Monday 13 August 2007

What Do You Think?

I recently bumped into a lady I was at college with a few years ago (City & Guilds Patchwork and Quilting Part I). She happened to ask me if I was doing any creative stuff at all and said that she wasn't really doing much at all because she often wondered what to do with it all - you know? I have to say that I often feel that way too. I love to be creative, there's no question of that, but recently in particular, I have been questioning why I do it. 'What's the point?' is my question. Unless I am making things for gifts or something specific for our home then I sometimes feel the project isn't 'justifiable'. The things I made for the City & Guilds course for example are stuffed in a bag in storage. Perhaps it's something to do with guilt at not earning money from doing something - a 'frivolous' pursuit? What do you think - is it a waste of time/money/effort/space? What do you all 'do' with the things you make?

10 comments:

Suzie Sews At DOTTY RED said...

Good your back feeling well again. What do I think...good question, I so love what I do, I do not think its a waste of money...for me it beats taking prozac!!! I adore what I do and just have to make stuff...having kids its great as you never run out of things to make for them, although my older one does object to knitting now..which makes me very sad, but he loves te quilts. So do we need a reason to do what we do, its a real 'meaning of life' type of thing...go ahead and enjoy...without guilt!
SUzie Sews

Elizabet said...

I don't sell any of my stuff - yet,but I have finally started making stuff for myself and for the house instead of giving it all away.
I am also getting past the issue of only making functional pieces.

Janet said...

I think the process of creating is something I have to do! When I'm not creating I feel as if the world's all wrong. It's almost as if it's necessary for me to create. I never think about what I'll do with the things I make. I keep a box that I put things in and when I need a last-minute gift I can go and find something I've made that will be just right.

Terri Stegmiller said...

I'm one to make because I have to. Or I'd go crazy from inactivity. Sometimes my husbands sees me making something and asks "What's that going to be for?" Most of the time, my reply is "nothing in particular". He must think I need a reason to make something as do many people. I find that just making is a sort of therapy. I don't care if I have no one to give it to or sell it to. Someday when I'm gone, someone will come across all my stuff and think they've found a treasure....well hopefully (grin).

Alis Clair said...

Well I was brought up to believe and know that education is never a waste of time.
If we love to create something we have learned something along the way so no not a waste of time or money in my book.

Best of all you can pass on skills to your children that they can use or have fun with in the future.

Just have fun - that is what life is for.

Everything Stops for Tea said...

I make things for fun and because I want to! Sod the justification, it makes me happy is all the justification I need!!!! Life is too fleeting not to do things you enjoy. Plus we all love seeing the things you make!

Mary said...

You should do what makes you happy,as long as it does not hurt other people. That is my motto. Being creative makes you happy does it not. Display what you have done. I have an old tea cosy, egg cosy and tray cloth in a picture frame in the bathroom because its beautifuuly made and I enjoy looking at it. I will post about my madness one day. Enjoy what you do.Celebrate your talent wish I could do it. Mary

Anonymous said...

Hi there girly, If I didn't have my craft I think I would go insane! With two kids and a husband to be, a house to keep spotless (yeah right! I try anyway) I have found my craft calms me yet in the same breath I must say the hundreds of ideas running through my head drives me crazy! But I love it! I decorate my house with my finished treasures or give them as gifts for others to hopefully appreciate.And anyway what would I put on my blog if I didn't do my craft???

Dianne said...

I think if you feel the need to create - you have to do it, or else go bonkers denying it. I used to feel like you - but not anymore!! I have journal covers lying all over the house at the moment, and even if no-one else "gets it" - I do!!

Gill said...

I do need to be creative, it's so enjoyable and relaxing and satisfies an urge... but I only make things that are useful to me or that I can give to someone else. People love receiving hand-made cards for instance which cost only pence to make, but are priceless to the recipient.
But really we create because it makes us happy and that's the best reason of all.