Mindful Making in a Fast-Paced World

As someone who always carries a water bottle around (because staying hydrated is a must), I’ve come to realize that it’s more than just a personal habit – it’s a small step I can take toward being more environmentally conscious. With everything happening to our planet, I try to do what I can to reduce waste. Bringing my own water helps me avoid buying plastic-bottled water, which is the least I feel I can do in the face of much bigger issues.

Recently, a friend of mine asked if I could modify the rounded drawstring pouch I made into something that could carry a water bottle. I thought it was a great idea and decided to take it on as a new project. It was a challenge, for sure, and the process tested my patience – especially when it came to attaching the strap. There were a few moments when I needed to step away, take a breath, and come back with a clearer mind. But little by little, it came together, and I was happy with the result.

Process

	Getting more and more confident with circular stitching. This process taught me a lot about patience and mindfulness.
	Sewing the side strap was not en easy task because I need to navigate the piece carefully. I need to approach the sewing line from both sides (so do it halfway for each direction).
	I had to give it to these pins for keeping the fabric (and my mind) together.
	As a key-person (meaning someone who loves to bring keys everywhere hehehe), I thought that have a hidden keychain hook will really help here.
	At this point, I think I can't get enough of hooks – so naturally I also added a D-Ring to accommodate this addiction.
	The (almost) final product looks gewd.
	Well, look at her ❤️

Reflections

As I worked on this project, I reflected on the balance we face as business owners and crafters. There’s often this dilemma: should we produce as many products as possible to meet the demand or should we be more thoughtful about what we create? It’s tempting to focus on what might sell quickly, but at the same time, there’s a bigger responsibility to consider. Mass-producing products without thought can lead to more waste and that’s something I want to be mindful of.

I know not every business has the ability to always prioritize sustainability – it’s not always easy to balance the economic side of things with more thoughtful practices. I’m grateful that, at least for now, I’ve been able to consider these factors with Chaotic Projects. It’s something I try to keep in mind as I create new products, even if the process takes a bit longer or requires more effort.

This latest exploration, like many before it, reminded me why I enjoy crafting so much. It’s fulfilling to make things that solve real needs – whether it’s for myself or for friends. We needed a simple, practical way to carry our water bottles, so that’s what I worked on. It’s not about creating for the sake of creating, but rather making things that are useful and thoughtful.

Well, here's to hoping I can continue to approach my work with this mindset, finding that balance between creativity, practicality and doing what I can for the environment 🍷🌏