I would be a lousy scrapbooker. I have pretty poor spatial arrangement skills, so I’m lousy at model making, and my handwriting is like a serial killer’s. But as a mom I think I need one craft up my sleeve, right? Also, all those scrapbooking things are expensive, and I haven’t developed a picture since Vivien was 2 and half, so that can’t be my craft.
I’m thinking sewing. I’m not talking skilled like sewing mom. But I could at least make the kind of stuff my mom used to… I think.
Does a mom need to have a craft?
So we had these old mismatched dining room chairs in our basement. They were left by my husband’s ex-wife who is a pretty crafty lady and has impeccable taste (especially in men, which come to think of it, has a lot to do with why she’s no longer married to my hubby, but that’s a whole different blog post).
Anyway, one day I got a wild hair up my butt and dragged those chairs up from the basement, gave them a good once over with furniture polish and recovered them to match our newly remodeled home office. I had no clue what I was doing, but found a How-to video online (I heart Youtube), and they turned out really great.
Now I don’t let anyone sit it them because I love them so much.
My point is that I too am NOT a crafty person, but I can be if I apply myself and it was a huge confidence booster to do something creative that enhanced our home. So, do moms need to have a craft? No, but we do need to have an outlet for ourselves…whatever that may be.
My problem is that I become obsessed and am now trying to recover every piece of furniture and throw pillow in our home.
Is there a 12-step program for this?
@BeingSuper
I know..I know..I was so sick and tired of figuring out how I wanted my children to remember me by…I finally just came out and asked all 3, “what is mommy good at?”
Therein was my answer…their perception of me, not my reality..all 3 said I’m an awesome cook. So, that’s what I concentrate on…can’t miss when they already think I’m da bomb in that area.
Good luck, let me know how Viv sees you….
I can’t wait to see your costumes. Give it a try…It might be easier than you think. What a awesome handmade dress up dress for Vivian.
kristen, I still miss these cushions for my build it in our old house. they stayed with the house. a mandarian red that were featured in many a ool mom vid. I’m sure if I had made them myself , instead of picking it out and hiring someone, I would have slept with them at night. good for you.
A- awesome cook, yeah, stop there. I need to make more than the 4 things in my routine… hmm, perhaps I should read mark’s book!
Love this post. Not every mom has to have a craft, but if you need inspiration, please check out my new book, which features over 60 of some of the webs most talented crafty mamas who blog as well.. (I know shameless plug, but a girl has to sell books…and I’m competing with Mackenzie Phillips at this point) so, us bloggin’ mamas have to stick to together (like the mafia)
There are all kinds of “crafts”..my craft is writing about other moms who craft…lol
Find it on my website: http://www.tarafrey.com
Can’t wait to see what you sew up
You can do it!
-Tara
I totally wish my kids would say my cooking is one of the things they LOVED among my skills, but unfortunately, I’m afraid they’ll say things like “talking on the phone”, or “typing on computer” as my top skills.
Last year I did try the sewing thing a little bit to make my kids’ costumes and got inspired. Only thing I sewed in this picture is my baby girl’s princess Leah outfit and her head piece. It only took 20 mins to sew both, and I barely know how to sew.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_izn1aKAzQ3o/SQv2v7Z0QxI/AAAAAAAAAXM/421lmc9Mza0/s1600-h/Halloween+3.jpg
This year, I think I’m just going to repurpose last year’s. Maybe it will finally fit this year.
I think every HUMAN should have a craft. I can’t imagine going through life without making things, but that’s just my personal headspace. I’ve gotten to the point where I sew about 20-30% of my family’s clothes. Last year I finally tried my hand at making a coat for my son. He wanted something piratey, so I made him this: http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp133/ladyofnomads/SDC10201_r1.jpg
I’ve made a few costumes, and yes the quality is better, and it’s cheaper than buying one (important if say, you have a new baby and you AND your husband get laid off together), but more importantly, you have the opportunity for something really unique. My son was The Riddler last year, and this year he wants to be Mario. Finding that at a store would be virtually impossible. They seem to all sell the same 10 outfits, and who wants to wear the exact same costume as somebody else?
My grandmother made all of my prom and homecoming dresses. My mom made most of my Halloween costumes. Where is my crafty talent?
Shortly after my son was born (he’s 5 now), I decided to learn to sew. When he was really little, I made 1 or 2 things a week (or sometimes more). I had a strict “I only sew straight lines” rule for awhile— lots of baby blankets, placemats, table runners, napkins, pillowcases, window treatments, etc. Then I branched out and made cute little pants with ruffles on the bottom for friends who had little girls. I love to sew, but as the kiddo gets older, it’s much more difficult to find the time. Now that he’s in Kindergarten, I’m slowly rediscovering the sense of accomplishment from choosing a perfect fabric and turning it into something I made all by myself.
Wow! I’m honored to even be mentioned! The funny thing is, I’ve sewn all my life, but really got back into it because I was tired of paying money for all those crappy Halloween costumes. Those store bought things barely make it through a night of trick or treating before they have to be thrown in the trash so I decided to start making my daughter’s costumes.