GROUP PROJECT! Two questions for you today! Would love to get chatty.
1. What are you planning on making this year? Any ideas on your list you are excited about? Maybe learning a new creative skill?
2. “Going Analogue” is trending and there is a lot of discourse on it! Do you think there is merit to the trend, or is it another fad meant to sell product? Is it both? Or should we stop all internet discourse and go make stuff? Haha!
1. Right out of the gate, I love the idea of making the bed. I'm married, so making the bed benefits me and my lovely wife! It's a small act that I know my wife and I will appreciate. I'm also tempted with the idea to make a card for a friend. I've been trying to connect with others this year, and one way I've been doing that is by sending postcards to friends (an idea I got from one of your articles). Making a card just ups the ante a little bit! I have two young kids as well and I'm sure they would love to help make some cards!
2. I've seen this analogue trend and I have mixed reactions to it. At first the idea excited me, especially around music. I collect records so physical media excites me. However, some people consider going analogue means no streaming services like Spotify and going back to an iPod. I was first excited to brush off my iPod Nano, but then I realized a list of problems.
- Apple really doesn't have a simple way to support iPods anymore.
- It is a PAIN to get just a few songs onto my iPod.
- I am CONSTANTLY listening to new music—I found over 1,000 songs in 2025 that I love. My iPod Nano would not be able to hold all of that music.
- Streaming is just so convenient.
To each their own, but I don't think analogue will stick around forever. Some may adopt some of the ideas or change some habits, but I don't think it will ever fully replace the digital lifestyle we are in now. It's just not convenient enough.
And yes, you highlighted the nuances so well! We can’t totally go backwards in technology, because like you describe, the new doesn’t always compute with the old.
#2 - analogue trend!!! i have such a mix of feelings.
i love that it’s forcing people to think about their lives in a more “offline” sense, but it feels like a fad diet. it isn’t built to last unless we have the lifestyle and career to support that change.
and that’s ok!💓 i believe in watches… i just wrote a substack about it.
just rely on phones less, and be offline in the ways you can be.
1. I am planning on making burlesque acts! My debut is coming up, and I already have some ideas for other acts and the costumes to go with them! I do need to learn how to sew though haha.
2. I think it's both! I want to be more intentional about spending time offline and off my phone, and I know many others feel the same way. But I do think consuming too much content on Tik Tok about how people are going analogue can be harmful/lead to more scrolling vs. actually getting offline.
I’m really excited about cooking more! Eating out is so stinkin’ expensive, and cooking is such a fun way to spoil myself and my loved ones.
I also look forward to more journaling; it’s been an integral part of my life for six years now, and it helps process every aspect of my daily experiences (I also just appreciate how beautiful so many journals are!).
I love the idea of capturing memories by photos, but I never think to do it. My best friend, however, does remember, so I think it would be fun to print them and make a scrapbook of sorts.
Of course, watercolor painting is in order as well!
1. More "silly, special stuff." Like your sesame butter or the five hot soda recipes I tried after I found out Hot Sodas were a thing in the early 1900s. When I get to spend real, intentional time in the kitchen, I am always happy.
2. I think it's a romanticized version of the past and the true "best practice" is -- like most things -- somewhere in the middle. I expect an over-correction and then moderation. That probably looks like more personal media servers (we have one), traditional art with digital touch-ups, handwritten notes scanned and posted on the internet, and maybe (optimistically) the thing the "algorithm" set out to do and failed at -- people curating what they consume and where/how they consume it. That last behavior change is all I think people actually want. But analogue is like taking a vacation from your life so you can return with a fresh head and grapple with the actual problems + exercise more willpower. Or maybe I'm just filling your comments section with gibberish 🤣
1. I'm planning on making my second picture book! I was a little fried from the energy it took to finish my first one, but I've had the bones of the second for over a year!
2. Yes and yes! I think we need both. I take at least two days a week off social media / Substack and I've loved using the time to work on projects. But I can never fully hate on technology—because this post is an example of the inspiration I get when I go digital!!
It's called "What Do You Want?", about a little girl who stumbles on a bakery! It's not explicitly Christian, but based on how Jesus cares about what we want, not just what we need. A little preview here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFxzIyQIpyQ/
I've started mapping out the sequel—it's about when you know what you want, but have to wait for it! 🧡
One thing that I've been trying to be conscious of food-waste so making syrups out of fruits that may be going bad. So far its been persimmon syrup and cinnamon apple :) Outside of food I'm really going to make a conscious effort to expand my "personal brand" which honestly I don't think I like those words together - I fee like online presence or World Wide Web Aura sounds better
I think we should all go out and make stuff :) I learned to knit this past year and really love being able to step away from my phone. I think it's all a balance (my inner libra is coming out), spend some time on your phone, knit a random square, make some tea, hop on Substack for a little, read a book, FaceTime a friend, and journal some thoughts. I think I was happiest when I got 15 minutes of speedy-internet tumblr time, then swam in the pool until my eyes felt like they were chemically burning and then watched Disney Channel until bedtime - kinda following that kid logic through adulthood :)
Can a Substack writer be someone's favorite author? Because you are for sure my favorite author. I have a jumble of thoughts:
1. "Making is a balm. It’s a familiar friend." is something I think I'll remember for the rest of my days. It's funny, but true, that we can experience true joy when we create. Now imagine the joy our God felt when creating the heavens and earth—and especially when He created us in His own image. I truly believe creating, no matter how big or small, is a divine act.
2. I love the actionable things we can do! They are so simple and achievable. I feel like social media is full of people saying "do this one simple thing" and it really isn't that simple—or costs way too much money. But making a card? Calling a loved one? Totally doable even with two young boys that barely give you a minute to yourself haha
Thank you, once again, for another top-notch Substack that uplifts and edifies me and gives me something excited about that I can implement in my own life.
So much in one article! You are a rockstar! Loving all those craft ideas!!! I’m going to have to start collecting things for making bag charms like those! So freaking cute!!!
1. I said so many times last year that I missed writing and I literally have proof in my journals saying "man, I should do this more often, huh". This year, I specifically want to challenge myself to write pieces of fiction! As I get older, it's a lot more challenging for me to lean into make-believe so I think that could be a relaxing and healing way to create this year. To make it more of a material activity, maybe I'll turn it into a physical children's book for my nieces and nephews!
2. To answer your question about the trendiness of "going analogue", I definitely think both sides are true. I appreciate that masses of people on the internet are realizing and sharing the need to tap into heir inner child and get off their screens and create. However, I think it has been sooo long for many of us since we've given ourselves freedom and space to create with our hands that it's easy to convince ourselves "you need to buy more stuff in order to create more stuff in order to stop buying stuff" and so on. However, if there's always going to be something trending, this is a great thing to start the year with and speaks volumes to our human need to create freely!
I’m planning on improving my embroidery skills! Hoping to make gifts — personalized napkins, face cloths, etc!
And also I’m relieved to hear you say cootie catcher because I was calling it that at work recently and no one else had called it that. They were all saying it was a “fortune teller” or a “chatter box” and I was sitting there like…did I imagine this? Am I the weird one??? Haha
Where I live in the South is expecting a ton of snow this weekend so keeping these creative ideas close!
The analog trend is tricky! I went through/am going through a very tough time in my life and find good old fashioned hobbies very comforting (much better than scrolling my phone!). However I also learned how to crochet entirely off YouTube! This year I am hoping to crochet a cute new sweater. Totally agree with other commenters: social media helped spark creativity and bravery to try something new. But too much time and energy there are easy to fall into and generally so unhelpful to my mood.
#1 / #2: I took up quilting (and sewing in general) in early 2024 after seeing a post on TikTok from a cutie gal in Oregon who made several of her own clothing pieces, including a quilted dress. I wanted to make my own dress but knew I needed to gain a basic knowledge of a sewing machine, fabric, and stitches to be able to to get to “quilted dress” status.
I finally made my dress this past fall and LOVE it, but I have continued to be inspired (via multiple forms of digital media—this Substack included!!) to continue creating. I’d like to have a homemade quilt on every bed in my home by the end of this year, and I am currently working on a baby quilt for the newest, squishiest little addition to our family!
I’m convinced that without platforms showing regular people creating beauty in their lives, I’d be less inclined to have the hobbies I do now. I’m grateful for the digital creators who share what they make and thus spark creativity outside of their immediate in-person circles. That being said, I’ve taken a hiatus from socials after recognizing the general “time suck” they had become.
So, so thrilled to have Feeling! to read to become freshly inspired.
Smashbook reference👀🫶🏻!! I was obsessed with mine in middle school, and I’m a firm believer that the smashbook walked so the modern junk journal could run😌
GROUP PROJECT! Two questions for you today! Would love to get chatty.
1. What are you planning on making this year? Any ideas on your list you are excited about? Maybe learning a new creative skill?
2. “Going Analogue” is trending and there is a lot of discourse on it! Do you think there is merit to the trend, or is it another fad meant to sell product? Is it both? Or should we stop all internet discourse and go make stuff? Haha!
1. Right out of the gate, I love the idea of making the bed. I'm married, so making the bed benefits me and my lovely wife! It's a small act that I know my wife and I will appreciate. I'm also tempted with the idea to make a card for a friend. I've been trying to connect with others this year, and one way I've been doing that is by sending postcards to friends (an idea I got from one of your articles). Making a card just ups the ante a little bit! I have two young kids as well and I'm sure they would love to help make some cards!
2. I've seen this analogue trend and I have mixed reactions to it. At first the idea excited me, especially around music. I collect records so physical media excites me. However, some people consider going analogue means no streaming services like Spotify and going back to an iPod. I was first excited to brush off my iPod Nano, but then I realized a list of problems.
- Apple really doesn't have a simple way to support iPods anymore.
- It is a PAIN to get just a few songs onto my iPod.
- I am CONSTANTLY listening to new music—I found over 1,000 songs in 2025 that I love. My iPod Nano would not be able to hold all of that music.
- Streaming is just so convenient.
To each their own, but I don't think analogue will stick around forever. Some may adopt some of the ideas or change some habits, but I don't think it will ever fully replace the digital lifestyle we are in now. It's just not convenient enough.
Kids + card-making is a perfect combo!!
And yes, you highlighted the nuances so well! We can’t totally go backwards in technology, because like you describe, the new doesn’t always compute with the old.
#2 - analogue trend!!! i have such a mix of feelings.
i love that it’s forcing people to think about their lives in a more “offline” sense, but it feels like a fad diet. it isn’t built to last unless we have the lifestyle and career to support that change.
and that’s ok!💓 i believe in watches… i just wrote a substack about it.
just rely on phones less, and be offline in the ways you can be.
Ooo fad diet is a great way to articulate it, I think.
I love your ideas about watches. “Be offline in ways you can be”
.
1. I am planning on making burlesque acts! My debut is coming up, and I already have some ideas for other acts and the costumes to go with them! I do need to learn how to sew though haha.
2. I think it's both! I want to be more intentional about spending time offline and off my phone, and I know many others feel the same way. But I do think consuming too much content on Tik Tok about how people are going analogue can be harmful/lead to more scrolling vs. actually getting offline.
Ooo are sparkles and sequins included in your sewing adventures?!
Agreed.
I’m really excited about cooking more! Eating out is so stinkin’ expensive, and cooking is such a fun way to spoil myself and my loved ones.
I also look forward to more journaling; it’s been an integral part of my life for six years now, and it helps process every aspect of my daily experiences (I also just appreciate how beautiful so many journals are!).
I love the idea of capturing memories by photos, but I never think to do it. My best friend, however, does remember, so I think it would be fun to print them and make a scrapbook of sorts.
Of course, watercolor painting is in order as well!
Always a fan of cooking as a creative act! This all sounds great.
I’m planning on decorating my pottery more, and realizing that means I need to sketch for new ideas to see if
they are feasible to carve.
1. More "silly, special stuff." Like your sesame butter or the five hot soda recipes I tried after I found out Hot Sodas were a thing in the early 1900s. When I get to spend real, intentional time in the kitchen, I am always happy.
2. I think it's a romanticized version of the past and the true "best practice" is -- like most things -- somewhere in the middle. I expect an over-correction and then moderation. That probably looks like more personal media servers (we have one), traditional art with digital touch-ups, handwritten notes scanned and posted on the internet, and maybe (optimistically) the thing the "algorithm" set out to do and failed at -- people curating what they consume and where/how they consume it. That last behavior change is all I think people actually want. But analogue is like taking a vacation from your life so you can return with a fresh head and grapple with the actual problems + exercise more willpower. Or maybe I'm just filling your comments section with gibberish 🤣
1. I'm planning on making my second picture book! I was a little fried from the energy it took to finish my first one, but I've had the bones of the second for over a year!
2. Yes and yes! I think we need both. I take at least two days a week off social media / Substack and I've loved using the time to work on projects. But I can never fully hate on technology—because this post is an example of the inspiration I get when I go digital!!
I agree with the nuance! Also, tell me more about the picture book! That sounds so interesting
It's called "What Do You Want?", about a little girl who stumbles on a bakery! It's not explicitly Christian, but based on how Jesus cares about what we want, not just what we need. A little preview here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFxzIyQIpyQ/
I've started mapping out the sequel—it's about when you know what you want, but have to wait for it! 🧡
Always enjoying reading your magazine, thanks for sharing! This hot chocolate seems like a must try!!
Hi hi!
One thing that I've been trying to be conscious of food-waste so making syrups out of fruits that may be going bad. So far its been persimmon syrup and cinnamon apple :) Outside of food I'm really going to make a conscious effort to expand my "personal brand" which honestly I don't think I like those words together - I fee like online presence or World Wide Web Aura sounds better
I think we should all go out and make stuff :) I learned to knit this past year and really love being able to step away from my phone. I think it's all a balance (my inner libra is coming out), spend some time on your phone, knit a random square, make some tea, hop on Substack for a little, read a book, FaceTime a friend, and journal some thoughts. I think I was happiest when I got 15 minutes of speedy-internet tumblr time, then swam in the pool until my eyes felt like they were chemically burning and then watched Disney Channel until bedtime - kinda following that kid logic through adulthood :)
Love your thoughts! Very curious about persimmon syrup!
Can a Substack writer be someone's favorite author? Because you are for sure my favorite author. I have a jumble of thoughts:
1. "Making is a balm. It’s a familiar friend." is something I think I'll remember for the rest of my days. It's funny, but true, that we can experience true joy when we create. Now imagine the joy our God felt when creating the heavens and earth—and especially when He created us in His own image. I truly believe creating, no matter how big or small, is a divine act.
2. I love the actionable things we can do! They are so simple and achievable. I feel like social media is full of people saying "do this one simple thing" and it really isn't that simple—or costs way too much money. But making a card? Calling a loved one? Totally doable even with two young boys that barely give you a minute to yourself haha
Thank you, once again, for another top-notch Substack that uplifts and edifies me and gives me something excited about that I can implement in my own life.
You are so kind. Thank you for this big encouragement!
So much in one article! You are a rockstar! Loving all those craft ideas!!! I’m going to have to start collecting things for making bag charms like those! So freaking cute!!!
You are very kind! Thank you!
1. I said so many times last year that I missed writing and I literally have proof in my journals saying "man, I should do this more often, huh". This year, I specifically want to challenge myself to write pieces of fiction! As I get older, it's a lot more challenging for me to lean into make-believe so I think that could be a relaxing and healing way to create this year. To make it more of a material activity, maybe I'll turn it into a physical children's book for my nieces and nephews!
2. To answer your question about the trendiness of "going analogue", I definitely think both sides are true. I appreciate that masses of people on the internet are realizing and sharing the need to tap into heir inner child and get off their screens and create. However, I think it has been sooo long for many of us since we've given ourselves freedom and space to create with our hands that it's easy to convince ourselves "you need to buy more stuff in order to create more stuff in order to stop buying stuff" and so on. However, if there's always going to be something trending, this is a great thing to start the year with and speaks volumes to our human need to create freely!
MORE FICTION YAY! Sounds incredible.
And yes - the move to buy in order to create does feel like a perfect summary of our cultural moment.
I’m planning on improving my embroidery skills! Hoping to make gifts — personalized napkins, face cloths, etc!
And also I’m relieved to hear you say cootie catcher because I was calling it that at work recently and no one else had called it that. They were all saying it was a “fortune teller” or a “chatter box” and I was sitting there like…did I imagine this? Am I the weird one??? Haha
Hahaha! It goes by many names, apparently!
Where I live in the South is expecting a ton of snow this weekend so keeping these creative ideas close!
The analog trend is tricky! I went through/am going through a very tough time in my life and find good old fashioned hobbies very comforting (much better than scrolling my phone!). However I also learned how to crochet entirely off YouTube! This year I am hoping to crochet a cute new sweater. Totally agree with other commenters: social media helped spark creativity and bravery to try something new. But too much time and energy there are easy to fall into and generally so unhelpful to my mood.
I am glad to have given some new snowy day creative ideas!
And I agree with you - so many fun ideas have come from someone who shared them online.
#1 / #2: I took up quilting (and sewing in general) in early 2024 after seeing a post on TikTok from a cutie gal in Oregon who made several of her own clothing pieces, including a quilted dress. I wanted to make my own dress but knew I needed to gain a basic knowledge of a sewing machine, fabric, and stitches to be able to to get to “quilted dress” status.
I finally made my dress this past fall and LOVE it, but I have continued to be inspired (via multiple forms of digital media—this Substack included!!) to continue creating. I’d like to have a homemade quilt on every bed in my home by the end of this year, and I am currently working on a baby quilt for the newest, squishiest little addition to our family!
I’m convinced that without platforms showing regular people creating beauty in their lives, I’d be less inclined to have the hobbies I do now. I’m grateful for the digital creators who share what they make and thus spark creativity outside of their immediate in-person circles. That being said, I’ve taken a hiatus from socials after recognizing the general “time suck” they had become.
So, so thrilled to have Feeling! to read to become freshly inspired.
I LOVE how you articulated these feelings. And I am very grateful to be on your inspiration list!
I am eager to get updates on your quilt journey throughout the year, please!
Smashbook reference👀🫶🏻!! I was obsessed with mine in middle school, and I’m a firm believer that the smashbook walked so the modern junk journal could run😌
Smashbook forever!!