Jumping into a new craft

Starting a new craft can be intimidating and it's not uncommon for folks to buy all the things they need to start a craft and then let it collect dust on a shelf. I'm here to inspire you to actually complete your project! I love dabbling in different crafts and I'd love to help you learn how to confidently start a new hobby.

Craft Skills that I currently have:

• Drawing using the Procreate App

• Cricut: printing and cutting stickers (using my own designs from Procreate!)

• Baking

• Fake "Cakes" (using my baking/ decorating skills)

• Punch Needle work (similar to embroidery)

• Weaving (yarn) plastic canvases (usually to make purses)

• Basic Crochet (The skill I am currently focused on learning)

The best thing about crafts/ hobbies is that there is NO wrong way to do them! The only wrong way to do them is to not do them at all, especially when you happen to have the supplies sitting right there!

If you don't have the supplies, I recommend finding a starter kit. Starter kits are a great way to see if you enjoy a craft. You might find that you don't enjoy a craft you start, and that is okay! For example, I've tried embroidery a few times and I hate it. I hate the small needles, and I find myself continually pricking my fingers. It's not relaxing for me, and I prefer crafts that I can relax and watch TV while doing it. It can be hard to control yourself from buying a million things to start a craft, but let's be honest, we don't always get back to it. Starter kits give you the basic directions to teach you how to do, which is always a great resource when beginning, and they also give you the perfect number of materials to complete the project. If you start it and find you aren't that interested, you can always donate the materials, and it saves you from wasting tons of money on a craft that doesn't interest you.

Want to start a new craft, but don't know what to pick from? There are thousands of hobbies and crafts to get into, and the best resource is right at your fingertips. TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest are great ways to find a new niche. You can see what everyone's current hyper fixation is, or you can start a craft that has been taught for centuries; maybe make a hybrid craft that utilizes multiple skills. Inspiration can be found anywhere, and this is a great way to start.

Crafting hobbies often can't be learned over night. Don't anticipate that you will learn to crochet in one night and be ready to sell off your amigurumi that week. Chances are, you will need to get some practice in and that often means making some very demented and funky looking creatures or childlike designs on your first several attempts. We all have our crafting horrors.

Remember, talent does come naturally to some, but that doesn't mean that you can't get better. Practice makes perfect. It took me several projects to learn how to Punch Needle a project. Figuring out the space between your next stitch and which direction to go, all comes from experience.

How can you keep engaged so you don't give up? When we struggle, we often give up. If something is too repetitive, we often give up. I have found that the best way to stay engaged is to immerse yourself in the craft. Find a friend that wants to learn with you, look up videos on TikTok so they'll appear on your "for you" page or go on YouTube and inspire yourself to keep on making, and or join some Facebook or Discord groups. Having people to ask questions when you are stuck or having a video to reference can be extremely helpful. When you do need to step away, take a few days off. Come back in three days and check out the groups you've joined and watch some new videos. Reinspire yourself. Chat with people. You'll find yourself back in it.

Have any other advice for someone starting a new craft/ hobby? Comment below :)

-Melissa