Today I had planned on writing about techniques nand crafts, but this morning I got to thinking...every person has different interests and "craft" means different things to different people, doesn't it?  But there are a few things that link them all -

1) A craft is something that you enjoy doing
2) A craft usually is a form of stress-relief
3) Crafts bring out the creative side of a person
4) A craft is something you would do even if nobody else was with you

Through the years my "craft" has changed. Sometimes I didn't have the financial resources to continue. Sometimes I got a little bored. Sometimes 'life' got in the way and I wasn't able to do it anymore. But one thing remained the same...I always had SOMETHING that I could do to express myself.

Recently I have gotten addicted to Pinterest.  I still don't quite understand what I am doing, but I am having fun.  Would you like to know why I started getting on Pinterest to begin with?  I wanted to learn about new techniques in "expressing" myself.  It began as getting some patterns to make crocheted gifts for Christmas. Then I started a few boards dealing with writing and how to better my craft in that area. In the process I found that there are so many ways to express your creativity, but the key is to do SOMETHING...just a little something every day...to put a piece of your soul on the 'outside' of your body and expose it, even if it is only to yourself.

Some of you might enjoy writing. Start a small journal - it doesn't have to be much. Just some way to express yourself (even if that is anger at the boss and you need to vent.) Some of you enjoy photography. Wonderful!  Nobody sees the world out there quite like YOU!  Snap a picture of something you want to remember - even if it is that cup of coffee you are sipping right now because you find it so relaxing.  Some of you might like DIY projects.  What a wonderful way to put your personality into your home.  If you have run out of ideas, may I suggest Pinterest?

Here is my final thought about 'craft.'  No matter where you are in you knowledge of that craft there is always room to grow, to mature, and to advance.  Don't remain stagnant and don't be intimidated by trying something a little bit more difficult. A little more challenging.  It's YOUR craft.  Dont' let anyone tell you how you should or shouldn't express yourself through that means. (unless, of course, it is going to be something totally vile and ungodly)

And speaking of God...Remember that He is the Creator and He made us in His image.  He has poured a wee bit of that creativity into each one of us, so no person on the earth can say that they are not creative.  They just need to find the right 'outlet.

So, take a minute to ponder what you would like to do sometime today to express your creativity and don't just think, act. It makes no difference in your life if you keep yourself bottled up.

Until tomorrow when we discuss those weekend warrior projects (and if you have ideas, please contact me)...

May your creativity shine today and every day!

Petra