Five Ways to Find Time to Create Crafts

Are your scrapbook piles stacked higher than your 55-inch TV? Does your sewing room look more like a storage room? Do you yearn to visit your local craft store but know you shouldn't because you have too many unfinished projects at home?

Don't throw in the craft towel yet, there's hope for all your craft projects to come to fruition!

It is easy to set our crafts to the side when we are constantly bombarded with outside forces needing our attention: parents, children, spouses, friends, finances, health concerns, communities, chores, and so much more!

Where do we find time for creative expression? When do you find time to finish making priceless treasures for your family to cherish?

Use the following tips to help carve out some craft time in your life and before you know it, you'll have more finished projects and room to start new ones.

Carry It. We wait in doctor's offices, ride the subway, spend countless hours as passengers in cars, sit through our children's sport practices-basically, we have oodles of opportunities to sneak in some craft prep time. Keep a bag designated for craft tasks with you and you'll easily put this free time to great use.

Use a simple canvas bag or a sophisticated craft supply bag. It doesn't matter what you transport your craft items in, it only matters that you bring them.

If you are into crochet, you can easily work on small projects or crochet squares while waiting for an appointment or traveling as a passenger in the car. If you are into scrapbooking, carry scissors and pictures to trim for later use. Or carry small scrapbooks and supplies to create mini books for family and friends. The options are endless!

Box It. Keep a decorative box next to your favorite "sitting" spot. Fill the box with all the supplies you need to finish your current craft project. Then work on it while you watch television or sit down for a rest in your sun room.

Your craft box will come in super handy to transport the craft from room to room if you decide to work in a different location, or to bring the crafts outside with you to enjoy the afternoon breeze on your porch.

When your current craft project is complete and your box is empty- refill it with your next project!

Close the door. Everyone needs a little down time. Set aside some time in your craft room, kitchen, bedroom, or wherever you are comfortable and "close the door." Concentrate on your craft project for ten minutes or two hours-whatever time frame you are comfortable with.

Let family and friends know that you need a little quiet time while you focus on the craft. You'll be surprised what you can accomplish with just a few minutes of quality quiet time on your side!

Open the door. Involve your family and friends with your crafts. Have children help you trim pictures, pick out colors for projects, or stir the frosting for your next cake. Coax your spouse or relatives to help you fashion wood designs or piece together quilts.

Invite your friends over for a craft night to swap supplies, ideas, and fun conversation while you concentrate on completing your crafts. They will appreciate the chance to attend to their crafts and you'll have the encouragement you need to complete yours.

Prioritize it. Giving priority to your creative time is important. Self-expression is a fabulous part of who we are, don't squelch it! You'll be a happier, healthier person when you allow time in your life for creativity.

Schedule craft time in your daily planner and honor the appointment. Designate a craft night for the family where you all work on what inspires you, whether it's building clay models, coloring with crayons, crafting earrings, or creating floral arrangements. The creative "together" time will be a wonderful experience for all.

Remember that every craft you create is an expression of self. Friends, family, and others will cherish these hand made items always because, after all, they are one-of-a-kind!