Designing Life
Sarah N
Designing Life
All my life, creating things has always brought me happiness. I enjoy life most when I am being creative, whether that’s through painting, photography, decorating, or building something. I can remember as a kid, drawing and painting, cutting and gluing to make my own board games, pretend pets, and decor. I can still lose all sense of time when I am engrossed in the creative process.
I even ended up majoring in Studio Art when I went to college. I absolutely loved having dedicated time and space to explore creatively. I got to learn about painting, printmaking, stained glass, weaving, ceramics, and so much more.
I think part of the reason I like designing things and being creative is that it makes me feel like I have a little bit of control over that part of my life. Even if everything goes off plan, which it often does, I love the challenge of figuring out how to fix it (after freaking out first, of course).
To say I have control issues is probably a bit of an understatement. But the older I get, and the more children (and pets) I have, the more I realize that I really don’t have control over much of anything.
I love having a clean, tidy, and beautifully designed home. It brings me peace and probably more pride than I want to admit but…
…enter my kids, whirlwinds of noise and destruction… and my dogs, depositors of hair, dirt, and other disgusting things that I won’t mention here… and out goes my clean, organized home. Out goes my pride. And out goes my mind.
It’s really a never ending cycle of design-destroy-design-destroy… but it’s the design that gives back that sense of control, and that creative outlet.
The creative outlet is obviously important to me, so you’d think I’d be better at practicing it more regularly. I have found that my biggest obstacles (besides the general messiness that life, kids, and pets bring) are time, budget, and inspiration.
Time
I’m the sort of person that has great plans and good intentions, but then becomes distracted by all of my “duties” around the house, with my family, or running errands. I feel like if I’m going to be creative, I need a large block of dedicated time to accomplish all my goals. I’m not good with interruptions, and I love being alone while I’m working through a project.
These preferences don’t work well in a busy home, but I try to go ahead and create what I can, when I can anyways. I pray that God will give me patience and that He will let the baby take an extra long nap!
I also know this stage of life will eventually change (even though it seems like it will last FOREVER), and I will have more time to dedicate to my creations eventually.
Budget
Oh, if only I had an unlimited budget to fund all of my projects…but alas, I most definitely do not.
I am constantly looking for ways to accomplish my design plans while spending as little money as possible.
I try to recycle and repurpose materials. I look for uncommon solutions to design problems. I save, save, and SAVE to make dreams happen. I ask for art supplies for Christmas presents. I ask for furniture for my birthday.
I love selling our stuff on Facebook marketplace, like, LOVE IT. Like, if you don’t pick it up and put it away, consider it thrown in the “sale” pile.
Inspiration
Sometimes I have the time and the budget, but I’m all out of inspiration. Or, frequently, I have TOO much inspiration! Both are problems.
No inspiration leaves me feeling depressed and like I’m missing something.
Too much inspiration leaves me feeling confused and overwhelmed.
Of course, inspiration can come from anywhere. But with either issue, I like to research. Pinterest is my bff most of the time. I also love perusing Instagram, especially for home projects. Both of these sites can be overwhelming, but I find that the more options I see, the better I can narrow down what I like and find something I’m ready to try.
I also go to my friends a lot for advice and ideas. I trust their opinions and admire their taste. I also know that they won’t be offended if I don’t take their advice or utilize their opinions!
So, why Designing Life?
“Designing Life” refers to my goal of living a life of designing, a creative, creating life. It’s also a nod to my need to be in control and to “design” my own life.
I hope my part of this blog can help you, readers, to find your inspiration, overcome obstacles, and perhaps even to let go of some control issues with me.
I invite you to join me for all kinds of creative adventures. Some will include crafts. Some will include decorating. Some will include cameras, food, or power tools- and maybe all together!
