Crafting matters

Whilst I count my nearest and dearest as supportive people I am not sure they are on my wavelength when it comes to making, baking and craft.

My husband doesn’t understand it (and often despairs at it). My friends share positive comments but would freely admit that they struggle to grasp why I would work into the small hours to finish a project when I have a career and family to keep me busy enough.

Colleagues at my real-world PR job smile encouragingly but similarly can't see the sense or understand the enjoyment I get from taking a pile of raw materials or ingredients and turning them into a 'make'.

I asked my five year old daughter why she thinks mummy likes to craft and she said: “because you like selling to people”. I think she’s half right. I enjoy giving to people. I enjoy the feeling of handing over, or posting if it's purchased online, something that I have made and receiving the feedback.

The sense of accomplishment when something I'd imagined would be beautiful when finished actually is a thing of beauty (in my humble opinion) will never grow tiresome. And that's multiplied when I make something that somebody else has parted with their hard earned cash to enjoy.

I’m probably a psychologist’s dream when it comes to putting a finger on what that really says about me, but I think a little part of me feels good about knowing somebody likes something I made. There’s a piece of me going out with each and every item I make and that leads to a lovely warm cosy feeling that I am doing something right.

And actually, I don’t think I'm alone. I believe that the digital age we live in, filled with social media channels galore, is feeding this sensation for personal gratification. We’re hungry for thumbs up, favourites and hearts on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts. We want more people repining our favourite things. We seek reassurance from others through our pictures and posts, rants and ravings.  

It's no different when it comes to the big brands, who are ravenous for interactions, engagement and commendation of their products. The only difference is that when it’s something I’ve made it's personal. That 'like' or 'share' means someone has appreciated the time, effort and creativity that has been lovingly injected into each make, whether it be a cake, word art, gift, card or anything else I've designed and made. I want my friends, family, colleagues and followers to love it as much as I do.