Growing up, we didn't have much money. I remember my dad working all the time and my mom working all the time. Actually, my mom had 2 jobs for most of my childhood that I can remember. I guess at an early age I knew we couldn't afford a lot of the things I wanted and wanted to do, like take art or dance classes. I have an aunt that would always take my sister and me shopping for school clothes and that was such a treat because that was the only way I could get any name brand clothing.
I was already a smart girl but I don't remember saying "I'm bored" as much as my own children do.
What I do remember is always loving to read and draw. I won my first art contest when I was in the first grade. I drew a picture of Raggedy Ann and Andy. It was on a box or something that my teacher had in her room. I ended up winning 2nd place in the state for the elementary level. So I would continue drawing and doodling. Well, I still do that!
I also, being a girl, was into fashion and clothes. I remember getting one of those fashion designer kits for Christmas or a birthday; you know, the ones that had all the different plates and you mixed and matched the head, the torso, and the legs and they had various patterns and styles. You put the paper on top and used a flat charcoal-like pencil to rub the image onto the paper. Then you could color it. It loved that thing! My best friend and I also had a large binder full of clothing that we would design when we stayed up late. I hate that I lost that thing. It would be a treasure now for sure! One of the first memories I have of sewing was in 4th or 5th grade and I made a skirt for a 4H fashion show. I placed but I can't remember what I won. My mom had a sewing machine that she would use to make doll clothes for my sister and me, or tee shirt dresses for us, and that's how I learned to sew. I can't recall if my mom actually sat me down and taught me or if I just watched her and tried it myself. Either way, I learned and, while I'm not a wonderful seamstress, I am sufficient enough to read patterns, design my own patterns, and make clothes, bags, and toys. My mom and sister gave me a new sewing machine for Christmas a few years ago but I still have the original that belonged to my mom. I grew up recycling too because we didn't have a lot of money for fabric so I used whatever we had - old pillowcases, curtains, or clothes that didn't fit or were stained. While I can afford a little fabric, I still prefer to search thrift stores for vintage materials and reuse what's already out there.
Whenever I got bored, I would go make something, draw something, write something or read something. I'm still that way. I am not one of those that sit around and watch TV all day, unless it's a DIY marathon! Even then, I am in front of the TV with my craft supplies. I take a sketch book or drawing pad with me everywhere I go. It's just in my nature, I guess. I still have notebooks and sketchbooks packed away full of stories and drawings, ideas for fabrics and clothing, and home decorating craft ideas. I'm also pretty handy with tools thanks to my dad!
I love making things and creating something new from something old. I gave handmade gifts way back when it wasn't cool to give handmade gifts. I've still never had an art lesson even though I teach painting classes at my church! I think I will probably be crafting and painting until I die. It now serves as my stress relief and a way to reach out to others at church.
Well, now you know where all that craftiness comes from. I honestly feel like it is just a God-given talent that I have and I give Him the glory and thanks for it.
Be blessed!
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