Crafting Equals Bonding

When a project is started we realize that we begin to be consumed with our current mission and time with the people important to us becomes less and less appealing. Let’s be real, when you are in the mood to craft, you’re in the mood. As much as I wish we could stay in our little cocoons, family and friends are real and happening right now. So this is my solution to making up for lost hours to those very important people.

Unfortunately, what might be a good idea for kids is not applicable to people who are the same age or even older. The ideas that may come to mind will not always work for all parties involved so it is always good to have options. Sadly, this may require you to go to your favorite craft store and stock up on fun things and spend money. But I think we both know this is just another excuse for you to get lost in Hobby Lobby or Michaels for a few hours. YAY ME TIME!

A little over seven years ago, my sister graciously blessed me with a nephew who has gradually become my best friend. Over time, bonding with him everyday soon became like brushing my teeth, it just had to be done. As it came closer for me to leave for college I knew that I was going to have to make up for lost time. I knew that if I kept taking him out for frozen yogurt every Thursday for date night, the child would soon have diabetes, I would be broke, and the people at the froyo place would soon know everything about our personal lives. One day we stumbled upon the incredible productive outlet of crafting and art projects but don’t get me wrong, we still constantly get froyo.

Photo By: My talented mother

I started this endeavor by taking advantage of the fact that he is a kid and kids love to do everything themselves. My nephew and I share the incredible bond over superheroes, so one day I bought a canvas, drew the Avengers logo, and the next day he painted it all while I finished my own project. During this time we talked about what was going on during school, his favorite TV shows, and everything that I felt I missed over the weeks I was gone. Bada bing bada boom, bonding successful.

Here are some ideas to do with those important people in your life: 

• Taking molds of your children’s growing feet (or someone else’s feet if you are into that kind of thing).
• Melted Crayon projects we have seen once or twice on Pinterest.
• Hanging out with your siblings and making something for your parents on the next upcoming holiday (or if you are my siblings, they win me over with flattery. “But you are so good at it!” “I know mom and dad would love it if it sucked, but you just do it better. Let me know if you need anything.” A big ol’ MK to you guys.).
• Taking time to update and recycle things around your home.
• Creating matching patterns on mugs with sharpie.
• Taking leftover bottle caps and creating coasters or a table top.
• Just snowballing off of that: using left over scrabble letter to make coasters.

            Creating time for people in your life is crucial to maintaining relationships but that doesn’t always mean you have to give up what you love. New ideas can be sparked and new bonds can be formed. Crafting isn’t just a hobby, it’s bonding.