Have you ever felt a little rough around the edges or a slight bit edgy – okay a lot bit edgy? Raise your hand if this fits for you (by the looks of the virtual hand-raising you’re not alone). Read on to see my new adventures and how Upcycling through Handmade stitches new life with frayed edges and threads. Find out how you can tackle your “‘maybe someday” project, too.
Rough Around the Edges…literally
Allowing for a bit of self reflection on what was, is and what will be has been things as of late. Not only do we need to do a self-check every now and then but also self-reflect. We’re not perfect and life is not perfect. As a result we can maybe finally accept ourselves flaws and all. Moreover letting go of things that we can control vs. the things we can’t is what makes us well rounded and acceptable to ourselves and others. The future is somewhat unknown and all I know is the now and thank goodness God takes care of the rest.
Upcycling through Handmade
Resurface. Reupholster. Repaint. Refinish. Make something old new again!
Natalie DiScala
Leaving Craft–Room for Error
When it comes to perfection and handmade the creative juices can halt and even stifle creativity. Moreover, erring on the side of creative caution can fill a room full of “maybe someday” projects. Do you have “maybe someday” projects lurking in your closet, a cabinet or perhaps under your bed? I most certainly do and somehow the far right brain finally cleared the dusty cobwebs and the big reveal happened.
That project is taking old t-shirts (& sweatshirts) under the scissors and cutting them up and creatively assembling them with other retired shirts and making t-shirt dresses.
Upcycling through Handmade
While taking on this project it stretched the creative brain beyond measure.
Upcycling through Handmade
Let’s tackle that someday project!
But I don’t know where to begin!
Taking on a “maybe someday” project can be daunting and scary, especially if we’re used to the same ol’ grind of our routine. Breaking out of a routine to give ourselves a brain break is a good thing! Whether it’s a monumental project of a simple project here’s a list of things to get you started and not let it go any longer.
- write it down – somehow it becomes more “real” when it’s etched on paper
- be kind to yourself that it doesn’t have to be perfect
- carve out the time…yes, we know you’re busy, but if it’s that important you’ll make the time
- when the moment comes to work on your thang turn off all devices. You heard me right, no pings, beeps, rings or vibrations and keep your phone in the other room where you can’t hear it…mom will be fine
- stick to it for a committed amount of time….‘I’m gonna work on this for one hour every Monday and Thursday’ sorta thing
- don’t listen to the negative nellies in the corner of your head that creep up, you can do this!
- revel in the mini accomplishments
- reward yourself when you’re done!
Completing a project can be both satisfying and a relief. You marked something off your someday project list and did it! Yay you!
Weather the Seasons
As we head into Fall and Winter months Bound to be Creative will be making more “maybe someday” sweatshirt dresses like the one below. Do you have a favorite sweatshirt? Me too….but the binding on some of my favorites are just too much for me, they tug, pull and are so uncomfortable. See how I transformed a too-bind-y sweat shirt into a new favorite sweatshirt-dress.
The bindings on this sweatshirt were too bind-y …so off they went. Notice how I kept the pockets. This fall I’ll pair it with navy leggings.
Dresses and totes will be available in the new shop and online soon! Shop the other handmade crossbody totes I make here.
New Shop photos update- Things are coming along super great – stay tuned for more details! Read about the new shop space right here.
Until next time….
Bound to be….cheering you on!
