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?

View Answers

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

[dawnmist]

I guess I should clarify some of my answers :-).

I really enjoy reading - and seeing the end results - of the crafts you do. And chatting about them over lunch. I love the planning, and choices, and colours...

I used to do some craft (mainly embroidery of various forms), but I can't physically manage it anymore. Too many problems with tendon issues in shoulders/neck to manage the fine movements/postures involved...if I do more than 15-20 minutes, I can't work for a few weeks until the shoulder tendon inflammation settles. My hands are also starting to give random pain escalation when doing repetitive/fine work (cramp/echoing pain in bones/nerve tingling & pain issues). Between those, I physically can't manage most crafts. Add fatigue as well (that was the other), and lack of space for both doing craft and storing supplies (really, really out of space!), craft is something that I've decided to admire and appreciate, but not do myself.

[kerravonsen]

Yeah, the physical issues are really frustrating. But I'm glad you're willing to admire. 8-)