To Eric, I’m a hobbyist crafter. I like creating papercraft models, painting by numbers, and needlework.
Although making these is what truly makes me happy, our walls and shelves are bursting at the seams with the completed goods. We’re running out of room to display them, so I guess I’m proud of them, but I’m starting to avoid engaging in these pastimes.
Although I would hate to throw them away, I don’t think it’s proper to give a friend or relative a crude painting or model of a rabbit. Instead, what should I do with these projects?
Help for Hobbies
To Hobby Help, You might think about using some of the art storage alternatives offered by a craft or art supply store for some of the flatter crafts, such as the paintings and embroidery. Some of the smaller objects might even fit in a filing cabinet. If you’d like, you can switch up which ones are stored and which are shown. A gallerist!
In this manner, you can keep your supplies fresh and avoid throwing anything away until the storage solution is full.
You could be surprised to learn which members of your family and friends would be delighted to possess your crude drawings or rabbit model, as you describe it. Consider hosting a home art show at that hip new gallery or sharing pictures of your creations online. You might offer the takers everything for free or establish a low price. It’s a wonderful way to involve people you care about in a pastime that brings you joy, even if it doesn’t empty all the shelves.
To Eric, You overlooked a crucial point in your response to Silent Partner, whose fiancé had an ex-wife who was still attempting to exert control over him and even sent a $1,000 present. According to the author, her partner is ignoring it since he thinks a reaction would only encourage her actions. He is very likely correct. Given the ex-wife’s history of physical and psychological abuse, cutting off communication may be the only effective method to address this behavior. Any reaction to their words or body language provides someone with certain personality disorders reason to believe they still have control over you. It’s a risky game that never ends.
I’ve been there
Greetings, Been There: I appreciate this insight. I hadn’t given the very real prospect that a personality problem was at work enough thought. Although it would be prudent for the fianc to maintain their distance from the ex, the letter writer and her fianc should have more meaningful conversations regarding the letter writer’s feelings.
For inquiries, contact R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or by mail at P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Subscribe to his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com and follow him on Instagram.
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