It has been a while since my last blog- and I would love to tell you that it is because I have been busy crafting- however the opposite is true. For months, I have not crafted at all. I have not quilted, or sewn. I have not played with clay, felting needles, or paints. The one project I did work on was my Japanese Bunka Embroidery picture for the annual seminar in April. I enjoyed it tremendously, but because I procrastinated doing the actual stitching until the last possible moment- it was very stressful.
Before the actual stitching of the sandcastle picture that was my chosen design for this year’s seminar, I had to design the picture. Then I had to refine my design- several times. It took a while, but I finally realized that I was avoiding the actual stitching. Why? I had lost my creative flair. I wanted to craft, but I couldn’t. I still had the urge- lots of ideas floating around my head- but things never went any further.
I finally got started stitching my Bunka picture, and after many long nights, I finished it, framed it, and went to the seminar. After a long day teaching, and learning, and with a first place ribbon for the sandcastle, I came home excited and ready to do battle with my crafting demons. Thoughts of designs for several new pictures went through my mind. Determined not to get bogged down with designing, I pulled out a Bunka kit- kind of like paint by number with threads. This would be the quick and easy way to get back into crafting. The kit, a beautiful display of iris flowers and leaves, should have been a simple, and relaxing week of stitching for me.
It started out well. I loved the picture; the stitching was going well, and I was pleased with the progress. And then- I stopped. Why? It is difficult to get that feeling of creativity back- and impossible to force.
Today, I tried a different project. I worked on a clay over cloth doll. I turned on music, and sat at my sewing machine. I had already familiarized myself with what i needed to do, so I jumped right in. It didn’t feel right, but I kept at it. By the end of the day, I had accomplished what I set out to do. Tomorrow, I will work on the next steps.
Will this put an end to my crafter’s block? Somehow, I doubt it. I do know, however, that it felt good today to push through, and get something done. Perhaps that is my best advice to others going through a similar block. Do something- try a new craft, go back to a familiar one. Maybe inspiration won’t hit right away, but sort of like that daily exercise routine- once you get back into the routine, it isn’t long before it gets easier, and you will get excited by the results of your work.
