Making Do
Published On: 11-25-2011 11:12am
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Making do is something I heard my Grandparents say all the time. They all lived through the Depression and I always figured they had the market cornered on knowing about 'making do' because of it. I also figured they were just talking to hear themselves speak sometimes in an attempt to make me see how cushy my life is.
That was when I was a kid. My parents did well. We never really wanted for anything we really needed. A lot of the time, we had the things we wanted as well. My upbringing wasn't harsh or poor. We were lower middle class with a new house every so often and a catalog shopping spree for school clothes every fall. Both my parents worked and for a time, I was a latchkey kid. One of the first generation of latchkey kids. (mental note: tell that one to the grandkids.)
With every year that has passed since then, I've become more and more deeply aware of the great truths my Grandparents, then my parents, were passing on to me. My latest creations (soon to be listed) are the product of this reminiscing.
The creation of these things stems from my own desire to perk up my surroundings. I am the vastly content owner of a small, tumble down house in the middle of nowhere Nebraska. I like small creature comforts like pillows for the sofa and matchy hot pads for my kitchen. Recently, I found myself with a small surplus of cash, so I went shopping at my local Evil Empire department store and came away with sticker shock.
I didn't have a lot of money to spare, so I decided to stay small. I wanted new coasters. Something fun and eclectic that would work in any room of the house if I wanted. If the coasters didn't work out, I was prepared to move on to some kitchen oven mits or perhaps a new throw pillow. Something pretty and fun to liven up the coming winter months. It was disappointing to say the least.
When I got home, I sat down with a cup of coffee, a notepad and a pencil and asked myself, "What would Grandma do?" The lightbulbs starting going off like crazy. It probably helps that I have actually lived in Grandma's house.
My new hot pads, very similar to the ones soon to be in my studio, are made from scraps of fabric left over from when I made the kitchen curtains, a bit of quilt batting from the Goodwill and some bias tape. My new pillow covers are made from some glitzy cloth napkins I got on clearance, a bit of piping trim also from a clearance sale and some velcro I took off an old worn out purse (which has gone on to a new life in other ways).
I think Grandma would be proud. Not only did I save a bunch of money, I made stuff that I love and it matches my home perfectly. It's a win.
This is what I LOVE about handmade. Even if it's not ME that handmade it, the whole idea is borne of a concept that resonates with me. Making do. Making something new out of something old. Upcycling. Recycling. Whatever you call it, it's making do.
That was when I was a kid. My parents did well. We never really wanted for anything we really needed. A lot of the time, we had the things we wanted as well. My upbringing wasn't harsh or poor. We were lower middle class with a new house every so often and a catalog shopping spree for school clothes every fall. Both my parents worked and for a time, I was a latchkey kid. One of the first generation of latchkey kids. (mental note: tell that one to the grandkids.)
With every year that has passed since then, I've become more and more deeply aware of the great truths my Grandparents, then my parents, were passing on to me. My latest creations (soon to be listed) are the product of this reminiscing.
The creation of these things stems from my own desire to perk up my surroundings. I am the vastly content owner of a small, tumble down house in the middle of nowhere Nebraska. I like small creature comforts like pillows for the sofa and matchy hot pads for my kitchen. Recently, I found myself with a small surplus of cash, so I went shopping at my local Evil Empire department store and came away with sticker shock.
I didn't have a lot of money to spare, so I decided to stay small. I wanted new coasters. Something fun and eclectic that would work in any room of the house if I wanted. If the coasters didn't work out, I was prepared to move on to some kitchen oven mits or perhaps a new throw pillow. Something pretty and fun to liven up the coming winter months. It was disappointing to say the least.
When I got home, I sat down with a cup of coffee, a notepad and a pencil and asked myself, "What would Grandma do?" The lightbulbs starting going off like crazy. It probably helps that I have actually lived in Grandma's house.
My new hot pads, very similar to the ones soon to be in my studio, are made from scraps of fabric left over from when I made the kitchen curtains, a bit of quilt batting from the Goodwill and some bias tape. My new pillow covers are made from some glitzy cloth napkins I got on clearance, a bit of piping trim also from a clearance sale and some velcro I took off an old worn out purse (which has gone on to a new life in other ways).
I think Grandma would be proud. Not only did I save a bunch of money, I made stuff that I love and it matches my home perfectly. It's a win.
This is what I LOVE about handmade. Even if it's not ME that handmade it, the whole idea is borne of a concept that resonates with me. Making do. Making something new out of something old. Upcycling. Recycling. Whatever you call it, it's making do.
