on bringing meaningfulness with collecting
plus a free printable, and a quick crafting project
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On Collecting
I've never been a big collector of things. As a child I tried the usual stamps and coins, but lost interest quickly. I have a sort of half-hearted collection of cat figurines going, and a few years ago I attempted to collect cut-glass lemon squeezers, and amassed a grand total of two. Usually when people ask me what I collect I reply tongue-in-cheek: "crafting supplies!"
But it seems l now do have a growing collection: vintage cameras! It started innocently enough, I wanted a double lens camera for doing Through The Viewfinder (TTV) shots, so picked up the one you can see on the shelf above. Then slowly others started being added to my collection. Now I am drawn to vintage cameras at the flea markets and just can't resist them! Especially the Polaroids! Yes, I jumped on that bandwagon. I also started finding colourful souvenir viewfinders, and have been slowly adding those too.
Why collect?
When one collects, one experiments with arranging, organizing, and presenting a part of the world which may serve to provide a safety zone, a place of refuge where fears are calmed and insecurity is managed. Collecting is mostly associated with positive emotions. There is the happiness from adding a new find to the collection, the excitement of the hunt, the social camaraderie when sharing your collection with other collectors. Wikipedia
Do you collect anything? Did it start when you were a child or as an adult?
Quick Craft
DIY Photo Backdrop
Supplies
Fake Kapla planks (or you can use paint sticks)
Foam board in your prefered size: make sure it’s a few inches larger then your projects.
Wood glue
White acrylic paint
paintbrushes
Instructions
Lay out the planks in a basic pattern on the foam board. Once satisfied stick them down with wood glue, using a paint brush to apply the glue to the undersides and the edges.
Once dry paint with the white paint.
You can do one or two coats if you still want to see the woodgrain through the paint, or several coats for a plain white surface.
Once dry, you’re good to go for photographing projects, or items for your online shop!
Free Goal Planning Worksheet
I don't know about you, but I find it hard to keep on track with goals, especially personal ones like working out, drinking more water, or eating better. As usual I find writing things down is the best way for me to be accountable. If you have a goal you’re trying to hit, this free printable worksheet might help.
Download it in A4 or Letter size. Get tips on how to use it here.