Do you have a fulfilling hobby?

Have anyone praised you for what you have made? Being acknowledged for your efforts can be fulfilling. So, work on what you are good at doing and explore ways to make it better or unique. And, what do I mean by that? For example, everyone can take a photo but you can make it unique this way.

As with any hobby, to be able to get to that stage takes time and practice.

So, if you think that taking photos as a hobby could be relaxing for you, make your photos stand out by picking up tips on ways to take your shots creatively. You can easily find them online by doing a search for “unique ways to take photographs” or “photography hacks”. That was how I found the above video.

What is considered a relaxing hobby for one person could be a struggle for you if it is something new to you, especially if, you have issues with attention or focus. Some creative hobbies require a significant amount of mathematics. Crochet is one of them that I enjoy working on since I was a kid. I enjoy making my work unique by making it versatile. This fanny pack that I crochet is a good example as I can use it in 4 different ways.

For me, writing is a very relaxing hobby. I find it very fulfilling to be able to share useful information or teach what I have made. It is nice to know that one day when I am no longer around, my children will still be able to learn from my blogs. Are you curious to know how I am able to use the fanny pack in four different ways? I shared the information and instructions on how I make it at the following link:

Create a Versatile Bag

If you take up crochet and there is a mistake in one of the stitches half way through, you will have to unravel your work because even a missing stitch can be obvious.

Similar for craft like quilting. Precise measurements is required to calculate the amount of fabric you need to complete your project. Lots of measuring is required to get the geometric shapes, patterns, and proportions right. To make your finished work stands out, you must also have an eye for mixing fabrics of different colours and patterns. If you lose your focus and have sewn mismatched patches together, the mistake will stand out due to the patterns or orientations. Do you like the idea of ripping the seam of the incorrect pieces to reposition and re-stitch them correctly?

If quilting is what you are aiming for, you can start by:

-choosing project with patches in similar shapes and sizes.
-working on a smaller projects.
-copying what others have already made.

But before you start buying all the tools and materials you need for whatever hobby you want to venture into, try to improvise with what you have on hand. For example, when I wanted to learn to weave to create a necklace, I managed to make my own weaving tool. Instead of buying yarn, I used cut strips of plastic bags. It is very fulfilling for me, when I am able to use material, that would otherwise be discarded, in my craft project. I call my efforts, “Creating Abundance from the Abandoned”.

My favourite source for crafting ideas is at Pinterest. It is where I go to if I need inspirations to start a project. I will save (pin) on my board “Abundance from Abandoned” at the following link, any craft ideas that can be made with discarded material:

After looking through them, you will realise that you do not even have to buy craft books to learn because you can find many free instructions for craftwork there. Beware! It can be addictive. I can get locked up there as I am an information hoarder for DIY projects and anything that interest me.

If you want to start sewing or quilting as a hobby, you can consider upcycling clothes that you or your family members have outgrown.  Are you able to get your hands on leftover fabric from friends who sew?  There are also many types of hobby you can consider starting with leftover materials that you have on hand.  You will find crafting ideas by doing a search for "create craft with leftover scraps" on Pinterest.

You will never lack material to work in your hobby if you work with PVC material. I am sure your friends and neighbours will gladly give you their empty PVC bottles if you tell them that you want them for your craft projects.  Trust me, it can be very fulfilling if you can use your creativity to create practical things for your home without spending money on materials. 

Check out this video if you need more inspirations to start.

Your relatives and friends will be amazed by your new found hobby when they visit your home. Likely, some may even request you to make them the same. See if they are willing to pay you for your time and efforts because making extra income can be fulfilling too.