5 important things before you try that new craft idea

Ah, we all know that joy of seeing a craft/project/hobby and thinking "Oh my word, I WANT to do that!". Boom, off one goes to hit up search engines for tools, videos, kits or workshops. And then lo, there cometh the rage quitting, or fading enthusiasm, and the tools and materials languish.

Having recently started leatherworking, I have had a learning curve! But, being positive, I've embraced some things I think we can all learn from, so read on and apply these to whatever next new hobby catches your eye.

Stop, before you start

Channel your initial enthusiasm into a bit of research and planning, to make smart choices. It can feel kind of dull, but it is as much a part of the process as getting hands on.

Smart Choice 1: Find an expert 

Talking in person to someone with experience, you'll get tips you didn't know to look for, can try things hands on, get honest advice (no YouTube sponsorship deals!) and you can ask  questions without knowing the exact technical terms to search for. My friend Greg introduced me to a rotary cutter and wow, that was a tool I should not have ignored.

​If you don't have mates to ask, going to a workshop can be a brilliant starting point, or a one to one session. Not all experts/teachers are equal, so don't let a disappointing experience stop your interest - they just may not be right for your learning style/level of ability, and someone else will reignite it.​

Smart Choice 2: Choose your weapons wisely

There are two pitfalls when picking the right tools and materials. One end of the scale is buying really cheap, then realising you have to replace them to make anything of quality. The other end of the scale is overspending, getting pro items above your needs, or being hyped into buying a lot more kit than you'll need.

Decide how serious you feel, and that will help you pick. Cheap and cheerful may be perfect if you just want to give it a try, and you're aware you'll have to upgrade if you stay interested. If you've spoken with an expert, they'll be able to advise on what you'll really need to get started, and which couple of items it may be worth investing extra in to avoid poor tools frustrating you.

Getting started

You have your tools and materials, you've got a rough idea of what to do and how, so, wheeee, time to get stuck in! Let's just bear these three things in mind though...

Bear in mind 1: Think simple, yet satisfying

Your first few projects might be kits with everything included, or you may find instructions to follow with your own materials. Or... you may think "Yeah, I can draft my own pattern based off items I already own!" and then miss out on some key details (I know that I did that...)

Starter projects are usually simple and even a bit boring as it's about just trying techniques, nailing the basic skills. Aim for the satisfaction of knowing that each stitch, cut, weld, brushstroke is making you a little better - perfect these steps with pride on something simple.

Bear in mind 2: One tutorial does not fit all

You may need to consume multiple resources while working out what to do. Hobby books and downloadable guides are a whole industry, and the internet provides so many tutorials, videos and tips for free. Different explanations from different sources will work for different people.

You may find something really professional actually isn't clear enough for you, but the scrappy 11 year old amateur blog post perfectly breaks down the stages of a process. Browse around a lot. I needed to combine two different tutorials to figure out how to make a magic braid, each one providing some clarity the other lacked for me. Individually they were frustrating, together, nailed it!

Bear in mind 3: Embrace the helicopter dog

Your first couple of projects will probably be rubbish. You may love them but see their flaws, or just hate them. If you're really proud of what you create, be prepared that you'll likely soon look back with a much more critical eye.

What you're doing here is trying something new, you're learning. Kids learning to draw are really proud of their, uh, is that a helicopter dog? so embrace that joy of "I made this!" and look at each project, however imperfect, as an achievement, and part of a much bigger process.  

If you think any of this sounds a bit obvious, sometimes something is so obvious we fail to take it into account, and it bites us later on. You can be accomplished at many things, but when you start a new skill, you're right at the same place as other new starters (in some cases, we can be hampered by over confidence)

Getting into a new creative hobby should be fun, rewarding, the right mix of relaxing and challenging, so the next time you want to start a new hobby, stop, and refresh yourself through these pointers first!

Have you had any experience with a new hobby or craft where you went in too deep too soon and had to learn some lessons? It'd be great to hear your lessons shared in the comments!

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