A crafting journey

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    vivian chen

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    I used to be a stamper, but email and e-cards became too easy.

    I used to be a scrapbooker, but all of my photos got stuck in my phone or computer.

    I used to be a quilter, but I was frustrated by fractions. (When they say “quarter-inch” they mean it!)

    I used to be a knitter. Well, I still am, but sometimes it’s too hot to knit. Also, it takes time and commitment to push past the scarves and beanies stage. I did make a pair of really cute baby booties that looked like Uggs–twice!

    I really don’t need another crafting hobby that will inevitably become a part of my past self–except for knitting–because I’m still a knitter, I swear. But between Instagram, RJ’s yarn projects, and Franki’s clear coat painting, I’ve been influenced. I’m also hoping this new hobby will give me something calming to do while navigating these tumultuous times.

    What is this new craft? I’m currently awaiting my beginner’s kit. Hopefully, it will arrive before the March challenge is over, so I can share it with you.

    Here’s proof of some of my old crafting endeavors. I don’t have any stamped cards because those have all been given to others.

    NYC Trip Scrapbook
    Beanie baby
    Small quilt made with a friend’s baby’s hands.
    Who wore it better?

    10 responses to “A crafting journey”

    1. franmcveigh Avatar
      franmcveigh

      Love this format. May be stealing the idea.

      The ” who wore it better” is cute and the handprints on the quilt. That’s complicated

      Most “crafts and their stuff take up SPACE!

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    2. arjeha Avatar
      arjeha

      It is nice to have a hobby you enjoy doing. I leave quilting and knitting to Kathy. Scrapbooking, no interest. I will admit to doing a cross stitch project or two. I have a lion that really turned out nicely.

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    3. Ana Valentina Patton Avatar
      Ana Valentina Patton

      I admire your craftsmanship and the joy you obviously get from those projects. I look forward to seeing more about this new hobby!

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    4. edifiedlistener Avatar
      edifiedlistener

      It looks like you have a hand for all sorts of creative pursuits which is a talent in and of itself. I have a number of postponed projects waiting for my return. Punch needle was my unexpected new hobby this winter. I’m sure there will be a comeback sooner or later.

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    5. Leigh Anne Eck Avatar
      Leigh Anne Eck

      Being a former quilter, I laughed at your 1/4 inch comment. So true!! And I learned that the hard way. Now though, I can trim a paper to within 1/4 inch almost every time! Looking forward to seeing what your new hobby is. I have been collaging, and I lvoe ripping paper just to make something new…much like quilting only smaller and faster.

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    6. Glenda Funk Avatar
      Glenda Funk

      Vivian,

      For much of my life I viewed crafting as antithetical to feminism, so I avoided domestic tasks. I was wrong, and I regret not learning to knit or crochet. I’m bummed that you left us hanging about the new craft. That’s not fair!

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    7. Alice Avatar
      Alice

      You got me with crafting! I also remember using a similar format in my early years of teaching (I used to…but now I…) so this piece is perfect! My favorite abandoned crafts: scrapbooking, crocheting, knitting, paper bead making (during the pandemic and the beads never made it into a bracelet even though I bought plenty of elastic cord). Your creations are fabulous, my fave being the quilt. Your models are adorable! Can’t wait to see your new craft.

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    8. #SOLSC25: Day 26 “I used to …” | Resource – Full

      […] This post was inspired by Vivian Chen’s “A Crafting Journey” here. […]

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    9. Celia Fisher Avatar
      Celia Fisher

      I enjoyed the humour and skill in your crafting slice. Lots of craft in your life and I’m hoping we get to hear about your new one before the end of the month!

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    10. Lainie Levin Avatar
      Lainie Levin

      I totally understand this, Vivian! I actually posted recently about being a serial hobbyist, so I GET IT.

      And the works of heart you posted are absolutely beautiful. I’ll be waiting to see what’s around the bend for your next craft endeavor. =)

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