#yearofmaking: What’s That? and January Review

Have you ever participated in something that you thought would be small and minimal, just a drop in the bucket, just a “sure, I’ll try it, whatever,” but once you got started you realized it was going to change your life? That it would shift your outlook? Shift your career? On the way you spend your day? Yes. THAT kind of project. THAT kind of idea. THAT kind of awesomeness. Cue in #yearofmaking for me. #yearofmaking is a gem. It’s one of those projects that, given the right “spin” or celebrity, could become a huge phenomenon. But it’s not. It’s for us. For us creative types who make excuses instead of creating; who procrastinate because we won’t have time to make it perfect; who doubt we could get anything done in five minutes. If you’re still reading, I’m sure you’re wondering, “What the hell is it??” Let me tell you.

#yearofmaking is simple. You commit to making something, anything, every day for an entire year. And you document it in some way. Kim Werker, a fabulous editor and author of “Might Ugly: Exercises and Advice for Getting Creative Even When it Ain’t Pretty” (which you should buy right NOW here), has written an ebook that serves as your own mini-cheerleader and includes room to write down what you make each day. In addition to documenting via paper, Kim encourages participants to use #yearofmaking on Instagram.

The best part of the project is that you can start any time. No need to wait for January. You can start today. Tonight. NOW. I started January 2 and I’ve had a blast. Here a few things I worked on in January:

yearofmaking January recap
Clockwise, from top left: raspberry turnovers (I used A Beautiful Mess app to make it extra pretty), thank you cards, painted ceramic ornaments, new year’s cards

I documented pictures where I could and I’m using my ebook too. Something Kim focuses on in her ebook is to not focus on making something perfect. Pinterest is not reality. Just make. And you can make anything. Knitting, cooking, crafting, making cards, drawing, baking, making lists, painting, looking for inspiration, prepping for a project, sewing…literally ANYTHING. I’ve used my daily outfits as a project–hey, it’s a lot of work and it’s super creative. See?

I’ve always been a maker, a crafter, a DIYer. But this project has given me the opportunity to spend my time in a more focused, dedicated way. I can spend five minutes gluing one part of a thank you card and it immediately calms me, probably drops my blood pressure, and reminds me that my crummy job is just a job. I’m a maker and that’s what makes me happy.  #yearofmaking gives me motivation, and in a way, permission to take time out of my routine day to do what I love.

Have I sold you? Get on board already!! I can’t recommend it enough. Tell your friends. Share your projects. Have a freaking fun time. Get Kim’s ebook here. And check out my current #yearofmaking projects on IG @kristiecain.

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