Why I love to make things

I have always loved to make things. It's just what I've always done. Painting, drawing,

cutting, sticking, designing, knitting, printing, moulding, you name it, I've tried it and I love it all.

I also love a creative challenge. A few years ago I was asked by a local school to help decorate their school for their centenary. They really wanted a giant 'Very Hungry Caterpillar ' to be suspended above the front entrance, so that's what I gave them.

As a child I couldn't get enough of programmes like Hart Beat with Tony Hart, Art Attack and Bitsa. Bitsa used to drive me nuts (and my parents), as the things they made were always really complicated, with moving parts and obscure components. Of course I wanted my model to look exactly like theirs and if it didn't, my little perfectionist mind just couldn't take it. But the programme was brilliant none the less. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfyp5JVrKBo

I just love the feeling of creating something myself. Collecting a selection of random materials together and producing something 'beautiful'. Being a bit of a show-off, I also enjoy
people's appreciation of my work, whether it's being complimented on a necklace I've made and am wearing or being thanked for a cake that I've decorated for a family member.

I made this cake for my brother-in-law. Moulding a drummer and drum kit with a very active, 13 week old baby in the background was a tricky task- but it was fun and I was pleased with the result. I'm gradually learning to make things at the same time as looking after Ruby. Here's me practising my crochet. Ruby is actually asleep in this picture I'm not just pinning her down in order to complete my project- although it does look like that.

My mind is constantly chewing over my next creative project and I realise I'm not the only one. I think a lot of us have an innate desire to create something, whether it's to knit a jumper, refurbish a house or write a song. It's so satisfying to be able to say 'I did that' (a concept shown  in the latest B&Q ad) and when you can bless someone else with one of your creations it's even better.

I love the bit in the Bible

 The LORD said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you: the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin and its stand, and the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. According to all that I have commanded you, they shall do.”

(Exodus 31:1-11 ESV)

God blesses people with the ability to create things for his purposes and I think that's amazing! What a privilege! Imagine who you could encourage, bless or minister to someone through something you've made.