Integrated Creativity

Integrated creativity -- making use of a variety of different materials in new and creative ways We are all familiar with the oft used term 'recycle', which as growing up we thought was just what one did to be thrifty. Recently I came across another version of the old hackneyed term, 'up-cycle' which meant to make something even more useful or upscale from something previously used. Sorry, but that term just does not do it for me; it is too reminiscent of up-chuck, aka to hurl or shoot the cat or vomit or "Mommy, I threw up!!!" followed by a long wail and longer lasting smell. [I don't like the term 'blog' either, but that is another story.] As I was explaining to my sisters the essence of the article, which was good despite the terminology, it hit me. What we do or have is integrated creativity. We discover new uses for both old and new things including discards, random yard sale or auction finds, and those things we forgot we had that probably were purchased with some other use in mind! Some of this comes from having to 'make do' as children. When you live many miles from the store, and might only get to town once a year, creativity comes into play more often than not. Don't have the exact item called for in the directions for any project? Scrounge around and see what you can find that might work. Scrounge = look everywhere with eyes wide open for a potential solution. Granted there are times when you may have to wait for that trip to the store, but often a little integrated creativity comes to the rescue and you end up with a special creation using unexpected materials. Integrated creativity does not mean you have to use unusual items, only that you keep your mind open to the possibilities. It means that you consider materials at hand and how they may complete or embellish a project, how they might preserve a memory, or create a mood. Integrated creativity combines items from different crafts or uses, in new and interesting ways. The results can range from extremely useful utilitarian items to heirloom quality gifts. Most will be unique one of a kind, and they will each contain the spirit of the maker. Old items will find life, and either bring history with it or begin something new. Is there a trick to this? No, not really. Just keep in mind that a hook is not always a hook, or a bracket for a piece of equipment may now BE a hook! That old board might become a primitive frame, just right for an original pen and ink sketch. That drapery fabric might make a fantastic carryall bag, or a cover for a scrapbook or a hand bound copy of the family history. Those odd washers in a jar from Grandpa? Accents on a frame, embellishments on that carryall or maybe just what you need to fix the plumbing! By the way, you can visit us at http://www.crafting4free.com/

Too Busy!

It is really bad when everyone is either too busy crafting, or with life, to keep up with their website and the blog! However that IS the case with us pretty often. As other things slow down, then we get back to it but it is on a rather random schedule. With longer days and more time spent at home 'tidying up' from winter, don't forget to keep your eyes open for treasures. Spring cleaning [or whenever you find a spot of time] not only cleans out true garbage, but helps you reorganize and reaquaint yourself with what you have. More than that, it uncovers new treasures - those things seen with a new eye. They might have been there for years, but time and circumstance can change their potential use. Every time I head out to my fabric warehouse, I end up bringing in something I had not meant to, because it has inspired me to try something different. Plus, I get re-energized. Warmer weather is also calling me to get back in my 'wood shop' area and sort the piles of reclaimed boards, try a couple different ideas. A friend at work does interesting things with paper, some of it completely with recycling, ending up with beautiful cards, specialty paper for book covers or scrapping. I hope she will write a small piece of the web site, and share a photo or two of her simpler projects. Almost time for the day job, and I must take some things with me today for a field trip to the Rock and Gem Show. Think a treasure or two may come home with me? :)

When a dump is not just a dump!

I know, just the word 'dump' doesn't normally conjure up much excitement, unless................you happen to be lucky enough to live out in the country where you might have a very old dump on your property or on that of an understanding neighbor! Many a craft project has come to life in our house spurred on from a 'find' in an old dump. I once found an old buggy hub and turned it into a very nice lamp base. The handles off old kerosene cans, make great rustic hangers for picture frames. For me, the old country dump is a wonderful source of treasures!

Its All Good....for something!!!

We may not even know it....yet.... but there is a use for just about anything. Take this piece of standalone lace I made on our new embroidery machine (well we have had it since last October so it still qualifies for new), it was just to see how the whole thing worked but I am sure it will have another life as part of some project. Inspiration comes in so many forms and random thoughts, to me at least - and to my three wonderful sisters as well - I may be just taking a walk and something will just pop into my head and launch a creative process. I see things in nature on a daily basis that inspire me to create. Beautiful flowers, odd cloud formations, gorgious sunsets and/or sunrises, quirky trees with oddly bent branches or a particularily brilliant color - all make me happy and all have me wanting to capture their beauty for eternity some how.

As for this piece of lace..... i think i will try it again with silk thread and see if it softens up a bit.

I keep watching at the local thrift store and online at places like ebay for vintage trims, buttons, whatevers that can only add fun to our projects and in turn inspire more projects. Happy crafting, whatever form it takes. It is my sincere belief that creativty is essential to a healthy mind, keeping it very active and also allowing us to share our joy with others.

As I was cleaning...

Yes, I do that once in awhile....cleaning in my new sewing/craft room, that is! I still have much to put away in cupboards drawers and other hiding places. At the local grocery store, I found little flat bottomes, square baskets, 2 for a dollar. Then later, at another store in the clearance department, bigger matching ones, 2 for a dollar. Of course, I bought some and am finding them quite handy for sorting and storing all those nifty little (some not so little) craft items I have so many of! I have all kinds of necklaces made from wooden, metal, and plastic beads and have already torn them apart for various uses. One of the smaller baskets is working well to store them in. I often look at the second hand stores in the costume jewlery for charm bracelets (you remember the old kind that actually had hanging down charms?). Taken apart, they make wonderful accent pieces for scrapbooking and many other projects. Speaking of jewelry, have you seen the new shoe clips? Just saw in some magazine and thought, heck could make them out of old clip on earings. Way cheaper then the $25 a pr. they advertised for in magazine. Okay, before you panic, no, I do not wear the kind of nice shoes they were clipping these things on, but many of you actually do dress nicely and they might be cool. Not so grand looking on my cowboy boots........but then again................. :) :) I might start a new trend and clip on some old western clip on earings down on the last laces by the kilties and be 'stylin'!!! Back to my sorting!

What could you use that for?

Plain old trash is usually just that......plain old trash. However, junk may be treasure. Recently my sister was wondering about where she could find a snap deal that would slide on a strap. I told her "I don't know what they are called but I have some, brand new, in a coffee can." "You DO??" "Yep, got them at that big yard sale last summer in a box of stuff." Well now, on the one hand, none of us 4 sisters should be surprised at the 'treasures' any of the rest of us have rescued and kept. The only problem can be finding that item you have squirreled away! Moral of the story? Not only collect your own treasures but have a network of family and friends who can't help but collect them too. It helps with projects, keeps the creative ideas flowing and often improves them. Now if we only had time to organize that collection..........................

Don't waste downtime

So I'm back, just thinking about where ideas come from for crafting and realize they come from any time your mind isn't actively occupied with other stuff!! So if you are recovering from an illness or surgery and doing quite abit of laying around, your mind can be busy thinking of ways to turn something into your latest craft project. And when you are stuck in traffic, look around and see if anything perks your creative mind. Sometimes you will see something that has nothing to do with your craft (in it's original purpose that is) but you see it entirely differently and it brings to mind something you may have at home, that would be just perfect for ........ Also pay attention when super organized neatnic friends and family are cleaning house. They may be throwing away things you see as treasures. Don't be bashful, just offer to take the unwanted items off their hands. Hey, economic times are tough, we must be resourceful. We all know some of those people who don't keep clutter in their homes. Well how do you think that happens? They probably are not crafters. So capitalize on that and gather up their junk. (well, IF it will work for you, some of it is just junk) And whenever you are in one of those Hurry up and Wait, times, let your active imagination work on what you could be crafting if you had some of those things you just saw in that display at the Dentist office. Crafting can be a virtual excersize also that allows us to keep our minds busy when our bodies are in a holding pattern. Good luck, keep Crafting and don't be to proud to collect other folks discards... Linna

Crafting CAN be free!

or very close to it. Look at every item in your house with a new eye when you are thinking crafts. Don't hesitate to find new or unintended uses for items just taking up space. Recycle! We were recycling as kids without knowing it, and certainly long before the word itself was such an icon. This is just a short post because I'm adjusting settings and must get ready for the day job.

Have You Tried It?

Have you tried it? Crafting 4 Free is a terrific new site for all us crafters. We can share ideas, crafts, present problems, ask questions or just say hey! There are at least ten categories of crafts and more can be added all the time. With real directions, pictures, hints, tips and a personal touch, even beginners will catch right on. I know I have been crafting for years and found the Crafting 4 Free site to be very informative and fun. A great location to place your advertisement and promote your business, craft related or not, as well. Sharing on this site is great and much like getting together with friends for a crafting day!

Notes from Nancy

I agree with Linna's post about variety being essential to a crafter! The more things you have to choose from the more creative you can be. Its great also to save pictures from magazines, or from the internet, for inspiration and starting points. Personally, I rarely make anything just like the pattern says to, and rarely have the exact same "ingredients" on hand for these crafting 'recipes'. This is what makes it so much fun and gives your crafts your individual touch and style.

Don't be afraid to try something new! If you see something you like in a store, magazine, or on the web----go for it, and make it your own.

The dollar-store is a great place to get some things, you just never know what you might find there..........ours always has some crafting stuff. Second hand stores, such as our Idaho Youth Ranch, often have crafting supplies that someone has decided they don't want anymore and you can pick them up for next to nothing. I ALWAYS check out that part of our thrift shop, and have gotten some great stuff.

I don't think there is a possiblity of having too much in the way of crafting supplies and notions, one never knows when you might need some of it for a project that right now you don't even know you are going to want to embark upon! Have a great day!

variety is everything

HI, I am new to blogging, so will try to contribute something interesting. I don't want to talk about my deepest family secrets or who I am (upset with, in love with, or scared of) Because I think that kind of blogging is sorta strange, at least for me. I also believe no one would care to read it, my life is pretty boring so I am not sharing that kind of stuff!! Instead, I would love to share my philosophy for crafting. No matter what your craft, you have to collect, buy, find, gather supplies. Every craft requires some materials and that is where the variety comes into play. I fully believe that to be thoroughly inspired and to kick your creative juices into high gear, one must have a good variety of materials from which to choose. So when you begin to gather product, whatever the necessary materials are for your craft, think of collecting small quantities of lots of different colors, textures, choices. For example, if you want to do beadwork. Start with some assortments. You will have fun for less $. Then later when you have more skill, and perhaps more dollars you can buy larger amounts of single colors or types. Same thing with fabric, yarn, stained glass, paint, nearly anything. Try to start with the most variety of small quantities you can get. It will allow you the most freedom to exercise creative options. Personally I find that a box or bag full of an assortment of items is so exciting and opens so many possibilities that I just can't wait to start making something. If I only have a few different pieces of product, it is kind of like cooking with only hamburger and potatoes. Definintely can be done, but tends to be kind of bland. Remember the feeling of delight when you were a child and got your first BIG box of crayons and looked at all those colors? You want to feel that kind of thrill whatever your craft project is, nearly unlimited possibilities. Sure you will be limited by money, time and availability, but as much as you can, get yourself a variety. You will never regret it!!!

Welcome to Crafting 4 Free!

Welcome! We are going to try this for a while. The Forum got slammed with spam, so we're going to try a blog that anyone can post their thoughts in. In fact we really hope you do, because we never seem to have time! Crafting 4 Free is just that, a place to find some free crafts, to share with others by emailing us, maybe just to have a cup of tea or your favorite hot drink and relax.