We all know about cross training for sports skills; we remember our gym teachers and coaches lecturing about how doing drills until we can’t breathe will help our stamina, and how running will help us be better at pretty much everything. But have you ever thought about how you can cross-train yourself to be a better artist, crafter, or business person?
For the past few years I have been dreaming about taking a cake decorating course. I love to bake and I have great respect for cake artists and think I would really enjoy learning how to make beautiful decorations for my cakes. This year for my birthday, my amazing husband signed me up for the beginner’s course! As I have been preparing and getting geared up for it (I’m so excited I can barely sit still,) I have begun to wonder this very thing.
The best example of cross training for me was when I made my first round of business cards and I called on my sewing experience and used my sewing machine to create a decorative stitched border along one side of the cards in my brand colors. People thought it was so interesting and it was a great conversation starter!
So how can you use your skills and interests to cross-train yourself? Can your interest in painting help you chose better color combos and create new patterns for your hand-dyed scarves? What about the jewelry class you signed up for on a whim, can you use those skills to help add a special touch to your hand-thrown mugs and bowls? Can your weekly trips to the farmer’s market inspire a new line of produce inspired baked goodies?
So my challenge to you? Take a look at your hobbies and interests, let them inspire you in ways you have never imagined, and share your findings with us in the comments section below! And as I enjoy my wonderful birthday present (thank you honey) I will share how I am inspired to be a better crafter!
Have Fun,
Jenn
For the past few years I have been dreaming about taking a cake decorating course. I love to bake and I have great respect for cake artists and think I would really enjoy learning how to make beautiful decorations for my cakes. This year for my birthday, my amazing husband signed me up for the beginner’s course! As I have been preparing and getting geared up for it (I’m so excited I can barely sit still,) I have begun to wonder this very thing.
The best example of cross training for me was when I made my first round of business cards and I called on my sewing experience and used my sewing machine to create a decorative stitched border along one side of the cards in my brand colors. People thought it was so interesting and it was a great conversation starter!
So how can you use your skills and interests to cross-train yourself? Can your interest in painting help you chose better color combos and create new patterns for your hand-dyed scarves? What about the jewelry class you signed up for on a whim, can you use those skills to help add a special touch to your hand-thrown mugs and bowls? Can your weekly trips to the farmer’s market inspire a new line of produce inspired baked goodies?
So my challenge to you? Take a look at your hobbies and interests, let them inspire you in ways you have never imagined, and share your findings with us in the comments section below! And as I enjoy my wonderful birthday present (thank you honey) I will share how I am inspired to be a better crafter!
Have Fun,
Jenn
