Friday, January 1

2016

Happy 2016!!!  Lists have been made on what to change, improve, achieve and a lot more.  

Let me enumerate my crafty goals this year.

1.  Create more than usual.  

Really, I'm an overall crafter.  But my recent posts are more about cards - because they're the easiest ones to make and require lesser time.  In 2015, there was not a single post about other crafts I used to do.  Pathetic.  I started as a scrapbooker for all sakes!  I did digital scrapbooking too.  I have done some scrapbooking last year, but it was for my friend's and not mine.  I can't recall the last scrapbook page I have made for myself.  I can't remember the last time I made a digital scrapbook page either.  The last time I crocheted something was this cool Bobble Hat almost 2 years ago. And my last cross stitch project was in 2011.  Jewelry making?  It's been a long time.  I love papercrafts - especially origami.  My last origami post was in 2012.  I have a lot of craft kits which I haven't touched for years.  If my planet could oust me, it would have a long time ago.  This is Tinker Planet.  I need to do a lot more tinkering.

2.  Use up my supplies.  This one is really important.  As I get older, I actually feel joy when I use up something.  Like lipstick.  Or a bottle of lotion.  It means I got my money's worth.  I want to apply this with my craft supplies.  A lot of them I have had for years anyway.  They need to be used.  With that, I am not to buy unless I run out of something.  This goal has actually been a yearly thing.  I would do good in the first few months, then I forget about the goal once I see something that's a "good deal." But this year, I'll do my best to be good.  I need to use what I have and make the most of what I have paid for.  Besides, I don't have as much time to play in my planet, so there's no reason to buy more supplies.  Plus, if a craft item was cool back then, it doesn't mean it's cool now. And if a craft item is cool now, it doesn't mean it will still be cool in the next months.  That's why I should be more wise in my craft spending, and avoid buying on impulse, despite the sale price. 

The Scan n' Cut and the Shotbox are exceptions.  Hee hee!

3.  Purge.  I will do my best on this one.  It is a waste of money if you buy a crafting tool or item, then not use it.  I need to figure out which ones need to be passed on, donated, or sold, so they cannot be wasted.  I have started that actually, but there is still a lot in my planet that needs to go.  That I need to let go.  I just have to make the time and determination to just do it.  

4.  Write more reviews.  I used to do that a lot.  I admit, sometimes I buy craft tools just for the sake of making a review about it.  This year, I shall write a review of tools and supplies which I have used and like to use.  Including those I don't like.

5. Make more tutorials.  My last tutorial was in 2013.  With the technology of cellphones and GoPros, it is a lot easier to make video tutorials.  I aim to make at least one this year.

6.  Write more.  I know I have the knack for writing.  It's why I have a blog in the first place.  I used to have published articles, you know. This year, I will not just post pictures of my projects.  I will write about them.  I will write about anything crafty.  I will find a reason to write.   

7.  Participate in online crafting community activities.  Yes.  Participate.  I'm not saying to be active.  Just participate.  I have to admit I have been out of the loop for quite some time.  If not for select crafty friends, I wouldn't know what's new in the crafting scene.  I want to start by joining a blog hop, challenge or a swap.  At least one.     

I did set a high standard for myself this year.  And there are two hindrances I can  think of.

Time.  Yeah. Time. It's my planet's biggest nemesis for quite some time now.  I just don't have as much time as before.  Real life does get in the way of my crafty world.  When I'm done with work or playing in my band, what time I have left to spend at home is for chores and other tasks.  After that, I just want to relax and do nothing.  Which leads to the next obstacle in my crafty objectives.    

The smart phone.  I confess.  When I sit on the couch with my cellphone, that's it.  The smart phone has lots of benefits, but just like any drug, it can be addicting.  I am hooked to my smart phone - because everything's there.  Music. Camera. Videos. Internet. Facebook. Video Chat. Email. Calendar. Calls. Texts. Notepad. Games. Shopping. Ebooks. Movies. News.  Back then, my purse and carry-on luggage would be so heavy when I travel.  It would have my wallet, camera, music player, mini notebook, pen, scheduler, video camera, dvd player.  Mind you, I never owned a laptop.  That would have taken more space in my luggage.  Now, all I need is my wallet and my cellphone.  I love it that my purse is not so heavy and walking around is such a breeze.  However, I need to draw a line when it comes to my cellphone.  There are lots of things I can do and accomplish when I'm not on my phone.  Before, I used to look forward coming home from work and playing in my planet. Lately, I come home from work and go straight to the couch after dinner, with my smart phone in hand. This has got to stop.  

In other words, all my crafty issues boil down to me.  I am the reason why I haven't been crafting as much in the last couple of years.  Why I haven't been writing and blogging as I should be.  

I need to change.  I have to change.  I will change.

*Crossing fingers*