Creative Responsibility

A common misconception in the do-it-yourself community is that there are no rules when creating. I get it – nothing is more exciting than being in your element. You may feel invincible, but there are limits to creativity.

I often see videos of social media influencers making unique home décor and doing renovations. While their work is beautiful, I have witnessed cringe-worthy moments. I saw a person doing a full bathroom remodel, only wearing sandals on their feet, and another pouring a mixture of water and cement particles down their bathroom sink. These actions seem harmless but can lead to severe injuries or damage.

As a DIYer, you hold the key to protecting your well-being, property, and environment with each project. Keep reading to learn what you should do before, during, and after crafting to practice creative responsibility.

Before

Assess your space. Ensure you have enough room to work on a flat, sturdy surface like a table or floor. Cover the surface with newspaper or a plastic reusable table cover to prevent permanent stains.

During

Glue, spray paint, and paint mediums can contain carcinogens and other hazardous agents. Try to avoid these products altogether. If you must use them, precisely follow the instructions on their labels. Work in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage or outdoors. Wear personal protective equipment, like gloves and masks, to prevent allergic reactions and poisoning.

When working with power tools, wear tennis shoes, clothing that is not loose-fitting, and a face shield. You should also know how to use the equipment.

After

Part of creative responsibility is knowing how to dispose of waste properly. Do not wash paint, glue, resin, or any substance that can solidify down the drain, as they will cause clogs. Research how to dispose of these products before using them. 

Here are my best practices for disposing of paint: You can save leftover acrylic or craft paint in airtight containers. Use a wet paper towel to clean as much paint as possible from your brushes. Then, wash the brush with soap and water. If you are a painter, you may benefit from a water-cleaning system. It separates particles from liquids, allowing you to put solid waste into the trash and flush liquid waste.

While we live in the age of DIY, there are some things you should not do yourself. Before starting a new arts and crafts project, ask: Do I have enough space to create? Do I have the required skills and expertise? Is it cost-efficient? If you answered no to at least one of these questions, consider purchasing the completed project or hiring a professional.

What steps will you take to practice creative responsibility? I’d love to hear your thoughts and best practices. Share them in the comments below!

Take 15 minutes today to read, write down, and meditate on this scripture: “Everyone ate and was satisfied.” – Mark 6:42 (CSB)