DIY: Creating something yourself feels so great

I’ve always had the notion to be crafty. As a young girl and into my teens, I constantly asked for craft supplies and materials. I had a little pottery wheel, a wood burning set, plenty of paint, sewing material and more. When we first moved into the house, I made pillows and painted old end tables to mixed results. My biggest problem was that my aspiration to create something myself didn’t always meet with my skills or abilities.

My craft projects were never as neat or pretty as I wanted, and yet, I couldn’t have been happier. It was exciting to make something myself, and even now, I find that creating and being hands on is relaxing and enjoyable. Perhaps it’s because so much of my life requires me to live on a screen, even when being creative, that the opportunity to make something offline with my hands is a welcome change.

I recently attended a local DIY workshop with the new DIY Style Co. here in Ottawa. The evening’s workshop that I attended was to make our own necklaces. I signed up almost right away and went with my cousin. Both of us had a wonderful time. The couple hours spent designing and creating was so relaxing and a welcome relief from the screen.

While I can’t get away from the computer altogether in my free time (when I’m not working on it, I’m writing a book, or at least trying), I am committing myself to doing more hands-on activities whether it’s a formal workshop, or creating around the house. I’ve made items for the home before (like this DIY Fall wreath) but I think it’s time that I make a more concentrated effort to design and create. Just like when I was a kid.

Do you love to DIY? Share with me projects that you are working on!