Why do I make stuff?

Why do I make stuff? Because its fun!

But really that's not just it, the enjoyment of the act of making is a big part of it but I think its more than that. There are two main reasons why I like to make stuff...

The first of these is that I think as human beings most of us strive to learn new skills; whether that be in the workplace, at a sport, or in the home there is a desire to develop ones self. Making handmade is a great way to teach yourself something new. There are so many things out there that you can try at home, or in a class to satisfy this need. For me it tends to be sewing but I have recently taken up some ceramic classes and often try my hands at something new. The great thing as well is that even when you have learnt a skill there are always ways to improve, develop and evolve these talents.

The second I think is inherently linked to the first, and that is the massive sense of achievement and self satisfaction you get from the finished something handmade. This isn't always the case, sometimes we can be too critical of our own, work but generally speaking I personally get a great sense of joy from the knowledge that I made that myself. My favourite thing has always been finishing the face on a cuddly toy, it just brings the whole thing to life and genuinely makes me happy.

So I suppose the main reason I make stuff is self gratification, and do you know what I don't think there is anything bad in that. As long as it makes you happy and is not to the detriment of anyone else have at it!

I was inspired to write this post by watching the final of the GBSB. I just love watching it, but thats because sewing is my main hobby of interest. Having said that at the end of every series I get a sense that if these people can do it then so can I. That life is too short to not do what you enjoy and that you should always seek out your aspirations.

I suppose the next question is why do I blog about it? Honestly its because I want you to like it too! Its not just that though, I get a great deal of my inspiration from the internet, from other bloggers and pinterest mainly. I just sort of hope that by making an online diary of the things I have made that hopefully one day I will inspire someone else as much as I have been inspired myself. 

So that's why I make stuff. I would love to hear why you make stuff, are your reasons much the same, or do you have completely different reasons for your handmade hobby? Please do share x.

Do you have too many hobbies as well?

As I sit here contemplating a sunny weekend I am pondering what I want to do to make the most of my time away from the office. It occurs to me that I have far too many hobbies for my free time.

My first love is obviously any form of sewing or general craftyness. It gives me such a feeling of achievement when I come away having made something new from effectively nothing. The list of projects I want to try is as long as my arm, and for them alone I don't have much time.

 
Then there are the thoughts of sunshine, getting out and enjoying some fresh air, as well as the company of Mr Fox. I yearn for spending more time out and about, especially as we are so close to the Peak District and all its gorgeous scenery. Then there is the garden, I love my garden, and pretty much do enjoy gardening and spending time in it, especially with the cats who love it when you join them in their outdoor playground. However this time could be spent getting on with those sewing projects, but then the garden will not be as pretty, these two things are a constant juggle.


 I also enjoy a quiet obsessive PC gaming habit with the Mr, and we have probably spent most of our relationship in a fantasy MMO world together. I love this time spent sat next to each other at our DIY two person PC desk, though it does sometimes feel a bit like we are together but not really communicating as effectively as we should. We have made some great friends here as well, who I genuinely miss when I am off indulging one of my other hobbies instead of this one.


 
Then there are my other hobbies like knitting, blogging and reading blogs. I tend to try and utilise spare time at work for these sorts of activities as it seems a good use of portable time, however that doesn't mean I don't enjoy dipping in to them at home.

All in all I have concluded that there just are not enough hours in the day. I think I need to start prioritising, but trying not to see each thing as an 'I must' and just enjoy what takes my fancy in the then and now. Do you have too many hobbies? What are they and how do you manage your time to make sure you get a little bit of everything you love? I would love to hear any bits of advice you have to offer.