I’ve been crafting, experimenting with DIY projects, and baking delightful treats for as long as I can remember. There’s something magical about mixing chaos and creativity, hoping for a beautiful outcome. Recently, when my friend decided on a unique theme for her wedding and asked her bridesmaids to wear glittery shoes with our lavender dresses, my sister and I took it upon ourselves to transform our own heels using Mod Podge and loose glitter — it turned out to be a lot more enjoyable than simply buying a pair.
I thrive on getting my hands messy and trying out new ideas. Sometimes, I feel a sudden urge to whip up a cheesecake on an ordinary Wednesday. When I spot a piece of art I adore in a magazine, I can’t resist diving in to recreate it instead of just browsing for something similar.
Occasionally, a project turns out just as I envisioned, but more often than not, it doesn’t. Yet, I refuse to put away my knitting needles or sewing machine just because my creations don’t match the polished look of a magazine spread. That’s not why I engage in crafting.
Creating is an essential part of who I am, both as a person and as a mother. It’s a connection to my past self that remains steadfast through life’s ups and downs. I found joy in making things back then, and I still do now.
While I admire art in its many forms, I don’t typically identify as a Pinterest mom — though I guess I fit the mold. I love pinning ideas, gathering supplies, and attempting to recreate inspiring images. The entire experience is therapeutic for me. Whether I decide to make 457 pom-poms or turn them into a cozy rug, it brings me fulfillment.
There are moments when I invite my kids to join me in crafting, but other times I need solitude to focus. It rejuvenates my spirit.
It’s unfortunate that moms who love to create sometimes face unfair criticism. Contrary to popular belief, our motivation isn’t to seek validation or to appear superior to others. That notion is completely misguided.
I’m not here to outdo anyone or to flaunt my skills. By sharing my creative projects on social media, I’m merely reconnecting with the person I was before motherhood. Sometimes that means staying up late crafting clay bowls just for the fun of it.
The truth is, we aren’t trying to outshine other mothers or make anyone feel inadequate. Many of the moms I know who are passionate about creating have been doing so long before Pinterest was even a thought. They inspire me to try new things, from re-tiling kitchens to crafting home decor, reminding me that I can roll up my sleeves and tackle projects too.
Ultimately, those of us who enjoy creating do it for our own joy. We’re not trying to overshadow anyone else with our projects, whether it’s painting stripes on a wall or assembling a wreath from birch bark.
Who even started those rumors?
Life should be about enrichment. For some of us, that means gathering with friends to sip wine and paint. There’s nothing wrong with feeling accomplished after organizing the pantry or cleaning the floors.
Is this for everyone? Absolutely not! Everyone has their own passions. Some moms excel at sports, while others lead fundraisers or run businesses. We invest our energy into activities that bring us joy, and that’s exactly what we should be doing. We work hard and often prioritize others’ needs above our own.
So, if we want to dive into a messy project like trying out a new backsplash or crafting a thumbtack wreath to recharge, we will. And instead of feeling inferior by comparing ourselves to others, let’s focus on our strengths. Just so you know, I can knit you a sweater if you help me with my shift at the school fundraiser next week!
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