4/30/08

The nesting impulse


I must be out of my mind. I have SO many jobs on deck, projects to finish and paperwork to slog through. And yet the other day (the morning before we got our PA, as it turned out) I went to the craft store and bought these spools to make a family of spool dolls for Flynn. Now, I ask you. What am I thinking? Those of you who know me in person will know that I am NOT a crafty person. I don't have a sewing machine, can't knit to save my life, and nothing of the crafty variety ever occurred in my studio before last summer. I'm still not sure how I managed to sew those stuffed animals - that was a total aberration, and I'm not sure I could repeat it. Normally, I have trouble sewing a loose button. So what is it that compels me to make over our family in spool dolls, I ask you?
In my defense, I think part of the problem is that I really value handmade toys. I like uniqueness. And often, when I see handmade toys, some little voice in my head says "I could make that better"! Well, OK, I've seen some very cool spool dolls. For instance, Adolie Day's wooden dolls are some of my favorites. So I don't always mean I could do it better...sometimes I just see something and want to make it more "my style".
And then, as Yoli said, there's the problem of Etsy addiction. If I let myself buy everything on Etsy that I saw and wanted for Flynn's room, I'd be in a deep financial hole.
The question is, where's the line between saving money by making it myself, and taking up time which I could be using working on jobs that actually bring in some income?
It's a fine line I'm walking right now. But the need to make things for my daughter with my own hands is a strong and unprecedented impulse. And I think M's feeling it too. I saw him out back refurbishing our koi pond yesterday. Oh, and he's also been bringing home flowers. Do you just love those miniature columbines on the right...each perfect flower no bigger than a dime?

5 comments:

Carrie said...

it is ok-what ever you make she will love and it will mean more to her! I miss talking to you!

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

You two are nesting big time... it is so sweet... take care

Vivian M said...

Oh dear, you are certainly paper pregnant and about to start labor (aka trip to China).
I was nesting too, except I made lists, lots of lists. Packing lists, shopping lists for China for Kerri, lists of who would watch what and who to thank afterwards. And then there is the list for the baby shower and the thank you notes.
Just a reminder, take the time to savor the moment and each other, to take a step back and take it all in, and to pamper yourself!

kitchu said...

oh i am sooooooo loving these posts :O) you guys are bringing a smile to my face, day after day... guess i can thank Flynn for that, huh?

Yoli said...

I was quoted to my shame in Adoptive Families' new issue. I say to my shame, because my husband said, "uh hah! I have proof now!" It was just on this subject too...LOL.

Listen, what you are doing is completely normal. You are nesting and you are preparing yourself mentally for Flynn. There will be even more bizzare stuff that you will bring home from now until it is time for you to pick her up.

Honestly, I cannot believe you can sit there with a straight face and type that you are not a crafty person, when you have decorated your daughter's school chair fit for a Persian Princess. The nerve Missy!