Why I Built the Table

Sometimes, if you can't find the place you're looking for, you have to build it.

I have to admit, I have only recently come to the realisation that I am a creative person, in fact I would say that my whole life is creative.  I have been very lucky and have found a tribe of like-minded people who share my view on the beauty of having an intentionally creative life.  And I wanted to find more.  I have never felt that geography should restrict your choices and the internet continues to open the world. 

I went looking for a community, where people were creative, it was where they found joy.  I found some amazing groups but none of them really fit.  Some were places full of amazing creative people, artists with a capital A. 

Fabulous headshots, details of studying at the most interesting universities and very earnestly talking about how their art impacts them and their world.  These are amazing people and are worth your time to explore and obsess over. 

But one thing I noticed, not one of them mentioned the delight in just the right notebook and pen to use for your projects, or just how much better the tea tastes in the perfect vessel, and yes these do matter.

But that’s because we are creatives.  We crochet, knit and sew.  We embroider flowers on jumpers just to brighten them up, we can rustle up a fancy-dress costume with 48 hours' notice, write an essay on the morning commute.  

The other side of the coin was so much of what is out there is designed to monetise your creations.  When did a hobby turn into a side hustle? Why do I have to maximise anything? Where has the simple pleasure of making things gone? I love that I make and create so many things, but that joy is enough.  Sure, I will make up a batch of Christmas cards if anyone wants them, perhaps make matching tote bags for an event, perhaps even crochet plushies to be sold on a charity stall, but I don’t want the pressure of taking the thing I do for my down time into a money-making venture.

I couldn’t find my people, no one to share my enthusiasm, to reach out to when I feel that something isn’t good enough, to help when I get stuck, and for me to offer this back. 

Hence The Long Table Collective was born.  Where the only requirement is curiosity and the willingness to give it a go, simply to enjoy the process. 

Do I think I am going to find some amazingly talented creatives, hell yes. Will they know that they are? Probably not, but I will be telling you all about them!

I realise being a creative is going to mean a lot of different things to different people -no you don’t have to wear colourful dungarees, or colourful clothing of any type, but you should, it’s fun! You don’t have to buy into any of the stereotypes you may have in your head. 

If you have read this far I am 98% certain you are indeed a creative, but just in case you need something a little more specific I would say, putting it out there, to be a creative you have to be curious and willing to try. 

If you are wanting an even more specific answer…..  well, there is drawing, painting, acrylics, watercolour or oils.

You can knit, or crochet, you can sew, darn or embroider, there is macrame, weaving or friendship bracelets.

There is writing too, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, academic writing, journaling, or blog posts, even social media,

Then there's what we make with our hands such as pottery, carving, woodwork, metal work. Jewellery making, bag makers, hat makers even quilt makers.

Photography, flower pressing, flower growing, cake making, cake decorating.

And yes, even making the perfect cup of tea.

Actually, let's stop there because we'll be here all day.

The point is this: if you've ever looked at a blank page, an empty table, a ball of yarn, a lump of clay, a flower bed, a piece of fabric or a half-baked idea and thought, "I wonder what I could make with that?", then you, my friends, are creatives.

When you have more than you need,

build a longer table

– not a higher fence

“When you have more than you need, build a longer table – not a higher fence”

I don’t remember the first time I heard this, but it has always stuck with me and in many ways moulded my life philosophy.  I know I am extremely lucky to have as many creative friends as I do, I have an abundance, if you will. It is time for me to build that longer table and to reach out. To share what I know and the enthusiasm I have and in return find more people like me. People who don’t fear getting their hands dirty, and I’m not talking figuratively here, who crave the pleasure in creating things and want to share that joy.