I’ve been a crafting enthusiast, DIY aficionado, and self-proclaimed baking addict for as long as I can remember. There’s something truly fulfilling about diving into a creative mess and hoping that something beautiful emerges from it. I can’t resist the urge. When my sister tied the knot and envisioned sparkly shoes for her bridesmaids to wear with our teal dresses, my other sister and I decided to create our own glittery stilettos using Mod Podge and loose glitter — it was far more enjoyable than simply buying them.
I love to get my hands dirty and explore new projects. Sometimes, I feel compelled to whip up a cheesecake on an ordinary Tuesday. I get butterflies (and a hint of anxiety) when I stumble upon a stunning piece of art in a magazine, prompting me to jump in and try to recreate it instead of spending time shopping for it.
Occasionally, a project turns out just as I imagined, but often it doesn’t. That doesn’t deter me; I have no intention of putting away my knitting needles or sewing machine just because what I create doesn’t resemble something straight out of a high-end magazine. That’s not my motivation.
Creating is an integral part of who I am and who I was before embracing motherhood. It’s a passion that has remained constant through all of life’s ups and downs. I adored making things back then, and I still do now.
I admire art in its many forms, and while I don’t label myself a Pinterest mom, I guess I fit that description. I save countless ideas on Pinterest, gather materials, and strive to bring those visions to life. The process of creating nourishes me in a way that simply purchasing something cannot (though I do that quite a bit too). To me, the entire experience is therapeutic. I might decide to make 457 pompoms just because I can, and, by the way, you can use those 457 pom-poms to craft a fabulous pom-pom rug.
There are times I invite my kids to join me, but there are also moments when I need to tell them to go play or watch a show while I focus on my craft. It rejuvenates my spirit.
I know that often moms who enjoy crafting can be misunderstood, but contrary to popular belief, we’re not doing this for attention or to outshine anyone else. That’s simply not true.
I’m not trying to “outmom” anyone. I’m not here to show off or make someone feel inadequate because they don’t approach things as I do. When I redecorate a room and share a photo online, I’m reconnecting with the person I was before motherhood — a person I still need to honor every now and then. Sometimes, that means staying up late to make clay bowls and paint polka dots on them just for the fun of it.
We’re not attempting to fill a void or make other mothers feel less productive. I know many fellow crafting moms, and we’ve been creating together long before the advent of Pinterest (possibly even before Pinterest’s founder was born, ha!). They inspire me and introduce me to projects I didn’t know I wanted to try, like retiling a kitchen, which reminds me that I can get my hands dirty and figure things out for myself too.
The truth is, anyone who creates does so because it brings them joy — just for themselves. They’re not trying to outshine anyone by painting stripes on a wall or making a birch bark wreath.
Seriously, who started these misconceptions?
Life is about enrichment. For many of us, that includes gathering with friends to sip wine and paint. There’s nothing wrong with feeling accomplished after tackling chores like cleaning baseboards or organizing a Tupperware drawer.
Is it everyone’s cup of tea? Absolutely not. Each of us has our unique interests. Some moms are athletic; others organize fundraisers or run their own businesses. We invest our energy into activities that bring us joy, and that’s exactly how it should be. We work hard and often prioritize the needs of others above our own.
So, if we want to dive into grouting a new backsplash or use 3,000 pushpins to craft a thumbtack wreath, we will do just that. Instead of allowing someone else’s talents or hobbies to diminish our self-worth, let’s focus on our own strengths. 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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In summary, embracing creativity is not about competition; it’s about self-expression and joy. Whether it’s crafting, baking, or any other passion, what matters is finding what fulfills us and celebrating those moments without comparing ourselves to others.