One of my early memories was cutting paper and pasting it on a piece of paper, I was making a collage before I even knew what it was!
Some have the innate desire to design and create, it could be building something out of blocks, making a fanciful creature out of play-dough, or simply drawing on the corner of our notebook paper.
There are many different ways to design and create. The one that I've worked in the most is arts and crafts.
I've taught the subject of arts and crafts from a preschool to middle school level in the form of small groups and creativity clubs, I've helped adults create and helped their ideas come to life.
Crafting something starts with an idea, no matter how outlandish or wild, it is something that we have in our minds. We then go through the process of how to bring that idea to life. What is the best medium, how can I move forward with this. A trip to the craft store might be in order.
I have always had to remind students and adults alike not to criticize their work, but complete it to the end. It's okay to be dissatisfied with what you've made, but it's not okay to give up.
Crafting has taught me that time can build your skills. A very rare person will be perfect at something the first time they do it. Practice is what you need to hone your craft. Woodworkers gain skills by woodworking. Painters gain skills by painting. Costumiers gain skills be making costumes.
There will be mistakes, there will be moments of frustration, but you should finish the project you started or at the very least use the materials to make something else (recycling).
Finish your project, even if it doesn't turn out the way you thought, keep practicing and do what you love!
