ProCRAFTination

Do you find yourself realizing, after two hours working on an art or DIY project that you found on Pinterest, that you should have been doing your load of laundry the whole time?

Have you ever found yourself working on a crocheted, knitted, or stitched project when you should be washing the dishes in the sink?

If you answered “yes” to either one of these questions, you’re a lot like many creative people. Congratulations! You’ve discovered the art of proCRAFTination: crafting instead of doing all the things you actually need to get done today.

There’s no need to feel ashamed, as there’s a large population of creative souls who feel and always do the same thing…myself included. As the librarian-in-charge of Robbinsville’s adult craft programs, I’m always on the hunt for new creative projects to try and share with my patrons. This results in searching Pinterest for my work, but I am always fighting the urge to become distracted by ideas for my own crafty pursuits due to previous search terms. It’s hard to resist the links to sewing blogs and free patterns when I think about my sewing machine sitting at home, lonely and unused.

Despite the (much needed) distraction it may bring to our lives, many experts agree that engaging in crafty pursuits reduces stress, anxiety, & depression, decreases risk of cognitive decline, negates irritability & restlessness, and so much more! Additionally, certain types of crafting, like painting and drawing, can help many people freely express their emotions and personal perspectives. When we’re feeling down or not sure how to convey our emotions, there’s nothing like embracing creative interests, if we can push ourselves to do them.

When I was having trouble (read: procrastinating) writing this blog post, I found myself looking on Creativebug for program ideas - a resource you can access with your library card that has thousands of informative crafty videos. They have a wide range of videos, from beginner projects like sewing sleep pants to advanced how-to techniques for the experienced DIYer. These videos on Creativebug come in quick, 20-minute or so lessons or in multiple video courses, if you wanted to learn a new skill or work on an involved project.

Sometimes getting brand new ideas for a creative project might just come from procrastinating about something important. Times when I had mental roadblocks while writing this post, I wandered the non-fiction craft section and browsed craft books as they came across the circulation desk. These included several crochet and knitting books, needlepoint instructions, and even a book on how to create macramé - all of which I’ve never done before. I won’t lie, my thoughts certainly drifted to, “That’s right, I want to learn how to do needlepoint. That might be really fun when I have time to do it.”

With all this discussion on being crafty, I think I’m going to buy fabric and make something that will distract me from cleaning the bathroom. Maybe I’ll tackle one of those sewing projects on Creativebug or one of my backlogged costume patterns. Renaissance Faire season is fast approaching, after all!

In celebration of March being National Crafting Month and for more inspiration for your next creative procraftination project, take a look at Creativebug [linked: https://mcl.org/resource/lifelong-learning/creativebug/] and these books from the Mercer County Library collection:

Hand-Stitched Quilts by Carolyn Forster

Learn how to patchwork and quilt by hand with one quilt with 27 creative blocks, with popular tutor and author Carolyn Forster. Slow stitching and mindful crafting is more popular than ever, and with just a few notions you can peacefully create a stunning 27-block quilt entirely by hand, in your own time and at your own pace. As the quilt is made up of blocks, you can work on your quilt a block at a time, making it more portable and meaning you can patchwork on the go.

The Big Book of Happy Crafts by Lucia Mallea

Let's get crafty! Join internationally renowned artist and content creator Lucia Mallea on a fun and colorful crafting journey through 24 stylish projects. From stunning paper flowers and cheerful party decorations to DIY home decor and even stylish fashion accessories, you'll learn how to elevate inexpensive craft supplies into stunning works of art like cake stands, flower curtains, parrot earrings, statement stars, and more. Each project includes frustration-free step-by-step instructions and gorgeous photos of the finished results. You'll discover how to choose the right tools, master basic techniques, and add fun embellishments to your creations. And the best part? This book includes handy ready-to-go templates and a bonus pull-out project. So, gather some friends and break out the glue gun -- it's time to craft yourself happy!

Hooked on Shakespeare by Gurinder Kaur Hatchard

From the iconic Romeo and Juliet to the three witches from Macbeth, Hatchard shares easy-to-make designs for crochet characters inspired by the works of William Shakespeare. Each project features an introduction to the play and the characters, and are perfect for beginning crocheters as well as advanced crochet enthusiasts.

No Kiln, Handbuilding Clay Projects by Charlotte Vannier

If you've ever wanted to get started in the craft of clay making, No Kiln, Handbuilding Clay Projects is the perfect place to start -- no kiln, wheel, or lathe needed! A complete, beginner-friendly guide, this is an exciting resource that's filled with insight on setting up a workshop space, different tools and clays, common terms to know, and other clay making basics. Over 50 elegant but simple clay projects -- ranging from candlesticks and flower vases to plates, cutting boards, and more -- are featured with step-by-step instructions and stunning photography. Also included are tons of decorative technique tutorials to try. Combining simple skills with an elevated design aesthetic, this craft book is a must-have for any maker and DIYer!

Enchanted Garden Cross-Stitch by Gail Bussi

20 cross-stitch designs in Gail Bussi's signature chalk art style, featuring garden flowers and wildlife, many with inspirational words of encouragement. Each project includes chart, finished photo, materials, and full instructions.

Works Cited

Foster, Ashley. “Crafting for Health: What Are the Health Benefits of Crafting?” Crafting for Health | What Are the Health Benefits of Crafting?, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture: Research & Extension, 24 Jan. 2019, www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/personal-family-well-being/navigating-life-blog/crafting_for_health.aspx.

Pistoia, Jared C. “How Arts and Crafts Can Help Mental Health.” Psych Central, Psych Central, 8 Apr. 2022, psychcentral.com/blog/arts-crafts-in-psychiatric-occupational-therapy.

- by Jamie, Robbinsville Branch