You've probably noticed that making things is a big part of what we do here at A Beautiful Mess. We make food, decorations, clothes, gifts, crafts, art, mistakes, blog posts and everything in between. We love a good project. And we love learning and experimenting every single day. You might think that it's a quirk or gimmick or just a trend we're stuck on. But it's not. As corny as it may sound, making is the only way of life we really understand. And, oddly enough, it's turned into our career over time.
Why make something? (especially if you could just as easily buy it) Why learn to cook something if you can just eat out? Why sew curtains when you could purchase them from Target or IKEA or (fill in the blank)? Because making can be just as fulfilling as it is functional. Please don't hear me wrong. I'm not saying you should make everything (we buy things all the time). I'm just saying you should make something. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Making encourages creativity. Maybe you don't think of yourself as a creative person. It's okay, but I gotta say, I think you're wrong. Creativity isn't just about our traditional idea of art or artists. Creativity is used by scientists, chefs, politicians, business people, etc. It's all about problem solving skills. We make crafts and bake cupcakes, sure, but we also use our creativity to solve business problems we face. Our habit of making has helped us change "I can't..." into "what if..." so many times over the years. We are SO thankful to our mother for encouraging us to be creative our whole lives.
2. Making promotes self confidence. If you are the absolute most confident person in the world, then feel free to skip this point. But, uh, I'm not. There are plenty of times when I don't feel so great about myself. Maybe I am stressing, because I forgot something important, am having trouble with a project at work, or feel insecure because I have a pimple (I'm almost 27, and, yes, I still get pimples). However serious or trivial, we all feel a little less than confident at times. Make something. Anything you want, anything that you can be proud of. And when you are done, look at this thing you have made/accomplished and just try not to feel a little better about yourself.
3. Making is personal. The best example I can think of is gift giving. I love trying to figure out the perfect thing to buy someone. Actually, Trey is REALLY good at this. I should probably work on my listening skills. But anyway, I'm not trying to say a handmade gift is better, but I will say that it is more personal. When someone gives me a scarf they knit, I know they thought about me every evening they worked on it. I would appreciate a nice store bought candle too, don't get me wrong. But making is personal. It creates a story behind the objects we give, or wear or make to decorate our homes.
Maybe you're at a place where you have filled notebooks with ideas of things you want to make or projects you want to work on but you not yet had the courage to start. Or the time (that's the excuse I always use). Start now. Make something... anything. xo. Emma
Your blog has definitely inspired me to create more! In fact, I've recently done a few home renovations using only my craftiness ;) I'll blog about them soon too!
http://charliececile.blogspot.com
Posted by: Charlie Cécile | January 16, 2013 at 06:02 PM
Great post!!!! This is everything I believe in!!! I'm constantly promoting creativity, and I'm a firm believer in doing something creative every day - the motto of one of my favorite stores: Paper Source.
Love it! Thanks for the continued inspiration!
Posted by: Jacki | January 16, 2013 at 06:09 PM
I'm so glad to see this post! I think you're so right. I used to make clothes, bake, and experiment with new hobbies all the time back in high school, but being at college has been so distracting. It was difficult to fit creative time in between reading and writing papers, and it was hard to get supplies/find space. I realized recently that I'd been feeling pretty dissatisfied and restless with my life, and that it was because I'd stopped doing creative projects. Now I've started back up again, and the thrill of dreaming about and completing projects has really revitalized me.
Posted by: Ginny | January 16, 2013 at 06:09 PM
I agree with you, I love being creative and making things and I feel lost or incomplete when I don't!
Posted by: Sydney | January 16, 2013 at 06:10 PM
Favorite. Blog. Ever. I just moved across the country on a whim and am seriously jonesing for my guitar, my painting supplies, and my craft box! I make more sense when I'm making things. Good thing I can sing/write/doodle anywhere :) :) Here's to creativity!!
Posted by: Kerry | January 16, 2013 at 06:26 PM
Yes, yes, YES! The timing of my seeing this is funny because I have been having very similar thoughts on the importance of creating things in my own life recently. I feel unfulfilled and simply not-like-myself when I am not creating...music, art, food, anything and everything in any which combination, but every single day, creating something(s)! Your arguments for being a creator, whatever that means, are well written and I hold all three as part of my personal need system.
Here is a fitting quipple (illustration) that I did a month ago as proof: http://thedailyquipple.com/a-very-important-question. :)
Posted by: T. | January 16, 2013 at 06:29 PM
Yes, yes, yes! I have a craft/design/photography blog and I've been lacking in the DIY department... I love making stuff though and I definitely should do it more often (which saves money too).
Kate
http://acreativecookie.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Kate | January 16, 2013 at 06:36 PM
Love this. I love making things, and you guys are always inspiring me to thing outside of the box. Love your blog!
Sabrina
http://bbutterflybrain.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Sabrina | January 16, 2013 at 06:40 PM
I agree on ALL points but it's only in the last 2 years I'm DIY crazy, before that I was about 7! Is it the recession making everyone more crafty I wonder??
Cathy
http://www.turquoiseflamingo.com/
Posted by: Cathy | January 16, 2013 at 06:42 PM
Love this! I feel the same and so do many people out there! I come from a family of makers and am so thankful for that :) Though my teenage self did not always love the home made lunch boxes and jackets Haha! I now look back and I am so happy my parents always supported my artistic interest! You guys give such good inspiration for people to keep creating, thank you!
Posted by: Melanie | January 16, 2013 at 06:42 PM
Great post! I love making things all of the time, it makes me so happy, even when people think I'm crazy for always having a project going! :)
This Lovely Little Day
Posted by: Kellene Elise | January 16, 2013 at 06:43 PM
You blog is always so inspiring! I am inspired to get out of my confort zone and also practice if I want to be good at something! That is why I have recently taken up drawing more and I have been loving it. Anyways great post.
Carlee
http://almostendearing.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Carlee | January 16, 2013 at 06:46 PM
I love this! I love your blog and that you guys are so encouraging to others. I' ve grown up making stuff too and I love craft adventures :) I also secretly wish I could be one of your make over ladies ;) Thanks for the inspiration! :) em
Posted by: emily | January 16, 2013 at 06:46 PM
Making promotes self confidence, it's so true! Love this post!
Posted by: DancingMooney | January 16, 2013 at 06:50 PM
Thanks so much for this post. I love crafting and making things, and I feel that I often have to defend my choice when it is something that could be purchased. For me, making things means that they are that much more precious to me. I love reading your DIY posts and seeing what new inspiration I can garner from them. Thanks so much, ladies, keep being fabulous.
xoxo
www.prettylittlefawn.blogspot.com
PS: Stop by my blog if you like thrifting, vintage dresses, flower crowns, Moonrise Kingdom, DIYs, and adventures!
Posted by: courtney | January 16, 2013 at 06:58 PM
Great post and I will definitely try making things more too!
Posted by: Adeola Naomi | January 16, 2013 at 07:09 PM
It's so fun to see the things you guys make and come up with everyday. I know it's not a trend for you guys, but if it were, I'm happy it's sticking around!
Posted by: tara | January 16, 2013 at 07:11 PM
thank you so much for kicking me right now in my .. *piep* :) i will do! i´ll start..NOW!!
Posted by: a random bird | January 16, 2013 at 07:23 PM
I really like the idea/ reminder that creativity isn't just about art. I homeschool my kids and creative thinking is so important to me. Time to get out there and create more.
Posted by: Rachel | January 16, 2013 at 07:28 PM
Total positive post!! I love making different things...whatever...its better something than nothing :)
http://doitnaturalnow.blogspot.com.es/
Posted by: Raquel | January 16, 2013 at 07:28 PM