Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hello, good afternoon everyone, and thank you so much for
being here and talking with me about all things arts
and crafts better known or affectionately known as crafty chaos.
We talk about everything to do with crafting, and today
we're going to talk about gathering your creative arsenal. We've
(00:22):
embraced the glorious messiness inherent in crafting. We've gotten rid
of the idea that everything needs to be perfect, and
now it's time to gather your creative arsenal. But don't worry, okay,
I don't worry. You don't need to rate an art
supply store. You don't need to empty your bank account.
You don't need to go to Michael's, you don't need
(00:43):
to go to hobby lobby, I promise. In fact, the
best part and the most exciting part of starting a
crafting journey is often finding little hidden things in everyday
objects or thrifty that you can use in your crafting.
(01:04):
I remember, I'm going to tell a little story how
my crafting journey started, and it was when I was
a little girl. I had a great aunt and we
called her Aunt Booboo. Yes, Aunt Booboo. She never had
any children and her husband had passed away years and
years and years before well, my aunt Booboo came and
(01:26):
lived with my family, and she and I were very
very close, and one day she presented me with this
huge shoe box full of buttons, like old cool buttons,
buttons with beads on them, different colored stones, metal buttons,
(01:50):
wooden buttons, carved buttons, every type of button, ryanstone buttons,
everything you can imagine, small, big, medium, Some of them
were like snaps. It was imagine that like as a
five or six year old child opening up the lid
of that shoe box and just seeing all of those
(02:12):
different beautiful buttons and then putting your hand in them
and just letting them fall through your fingers. It was
really amazing and just a feast for the senses. And
if you think about it, buttons used to be really
very elaborate and they would adorn the front of coats
(02:36):
and shirts and everything. Now the buttons are boring a
lot of times. You even if you want to make
something dress, you replace the buttons because the ones that
come on it are just cheap. So that was the
first my first dive into crafting, and we would use
those buttons. We would knit scarves, and put the buttons on.
(02:59):
We would be patchwork little quilts and even created little
whimsical characters on paper. But each little button was a
reminder of that initial thrill of finding something to craft with. Unfortunately,
I can't find that box of buttons. I think it's
(03:20):
long gone, and it really makes me sad because I
can't imagine what I could do with that as an adult.
So but the point of this is is that finding
little treasures around your home or even in thrift stores,
which are gold mines for the budget conscious crafter, is
the way to start. You can even find everything from
(03:43):
vintage fabrics with very unique patterns and textures to old
picture frames that are just begging for a creative makeover.
I use my in my shelling. I use old picture
frames all the time. Don't overlook the chipped little teacups
or mismatched plates. They can always be transformed into charming
(04:06):
little mosaic pieces or quirky planters. I once stumbled upon
an old collection of slightly tarnished silverware and we made
those into a wind chimes, and that was just really cool.
The key is to see the potential in everything and
(04:27):
the imperfections, and to envision the possibilities that are basically
inherent in the discarded or the overlooked. Repurposing is the
heart and soul of sustainable crafting, and it's a fantastic
way to save money while you know, perfecting your craft. So,
(04:47):
for instance, old T shirts can become vibrant patchwork quilts.
They're faded colors blending into a unique and soulful tapestry,
and they're so soft. Imagine a quilt made of old
T shirts That would actually be a really cool thing.
It just hit me to do for a child is
(05:09):
save some of their old T shirts and everything and
keep them in one bucket, and then when they turn
maybe eighteen, you can present them with a little quilt
made of their old T shirts. How cool and thoughtful
is that. You know, the joy lies in breathing new
life into objects that might otherwise end up well, we
all know it in a landfill. Online marketplaces I'll offer
(05:32):
another avenue for acquiring crafting supplies affordably. Some sites like
eBay and Etsy are brimming with unique and often inexpensive materials.
You can find vintage buttons, beads, and fabrics, often at
a fraction of the price. You'd pay in a specialty store.
(05:53):
I've discovered forgotten treasures there, antique lace, beautifully textured yarns,
and even old maps that have been transformed into mixed
media artwork. Remember to factor in the shipping costs, though,
and sometimes a slightly higher price at a local store
can outweigh the expense of shipping from afar. Speaking of
(06:17):
local stores, please don't underestimate the power of your local
craft supply store, even if they might seem initially pricey.
Many have sales and discount days or offer loyalty programs,
and a lot of time they have like little discontinued
items in one section of the store that nobody wants,
and they're like pennies on the dollar for these things.
(06:40):
So just use your imagine while looking at stuff, see
how you can repurpose it. It's also a chance to
get your hands on and experience with different materials before
you buy them, and possibly receive advice from store staff
or other shoppers. A direct personal interaction can be a
huge help for beginners. But let's be real, y'all. Sometimes
(07:05):
you just need a specific item right and you'll need
to purchase it. Don't feel pressured to buy professional grade
supplies right away when starting out, a basic set of
tools is all you need. So for painting, a few
inexpensive brushes, keep them clean, make sure to wash them.
They'll last forever. A palette and some acrylic paints will suffice.
(07:26):
You can always upgrade as your skills improve and your
creative ambitions expand. The beauty of crafting lies in the journey,
and that journey doesn't require a lavish budget. Remember those
basic acrylic paints. I started with a student grade set
and honestly, the results were just as vibrant and exciting
(07:47):
as any high end brand. It's not about the price tag,
It's about the creative vision you bring to the canvas.
Remember I've created some of my most cherished, cherished peaces
using readily available and affordable materials. So for knitting or crocheting,
you don't need the most expensive yarns. Start with affordable
(08:11):
acrylic yarns. They are durable, easy to work with, and
come in a wide array of colors. Again, the quality
will improve as your skill level progresses, and then you'll
have a deeper understanding of the types of yarns that
you suit your personal style. And then maybe you can
spend a little bit more money on them without feeling
(08:31):
like you've overspent or guilty. Although you shouldn't feel guilty
for crafting. I want to put that with a little
exclamation point. Do not feel guilty for spending money on crafts. People.
It's so good for you right mentally. Definitely, in the
realm of jewelry making, the possibilities are endless with beads, wiles, wires,
(08:53):
and simple findings. You can find affordable beads in craft
stores or even repurpose old buttons and other small objects,
old antique little brooches and jewelry. All that stuff is
coming back, and it's Have you ever seen somebody with
a necklace that they curated all the pieces and then
(09:13):
somebody put it together for them. So each little piece,
each little bead or trinket or locket, had special meaning
to them and it just hung around their neck. I
think that is so cool. Experiment with different techniques and materials.
The process of creation itself is a rewarding journey. Remember,
the most valuable tool in your crafting arsenal isn't a
(09:35):
fancy tool, but your brain, your imagination. It's the power
to transform ordinary objects into extraordinary creations, to breathe life
into discarded materials, and to fine joy in the imperfection
of the process. Don't let the fear of not having
the right tools or materials hold you back. The creative
(09:59):
spirit resourceful. It finds a way to work with what
it has, transforming limitations into opportunities. So let's recap thrift stores,
repurpose materials, and online marketplaces, yard sales, estate sales. They
are your allies in building a cost effective and sustainable
(10:21):
crafting arsenal. Don't be afraid to start with basic, inexpensive materials.
Your creativity will shine through regardless of the price tag.
Focus on the joy of the process, the thrill of
the transformation, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful from
(10:42):
very humble beginnings. Always embrace the imperfections. This is not
about perfection. Celebrate the happy accidents, as Bob Ross used
to say, and above all, have fun. Your creative journey
is just beginning, and all possibilities are as vast as
your imagination. Now go forth and create, and remember there's
(11:04):
a whole community out there waiting to support you and
inspire you. Online forums and local craft groups are a
great way to connect with fellow crafters, share ideas and
learn new techniques. Don't hesitate to ask for advice, Share
your successes and even your setbacks and funny stories, and
learn from experiences of others. The crafting world thrives on
(11:27):
collaboration and mutual support. We're all in this messy, wonderful
journey together, so get crafting and remember to embrace the glorious,
wonderfully imperfect journey. Take care of y'all, have a great day.