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.