I am not a crafter. But I do like to craft. I have never found anything that I like to craft enough to keep at it or to get much better at it. Sure, a little crochet and a little weaving for a bit but nothing long term.
I’ve been trying to pay attention to times in the day where I feel calm and relaxed. I read a post the other day on paying attention to when in the day there is delight. And oddly enough, I noticed this feeling the other day when I was finishing up a craft project my daughter was working on.
In our new business, there is some prep into set up each week. We like to put out new materials, tools and props for children who come to our space. My wonderful, artistic daughter offered to make a few things that we need for some upcoming events. I watched for a while but couldn’t do much to contribute. However, I was able to help by putting the top coat on all of the wood pieces she painted. And while I was doing this, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the process. It was a clear coat so not much to it but I enjoyed the process.
I notice this often as I prep things for children (like collage paper that needed cut this week) or as I bake cookies (which I don’t do often enough).
I’ve learned and I am always reminded (as I was a few times this week) that I don’t have to be a crafter in order to create and enjoy the creative process. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll stick to something but for now I enjoy these small projects.
A(nother) Year of Reading 
I also find delight in low-risk crafting–not too much thinking, not too much can go wrong. Just working with your hands to create something.
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low-risk crafting–perfect word!
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The joys of “tangible results.” The brain-hand connection can be so soothing. I don’t think I ever told you that once I was having a discussion with a reading teacher here in VA, and she quoted something you had written. Then she said, “If it’s good enough for Franki, it’s good enough for me.” I thought you might like to know that.
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Oh thanks–I love that!
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Tangible results – what we are always striving for in teaching, yet we can’t always find it. It might take many years to see results from our efforts. I think doing tasks like you name fills that void.
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What a joy to see these little treasures so preciously designed, painted and clear-coated! I’m kind of like you. I say I am a craft dabbler. What you and your daughter are doing sounds magical.
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