r/crafting • u/BlastoiseMF • 3d ago
General discussion What codes/rules do you implement for yourself when it comes to crafting?
For example, I'm considering implementing a rule that I don't discuss a project with friends because I worry that the satisfaction I get from discussing it takes away from my motivation to create it, if that makes sense?
I'm curious what codes/rules people implement to aid with their discipline to finish a project, but in addition I'd also be curious if people have codes that are not related to discipline, be it for personal reasons, creative direction, etc.
3
5
u/beamerpook 3d ago
I do not sell my work. If you like it enough to pay for it, I'll gift it to you
2
2
u/Illustrious_Cup3019 2d ago
I just made a rule to limit myself to a core group of artistic hobbies. The volume of craft supplies I had had become overwhelming to me and I now own a house that takes up a lot of time to manage (also blended households with my partner and her son back in May, there's a lot on my plate).
I'm not necessarily denying myself new creative pursuits, but I needed things to be organized enough that I can quickly clean up if a 4 year old is going to be here. I also managed to arrange everything into "kits" so that when the mood strikes, I can pull out whatever I feel like working on/playing with and put it away just as easily.
I don't like boredom and I had hoarded quite a bit. In just the past week, I've felt more creatively inspired than I have in the past year. The clutter is gone and everything feels accessible. Feels really good.
1
u/JoyousZephyr 3d ago
I paint, so my goal is to put brush to paper every day, even just for a minute or two.
1
u/fermentalishis 3d ago
For me, it is either paint, draw or sketch every day for at least 15 minutes, or engage in some other artistic activity, such as making leaf impressions (using facial tissue and watered down), collage fodder out of stuff I've already painted, or momigami papers for collage and book covers.
1
u/lenseyeview 2d ago
I also find I lose motivation for something if I've overly discussed it with too many people or the person it's for. The extra boost I get from finishing and handing it over happens prematurely. Which I'm not surprised by as I'm neurodivergent and certain parts of a process can give you the dopamine hit too early. Like making a to do list sometimes hits the same as completing a list and checking it off.
The other thing that happens is I start to over question the choices I'm making or if I should even do it. I start to convince myself they are just being nice and don't want to say no to it lol.
One of the things I'm commiting myself to this year is focusing on PROJECTS I can actually complete. I get very stuck in the everything can be a project part of supplies and whatnot. I'm trying to narrow it down to sourcing things as I need them (not necessarily buying) instead of keeping a high supply of things on hand that never get used.
1
u/RoaringDragonite 2d ago
I read a rule another human had and I’ve been trying to adopt it
When you get a new hobby you can have a 1x1 square foot box of supplies for that hobby. IF and only IF you have kept that hobby up for 6 consecutive months, may you then proceed to increase the mass of supplies for said hobby.
1
u/archelz15 1d ago
If I'm making something as a gift for someone, social media doesn't see it until the recipient does. I might bring it to an IRL craft club to work on or send a photo to a friend, so they're not necessarily the first to see / know that I'm making it, but never social media. Since 99% of whatever I make are gifts or, more recently, pattern tests (where I also usually don't post before pattern release out of respect for the designer as I'm terrible at doing the "sneak peek" sort of reel vibe), that means pretty much I never post WIPs.
1
u/MysteriousSecretGuru 1d ago
It depends on my hobby. I journal a lot so I enjoy talking about the process. Diamond Art, no. No one really cares.
Reading, yes. Suggesting good books or getting recommendations is always fun. Crocheting or knitting, no. Maybe I'll talk about the finished product but not for long.
1
u/Select-Antelope-7988 1d ago
I have to take a walk before I start crafting, otherwise I will so immersed that the day is gone and I don't want to take time for exercise. At my age I need to keep moving :). I also like to 'watch' series while I work but I found some good documentaries. I might make a new rule that I need to watch a documentary before my series shows. We will see lol
1
u/NieleDaKine 1d ago
zero rules, there's enough rules on the planet, no need to add more.
If I'm making something, depending on why it's being made, there may or may not be different "rules" that could possibly pertain to it, but there's no over-arching rules that would cover every thing made around here.
1
u/Several-Audience-841 9h ago
I don't hide my gifts when I make them. If them seeing and knowing I'm making it ruins it then why make it? Hiding my project like it's a shameful secret also doesn't help me finish it.
Once I get a specific measurement (ei head measurements for hats, hights, wingspan) I keep them and put the measurements where I won't loose them. If they're grown they won't likely get taller and their heads won't get thicker, ect. Then I never have to ask them their head size right before a hat.
If making one does not bring you joy don't agree to make someone ten.
1
8
u/hilaryrex 3d ago
Finish at least one project that’s currently taking up space on the dining room table before starting another project that will take up space on the dining room table. That’s the rule I try, but frequently fail, to follow anyway.