What is Hobby Hoarding?
After graduating from college I had a strange realization. I don't have hobbies. I would tell people I enjoyed reading when asked what I did for fun, but the amount of books I read in my college career was minimal. I didn't have time for crafts, reading, writing, or learning anything new. So when I graduated and came across this new sense of free time, I did not know how to utilize it. This allowed me to step into the world of collecting cozy hobbies to cycle through, plus make them sustainable and improve my day-to-day. I'll be sure to give you examples on some activities I have grown to LOVE, and what I do to help myself aim towards NOT overconsuming supplies.
My Favorite Creative Hobbies
As a self-proclaimed artist, I love all things creative. I love to work with my hands to build or make something from next to nothing. While trusting the process can be a large pain, when a project comes to be I find it exciting as well as fulfilling. One of the first hobbies I got into was embroidering.
Embroidering is such a fun way to create something new. Whether you are adding to something you already have, or working on something you could hang up, there are so many different ways that embroidering can come into play. If you are beginning and just want to learn the stitches, there are plenty of kits on Etsy, or at a local craft store to get started. The act of creating something to showcase is extremely rewarding and something that brings me happiness looking at for a long time.
Another activity I have gotten into has been learning makeup. I started makeup school after graduating college, and have been working on my certificate to become a makeup artist. I love the creativity and the way that people can use makeup to express themselves every day. Learning how to wing eyeliner, or trying a new lip combo can be fun ways to be more creative.
Crocheting, knitting, and sewing have all made their rounds with me and I definitely love switching up new ways to create clothes, home accessories, stuffed animals, and so much more. There is so much you can do with any of these skills, and while they can be a pain to learn, once you get them there is so many creative things that can be done with them.
Lastly, one of my favorite hobbies I have started is creating miniatures. It makes me feel the freedom of decorating a full space freely, while confining it to the means of a small area. I love to decorate different rooms, and spaces to the desires of what I want the aesthetic will be. I want to try out new spaces more and more to give to friends, add a fun piece to a bookshelf, and have the creativity flow from me.
How to Get Started
The best way to start a hobby is to find beginner-friendly kits, with all the proper materials. This way you do not have to worry about forgetting an item at the store. You can find these kits at craft stores, or online. Etsy is a great place to look for craft supplies and support other artists while getting started on crafting yourself.
Another thing to be smart about is overconsumption in crafting. While buying in bulk and having a lot of craft supplies can be great for certain projects, do not overconsume what you do not know you will use. The best part of doing crafts is taking the time to do them, not wanting to feel creative by spending a bunch of money on projects you never start. Be smart about what you want to try, and consume the necessary materials for your level. If you have never tried something before you do not need the advanced level materials until you hit that stage. Hobby hoarding is having many different hobbies, not hoarding supplies for hobbies you never do.
Starting a new activity is super fun, but there is something I need to mention. The hard thing that does come with crafting is that we are in a very fast-paced world. Crafting requires patience and care, and homemade projects tend to look homemade. What you see as a store-bought crochet item, may look different than what you can make yourself, and that is okay! Crafting teaches you patience, the excitement of slowing down, and the progress that can occur through time and energy. Yes, it can get frustrating when you have to restart, or the result is not what you thought it would be. But that's a good thing! It teaches you how to be better. No one has ever gotten worse from practicing. So power through the impatience, and create something, and even if it is not your favorite, it is a start to a new skill. Being a beginner is not equivalent to failure, never starting is.
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