The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlantans get crafty at home
Ideas range from home decor projects towearable works.
For one former Fulton County School System art teacher, finding the bright side isn’t just hyperbole — it’s her calling. Despite the pandemic’s restrictions, Kim Bryant was still set on adding a little color to her 12- year- old’s birthday celebration. The Marietta mom planned a small paint- pouring activity, inwhichthefamilydonned colorful berets and poured thickened acrylic paints onto canvases.
“It is a really fun craft because youcan’tpredictwhatyourartwill look like, so you’re left with a surprise,” said Bryant, who has been creating these and other immersive activities for her two homeschooled daughters well before the rest of the city transitioned to virtual learning.
Artsandcraftshavealwaysbeen a great family outlet in the Bryant household— but evenmore sothis year, she said. “Art can also be a therapeuticway to deal with feelings andemotions,” themotherof two said, adding that it also “provides an alternative toscreen- time activities such as video games.”
But those benefits apply to all ages— adultsandchildren. According to Stefan Gheorghe, a crafting expertatDIYS. com, therehasbeen a rise in do- it- yourself ( DIY) jobs and a growing interest in crafting since the pandemic.
“With still only limited access to things we can do, taking up DIY tasks and venturing into arts and crafts will not only allowus to concentrate and focus on something else, but [ it] will fuel us with a relaxing and rewarding sensation,” saidGheorghe, whosewebsite offers a wide range of tutorial projects and DIY inspiration.
So, whether you’re looking to fight boredom, step up your style withhomemade fashions or completesomeusefulfixes aroundthe house, there are somany reasons to craft. And, if you need motivation and inspiration, these metro Atlantans are sharing a fewrather crafty ideas.
Mask mania
As a lifelong crafter, Kim Carey is always up for a new challenge. She’s sewnHalloween costumes, created Easter basket liners and madetotesforher2-, 4- and6- yearold kids. Andsince the pandemic, she’s pickedupmask- making, too.
“The influx of needing masks has kickedmy sewingupintohigh gear,” the Brookhavenmomsaid. “With Christmas coming up, I’m making masks with Christmas patterns. Baseball has started, so I have baseball patterns. Halloween is about to come, so the kids are going to school with candycorn masks. They love being able to pick out their own masks as a way to express themselves.”
Fashion fix
When the pandemic hit, stylist and personal vintage shopper SaritaGoombs ofAtiraStyle had a lot more time on her hands, so she used that energy to get creative.
“I’ve always loved graphic tees and have been collecting them for years. So, I decided to start creating some of my own designs,” said the Smyrna resident.
With a heat press, a plethora of fabric dyes and a Cricut ( a digital cutting machine), Goombs has created a line of statement T- shirt designs, which she wears for her own enjoyment and also sells on her website at www. atirastyle. com.
“This creative outlet has somewhat helped takemy mind off of everything going on,” Goombs
said. “The BLM movement has inspired some of my designs. It’s been a way formeto express my feelings and to support the movement.”
Remix and reupholster
RobinCubbage, alsoofSmyrna, started dabbling in the DIYworld 10 years ago. From headboards to lampshades, she’s refurbished and reupholstered nearly everythingbut thekitchen sink ( though shehasactuallyupdatedherbathroom sink, too).
“Iwould see ideas, andIwould think I could do that, so I would try. I also figured Ihadmore time thanmoney,” Cubbagesaidabout her home décor improvements. “I’m probably most proud of recovering my chair.”
Cubbage, wholovesboldcolors andpatterns, alsomakes herown chalk paints, which she’s used to update old furniture.
The wood works
Boredomfromhome confinement sparked Leah Gaither’s foray intowoodworking. But that wasn’t a result of the 2020 pandemic, it was actually the 2016 snowstorm.
“WhenIboughtmyfirsthouse, I didn’t have a ton of money. But I had expensive ideas. I saw something I wanted, but couldn’t afford it,” said the resident of Flowery Branch. “My mom brought home a couple of pallets from work, and I was snowed in my house for a long weekend with notmuch else to do. I decided to try to make the item myself, and somehow it turned out amazing. One project turned into another, which turned into many.”
Since then, Gaither’swooden creations have grown along with her tool arsenal — from cheese boards, laundry shelves, benches and decorative door signs. Though she warns other aspiringwoodworkers tobewary of the headaches of sawdust and wood stain, she said you ultimately don’t need much to get started.
“I started out with a handsaw, a piece of sandpaper and a hammer. Now I have a 10- by10- foot Tuff Shed that’s full of power tools,” she said.
Krafty kids
In addition to activities like paint pouring ( which helps childrenlearnaboutviscosity), Bryant recommends other projects, in which kids can learn through the use of arts and crafts. As great fall activities, she suggests leaf paintings and clay- pumpkinsculpting.
Carey also recommends chalk paintings, in which you tape off patterns and designs for young children to color in between the taped- offsections. It’saneasyway to get the kids started on a craft, andit’ssomething thewhole family can enjoy together.
“I think that it’s helpful to keep children engaged with the visual artsandcraftsbecausetheprocess of creating can strengthen their creativity, self- confidence, problemsolving skills, critical thinking and patience,” Bryant said.
This year has taught us to slow downand find enjoyment in the
little things. So, use this time to your creative advantage by delving into a newhobby. In the end,
you’ll reap the rewards of the cathartic experience and walk awaywithafancyfinishedproject.