I went to school to study art. In my 6 years at my alma mater, while I devoured knowledge regarding Art History, figure drawing, painting, ceramics, and anything else my professors threw at me, I am ashamed to say I turned into a snob when it came to considering crafting an art form. I emerged from college with a high tolerance for alcohol (which no longer exists), a small social smoking habit (which, also, no longer exists, thankyouverymuch), and a certification to teach art to young people.
After graduation I found a job teaching art to middle school students. It was hard work, anyone who has ever taught can tell you that. I was stressed a good chunk of the school year, and spent the months when I wasn't teaching art not wanting to think about art. It was awful. I desperately needed artistic release, but couldn't stand looking at a blank canvas, my pencils, my charcoals, none of it. I was in a position of major suckage.
Then one day a friend and fellow fine arts teacher suggested we learn how to knit. She had heard of a book entitled "Stitch and Bitch". The thought was mildly appealing. Using my teacher's discount, I picked up a copy of the book at Barnes and Noble. I stopped by Hobby Lobby afterwards for a skein of yarn and a pair of knitting needles. I spent the entire weekend trying pathetically to knit ONE row of stitches. When I finally succeeded, I was thrilled. A few weeks later, I knit my first scarf. A month or so later, I knit a hat for my then boyfriend (now husband). The idea of creating something that had both form and function was incredibly satisfying. My feelings about crafting had begun to change.
Fast forward to the present. I am a stay at home mother of two boys. It's just as challenging as teaching, if not more so. I still need that same release of stress and tension. What's more, I now find myself wanting and needing things for my boys that I can easily make on my own, provided I have some instructions and the drive to do so. This crafting thing is coming in mighty handy! And although I will always love making art, I love crafting just as much, maybe more so these days. It is an art form in itself, I know this now. I was wrong all those years ago. Silly me.
My reason for starting this blog is to...well, let's face it, show off all the awesome craftiness I create. Some of it is made because I'm cheap and don't want to spend money on something someone else made. Some of it is made because I just think it looks hella cool. I also have to add that it may not be perfect. But I can guarantee you that I pretty much always have fun with the process!
:-)
