Exploring New Crafts vs Sticking to Favorites: My Journey

Learning new crafts is one of my greatest joys, much like discovering new hobbies. Each new skill brings a sense of excitement and wonder, making each endeavor incredibly fulfilling. However, it's not always easy to resist the urge to keep moving forward, especially when it comes to family expectations and the joy I bring to them with my creations. For instance, I handcraft beautiful pieces for family members on special occasions, like Christmas and birthdays. But beyond that, I find it rewarding to revive old crafts and give them new life through my unique touch.

Floating Between New and Familiar Crafts

I always find new crafts incredibly appealing. There's an urge to try something entirely new and exciting. Over the years, I've experimented with various crafts, including mixed media paintings, crochet, weaving, felting, collage, photography, jewelry making, and soft pastel drawings. These endeavors keep my creativity alive and vibrant. Yet, when I realize I'm not mastering them proficiently, I often revert to what I know best, which is pencil drawing. Pencil drawing provides a stable foundation because I'm already comfortable with it, whereas other crafts require a lot more time and patience to perfect.

Continuous Learning and Adapting

Even though I stick to certain crafts, I constantly deepen my skills. For example, my journey in crochet was a turning point. Initially, I considered myself competent, but discovering Ravelry, a platform for enthusiasts, opened my eyes to the vastness of what crochet has to offer. Similarly, my passion for knitting expanded as I delved deeper into the various aspects of the craft. I acknowledge that there is still much to learn about both crochet and knitting. While I am enthusiastic about languages, my interests are currently leaning towards mastering them rather than diving into crafts that would require extensive new equipment.

Seeking New Methods in Familiar Crafts

One of my current focuses is to learn new techniques, particularly in yarn art and mosaics. While I enjoy the outcomes of these crafts, I find the process of acquiring and perfecting new techniques to be incredibly satisfying. Whether it's a new stitch method or a novel way of expressing myself in familiar materials, these techniques keep me motivated and engaged. Whether I’m working with paper, silk, and gold leaf for quilled collages or creating handmade jewelry with unique stones, there’s always something new to explore and refine.

Embracing New Challenges

Despite my love for crochet, I recognize that I need to branch out and try new crafts. Currently, I am working on integrating new principles into my quilting with paper, silk, and gold leaf techniques. This pastime has been a part of my creative journey since 1982, and while I’ve been involved in the production aspects of art, I continue to appreciate the new ways I can manipulate these materials. Additionally, my interest in handmade jewelry with unusual stones remains strong. Since retiring, I have picked up lessons, finding the process both challenging and gratifying.

In conclusion, while the urge to explore new crafts is significant, the comfort and joy of sticking to favorites are just as appealing. Balancing between these two aspects not only enriches my creative life but also ensures a sustainable and fulfilling artistic journey. Whether it's learning new techniques, mastering old ones, or reviving long-forgotten passions, my love for all things crafty is a journey that continues to captivate my imagination.