A Beginner’s Guide to Crafting
Start with what attracted you to want to make something. Was it jewelry, scrapbooking, sewing, or toys? What inspired you is a good place to start. The beginning of creating is to research the tools you are going to need to make your item. There may be a bit of cash outlay at first, but most tools will be used to make multiple projects so the cash outlay will be worth it.
The largest continuing cost will be the materials used for your projects. Even repurposing or recycling generally requires glue, fasteners, and adornments that must be paid for. Pace yourself at the start of a new craft to see if it is really your thing.
Here is a basic list of tools and materials that will be needed to start in crafting:
● Scissors
● Glue gun and glue sticks
● White glue
● Tape
● Ruler
● Black permanent marker
● Ink pens
● Pencil
● Eraser
● Tool box or tote bag for storage
● Pad of paper
Once you have decided which area of crafting you wish to pursue, your tools and materials will expand. Make sure you have a designated work area and storage for your works in progress, materials, and tools. Some projects require multiple steps with resting time in between. The area should be away from children and pets for their safety and the protection your project will need.
Below are different kinds of crafting. Read on, and discover which style suits you best.
Scrapbooking Scrapbooking began in the UK in the 1800s as a way to preserve the family history. Today’s scrapbooking in America keeps rising to new levels of creativity and purpose. Most scrapbooks are comprised of acid-free papers and glues to ensure the protection of the book and the work that went into it.
The materials that are available to create your craft creation are unbounded in the market today. With a little research and a trip to the craft store, you should be able to find what you need. Look online for inspiration, techniques, and materials that can bring your vision to light. Products such as translucent vellum sheets can open new realms of possibilities.
Scrapbooking is no longer just for preserving a family history. These can be memoirs of events, relationships, and journeys. They can act as a visual journal or diary. Your creative touches make the memories personal and unique. Take your time in creating them so they will be treasured.
The Craft of Repurposing
If you look at objects and see them used another way, repurposing may just be your forte. It is all the trend to take objects that have seen better days and put them together in a way that gives them new life.
Repurposing can range from jewelry and clothing to furniture and decorating accessories. Pick an area you feel comfortable with, and start junking. Be sure you have a storage area that can accommodate your finds as they can accumulate quickly.
Some jewelry-repurposing crafters even specialize in only using vintage jewelry. The will scout for vintage beads, brooches, and earrings to create a wedding bouquet. Some like to form them on a background into Christmas trees that are framed for a wall hanging. How about a holiday wreath made with jewelry designed for that occasion? These make beautiful gifts.
Using old lampshades, you can repurpose them by recovering the frame and adding beads, tassels, or ribbon. With crafting, you can redecorate any area of your house with a very limited budget. Online videos can guide you through the process of repurposing most anything letting their experience bypass your lack of knowledge.
Birdbaths
Making birdbaths is an easy and fun way to get rid of old lamp bases, flower vases, and dinner plates that have seen better days. Using a silicon epoxy, stacking these objects can make an easy and fun addition to your backyard or patio.
Just make sure you finish making a birdbath with a dish pointed upward to hold the water. The birds will love it, and you can enjoy a bit of birds washing.
Get Creative
There are plenty of crafting ideas you can find on the internet. If you don’t want to keep doing the same thing, you can always try the other areas of crafting. That way, you gain new skills and discover which projects appeal to you more.
Don’t be afraid to try or fail. There’s always room for improvement, after all.
Get Creative
There are plenty of crafting ideas you can find on the internet. If you don’t want to keep doing the same thing, you can always try the other areas of crafting. That way, you gain new skills and discover which projects appeal to you more.
Don’t be afraid to try or fail. There’s always room for improvement, after all.
