From one kind of creativity to another...

I have just been thinking about how I have always LOVED getting my creative juices flowing. I have always loved crafts, and stuff, but when you are young, at least when I was younger, I didn't have a lot of opportunities to do crafts, paint, sew, etc. But, I did have one HUGE creative outlet, and that was DANCE!!! I was on every dance team that was available to me. I just loved it. From Jr. High, to High School, clear through college, I was dancing all the time. I miss it now. But at the same time, I have found so many other ways to use my creativity. It's interesting how as life changes, so do your hobbies. Now I am the mother of (almost) two boys- or at least I will be soon!!:) I can't just drop everything and go be on a dance team. That's just not practical for the kind of Mom and wife I want to be. But I am so glad that I have the opportunity to discover and learn new creative outlets. It's just too much fun!:) I LOVE CREATING!

Notice!

Please notice a new feature on She's Crafty! I have talked about my "Craft Therapy" in the past, but in order to make it a reality, I need to make some money first! I have placed a DONATE button in my right sidebar, in case you are feeling generous!!;) All donations will be put into a fund that will be used to start a Craft Therapy support group in order to cope with depression, or anything that might be hindering a happier, healthier YOU!

*Every little bit helps! Even $1!:)

Thanks everyone!!:)

Playin in a Fort!

K, I realize this isn't exactly a CRAFT, but it sure is CREATIVE!!:) This is me and my adorable boy, playing in the fort that we made in our living room! Try it out with your kiddos- doesn't matter how old-they will love it!!

Creative Coping

I have had some interest in what I like to call my "Creative Coping Mechanism". So I wanted to give you the story.:) When my baby was 10 weeks old, I started to feel really horrible. I felt like I couldn't do anything about it. I felt lost. I cried constantly, and I worried that I couldn't control my emotions anymore. I tried to find someone who had been through the same thing, but I couldn't. It seemed I was the only one! (Which is another reason I want to share my story- so that you know you are not the only one!!) So that is when I called my doctor. He told me a little about postpartum depression. He prescribed me some anti-depressants. They helped. But they didn't make the problem go away completely. So I decided to really pray hard! Then all of a sudden I started wanting to do different projects all the time. I wanted to learn new things constantly. I either taught myself how to do things, or I got help learning new things. I learned to sew, digital scrapbook, hand embroider, make vinyl lettering, refinish almost any type of furniture... and I am still learning! I found a place inside me that makes me feel happy. The Lord really blessed me with this ability. I came to KNOW my Heavenly Father through this trial. I have found so much happiness through my little family, my faith, and now-my hobbies!:)

Eventually, when we have a little more money...or a lot, I want to focus on my DREAM to someday open a place of business where women of any age, race, or health status can come and "cope" together, and share their creativity, inspiration, and stories! Help this "CRAFT THERAPY" become a reality! Donate to the cause!

Word of the Year

"A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow."

SOOOOOOOO, my word is....

CREATE!

Within the past year of 2008, I experienced a lot of things. One of them being postpartum depression. In my quest to figure out how to cope with my illness, I found a place in me that made me feel better. It was my creative side. I learned from others and even taught myself MANY new things, like how to sew, how to embroider, how to quilt, how to digital scrapbook, how to refinish furniture, and how to be more appreciative for the gifts that the Lord has given me. I look at my crafts, and this craft blog, as a way for me to cope. A way for me to have some "craft therapy", as I like to call it.

So, for 2009, I want to CREATE much more than just crafts. I want to create inspiration for others who may or may not have issues with any kind of depression. I want to create great memories with my baby and husband, and family, and friends. I want to create a way for me to be a better me!