Craft is an art of making things and when we decide to attempt a craft project, it is similar to going through a journey. We choose and hope to succeed but it is inevitable that there may be failures along the way, experiences gained and lessons learnt.
And if we decide to go on the same craft journey again, with practice, we will improve at it, having learnt the tools, tips, resources and tactics to working the craft project.
Think of a purpose
Most times, before embarking on a craft journey, it helps to think of a purpose or sometimes the purpose finds us. The purpose can be to make something for ourselves, for a loved one, for a friend or just purely for learning and trying out a craft that interests us.
It can be wanting to make a little something for someone's birthday, or to wish someone luck for a coming exam, or to wish someone well if they are ill, or perhaps as decorations or presents for an upcoming festivity. It can also very well be things that we are thinking to make to sell.
A purpose will help drive and motivate us to completing a craft project, push us to success.
Set a goal or target
Once there is a purpose, it helps to set a goal, a goal of what to make. This can be based on thoughtful observation or through listening.
If it is a gift for an occasion, we may notice things by observing what the person needs or listen to what they "want". It could be through a conversation or through the person's actions.
For example, we may observe that the person places their spectacles on the table or in their pockets without a case or mentions that they are always worried that the spectacles would get scratched. In this case, a spectacle case may be a good present for the person.
For one who is trying out a craft for the first time, it is good to set a small goal or target. By starting small, we choose to make something that can be completed fairly easily. Try not to attempt a big project. As the saying goes "Learn to walk before you learn to run". Being able to complete a small project and see the fruit of our effort or labour goes a long way in motivating ourselves for more and possibly bigger projects.
Decide on the type of craft
When we have an idea of what to make, then we can decide on the type of craft - will it be a needle craft such as crochet, knitting, sewing or weaving or a paper craft or a wood craft or bead craft? The possibility are endless.
This is when we weigh-in the idea with the knowledge, the time, the budget and resources (tools, materials, patterns) that we have or do not have and decide which craft makes more sense and which craft is do-able.
Browse for ideas
One way to help us decide on the type of craft is to browse the internet (the fastest and easiest method) or browse through books or based on past experience from people whom we know or seen from somewhere. There is a wide variety of ideas and tutorials from people around the world that we can find inspiration from.
Source for the tools
As we read through the pattern ideas and tutorials, we can find out what tools and resources are needed for a particular craft as the author describes or shows the process.
For example, if we choose to crochet a spectacle case, we will need a crochet hook and a suitable weight yarn or if we choose to sew, we will need a needle, thread and fabric.
We should take the time to read about the various sizes, types of and gauge, for example, how to decide which size of a crochet hook for what type of yarn or which needle goes with what type of fabric.
If it is the first time we are attempting the craft, then we will need to allow ourselves some extra time to learn the craft first. In cases where we have no tools, we can source for them from online stores in our location or from friends and family who may have worked the craft before.
Embark on the craft journey
Once we have everything in place, the purpose, the goal, the craft in mind, the pattern to make, the tools and materials needed, then we are ready to embark on a craft journey.
Be kind to ourselves and give ourselves enough time to complete the project. We may not have skill at first, but with patience, will and perseverance, we can learn and be skilled.
Most importantly, to remember to have fun with the project. After all, we are on a craft journey :)
All views and opinions expressed are my own. If you have additional or differing thoughts or comment, I would love to hear from you :)
you are trying best, so that you art day by day increase.