I don’t plan what I’m going to make. I usually just follow whatever I feel like doing. It’s part of my Medium Maintenance way of living. I am pretty uptight in some ways, but when it comes to crafting, I go with the flow in a weird organized way.

If I have a directive or a “need” to make something, I can make it happen. But most of the time, I let whatever I have around me decide what’s actually going to happen.

The Idea

Honestly, my ideas aren’t very deep. I’m being a little vulnerable here because in real life, people tend to think I’m a really thoughtful person. And that is true for real life and work.

But when it comes to crafting, I’ll look at something and think, “Wouldn’t this be cool if it was twice the size?” or “Too bad they don’t make this in a cute way.”

Most of the time, I just want to make something for myself. I see things and wish they were cuter or pink. My ideas aren’t necessarily original, but they’re enough to get me started.

The Research

I like to know what I’m getting into, so I’ll go on YouTube and see how other people approach an idea. My thinking is, if they’re filming it, they probably have enough experience to show what’s going on. The sourcing process is usually where things start to get interesting for me, which I talked about in How I Source Craft Supplies When I Don’t Know What I’m Looking For.  

Sometimes my ideas die here. It’s usually a cost or space issue. Crafting is supposed to be fun, so I try not to turn it into something stressful.

What Actually Happens

I wish I was one of those people who knows exactly what they want to do and how to get there, but I’m not.

I’ll have every intention of sticking to a plan, and then I’ll source the wrong thing. Or something arrives late and I end up pivoting. My urge to make something cute usually overrides my patience.

Even with sewing, I’ll get stuck on finding the “right” fabric. Then I go back and forth between doing it properly or just getting it done. Some of my favorite pieces came from thrifted curtains, which means you’re just working with whatever is there.

I know I overthink it, but I still end up making something anyway.

Conclusion

I like making things, so I don’t take it too seriously. It’s supposed to be fun.

I don’t always follow through the way I planned, but I’d rather make something imperfect than sit there and not make anything at all.