Right Tool Right Job
Right Tool, Right Job
By Gina McNulty, owner and creator Jarfullz and Bundlz
“If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail” - Abraham Maslow
The author of this quote is also the creator of MASLOW’S HEIRARCHY OF NEEDS, which basically summarizing the things we need as being most important (food, shelter) down to things we need but not as a priority (self actualization, self awareness). As a creator, there are some tools that are most critical to the creative process - and I would say as a creator self awareness is high on the list!!!
Tell the truth - you HAVE used a 5 pound dumbbell to hammer a nail into a wall… or something like thiat! Unfortuanelyt, this is not the best way to express your creativity. If you are trying make something beautiful but cant figure out a way to put the d#%m thing together - you have made a mess and probably make you not want to try again,
Nothing stifles creativity more than feeling like youre not prepared. Thought the perfect sketchbook wont may not turn you into Picasso, it will inspire you and make you feel lik a “real” artist.
When I first began my art, I had 2 crochet hooks and the standard acrylic yarn. Likewise, I had a simple sewing machine with the moist basic sewing needsla and was completely unaware that different fabrics require different handling. Asimple pattern, some cotton broadcloth and nylon thread.
IN time, as I became more involved in how things would flow and color and texture. However, no matter how long I have been creating, there are some basic items that no creative person should do withou t- and yet sometimes we take this for granted
Here are TEN BASIC ITEMS THAT ALL CRAFTY PEOPLE NEED
*NOTE I have made this list based on everything I use regularly !!!
Scissors
Whether youre cutting paper or fabric, you will need scissors. Believe it or not, there is a big difference in the type of scissors you might need.
Fabric Scissors: SINGER Heavy Duty Sewing Scissors
Shears for cutting thicker material like cardboard FISKARS is knon for making kids scissors as well as pro Fiskars Pro PowerArc Shop Shears
Tweezers (or forceps) Stainless STeel Law GRade Tweezer
Clear ruler TRANSPARETN 18 INCH GRAOH/METRIC/INCH RULER
Tape measure You will want metric/inches on your tape measure as well And self-locking is su;er helpful!
Clear tape with holder
Stapler with remover and extra staples
Desk lamp with Gooseneck USB chrger
Overhead lighting is just not adequate when youre working up close.
Chalk
Glue gun
EXTRAS
Roll up craft mat
Hole punch (basic)
Hole punch special shapes
Cork board
Here are FIVE CRAFTY PROJECTS TO STIMULATE YOUR BRAIN RIGHT NOW
1)PAPER MOSAIC PICTURES
Mosaic artwork is not limited to tiles. Coloful paper, leftover wrapping paper or anything that has color can be used to make beautiful And this activity is something fun to do with children (even high school afed kids will find this exciting!
Here is a template you can use but feel free to customize it! And sont let the “for kids” scare you away!
https://www.craftsonsea.co.uk/easy-snowflake-crafts-for-kids/
2) DECORATIVE CONTAINERS
In my handmade busines (Jarfullz and Bundlz) I create art using jars. The first JARZ ™ I made were from left over tomato sauce jars.
Wash a dry any used glass jar (recylcing is cool). Apply just about a nything to the outside of the jar - stickers, cut outs, paint, news headlines, family photos etc. Apply a water based sealant or in a pinch, glue (be sure it will dry clear) . then use it as a planter, pen holder, coin jar, vase.
3) FAMILY PHOTO FLIP BOOK
Instead of a frame to celebrate your family meories, create a flipbook the tells a story about how your family has grown through the years - this makes a great gift as well!
You can use photos, drawings, cartoons - whatever expresses the tone of your family!
And dont forget the little extrs - stickers always add a special touch to any oroject
HOW TO MAKE A FLIP BOOK
4)
5)
LOOK LIKE A PRO - I like to use a water based sealant on most projects.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CRAFT IDEAS! WE WOULC LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!