So, after a month of creativity, what have I learnt?
To answer that question, I popped back to my initial post about the challenge.
The 30DoC website used this statement: "Your brain is like a muscle. When you exercise it, it gets stronger."
I have found this to be true in some unexpected ways. By pushing myself to create something new each day, I have been inundated with new ideas at other times. Although thinking up the task itself was sometimes very challenging, I have had several ideas for a range of Christmas items. When I turned my attention to menu planning for the month, I found that combinations and meal ideas came more easily than normal. With my focus on ways to save money this month, I compiled a huge list of things that we could try.
This month has reminded me that, although craft is creative, creativity is not synonymous with craft. Creativity is a way of thinking that leads to new ideas in any area. Creativity adds flair and individuality to arts and crafts; it inspires business choices; it helps us play our sports better. It allows us to plan, problem solve and think outside the box. And the best thing? It can be applied to any task: no matter how small.
On a personal note, I have tried a few things this month that I've been meaning to attempt for ages. The hemp bracelets and the time spent experimenting with Paint.net were well worth the time spent on the process.
I have also found that I enjoy the creative process. Making something for the second time is never quite the same, even with improvements and the chance of a more 'perfect' product.
I have learned that I struggle to deal with mistakes and need to work on that.
I have been reminded that creativity takes time and must be allowed time. It can't be rushed, forced or directed. If you think "I don't have time" then you will be proved right. Yet when you allow yourself to become totally absorbed in the process, time seems to stretch to suit the task.
And what about the impact on the stash?
Well...
I think that is best described as minimal...
It would seem that my creativity prefers fresh sheets of felt, empty notebooks and clean pieces of paper...
I haven't touched the beads, fat quarters, 1in strips, ribbons, sequins or buttons. I have used up perhaps a fifth of the wax I have saved from dead candles. And the box of felt scraps is almost as full as ever. They will be there for when inspiration next strikes.
I will be keeping up with the creativity - not every day perhaps but I think it is something that I would like to develop further. I'll keep you posted...
If you would like to see what other people have been working on, visit the Createstuff Pinterest pages.
