There are many people who like to make things, but they are always surprised when they see what others have created. For those who have an inventive mind, almost any combination of materials will set their imagination loose. They do not see an old shirt with lace edging, but they do see a basket that might look beautiful with a cloth interior and lace around the handle. Their imagination runs wild with almost any scrap of leftover material they see, and they allow their mind to explore the possibilities. Classes in this type of thinking do not really exist, so learning to craft is as individual as those who pursue it.
Imagination is the main ingredient when it comes to home crafts, but research is a large part of it. Seeing what combinations of materials and styles others have created can help people connect with their own artistic flare. While they might see a hundred decorated shirts, their own collection of odds and ends will not have anything like what they have seen. For them to be able to create their own shirt, they must work with what they have. Using their imagination can lead them to find a group of buttons in the same colours but different sizes that will allow them to make a unique pattern of their own.
Odds and ends are often the materials favoured by experienced crafters because it sets their imagination free, and they teach this to those who seek their advice. Some people might find their own habits of tossing them have robbed them of raw material, but second hand shops often have small bags of odds and ends that can be bought for a very small price.
There are many different ways to learn to craft objects, but using a good dose of imagination with available materials is one of the best ways to get started. It will clean out the leftover materials, but it can also be a relaxing way to create gifts for loved ones.
