While learning materials, tools and techniques is a good start, the real beauty of a creative practice is the application of those skills to a project. By applying making skills, we are able to turn materials into objects that are functional, beautiful, and imbued with meaning. In this book, we will look at ways of applying fabric, paper and wood skills to common projects that add a creative twist to your daily life.
So what is Applied Making?
What applied making does is bridge the gap between learning a new skill and getting results. When you use skills to make something that solves a problem you have, you will:
Practice what you’ve learned. Practical experience is the best way to reinforce new skills.
Confidence in problem-solving and material handling
Design functional items that also look good
Cultivate your own unique style and philosophy about using materials
Adding practical application guarantees that the knowledge isn’t just theoretical, but is totally integrated into your artistic decision making.
Practical Uses of Fabrics in Daily Life
Fabric is a very diverse material and can be used for a wide variety of projects, ranging from home decor to personal accessories and beyond.
Items that are useful
Useful items like pillow cases, table runners, or tote bags serve a purpose while repeating the lessons of sewing and cutting.
One can use garment alteration or making garments from scratch to practice patterning and sewing accuracy.
Ornamental Uses
Woven wall hanging or fabric panel can add interesting texture and depth.
There are also smaller scale crafts that can be done such as making fabric flowers or appliqués, which are a great way to hone in on precision and arrangement.
Working with fabric allows you to build these skills in the context of daily projects where you can see the fruits of your labor.
Other Things to Do with Paper
Paper can be used to add structure and/or decoration and works well with functional pieces or abstract art.
Digital Organizers
“ Bespoke notebooks, folders and envelopes are a mix of cutting and folding precision with utility.
Paper organizers or magazine holders help learn about structure and balance.
How do you express your creativity?
Stacked paper constructions, collages, and card-making enhance art perception and fine motor control.
These can be anything from origami to 3-D paper sculptures and help develop fine motor abilities and spatial perception.
Paper can be quick to prototype and yields beautiful and useful results.
When working with wood, there are numerous projects you can undertake as part of your daily routine. Some examples include building a birdhouse, picture frame, bird feeder, or bookshelf.
Wood gives strength and rigidity to items. It’s used for functional and ornamental purposes.
Things you might need
Joinery and finishing are used on little furniture, shelves and boxes.
The tool holders or kitchen utensil holders are very practical but at the same time have that personal touch of being handmade.
Ornamentation
Frames, wooden carvings, or textured panels hone the details of finishes and surface treatments.
Wood working: Students also do a series of mixed-media projects that involve wood, fabric, and paper to learn how to integrate different materials together.
When you use your woodworking skills on practical projects, you know that your practice will lead to durable, useful items that will last for years to come.
Mixing and Matching Materials for Creative Pursuits
This is something I see more experienced makers doing – combining fabric, paper, wood, etc. into one project for added interest and originality.
A wooden framework with a fabric covering produces useful and attractive items.
To add dimension and intrigue to a wood or fabric craft, try incorporating paper details or layers.
Play with contrasts of material: soft and hard, smooth and textured, warm and cool.
Working on cross-material projects improves problem solving, reinforces learning of the material, and fosters innovation and exploration.
Managing Small Daily Projects
Doing applied making well demands preparation and deliberate follow-through.
Determine what the project is intended to be: functional, aesthetic, or experimental.
Select materials and processes according to the intended effect.
If necessary, divide the project and test out methods on a smaller scale.
Monitor progress and control the process to correct any deviations to achieve quality.
This planning process allows you to deliver your ideas in a structured way, with quality, without losing your creativity.
Application-Based Learning
But applied projects aren’t just about making things. They are another way to practice skills.
Each project emphasizes tool use and reinforces material and technique knowledge.
Tackling real world problems fosters problem-solving and adaptability.
Consistent practice helps to improve faith, accuracy, and speed.
Revisiting past accomplishments and failures yields lessons to be applied to future projects.
When students engage in applied making, they learn how to apply core skills in a way that yields a concrete outcome, and in the process, they also develop problem-solving abilities and innovation.
Forming the Habit of Everyday Creativity
A daily or weekly ritual of applied skills guarantees development. Daily or weekly mini-projects enable exploration and continued material engagement. The act of making with intent becomes muscle memory, aiding in independent work and lifelong development.
