Crafting Just For Fun

I have a theory that the business of being creative sometimes steals the whole spontaneous, free-flowing nature of creativity itself. You see it all the time- musicians who make it big and suddenly have no inspiration, talented people who are burnt out on what they love because the drive to succeed has overshadowed the desire to express themselves. Anyone who pursues their passion or hobby knows that enjoyment is one of the main reasons you spend portions of your life dedicated to whatever it is you create or do. But sometimes, the pressure grows to the point that much of the original enjoyment is diminished by the constant drive to sell your work, make money, and be desirable to your market. Making a profit doing what you love is a wonderful scenario but in the end, the ability to truly unleash your creativity is the real reward.



This theory has led me check with myself regularly to make sure I'm creating for the right reasons. Of course there are times when I have an order to fill and there are specific items I need to make. And there are also times when I make things because I want to sell them in my online shop. That's not to say I don't have fun with projects such as these, because sculpting little things out of clay or revamping vintage goodies are things that make my heart happy every time without fail. But I also make sure to set aside a little bit of quality time between me and my supplies every once in awhile so I can create freely with no regard for profits or marketability. I make things just because I want them.



I can give you an idea of what happens when these leisurely craft sessions take place. I've basically got a big, fat, overactive imagination and when I make things just for fun, anything goes. Perhaps I'll decide my life is not complete if I don't have a snail figurine with little hearts on his antennae or a jewelry tree sculpted from polymer clay and a recycled fork. Random, yes, but also tons of fun and good for my crafty little soul.



What do you make when you create just for the sake of creating?