I’ve been a crafting enthusiast, DIY addict, and amateur baker for as long as I can recall. There’s something soul-stirring about getting messy and hoping that something beautiful emerges from it. I can’t resist the urge. When my sister tied the knot and requested that her bridesmaids sport sparkly shoes with our teal dresses, my other sister and I decided to add our own sparkle using Mod Podge and loose glitter instead of buying a pair. It was a far more enjoyable experience!
I relish getting my hands dirty and experimenting with new projects. Sometimes, I suddenly feel compelled to whip up a cheesecake on an ordinary Tuesday. When I spot a piece of art I adore in a magazine, I can’t help but dive in and try to recreate it instead of spending time shopping around.
Occasionally, things turn out as planned, but most of the time, they don’t. And that’s completely fine with me. I’m not about to abandon my knitting needles or sewing machine just because my creations don’t resemble something straight out of a Martha Stewart magazine. That’s not why I do this.
Creating is a core part of my identity, both as a mother and as the person I was before motherhood. It’s a constant throughout life’s ups and downs. I loved making things back then, and I still do today.
I appreciate art in all its forms, and while I may not label myself a Pinterest mom, I certainly fit the mold. I pin projects like there’s no tomorrow, gather supplies, and attempt to bring those visions to life. This creative process nourishes me in a way that purchasing something from a store simply cannot (although I indulge in that too). For me, it’s therapeutic. If I feel inspired to make 457 pom-poms, you better believe I will! (By the way, those 457 pom-poms can become a fantastic pom-pom rug.)
Sometimes I invite my kids to join in the fun, but other times, I hand them playdough or a screen and tell them I need some time to create by myself. It’s good for my soul.
I know that moms who love to create often face criticism, but let me clarify: we’re not doing it for attention or to make others feel inferior. That’s just nonsense.
I’m not out to “outmom” anyone or show off. When I redecorate a room and post about it, I’m reconnecting with the person I was before I became a parent. I need that connection now and then, even if it means staying up late to craft clay bowls and paint them just for fun.
We’re not looking to fill any voids or make other mothers feel unproductive either. Many of my friends are what you might call “Pinterest moms,” and we’ve been making things together long before Pinterest existed (probably before its creator was even born, if I’m being honest). They inspire me to try new things, especially when I see them tackling ambitious projects like re-tiling their kitchens. It reminds me that I can roll up my sleeves and figure things out too.
Ultimately, those of us who love to create do it for joy—not to overshadow anyone else. Who even started those rumors, anyway?
Life is about enrichment. For some of us, that means gathering to sip wine and paint. There’s nothing wrong with feeling accomplished after scrubbing baseboards or organizing a Tupperware drawer.
Is this for everyone? Of course not; everyone has their own passions. Some moms excel in athletics, some dedicate themselves to organizing fundraisers, and others run their own businesses. We all invest our energy in what brings us joy and fulfillment, and that’s precisely what we should be doing. We work hard and often prioritize others’ needs over our own.
So, if we want to get our hands dirty with grout while experimenting with a new backsplash or creating a thumbtack wreath with 3,000 pushpins to recharge, then we will. Instead of allowing someone else’s talents or hobbies to diminish our self-worth, we should embrace our strengths. And just so you know, if you help me out at the school fundraiser next week, I can totally knit you a sweater!
For more insights on pregnancy and creative endeavors, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy here, or learn more about home insemination kits here.
In summary, I’m not in competition with anyone—I simply love to create. Whether it’s crafting, baking, or DIY projects, these activities nourish my spirit and help me stay connected to who I am. Let’s celebrate our unique passions without feeling the need to compare ourselves to others.