spend large chunks of time on a hobby to be renewed. One friend who travels often as a consultant keeps his photography hobby alive by snapping shots of all the destinations he visits. Even with a jam-packed schedule, there is a way. The sewing projects I work on these days tend to be short and sweet so I can complete them quickly. For example, I recently sewed strips of wide ribbon into a loop. Then I hand stitched a large fabric flower, along with a button, to the ribbon. Taa Daa! Cute napkin rings in no time! (Which is about how much time I had to work on this project!)
Do it frugally: Creating does not need to be pricey. The potted herbs I mentioned? You can purchase an herb plant from Wal-Mart for just a couple of bucks.
Repeat after me: “I am NOT a slave to my busy schedule!” There, I feel better already. Now excuse me, while I go to my project room …
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Share with us what creative projects you do to restore your soul. How did you find the time to do them?
Gardening is my passion, as are pets. It is just a way of life.
I’ve always got a couple (or 3 or 4) projects in progress. Right now I’m embroidering & appliqueing Christmas stockings, making little handmade gifts for the friends I’ll be meeting up with this summer (it’s a tradition among us), crocheting when I get bored with the stockings and working on my genealogy.
It seems the less time I have, the more I want to work on my fun projects. I agree, they are great for reducing stress! I can do the needlework while watching t.v. I can get really caught up in genealogical research but usually at the cost of lost sleep.
For the stress of worrying about something, I do crossword or jigsaw puzzles. Being so focused on one thing like that helps to keep my mind from wandering to the “what-ifs” that worrying creates.
Those napkin rings are so cute!!
Great ideas, Lori! I’m particularly impressed that you work on Christmas projects throughout the year. That is a clever way to avoid the November panic of trying to pull together projects fast.
Nancy,
Do you find ways to pursue your gardening in the winter months, such as growing seedlings under a grow lamp?
Love the idea of the rolling cart in the closet! I have always struggled with “I can’t start because i won’t have time to finish” syndrome. You’ve inspired me! Now if I can just make space in the closet for that craft cart. . . . .
I’m with you Martha! My closets are the messiest part of my house. That’s how I fake a clean house — just stuff things in the closets!