Hopping around the world

Yesterday I was tagged in a question and answer type blog hop by Kim at Mothering with Mindfulness.  She is a gem of a lady - so focused on living naturally with the seasons.  Her knitting is superb and she even makes her own body butter.  (My hero!)

Alrighty.  Here goes.

What am I working on?

That's a loaded question, indeed!  Generally, I work on a few things at a time - a project with the kids, something for myself when I need a minute to chill, .  More specifically, I am currently working on two messenger bags (can't post photos yet as they are Christmas gifts), 3 jars of lacto-fermented pickles, two crochet owl hats, a byzantine angel pencil sketch, salt dough ornaments that need decorating and a random swath of stockinette stitch (for knitting practice).  I have some projects on hold, but I guess they don't count.  I enjoy having a variety of creations I can jump to if I need a moment of pause on something else.

How does my work differ from others?

I think just in flavour.  Most of what I do others do and have been doing for hundreds, even thousands of years.  I follow the footsteps of my parents, grandparents, and their ancestors.  But I'd like to think that what I make has a least a small bit of unique flavour.  A smidgen of me woven through the threads.  My thoughts;  a crooked line or too small stitch; different colour or fabric combinations; love.

Why do I create what I do?

Well, this whole making things deal has been a part of my life from childhood.  It's a joy to use my own hands and make something utilitarian, beautiful or fun.  And it became more intense when I had my own kiddies.  It actually feels almost like an unconscious imitation of the Omnipotent Creator.  In whatever capacity, I think every human being is driven to create something.  My interest, passions and circumstances have led me here: yarn, paint, food, fabric.  (And everything in-between.)

Besides giving me immense satisfaction, I also feel that it makes life simpler.  And slower.  It's something I had to experience to really understand.  

How does my creative process work?

Sometimes with Pinterest.  (Oh, Pinterest, how I do love thee!  Let me count the ways...)  Sometimes I'll stumble upon an idea trolling through favourite blogs.  Sometimes inspiration strikes.  And sometimes just plain old necessity comes knocking.  However it starts off, the beginning is usually messy.  Lots of scraps, smudges and ripped out rows.  Always worth any frustrations in the end.  

Thanks so much, Kim for your invitation to this blog hop.  I would like to invite three ladies, whom I have yet to meet, to keep the ball rolling and share their stories.  

• Alicia Paulson at Posie Gets Cozy
• Kristen at Cozy Things
• Millie at Ruby & Custard

Honestly, I love following their blogs and being inspired daily by their creativity!  Check out their spaces and see what marvellous things these talented ladies can do!!