I’ve been a crafting enthusiast, DIY fanatic, and baking aficionado for as long as I can remember. There’s something magical about making a mess and hoping something beautiful emerges from it. I can’t resist the urge to create. When my sister got married and decided she wanted her bridesmaids to wear sparkly shoes with our navy dresses, instead of purchasing pre-bedazzled ones, my other sister and I transformed our own heels with glue and glitter — it was much more enjoyable.
I relish getting my hands dirty and experimenting with new ideas. Sometimes, I find myself craving to whip up a cheesecake for no apparent reason on a random Wednesday. I feel a rush of excitement (and a hint of anxiety) when I come across a stunning piece of art in a magazine, prompting me to dive in and attempt to recreate it instead of taking the time to shop for it.
Occasionally, a project turns out just as planned, but more often than not, it doesn’t. That doesn’t deter me; I’m not going to abandon my knitting needles or sewing machine simply because my creations don’t resemble those in a magazine. That’s not the purpose of my crafting.
I engage in these activities because they are integral to my identity both as a person and as a mother. It’s a part of me that remains unchanged despite life’s ups and downs. I loved creating back then, and I still love it now.
I appreciate art in all its forms, and while I may not label myself a Pinterest mom, I certainly indulge in it. I pin ideas, gather supplies, and attempt to bring my inspirations to life. The process nourishes my spirit in a way that buying something from a store never could (though I do that plenty, too). For me, it’s therapeutic. I don’t mind making 500 pom-poms if that’s what I feel inspired to do. (And for the record, you can turn those 500 pom-poms into a charming rug.)
Sometimes I invite my children to join me, but there are moments when I need solitude to create. It’s a form of self-care that feeds my soul.
I’m aware that mothers who enjoy crafting often face criticism, but contrary to popular belief, we’re not doing it for attention or to appear superior to anyone else. That’s just nonsense.
I’m not trying to “outmom” anyone, nor am I aiming to show off or make anyone feel inadequate if they don’t share my hobbies. When I redecorate a room and post a picture on social media, it’s a way for me to reconnect with the person I was before motherhood. Sometimes that means staying up late to make clay bowls and paint them with polka dots simply for fun.
We’re not trying to fill a void or make other moms feel unproductive. I know many “Pinterest moms.” They’re my friends, and we’ve been creating together long before Pinterest existed. I find inspiration in these women; they introduce me to ideas I never knew I wanted to explore, especially when I see one of them taking on a big project like retiling their kitchen. It reminds me that I, too, can dive in and figure it out.
The truth is, anyone who creates does it for the joy it brings them personally. They’re not trying to overshadow others with their projects. Who even started those rumors?
The essence of life is to enrich it. For some of us, that means gathering with friends for wine and painting nights. There’s no shame in feeling accomplished after tackling a cleaning chore or organizing our supplies.
Is crafting for everyone? Absolutely not. Each person has their own passions. Some moms are athletic, some organize community events, and others run their own businesses. We all invest our energy into what brings us joy, and that’s exactly what we should be doing. We work hard and often put others’ needs before our own.
So, if we want to immerse ourselves in a new DIY project or create a thumbtack wreath to recharge, we will do so without hesitation. Instead of letting someone else’s talents diminish our self-worth, we should celebrate our own abilities. And just so you know, I can totally knit you a sweater if you help me out at the school fundraiser next week.
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Summary:
Creating is not a competition; it’s a personal journey that enriches our lives. Crafting allows us to reconnect with our identities and find joy in the process, regardless of the outcome. While some may view crafting mothers as trying to outshine others, the reality is that we pursue these passions for our own happiness and fulfillment. Let’s celebrate what makes us unique rather than comparing ourselves to one another.