Creatively Crafting with Loes

Creatively Crafting with Loes

Crafting is something I’ve always respected. It takes focus, grit and endlessly thinking about creativity. There are some crafters who like to indulge in one media, and there are some who like to explore. Loes is definitely an avid explorer. She crochets, knits, paints, and so much more! I love the colourful and clean appeal of her work. And I’m happy to have her on the blog today answering some questions about her process and her outlook towards creativity.

Read on to hear what she has to say!

Creatively Crafting with Loes

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Loes van Dijck and I’m a 16-year-old schoolgirl from The Netherlands. I love crafting in my spare time and sharing my work on Instagram. I think making things is very relaxing. It eases my mind when I’m busy.

Creatively Crafting with Loes

What are some of your favourite art supplies and art media you use?

I really love working with yarn, paper and clay. These materials are all so versatile! Origami, watercolour, pottery, crochet, knitting, drawing, weaving. The list goes on! The amount of things that can be made with the first three supplies I mentioned is almost endless.

I also like to use unconventional, unexpected materials, like cotton buds, straws, a toy globe or an old plastic envelope. I think finding a new purpose for something is awesome! Plus: re-using materials is good for the environment.

Creatively Crafting with Loes

What sparked your interest in DIY and just art in general? How long have you been practicing?

I have liked doing creative things for as long as I can remember. The first ‘real’ craft technique I learnt was knitting. My grandmother taught me when I was seven. I liked it very much and I was so proud of my first (holey) scarf! Over the past nine years I’ve learnt many more techniques that I still like. When I went to secondary school four years ago and learnt to read English well, I started to read DIY blogs. This increased my interest in DIY even more!

I have absolutely no idea how long I have been practicing. I try and work on some creative project every day. Practice makes perfect!

Creatively Crafting with Loes

What do you enjoy the most in your creative process?

I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but I enjoy every moment in a creative process. The idea that pops up in my head, then visualising the final product, collecting tools and supplies and finally making the thing I have in mind. I genuinely like every step (except for weaving in a zillion loose ends of a crochet project).

Something I also enjoy about crafting in general is the freedom to make anything you want. If you’re a DIY’er, you don’t have to limit yourself to the products you can buy in a store. You can make your own!

 

What was the first art project/work of art you remember?

As a toddler, I used to carry a few strands of colourful yarn with me everywhere I went so I could braid. I’ve used many yards of yarn!

Creatively Crafting with Loes

Just for fun: what’s your favourite animal and flower and why?

My favourite animal is definitely the elephant. They are big and strong, but also tender and gentle. I love how they care for their families.

Choosing my favourite flower is more difficult. I really love forget-me-nots and peonies but I think lavender would be my favourite. It reminds me of holidays in France, those huge fields full of purple flowers in bloom, and the scent is so delicious.

Creatively Crafting with Loes

 

(I love the bright vibes in Loes’ room, especially the way she arranges her books! Also, that rug is just amazing.)

Do you plan on pursuing art as a career? Or is it just a hobby you love?

I don’t think so. I’ll take my final exams in two years and after that I’ll probably go to university. I think I’ll just keep doing it as my hobby and I don’t think I will ever have a real career in art. But who knows, maybe I’ll change my mind later!

Creatively Crafting with Loes

What are some themes/topics that are inspiring you nowadays?

This is a difficult question! In many of my projects you can spot my love for geometry. This is an infinite source of inspiration. I’ve spent hours searching Pinterest and Craftgawker for geometric DIY projects. Flowers are also very inspirational. I love the colours and the delicate shapes.

Creatively Crafting with Loes

Do you think an artist should explore different types of art or just practice one till they perfect it? How do you approach crafting a skill?

I really admire artists who turn their type of art into a successful business. They are absolute masters at what they love to do. They do what they’re good at and I think that’s fantastic!

On the other hand, I am  a ‘multidisciplinary’ crafter. I am not good enough to master one thing perfectly and I get bored quickly, so I just try to broaden my knowledge by learning something new (and failing at it sometimes) every now and then. I think everyone should do what suits him/her best!

Creatively Crafting with Loes

  Could you share some advice on making a good, satisfactory piece of art (which the artist feels happy about the end result)?

If you’re not satisfied with your project in the middle of the making process, don’t continue! Instead, redo a little bit of work, otherwise you may end up with a finished piece you don’t like. I think spending some more time is worthwhile.

And, in case you’re suffering from crafter’s block: focus on something else! The inspiration will come back soon, so you don’t have to search it. Sort out craft supplies or learn a new technique instead! The creativity will flow again in no time.

Thanks Loes, for a little gimpse in your creative process! Wishing you all the best for your future projects ahead!

Find Loes here: Instagram | Blog | Twitter | Pinterest

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