Knitting, crocheting, painting, sewing, upcycles and paint by numbers.
I love them all. With so many choices I have to ask.
What's your favorite craft?
A lot of people make a bucket list to plan it all out and while I am the ultimate list person, I prefer a more open ended plan so I can fit in a lot of crafting.
Especially Christmas crafting!
I know that's counterintuitive.
I should be outside, enjoying sun and surf in June, July and August, not holed up inside painting or knitting or stitching.
Those are activities to fill up the long chilly months of winter.
Right?
Well, that seems rationale, but once fall hits, I have to run kids around to what seems like non-stop activities and my commitments mount.
There is very little time for artistic pursuits.
When I do get a moment, it's in between errands and my coat is usually on.
 |
| Me...crafting with my coat on. |
Once finals are over, and sweater weather disappears, I start thinking about all the fun things I could make.
I have time to dig deep into my craft closet, I can revel in each brushstroke and maybe even have time to learn something new.
For a few years now, crochet has been tops on my list.
I keep saying that I am going to teach myself how to do it. Santa brought me all the supplies a few years ago, I'm all set to make my own crocheted potholders ~ among other items.
I just need the time.
Summertime!
Painting is another favorite of mine and this I actually know how to do!
I love to stencil and transform wood with a simple coat of color, but this summer I want to return to my roots and try some freehand work again.
It's been a really long time, but there are so many tutorials out there to inspire me, I think I could create something neat.
I have knit in the past, but my skill set is limited to straight lines.
Needless to say, I have a lot of scarves. I would love to learn how to make something a little bit more exciting.
I'm not sure what exactly, but at this point, I would settle for a cowl. My daughter recently knit a top. I'm so impressed.
Sewing is another activity where my dreams exceed my know how.
I do try to sew one new thing a season, though.
My machine hates me and we wrestle our way through it, but it makes me feel better to actually use some of the fabric I cannot stop myself from buying.
This year I have already made a few new valances. I would still like to make pillow covers, a bolster cover and if I could raise the bar a little, pajama pants.
I bought some fabric for this purpose years ago when my kids were small. I figure if I start in June, I may have half a pair finished by December.
Or college.
We'll see.
Years ago I started working on a duvet cover.
Yeah, that's not done yet, either.
Maybe I should put my efforts into gardening. I consider gardening to be an art form and one that I enjoy.
Even if the plants don't.
There's something about the smell of the flowers and the feel of my hands in dirt that I adore. Although, my favorite activity in the garden is deadheading flowers. It's meditative.
I'm also very good at it.
It might have something to do with the fact that those flowers are already dead.
That's what my husband says, anyway.
He thinks he's being funny, but I think he's right! Shhh.
The last crafty pursuit on my list is paint by numbers. I know that many of you are a fan of this, too. Adult kits have recently become very popular.
Frankly, I don't think it was ever unpopular. Who doesn't like to paint?
It's another form of meditation for me.
When my kids were little, I always painted along with them.
I think I had more fun than they did. Of course, now I have moved on from Bugs Bunny and Disney Princess watercolors to more elaborate designs on canvas, but the thrill of adding paint to the page, is still there.
So now that I've shared, I'd really like to know.
What is your favorite type of craft for summer? Or any season for that matter?
Please share with me either here or on Facebook. You can also hit reply if you receive my emails.
This is your chance to inspire me!
Plus, I'd love to include some of your specific interests in my upcoming posts.
Cater to my audience, as they say.
Solve your crafty problems, answer your questions or introduce you to new ideas.
Especially for the holidays!
When I'll be back to painting in my coat.
Ugh.
I craft in other seasons, too!
My daughter-in-law came over today & we made terrariums. As I dug through my stash of stuff to find things to decorate them with I told her I collect projects. I collect things I hope to do! i guess I do actually get some things done...the terrariums turned out beautifully.
ReplyDeleteProbably my # 1 craft is gardening, not just growing but creating fun garden decor (containers, signs, furniture, fairy gardens, ect). I've tried about every craft there is but gardening is the one I return to the most.
Oh, terrariums! I used to do that with my sisters back in the 70's, Jenny!! I loved that and I know it is back big time right now! I really have to add that too the list. I think I may actually be able to keep those plants alive! ;)
DeleteI get together with my sister and/or friends and we make wreaths - we always have a different one for each season or holiday. I also like to paint - on canvas or wood - I'm an amateur, though! I love gardening and cooking, so there is always some fun way to spend my time. I also read a lot - especially in the winter!
ReplyDeleteI'm a big wreath fan, Barb! That is really one of my favorite DIYs. I need more doors and walls to hang them on!!
DeleteGardening and making jewelry seem to be my craft. When too hot outside jewelry gives me the colorful lift I need.
ReplyDeleteJewelry making is one I have never tried. I did see a rings made out of old spoons and forks once. I would like to make those!!
DeleteI love to garden and make floral arrangements and wreaths. I love that big red wreath in your kitchen. Big and bold.
ReplyDeleteMyrna
Thanks Myrna!! That is one of my favorites, too!! :)
DeleteI love to garden and paint. Walls, furniture, doors...as long as I have a paint brush in my hand I'm happy. I'm hoping to get back to it soon.
ReplyDeleteYou are an adventurous crafter, my friend!! I like little paint jobs. I hope you are painting again soon, too...and I can't wait to see your projects!
DeleteI love gardening and crocheting Potholders with cotton yarn! Summer is the perfect time for crafting as we don't have to rush around as much! I love those snowman gloves you painted! You have inspired me to do a project like that. I would also like to start collecting items to make a fairy garden as they are all the rage right now. Yay for summer and I hope you have a great one! :)
ReplyDeleteYou do beautiful crochet work, Julie. I really have to dig in and learn already!! I am always inspired by your lovely creations!
DeleteNot really a craft for me . . .
ReplyDeleteBut, summertime let's me arrange flowers . . .
I make trips to the consignment, resale shops to find tiny cream pitchers
to arrange flowers in . . . and then I snip and play and giveaway . . .
Oh Lynne, I am a sucker for tiny pitchers, too. I have to look away...too many...but never too many!! ;)
DeleteLike you, I collect projects. Lol! I want to do ALL of the things!
ReplyDeleteLet's see, does remodeling count? We do a lot of that, the hubs and I. Unfortunately, were 90 percenters. We get 90 percent done and then run out of steam. Sigh.
I make crazy quilts and those are a lot of fun. I sew.....clothing and household goods. I make aprons out of old clothes and use the scraps from those in my quilts. I do some reupholstering.....not a lot of fun. I crochet....mostly afghans, totes, cowls and rugs. I paint although not very well. You're snowmen are fabulous and I'm jealous! Some jewelry making. A little creative cooking. A little gardening.
Actually, between the four of us....me, the hubs and our grown son and daughter..... there's not much that at least one of us can't do so I've dabbled in lots of things. One of the oddest was making a coracle (a round boat) with my son. Why? Just because. Lol!
By the way, when I first started sewing (many moons ago) my machine hated me too. I thought I was a pretty incompetent seamstress. Wasn't me. It was the machine. A good machine makes all the difference in the world. Doesn't have to be new or fancy. The two best machines that I have are a 30 year old Bernina and a Singer from the 50s. Not a computer chip in sight!
I have a very basic machine, Kim. It does the job, but truth be told, I think the problem is not the machine, but the operator!! ;) You sound like a very accomplished crafter! I would love to be proficient seamstress. Maybe someday!!
DeleteLike I assume many others my crafting has ebbed and flowed as my life situation has changed. I have tended to be a pattern follower not an ad libber so painting and anything too artsy has not been my thing. I have tried knitting but never got very good at it. I did crochet a couple of baby blankets. My babies are all grown up so you know how long ago that was. When I was able to see better I did counted cross stitch and hardanger which I enjoyed. I also used to sew more detailed stuff. I sewed clothes for my kids when they were young and several christening dresses. Now I sew less detailed stuff like pillows and table linens when I can get the machine needle threaded. Now that Cricut links to a computer I do paper crafts. Fun topic. I look forward to reading the comments and any follow up posts.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to try the Cricut, but I am cheap and not sure if I would use it enough. I am always intrigued when people mention their machines. I can relate to your crafting ebbs and flows. I guess each stage of life brings more or less free time and ability. My eyesight is ok now, but my hands get tired sometimes after sewing…maybe too much computer work!! Of course!! :)
DeleteIf you have never really seen the cricut work there are tons of videos on you tube but if you know how it works and just don't know if you will use it that is a different story. I bought the one that I use for my daughter and she rarely used it. She didn't take it along to college so it has been here at the farm. It has only been the last couple of years that I have done much with it. I think a lot of people use it for card making or scrap booking. It used to be that you had to buy lots of cartridges in order to cut the different shapes but now there are digital images that can be purchased over the internet and there is a subscription deal that allows lots of images to cut. I have an older version but the new ones can also draw images when you sub out a pen for the cutter and I think that there is one version that you can design your own images. I am not able to do either of those but it is still fun.
DeleteKim, I've seen some of your crafts and they are all so special. Love the snowmen painted on the mittens. When the sun is out is when I come alive "inside" the house. That is when I feel crazy about cleaning. Bad weather, I just want to sit and do nothing. It's a good thing that my garden takes care of itself..Have a good weekend..Judy
ReplyDeleteMy garden takes care of itself too, Judy! Thank goodness!! If I were responsible for any more than just deadheading, I wouldn't have much of garden, that's for sure! ;)
DeleteI love that rock pic! I guess i have too many things I like to do but not sure I am very good at any of them. I saw an idea just recently how to make a lamp out of tea cups and teapots. Maybe a new interest! Lol. Other than that I love to garden and see. Great post.
ReplyDeleteGardening is fast becoming one of my favorites, too. I wish I were better at it but I feel bad making the sweet little plants my guinea pigs!! ;)
DeleteYour bobbin picture just cracked me up!!! Why? WELL because the other day I managed to load a bobbin wrong.
ReplyDeleteDo you know how long it takes to get all of the thread off of a bobbin. LOL it's no fun. Your knitting is lovely. I tried to teach myself that about 2-3 years ago and finally decided that I'd better stick to quilting. However I did buy some crochet stuff, thinking THAT might be easier and it's sat in the same place on a shelf for two years ...I guess it's a bucket list thing! :)
Deb!!! I know!!! I had to do this recently and it was so.not.fun!! AND if I could quilt like you, that is the only crafting I would be doing!!
DeleteI love to deadhead flowers too! The best ones are the mums in the fall. It takes awhile, but it's so satisfying when they re-bloom a few weeks later. I mostly find myself wanting to do crafts in the fall when the weather cools down. I always see pretty fabric that I want to buy, but since I don't sew, I usually pass it up. I love all your craft posts. You always inspire me!
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I love deadheading my daylilies! I have never popped the top off a mum. It is now on my list, Lisa!!
DeleteYour scarf is gorgeous...do I see some bling in there, in the form of sequins? :) that's my kind of knitting!!
ReplyDeleteYes…bling!! I say the more sparkle, the better!! :) And thank you!!
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI think I have tried almost every craft...and I too have some unfinished projects that have been there for years! ;)
I just seem to have too many interests...lol!
With our present move to a smaller home it forced me to purge a lot of my craft supplies and I think this is a good thing...it's easy to hoard things away for 'some day'...well for me anyways!
The photo of the bobbin was too funny, been there!
Have a wonderful rest of your week! Hugs!
I have a stash of unfinished projects, too, Kimberley! I have a someday pile to get to, too. ;) Maybe someday...
DeleteI love making cards, handmade books, decorative tags, etc. But, my arthritic hands no longer cooperate. That goes for embroidery and crocheting too. So, my hands are now used to garden, decorate and then take photos.
ReplyDeleteI have never tried embroidery, Carol, although I would love to.
DeleteThere are very few crafts that I haven't tried in my lifetime. My favorites are definitely sewing and painting. Crochet is just too slow for me. Interesting to read everyone's favorite pastime.
ReplyDeleteJudy
Sewing and painting seem to be tops for me too, Judy!! :)
DeleteHi Kim, Well, I've just about tried all the crafts out there, but of course, painting is my fav even though for me I don't really think of it as a craft, since I have painted nearly everyday over the last 35 years. It's like breathing. After painting, I love decorating, crocheting, sewing, stitch work, gardening, paper crafts, photography and well, I guess too many to continue. haha
ReplyDeleteThanks for this fun post!
You certainly have tried them all and I since I have seen your work, I can say mastered them all as well!! :)
DeleteHa! Knitting...yep, me too, I have a lot of scarves.
ReplyDeleteI am suppose to be making a T-shirt quilt for my son Sam who is 16. The plan was to give it to him on his 16th birthday. I am now thinking 18.
Today I made homemade cards. I enjoy making cards using stamps, stickers, paper, color pencils and markers. :-) My boys made one for Father's Day, we had a fun day.
Carla
I make my own Christmas gift tags, but I haven't ventured into cards. I would like to give that a shot. I started a cross stitch baby quilt when I was expecting. I never finished it. My baby leaves for college in the fall!! ;)
DeleteI can't draw or paint worth a darn, but stenciling fills the bill for me. So easy to select a pattern and just daub on the paint to create a lovely design in no time flat, no talent needed. I did an ivy vine around the powder room, and now am considering re-doing the kitchen in a wisteria pattern. My advice: buy a small stencil and no more than two colors to start. Practice on paper before attempting a big project, and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteStenciling has always been a favorite of mine, too! In my old house every room had a stenciled border. Here I do small projects and that suits me just fine! Great tips!!
DeleteI love any and all projects, but like you, not all of them love me. :)
ReplyDeleteI try to achieve a happy medium when doing a craft...something that isn't too difficult, but is somewhat challenging. It's a good idea to learn new skills, but if something is frustrating (for me that's knitting), it may be time to move on.
xxx
Yup...not into frustrating either, Doreen! I like to create new things. Then I get to make up the rules. Can't mess that up!! ;)
DeleteI've been painting furniture and cabinets with chalk paint, and I am working on sewing baby quilts and snuggly blankets for my granddaughters that are both due this Fall!
ReplyDeleteI have never tried chalk paint, Deanna. I think I may try it out on something small. Congrats on those fall babies!! How fun!
DeleteI love to garden, sew, knit, quilt and read/watch anything that has to do with mysteries. My crafts are seasonal which allows me to have multiple ones. Today I deadheaded 3 climbing roses.
ReplyDeleteI like rotating crafts with the seasons, too, Cathy. Christmas is my favorite time to marathon create!!
DeleteI love deadheading flowers too :) Its therapeutic to see new blooms after removing the dead ones! I love gardening during the summer months, short though it may be:( And of course painting and creating jewelry relaxes me! Hugs, Poppy
ReplyDeleteI love being in the garden and feeling the sun on my body as I pluck those dead flowers! Vitamin D and some crafty activity! :)
DeleteWhat a fun post, Kim! I like to do a lot of the same things you mentioned, but gardening really isn't much of a thrill for me. I love the end result, but my back doesn't care too much about the "getting there" part. I've really started to enjoy crocheting. I'm self-taught with the aid of YouTube....dishcloths are a great way to practice different stitches and they are fast. I've been a bit more adventuresome trying hearts and flowers, etc., but pretty much stick to squares and rectangular things! I think you probably know from IG, that The Man and I have been working on a remodel of my craft room. All of the big stuff is done, and I am now organizing, purging and putting away all of my stuff. I keep telling myself that I'm anxious to get it put together so I can start making pretty things; but, you know, I think I'm coming to the realization that I enjoy organizing all of my things more than I enjoy putting them to use. Weird I know, but I am having a blast! I will get to the "making pretty stuff" part, just sayin'! I do have a lot of "inside time" time to spend in my craft room, because the HEAT is on here in AZ....predicted to reach 118* tomorrow! Nope, not planning to be outside!
ReplyDeleteI hope you really enjoy your summer time!
Cool hugs (because "warm" hugs sound kind of sweaty!)
Carol
Learning to crochet is on my shortlist, Carol. I am going to try to carve out some time to spend watching YouTube. I just want to do it when it’s raining outside! ;) I am laughing at your organizing vs using the space comment. I feel that way about my blog sometimes. I like playing with the design and tidying up, more than the actual promoting and working aspect! Funny, isn’t it?
DeleteI am a jack of many crafts, master of none :-)
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
I tend to disagree, my friend, but your comment made me giggle. As usual! Hope you are having a fabulous week! :)
DeleteHi Kim!
ReplyDeleteI dabble in this and that. I am mix of precise and then not so much, so for me it is wise to have several things going on. Gardening being one of them, although it is getting so hot and my garden is not very happy:(
Your garden is spectacular, Jemma!! I, sadly, do not have a green thumb, but I am a master at admiring! ;)
DeleteSEWING....hands down!! I can't color because I have no idea what goes with what. I don't paint for the same reason. I can do beading, but I get bored. I don't like using glue...it sticks to me. Gardening is fun until it quits raining and the temps skyrocket. Just give me a picture and piece of fabric and I am good to go....tablecloths, pillows, duvet's, curtains, throws, comforters, chair cushions, shower curtains...yee-haw, I've even been known to use a heavy fabric to make a rug!! My machine is 47 years old and knows how to make everything from christening gowns to bimini boat awnings. It is VERY well trained!
ReplyDeleteHave a fun summer crafting all the good stuff :^)
Blessings,
J
Your comment made me laugh, J!! I wish I were a better seamstress than I, but I get by. I think I need a well trained machine!! That’s my problem. I’m sure of it! Ha! ;-)
ReplyDelete