SED 12: I Wish I Could Make Stuff Like That

[kerravonsen]

Sometimes, when people look at my work, they say "I wish I could make stuff like that. You are so talented! I could never do that!" and I want to stamp my foot and say "Yes, yes you CAN!" Because it isn't that hard, really. I mean, yes, I am talented (being honest, here) and some crafts are harder than others, but "never" is too strong a word. I will concede that if you are colourblind, blind, have no use of your hands, or have the attention span of a deranged ferret, the obstacles to making craft are extremely high, but otherwise, no.

But maybe I'm making assumptions. So here is a survey.

Poll #16677 Make Stuff

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 6

View Respondents

Do you wish you could make stuff like that?

View Answers

Yes
3 (50.0%)

No
1 (16.7%)

I already do
2 (33.3%)

Why don't you make stuff like that?

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Physically unable
1 (25.0%)

No time (other things more important)
1 (25.0%)

Really no time
1 (25.0%)

No space
2 (50.0%)

No peace (surrounded by chaos; cats, dogs, children etc)
3 (75.0%)

Equipment is too expensive
1 (25.0%)

Materials are too expensive
1 (25.0%)

I don't know where to start
3 (75.0%)

It's too hard
0 (0.0%)

I tried, and it's too hard
0 (0.0%)

I never finish anything
3 (75.0%)

It takes too long
0 (0.0%)

It's boring
0 (0.0%)

I don't know how to design things
2 (50.0%)

Everything I make breaks
0 (0.0%)

Everything I make looks ugly
2 (50.0%)

Other (explain in comments)
1 (25.0%)

Would you like me to make posts about How To Make Stuff Like That?

View Answers

Yes
6 (100.0%)

No
0 (0.0%)

What crafts/techniques would you like me to post about?

View Answers

Luceting
0 (0.0%)

Cord-twisting
2 (33.3%)

Macrame
0 (0.0%)

Crochet
2 (33.3%)

Loom/Spool knitting
2 (33.3%)

Bead-stringing
3 (50.0%)

Chainmaille
2 (33.3%)

Wire-wrapping
2 (33.3%)

Jewellery making in general
3 (50.0%)

Making boxes
2 (33.3%)

Decorating paper bags & boxes
3 (50.0%)

Ink Stamping
3 (50.0%)

Melty Beads
1 (16.7%)

Decorating Mugs
2 (33.3%)

Pebble Trivets
3 (50.0%)

Choosing Colours
3 (50.0%)

Simple Design
3 (50.0%)

Other (explain in comments)
1 (16.7%)

Crossposted to http://kerravonsen.livejournal.com/1035232.html

Comments

[kalypso]

It depends on what you mean by "like that" - I did use to do a certain amount of craftwork before I had the cats, mostly involving sewing, but the cats consumed a large amount of my spare time and in particular assumed that if I was sitting down in front of the television (which was where I did most of the work) then I wanted to be sat on. It will be interesting to see whether I get back into it once Rosie dies.

[kerravonsen]

(Why is the fellow in your icon saying "Bring me knitting!" ?)

Yes, a lot of craft articles assume that one doesn't have any interference such as inquisitive cats. I've never had to deal with that, so I don't have any advice, unfortunately.

It will be interesting to see whether I get back into it once Rosie dies.

You wouldn't want to get another cat?

[kalypso]

(Because he expects to die shortly.)

I expect there will be other cats eventually, but I would like to have a period when I can travel without worrying about their care - at the moment it's very difficult to go away for more than a couple of days because of Rosie's need for medication.

[kerravonsen]

(Because he expects to die shortly.)
I'd forgotten that bit.