Tell me about something you wish you knew how to do

United States
January 10, 2007 9:50pm CST
Ever wished you could learn to play the guitar, or knit, or garden? Tell me about something you'd like to learn how to do. What's holding you back from doing it? Is it money, or time, or some other factor? One other thing I would really like to learn how to do is create altered books. I love crafts but have to admit I'm not very good at them. Altered books fascinate me, and I love books as an artistic medium. I guess the things holding me back are that I would like to take a class and I don't know how to find classes for that kind of thing. I can't afford to spend money on materials and just dive in and work by trial and error. I'd also like to learn how to make paper. Maybe that sounds silly, but I love handmade papers that are scented with herbs or dyed with plant dyes. I love notecards and things made from them, and I wish I knew how to make them myself. I would also like to learn how to hand-bind books. This ties into the altered books and the paper, because I'd really like to be able to make hand made, customized journals. Nothing makes me happier than the perfect journal, that when you open in to write it feels like talking to an old friend.
5 people like this
24 responses
@kdarrell (1562)
• Canada
11 Jan 07
I would love to learn how to do tole painting or ceramics. I haven't really gotten into it because of the money it costs to start these types of crafts and because I really don't have the time to take on new projects.
3 people like this
11 Jan 07
I want to learn how to drive a motorcycle. I've always rode with someone else, but I want to be in control!
3 people like this
@ahmar2 (682)
• Pakistan
13 Jan 07
I would love if I could expert in skating Its not my passion but it is something I will love to do.
2 people like this
@maferick (1583)
• Brazil
13 Jan 07
i wish one day learn to drive,i'm 25 and don't know yet
@kaka135 (14931)
• Malaysia
15 Jan 07
Well, I'm quite embarrassed to say that I am 28 now, and don't know how to drive yet. Yeah, I wish I can force myself to start driving very soon. :p
1 person likes this
@xkaraix (595)
• Australia
13 Jan 07
I have a friend that does all that book stuff you're talking about. Her site address is: http://ouvre-palimpsest.net she even sells them now. Perhaps you could ask her what she did to learn it? I wish I could cook better. I'd like to be one of those people that can open the fridge or pantry or whatever and find something to make, instead of opening the freezer and defrosting something frozen. I'd also like to learn to dance, I think it'd be awesome plus you become so much more flexible, it has so many advantages!
2 people like this
• United States
13 Jan 07
Thanks so much for the link, I'm going to check it out now.
1 person likes this
@Pekachu (1112)
• United States
13 Jan 07
i wish i knew how to drive but i have a fear of causing an accident i have no confidence that i can do it sure wish i did though that would realyy change my life i often wish i could afford to go to a drivers training class but i would probly chicken out lol
2 people like this
@zuri25 (2125)
• United States
14 Jan 07
An example of mosaic art - Maybe I'll get good enough to do this one day
Those are some really fabulous ideas you've got there! I, too, am a lover of journals, especially ones that look handmade or have antique paper in them. I even have a journal that, when you write in it, the pen ink turns colors over time. I haven't tried that one out yet because it's so pretty I don't want to write anything trivial in it to take away from it's beauty lol. As for me, I would like to learn how to mosaic. I've gathered a bunch of materials and a couple of books for beginners. I'm pretty much all set to go, but at the moment I don't have the space or free time to dive in and try out my skills.
@zuri25 (2125)
• United States
15 Jan 07
Hahaha. Puzzles are another favorite hobby of mine. I finished one over the summer that took me all summer to complete (even with the help of my family members). Mosaicing with skittles? Now that's creative lol. I'm working on a picture frame piece with bits of beach glass all over it. It was my first attempt and I'm afraid I used too much glue so now it looks like a summer camp project lol. I'm thinking I will sprinkle some fine grain sand around the areas to help hide the excess glue. Anyway, have a great day and thanks for the friends add!!
• United States
15 Jan 07
There is a woman at my church that does mosaics, they're amazing. She taught at our summer camp and the kids made mosaics out of Skittles candies, lol. I think that's a great thing to learn to do. I know what you mean about the space; our "craft" table (the dining room table we haven't eaten on since Thanksgiving) has been covered with a 1000 piece puzzle since Christmas, and we're not even halfway done.
• United States
21 Jan 07
I would love to learn the guitar. In my youth I taught myself how to play using a book. Now if I could find a guitar and a book, I will be all set.
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Jan 07
knitting and silk screening tshirts
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Jan 07
Learning to silkscreen would be really cool. I have friend that do some amazing fiber arts and sell their items on ebay, I always really admire their talent.
@anyablue (363)
• United States
22 Jan 07
I would like to learn how to sew. I have dozens of outfit ideas floating in my mind that I would like to create. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone that sews and I can't afford classes right now.
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Jan 07
Have you tried checking some of the fabric stores in your area? Sometimes Hancock and Joann's fabrics have low-cost workshops that might be in your price range.
11 Jan 07
ide like to learn how to fly a fighter jet well most type of aircraft but mostly fighter jets money dose stop me (cant see it being cheap) another factor is i dont think i would fit in a fighter jet (ime 6ft 2 with very wide sholders) they dont look to have much room in them
2 people like this
• United States
23 Jan 07
You sound like make i always wanted to involve myself in a craft that i could somewhat claim .I started crochetting but i tried to make a dishcloth and the yarn just starting turning up in where it was suppose to go straight. I really always wanted to learn how to sew i think i would save me so much money but yet like yourself i cant really find someone to teach me I know they hold classes but i have a toddler and i would have to find a babysitter and so forth which i dont have the money for at this time.So i am always resulting to try to learn by internet or some book and it just seems like for me theres nothing like seeing someone show you sitting right in front of you.And by the way that journal idea sounds good it doesnt seem hard and you probably could sell them.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
13 Jan 07
I wish I know how to swim and how to ride a bike. I also bought a guitar but until now I can't play any complete songs. Those are my frustrations in life.
2 people like this
• Colombia
15 Jan 07
I would like to learn how to play guitar, so will play it when i am sad or happy =P
1 person likes this
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
8 Feb 07
i also want to learn the guitar. i actually tried it years ago. but i always end up getting my fingers hurt when on the strings. so, i did not pursue it either.
@14missy (3183)
• Australia
25 Mar 07
I wanted to learn keyboard for years and so in 2000 I started lessons. I did them for about two years and now am at the stage of being able to play for pleasure! I was secretly so proud of my self. Now I would like to learn how to paint! I do paint by numbers etc but haven't really got the time now to have proper lessons or really do any art for fun. I'll have to wait a few years for the kids to get a little older so I have a little free time on my hands haha.
@kaka135 (14931)
• Malaysia
15 Jan 07
Yeah, I wish I can play piano. I did learn piano when I was 6, then I stopped learning when I stayed in the hostel when I was 12. It's quite difficult for me to learn and practise piano in school, so I have to stop. I always tell myself, I can start learning piano again when I grow up, but now I have to wait until I have the money to buy a piano for myself first. Being able to play piano is always my wish. ^_^
17 Jan 07
I would love to create craft books, but my ideas are always too late someone else usually meets me too it. The other thing i would love to be able to do, i've just started knitting again and would love to learn how to do fairisle and cable stitches. But most of all i would love to turn my craft love into a business. Some many other people are doing it as well. good luck with your dreams
1 person likes this
15 Jan 07
I wish I was good at something boyish, you know like playing pool or footy or violent video games. I've been practicing pool a lot lately but I still get made fun of by guys and its a bit hurtful. I've also always been really artsy and I'd love to get back into making things like collages or curtains or something. It'd be cool to learn how to use a sewing machine as well.
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
15 Jan 07
I have always wanted to learn to play the piana. I love to hear the piana and have always wanted to learn. I saw to it that both my daughters learned but I never did. I have had carpal tunnel surgery twice now, so this dream can never come true. My hands and fingers just dont work correctly anymore.
• United States
16 Jan 07
I wish I could sing. I just think it'd be so much fun if I could sing. Instead, when I try to sing, the worst sound ever comes out of my mouth. I probably want it so bad because I am so bad at it.
1 person likes this