I have struggled with hand issues for many years. This is no big surprise. Many crafters half problems with their hands because of the repetitive motions that activities like jewelry making and crochet require. Add to that the constant rat-a-tat-tat of the keyboard, which I do as a writer and also teacher, and my hands (especially my dominate right hand) often rebel.

It has been particularly bad lately, to the point that my right hand tingles pretty much 24/7. Since I have to work on a keyboard, I have had to cut back on my crafting for awhile in the hopes that, if this just doesn’t go away, it will at least subside at some point.

Now I am pretty much a work-a-holic, but since I can’t craft during my limited down time, I have been trying to think of things to do that are semi-craft related:

• Get organized. My work bench is a total disaster area right now, so I’m sure once I can get back to some serious jewelry making, I will be really appreciative of a clean and clear work surface. I may even see about getting a few new organizers for all this overflow that keeps invading my work space.
• Catch up on craft reading. I have jewelry books and even some DVDs that I really need to read/watch and review. The review part requires typing, but reading and watching will give my hands a little break.
• Take photos. I am not breaking any records over at my Etsy shop, but I still want to keep it well-stocked, and boy, wouldn’t it be nice to have photos of extra items to list so that when I sell something I can add new items fairly quickly and keep around 50 items listed? What a concept.
• Enjoy some social networking. I still keep a toe in social networks, but I don’t get to read as much as I’d like in some of the forums and other sites I enjoy visiting. As long as I don’t type too much, maybe this is worth adding as well.

What do you do in your down-craft-time? I sure could use some ideas!