Why I craft

Tagged by Tracy in October, for a “Why do you craft?” meme, so please allow me to tell you why:

Q. When did you start to create and make crafts?

A. I suppose it began when I was serving in a Christian ministry, where everyone would make encouragement cards to send to each other within the ministry. Both senders and receivers can pin up or pick up their cards on the “encouragement board” (that’s the name of the notice board) hung in our meeting room in campus.

cards made by friends

I’ve pulled out some of the handmade cards from the stack for I MUST show you the encouragement given to me from my friends! Don’t they look fabulous? It’s quite a good thing that e-cards were unheard of back then!

I don’t remember the kind of cards I made for them but one thing’s for sure, we all had a fun and meaningful time with paper, pen and words while serving the Lord together as students juggling lectures, tutorial and lab classes. And yes, I kept almost every card.

It was also during this time that I began beading bracelets as gifts using fishing line (as fine jewelry wire was seriously missing) which my dad had pointed out to me that it is one of the strongest strings around. He used it for his own projects.

Q. Why did you start creating?

A. As a kid, I explored my dad’s tool boxes, mom’s sewing basket and jewely boxes frequently. They were my favorite ‘hangouts’ at home. The exposure to the things stored within each box was but an informal introduction to the variety of materials available out there. Dad made clocks out of old records and he was innovative in many ways, while mom’s needlework is a skill I wish I have. I like both their styles which have an influence on me.

Q. Why do you create?

A. I find joy in the process of creating a particular something that is different or unexpected. For me, creating is also about learning, problem-solving and growing wiser.

bloom knots

Q. What do you create?

A. Websites (design and content), bloom knots, gift tags and cards. I will obey the basic laws governing a particular craft but would most definitely bend or modify the rules to see what else I can get.

Q. Has this changed since you began crafting?
A. Not really.

Q. What are your crafting goals for the future?
A. I hope to experience paper-making and maybe some sewing too.