The list of craft projects I want to work on is ridiculously long right now. And just about every day, it's getting longer. But I've been realizing, my crafting habits have changed a bit in the past few months.
I used to craft with a purpose. I crafted with a goal in mind. I want to make this so I can put it there and look at it then and call it pretty. Now I craft because I want to create. It lights my heart on fire. Sure, it'll be nice to have something fun at the end, but truly, I'm realizing my excitement now comes from the creating. From the glue on my fingers, the glitter on my forehead, the paint on my shirt. I love coming home to see my crafts spread out on the kitchen table, all screaming at me to play with them some more. This is definitely new.
I have one project started in the spare room, one in the kitchen, a couple on the table and still another on the floor. A handful of others are listed on post-it notes on my bulletin board or stored in the closet.
It used to bother me to have so many ongoing, unfinished projects- especially if the supplies have been left out for days. I use to finish one before I started another. Now I just work and work and work. Instead of feeling complete when I finish a project, I feel recharged. I can't wait to get back into the process. It's like reading a good book. Once you get to the end, you're glad to be there, but there's an aching part of you that yearns for more. You're strangely sad it's over.
I choose to spend most Saturdays now (and dollars) at the craft store. I love bringing home new supplies and then finding old supplies in my closet that I can use too. I hardly ever make a list of what I need at the store (like I do when I grocery shop) because I think I secretly hope I forget something I need. Then I can hurry back.
As much as I enjoyed preparing for our wedding, I'm so excited to really be experiencing the homework-free lifestyle for the first time. With Jeremiah studying for the CPA exam, I originally wanted to take a sewing class and learn Italian. I didn't get into the sewing class, and well.. the Italian takes a little more discipline than my anxious self can devote right now. So i figure, for now... let the creative juices flow. Enjoy this time to myself, this time to discover more about who I am.
A couple things I'm working on right now: a Christmas wreath, an advent calendar, our stockings, a Christmas present for a friend, a little display of our wedding vows, and some unique little paintings.
