Why I Create

Every morning on my way to work, I create. On the crowded New York subway train, between shuffling feet, crumpled newspapers and coffee cups, there I sit, crocheting, hand-sewing or drawing. Making things is my form of meditation, a way to center myself and prepare for the day ahead.

I create to find peace.

David crochets on the train.

Why do you create? Today we’re launching the #whyicreate gift card giveaway. Until April 28, share an Instagram photo or tweet of your process, inspiration or craft using the hashtag #whyicreate and mentioning @etsy and you could win a $250 Etsy gift card!*

“I love making myself and other people smile, which is why I draw cats and dogs.” #whyicreate

What inspires you to create? We look forward to seeing your #whyicreate posts!

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER. Promotion is open to legal residents of the 50 United States, District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, age 18 or older, with a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account. Entries must be received between 12:01 AM ET (05:01 AM GMT) on April 14, 2014 and 11:59:59 PM ET on April 28, 2014 (04:59 AM GMT April 29, 2014). One prize available: Etsy Gift Card valued at ($250 USD for US residents, $250 CAD for Canada residents, £125 GBP for UK residents, €200 EUR for French and German residents). Odds depend on number of eligible entries received. Skill-testing question required for Canadian residents. Go to etsy.me/whyicreate to enter and for Official Rules. Sponsor: Etsy, Inc.

I love this, but Instagram? Another social media network to navigate to enter? Maybe. Still, I love to create to be of service to others. When I first painted my Jizo, my husband said, "You should make that into earrings... it could help people." I am already a family therapist and figured I was already being of service in my career. Then, another friend saw my Jizo in an illustration for a book I had written and said, "You should make those into jewelry." So, I did. Teaching about Buddhism, mindfulness and the therapeutic aspects of Jizo has filled the past five years with more creativity and fun that I would have imagined. But it is in helping others that I find the most satisfaction: passing on the gifts that were given to me by Jizo so that others may experience a more mindful and peaceful way of being.

2 Featured Comments

David Leon Morgan from davidleonmorgan said 5 years ago Featured

I'm really loving these answers already! Be sure to share them on Instagram or Twitter, as well, with #whyicreate and @etsy. Thanks! - David
David Leon Morgan from davidleonmorgan said 4 years ago Featured

Hi there! If you've already submitted a #whyicreate photo or tweet, and included @etsy, you can go to http://etsy.me/whyicreate2 and sign up for your chance to win the gift card. Thanks, and good luck! - David

86 comments

Patrick from EdelweissPost said 5 years ago

I create because I have an aching need to bring joy and whimsy into the lives of others.
seasidecloth from seasidecloth said 5 years ago

I create to release the inspiration and skills that I have been blessed with
Astrid R. from AnAstridEndeavor said 5 years ago

What a fun idea. It's often hard to describe in words why the need is so deep to create and make things. I like the idea of having to explain it visually. Looking forward to following this thread!
Elizabeth from ABreathOfFrenchAir said 5 years ago

I create because it is fun and smells good! I will have to work at how to present this.
madeleine belanger from iamabird said 5 years ago

Love this idea! I'll definitely enter on instagram tomorrow when I'm back in my studio!
Stacey McCaffrey from vintagejane said 5 years ago

SO cool.....fun idea!
Jillian Carmine from JillianReneDecor said 5 years ago

I love this! What a great way to share our inspiration and inspire others.
Natalia from KMalinkaVintage said 5 years ago

Awesome idea!
Ann Cosgrove from acbcDesign said 5 years ago

Wonderful campaign! Looking forward to hearing about what inspires other makers!
David Leon Morgan from davidleonmorgan said 5 years ago Featured

I'm really loving these answers already! Be sure to share them on Instagram or Twitter, as well, with #whyicreate and @etsy. Thanks! - David
Oliver Estrada from redthredclothingco said 5 years ago

I create because I am the change I want to see in the world.
Carla Hansen from myneedlehabit said 5 years ago

I create because I have to embroider the words in my head that I can't use at my day job. PS - David, what train do you take? I'm stitching away on the A.
Charlene Blackwell from CoastAndClearing said 5 years ago

I create because I have a desire to heal, and so I blend fragrances with essential oils that contain uplifting and rejuvenating qualities to ease anxiety, suffering, and stress to those who trust me with their skin.
David Leon Morgan from davidleonmorgan said 5 years ago

Hey Carla! I take the D, but sometime transfer to the A. If you happen to look up from your stitching and see me crocheting away, please say "hey!" - David
Quality Handmade Items from WhisperingOak said 5 years ago

I like to create because is so much fun to see your idea come to life.
Linda from lovelygifts said 5 years ago

I create because it makes me happy :-)
Asma from AsmaOriginal said 5 years ago

Love this campaign... I am sure we will get tons of inspirations from the talented artists around Etsy!
Pepitas House from PepitasStudio said 5 years ago

I create because the process of sketching to making gets me so engaged. Once my idea is in 3D, I feel happy with what I make. Then I get more ideas and start building on the original idea. And these are happy times.
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 5 years ago

I create because it keeps me sane :)
primlark from primlark said 5 years ago

I love this! Great idea. :)
Elizabeth England from ninedragons said 5 years ago

I started out creating for myself: I wondered if it was possible to capture the everyday beauty I noticed around me in photographs. Then I realized there's so much - beauty that is! The more I looked, the more I saw. People wonder what to hang on their walls. You don't have to go far to find it, sometimes it's right there on the building you enter everyday or under your feet as you walk to work. Amazing. It'll be a challenge to capture that in one Instagram photo!
Hallie Widner from FlosAurantiaco said 5 years ago

There is no pretense in the moment of creation, no vying for attention or acceptance. It is a way to show myself love – to allow her out to play, all on her own, no restrictions. I find she is grateful and loves me in turn, and that reward is the only one that truly matters.
Megan Braswell from inspiringanchors said 5 years ago

I create because I want what I create and because I want to offer valued treasures to others by creating items with heart and soul infused in them.
IKA PARIS from ikabags said 5 years ago

Love this :)
Nancy Campbell from SoulRole said 5 years ago

Love this idea!One question-I received a comment from Etsy on my photo telling me to fill out a form on the facebook page,but I don't see a form?Any suggestions?
June from isewcute said 5 years ago

What a great idea for a contest! It will be fun to see everyone's photos!
Angie from AnthropologieAngie said 5 years ago

I create because I love a challenge.
Mary Lou from designedbymarylou said 5 years ago

It makes me a nicer, calmer person when I am doing what I love to do.
Klik Klak Blocks from KlikKlakBlocks said 5 years ago

We create because we LOVE wood! We are not just selling natural wood blocks and wood design products - it's much more than that. It's a huge part of our hearts and our lifestyle. We do believe wood toys are the best for the kids because they are natural. A piece of nature and as we say - a piece of Latvia...We started creating the blocks because we wanted our kid to have the best quality blocks available - all natural. That was the moment it all started. Now we are happy there are so many kids who enjoy these little pieces of wood. It motivates and gives much energy. Happy creating everyone!
Lauren from lapisbeach said 5 years ago

What a fun idea/giveaway! I cant wait to see all the submissions!!
Katharine Davis from HiddenEarth said 5 years ago

Thank you for the reflection!
Maria Holt from bohemiansway said 5 years ago

I create because I have to, it's a part of who I 'am. I can give a part of myself to someone I love, or to someone who loves my gift of creativity ~
Pbe from iMadeYooSmile said 5 years ago

Great idea! I have to think of how to put this into a picture... I create for the smiles one creation can bring to its recipient. P.S. David - On a similar sense I also create to find peace, but on my way home from work to unwind from the day! =)
Tey Tey from BichoBolitaJewelry said 5 years ago

Ohhh such a challenge!!! Im gonna be posting something later, im gonna call my muse
Darlene Jones from RomanceCatsAndWhimsy said 5 years ago

Interesting to read why everyone creates. I can't wait to see the end results and the winner.
Mary Richmond from maryrichmonddesign said 5 years ago

What a fun idea! I love that so many of us create for such different reasons. I create because I don't have enough room inside me to keep it all in. I have to let some of it out, a lot of it out actually, so I write, draw and paint.
Valerie from valeriestitchery said 5 years ago

I create just because I have to. It's always been that way, ever since I was a kid. I bet the same is true for most of the Etsy community. My first toys were pens and paper. I was always drawing, building things out of scrap cardboard, using my mom's old Spirograph, whatever I could get my hands on, just to make something! Etsy has given me a purpose and an outlet for that creative energy that just never stops.
Laura L Olinger from Cloud9Productions said 5 years ago

I've tried all sorts of different crafts over the years and just recently came back to polymer clay. I really like to make people happy. I try to make each package I send like a little gift. Who doesn't like opening a gift made just for you? I find working with clay very soothing. I think creativity is in the blood, and you have a need for it.
Beard Oil from BeardOil said 5 years ago

Love this!
Tam from BarryCarry said 5 years ago

you 're really good creative !!!
Julie Lynn from imjulielynn said 5 years ago

Wow! Love this idea!! <3
Deodorant Shop from deodorantshop said 5 years ago

Great Idea!
Marina from NKDNA said 5 years ago

I post mine but I'm from Spain? Why only UK and Germany? :(
kristen from iheartfink said 5 years ago

it took awhile for me to find the form to fill out and almost gave up - happy I did find it after all thanks for this ~ a great use of instagram and the photos and answers are fun to read and see :D
Carol from UrHere4Fun said 5 years ago

I love crafting and I can supplement my Retirement income I love love love your new shipping app, upgrade shipping!!! This is a great idea, I try a buy most of my supplies on Etsy
Caroline Barbosa from OldSoulVintageLtd said 5 years ago

Being creative simply satisfies my soul.
VelvetRevived from VelvetRevived said 5 years ago

I create because I feel like there are more ideas in my head than I will ever have time in this lifetime to accomplish! In the last four years of my life, which have been the most turbulent time in my life so far, I have found peace, solace and healing in lots of different forms of creativity. It has been such a prolific time creatively for me as I dived into my art to keep my mind clear and my head above water.
Aga from AgasJourney said 5 years ago

fantastic project and fantastic tribute to creativity!
Debra Gilstrap from gilstrapdesigns said 5 years ago

I create because it helps me to relax and to relieve stress. Creating has become such a big part of my life that I dream about it. I don't know what I would do if I could'nt create and once you start creating and opening up that channel it opens up many many other channels in your life and you discover so many things about yourself and I am still so amazed at the things that I've created with my own two little hands!!!!
Jillian Bishop from jbethbish said 5 years ago

How exciting!! Can't wait to see all the reasons to create! Should be inspiring :)
Fields Of Vintage from FieldsOfVintage said 5 years ago

Very inspirational!
mazedasastoat from mazedasastoat said 5 years ago

Dear Etsy, please run competitions that are open to everyone, not just those who use other websites & social networks. When you do I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you.
Jeska Suazo from TheCyclingHound said 5 years ago

I create because my career path rarely allows me to be creative & I needed an outlet. I create because its fun & my career path is just work. I like to give people something they love. I love designing. I love dogs & I love animal rescue. I chose Oil & Gas for my career, and designing is my passion!
Alison Feldmann from TeenAngster said 5 years ago

Love this project!
Tey Tey from BichoBolitaJewelry said 5 years ago

Damn!! why u excluded me etsy? i already had a few of crazy ideas for the pic, in my enthropied studio and my cat model :( Should be opened for all globe!!!
Cynthia Loynd from RiverRugs said 5 years ago

Neat idea! Hope to see you on Instagram! I create because it's fun to watch something grow and change and turn into something beautiful.
Latonya from AuthenticallyMade said 5 years ago

I love reading the responses. I create to calm myself. I create because it feels so good. I create because I like color and beauty.
Linda from FlirtyDivaTees said 5 years ago

I create my funny expressive tees to allow women to express what they are feeling, show their funny side, announce their pregnancy, declare their age and enjoy life with humor .
Dahlila S. from dahlilafound said 5 years ago

I create to keep my hands busy & my mind from wandering into bad neighborhoods. Creating--anything!--helps get me back on course, out of a rut, out of dark places. It's like opening the curtains in a dark room, dusting off an old favorite book, remembering about growth & moving forward--even baby steps--& reminding myself who I am there in the making, searching, in finding vintage clothes for my shop, in crocheting, oil pastels, gardening, baking, sewing--& it doesn't have to be fancy. Yesterday I painted my nails lavender, & it gave me a small thrill. #smalljoys
Olivia from makeforest said 5 years ago

What a great idea etsy! always sparking that creative fire under us makers and challenging us to go above and beyond... I create because I love the feeling of a paintbrush bristles brushing the page, the soft hum of a sewing machine, the warmth and smoothness of clay. I create because it is my calling, and it is my sort of meditation. Creating gives me peace, drains my stress... and in the end, creates something beautiful!
Katarina from KatarinaHats said 5 years ago

I create when I procrastinate... from the things I ought to be doing!
linda from ChainsawAndCo said 5 years ago

I create for nifty's sake
BarDulce from BarDulce said 5 years ago

I create because I can't stop! Must mean I love doing what I do like everyone else here. I'm in good company :)
Ludmilla from buffalogirls said 5 years ago

I create to bring balance and peace to my soul. I live with nature and draw from nature's harmony and beauty. I posted on my instagram, facebook and twiter with a a hashtag #whyicreate.
Kayla from LetterKay said 5 years ago

I create because it makes me happy. It calms me down and I love seeing something being created from nothing and turning it into something lovely.
katherine Lenz from 214EVER said 5 years ago

THE REASON WHY I CREATE IS THAT I LOVE NEW THINGS AND WANNA SEE THE BIG SMILE ON THE GIRLS WHO WEAR THEIR NEW BEAUTIFUL DRESS!!!!
mirta from ModernBotanicsShop said 5 years ago

Just did it! Thank you for this and Katie you look great in the pic!
tilisa from PandoraBracelet said 5 years ago

I really like your design, we can learn from each other https://www.etsy.com/shop/PandoraBracelet? Ref = si_shop
sharon from EmbellishedLife2 said 5 years ago

I create because it's cheaper than therapy; it puts my ever-racing brain into peace mode; it's ideas bursting to be born without the pain of childbirth; It's something that belongs to me that I can be selfish about, it's mine mine mine all mine and then I share it with the world.... I create because it's like breathing: I'd die if I couldn't!
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 5 years ago

When all else is missing, is the art who completes us and set us free.... I create because it is my passion and thanks to Etsy I can share and continue this!!!
Steve from UpstateWoodwork said 5 years ago

Very Beautiful and Inspiring. Always nice to get inspiration for the items in my shop. Congrats on the feature!!
Angela Moore from eshopping said 5 years ago

I feel a special kind of joy when I create
TodoPapel from TodoPapel said 5 years ago

I create to inspire others to create
DeeDee Peters from OddShack said 5 years ago

I create for a myriad of reasons, but mostly, because I do what I love. Since I love creating, building and making beautiful things, why not share? That's why I started by shop, Oddshack on Etsy, an outlet for my creativity.
Laura and Ryan from cubits said 4 years ago

I am really loving searching the #whyicreate hashtag on instagram. Such a great collection of photos and nice ideas.
gail marie from TropicalZebras said 4 years ago

I create because I can't stop creating. A wonderful mentor I had through the years told me that there are not only the "hounds of hell", but there are the "Hounds Of Heaven" and they will nip, squeal, herd, bark, and basically drive you to create what is in your soul. There is no escaping this passion if it is calling you or if you have born with the spark of creation. Somehow the "passion" to create is energy funneled through the cosmos which speaks only to you to bring it into the world, this world. That is exciting because who knows where this energy comes from, the cosmos is a very immense space, but it finds YOU to create IT.
Christiane Fitzon from NoaMagpie said 4 years ago

I already entered the promotion via instagram... but wondering why I didn't received this automatic link for the "form" to complete it? Does anyone know why or how to get the link?
Maria Bradley from MeryBradley said 4 years ago

I can´t participate as I don´t live in the mentioned places , but I create because I love it, it´s on my blood and breathing, I´ve always been creating! The creative process also helps me grow in so many ways... and I love the fact that people can smile and feel happy when they receive one on my creations that I ship from Chile, almost in the end of the world :-)
Shawnee Harral from FoxeeTreasures said 4 years ago

I'm for sure going to enter! I create because I love discovering the endless possibilities that are out there. I love to see everything people can come up with and the interesting materials they use. Not only that but when I see my artwork make someone smile or have them stare at it, I know its mentally connecting with them like a new bond. Its a great feeing to see people enjoy what I create. I love it most when my customer tags me on Instagram to a picture of them receiving there purchase. Nothing beats a happy customer ^-^
Xianna Soto from xiannashop said 4 years ago

I've already participated but I live in Spain, what's the problem?
Valerie Johns from JizoandChibi said 4 years ago

I love this, but Instagram? Another social media network to navigate to enter? Maybe. Still, I love to create to be of service to others. When I first painted my Jizo, my husband said, "You should make that into earrings... it could help people." I am already a family therapist and figured I was already being of service in my career. Then, another friend saw my Jizo in an illustration for a book I had written and said, "You should make those into jewelry." So, I did. Teaching about Buddhism, mindfulness and the therapeutic aspects of Jizo has filled the past five years with more creativity and fun that I would have imagined. But it is in helping others that I find the most satisfaction: passing on the gifts that were given to me by Jizo so that others may experience a more mindful and peaceful way of being.
Shannon from Shanionie said 4 years ago

I create because I love to and it is my outlet as I run around after 4 children all day!
David Leon Morgan from davidleonmorgan said 4 years ago Featured

Hi there! If you've already submitted a #whyicreate photo or tweet, and included @etsy, you can go to http://etsy.me/whyicreate2 and sign up for your chance to win the gift card. Thanks, and good luck! - David
Harry Skoyles from HarrySkoylesArt said 4 years ago

I create to release the creative energy that builds up within me, and to connect with the rest of the world through art.
Kim Kassidy from SidKassidy said 4 years ago

I'm late but just tweeted it! Cause emotions + actions create matter. Dive in emotions and play with its flow. Make beauty and feminity a statement.
Kathleen H from designedbykatnc said 4 years ago

I have crocheted all my life and would just give the items away. My family encouraged me share share my gift with the world. I love to crochet because it gives me a sense of peace. But most importantly I am a yarn-a-holic!

Why I Create

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2 Featured Comments

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