Does this sound familiar? If your New Year’s Resolution is to finish a craft project, or actually start it, you’re not alone. Although the typical New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight and get fit, there are many involving craft projects gathering dust in corners and cupboards of our homes. Perhaps like these:
But how do we psyche ourselves up to get that craft or upholstery project finished?
Sometimes, we are genuinely stuck and need help. Sometimes, if we’re being totally honest, we’re just inventing reasons and excuses. But this is a judgement-free zone, so let’s get to the heart of the problem.
New Year’s Resolution self-test: why you gave up your project and what to do about it
Do any of these ring a bell with you?
“I don’t understand the instructions”
Aargh – yes, those pesky instructions with no actual words. Do you speak diagram? No – but there’s always a handy person out there who does. And there’s youtube.
“It’s taking so long: I thought it would be done in a weekend”
Really?! One of our biggest pitfalls as human beings is our very touching but massively unrealistic expectations of ourselves. Let’s take the pressure off and enjoy mastering our new skills, rather than putting deadlines on them. It’s not an Olympic sport.
“I’ve gone off it”
Oh dear. The kiss of death. Or is it? Can we tweak the design to make it more exciting? If not, move on. Life’s too short
“I’m bored of it“
A close relative of ‘going off something’ is just being bored. If your project is horribly tedious, maybe it’s just at the boring stage. If it is genuinely boring – refer to above.
“I don’t have the right equipment”
Beg, borrow or even buy – thanks to Discover Upholstery!
“I’m stuck!”
This can be a genuine spanner in the works. In the case of upholstery, we always recommend joining a class to master the basic skills. Or have an experienced maker on hand for advice.
“It’s rubbish” / “I thought it would turn out better”
If you’re a perfectionist, this might be something you tell yourself quite often. What can we say? You’re experimenting/ being creative and your ‘rubbish’ is probably everyone else’s brilliant. Be happy.
“There’s no space in my house”
Move house. Seriously, if you have no space, you’ll get frustrated so meeting at a friend’s place might solve the issue.
“I just never get around to it”
Because ….? See below
“I can’t be bothered”
Aha! There we are. Maybe your New Year’s Resolution is actually to be bothered. Can we encourage you to give that unloved project just one more tiny chance? Why not join a group or a class? Not only do you benefit skill-wise but you can share each others’ successes and frustrations. By battling on alone you run the risk that your project might never go forwards, except towards the bin. Give us a ring if you can’t find what you are looking for as we may well be able to track it down for you.
And do send us your photos – before and after!
We wish you a Happy 2017 and MANY finished projects.
