I remember when learning a new craft or technique was a true adventure.
Crafty people today don’t know how easy they have it!
Want to dive into a new skill or medium?
Now, you just pop over to YouTube or take one of a million online courses from the comfort of your own home, for literally pennies.
Seriously, back in the day, we relied on books and magazines for inspiration.
If we were lucky, there might be one or two in-person classes available, but they were often on someone else's schedule and at a distant location.
Or, you’d have to pay top dollar to attend a creative retreat or continuing education class at a university.
Now, I can lay in bed and learn any skill, find resources and supplies, and connect with fellow creatives all over the world.
Isn’t that amazing?
The Power of Online Communities
When I have a new project or idea in mind, one of the first things I do is make use of Facebook groups.
There’s literally a group for anything you can think of, crafts, hobbies, travel destinations, time periods, pastimes, you name it.
For instance, when I bought a thrifted dollhouse, I had no idea what I was going to do with it.
It wasn’t something I planned on getting, and I didn’t have much experience creating miniatures.
So, what did I do?
I joined several Facebook groups focused on all things tiny, making miniatures from everyday items, grand dollhouses, and even buy-and-sell groups hosted by miniature artisans.
Over the past eight months, I’ve been watching, learning, asking questions, commenting on posts, and soaking in all the information.
I learned about tools I never knew existed, techniques that made projects easier, tips on where to find supplies, and endless design inspiration.
I can’t think of anywhere else I could have gone to gain so much help in such a short amount of time.
The Magic of Learning from Others
One of my favorite discoveries while learning from others online?
The fact that you can make a print from your home printer on plain, multi-use paper and make it feel and act like fabric.
I had no idea!
In one group, people were talking about creating realistic area rugs for their dollhouses by printing art on paper, crumpling it up, spreading it out, and repeating the process until the fibers softened.
Then, by rubbing the paper along a table edge to smooth out the crinkles, it looked and felt just like fabric.
Amazing, right? Who would’ve guessed that would actually work?
Inspired, I used the same method to cover a window seat and create some tiny pillows in the dollhouse bed chamber.
The speed at which you can learn a new craft or discover time, and money-saving tips online is unbelievable.
It takes so much trial and error out of the process, setting you up for success from the start and making the whole creative journey more enjoyable.
Plus, you get to the fun part faster, and on a budget!
There’s even the chance to comparison shop for materials and supplies, all without leaving your home.
Creative Connection in a Solitary Hobby
Crafting can be solitary at times, but I’ve found that these online communities make it feel like you're never truly alone.
It unifies the global art and craft community and opens you up to new cultures, traditions, and mediums.
You can be a mentor or find one, and discover artists working in ways or with materials you’ve never considered.
A dear friend of mine creates intricate textile sculptures inspired by the symbolism found in Asian cultures, and recently she shared a beautiful story about the red thread that connects us all.
It’s an ancient belief that an invisible red thread links those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance.
That’s how I feel about the internet’s role in connecting creatives.
It reminds me that we are all connected, sharing support, camaraderie, and inspiration no matter where we are in the world.
You could be taking live online classes with someone halfway across the globe, learning traditional crafts from a completely different culture.
In addition to Facebook groups, sites like Skillshare and online courses offered directly by craftspeople open up an entire world of possibility to you.
What Have You Been Wanting to Try?
We live in a time where creativity knows no bounds.
The internet is overflowing with inspiration, knowledge, and tools, all available at our fingertips.
Is there something you’ve been wanting to try?
Now’s the time to dive in and explore what’s out there.
You’ll find a whole community of people eager to share, help, and inspire you along the way.
Until next time,
Pam
I think you have thoughtfully pointed out the beauty of connecting online. It does get a bad rap, but at the turn of 2020, I took my workshops online. Yes, as a producer, it is much, much more work, but as a teacher, I can reach the world! And that is "where creativity knows no bounds." xoxo