Consuming and Creating: Part 1: The Importance of Creation

This is a dilemma I am faced with far too often. There is a myriad of movies, books, tv shows, computer games, etc that are so easily accessible. And I enjoy watching, reading and playing them. I also enjoy painting, drawing, writing, and other sorts of creative activity. Unfortunately, I feel that I frequently find that the first choices seem easier or more enjoyable. Then, at the end of the week I find that I have not done anything really interesting. There is nothing to show for my week. That gets depressing. Creation is by far more rewarding in the long runs. Sometimes I wish that consuming wasn't so easy.
It seems to me, that in previous generations, the pioneer era for example, was easier in that way.   Survival, or at least daily work, was literally a handmade craft. That's why people won ribbons at the country fair for their jams, quilts, harnesses, wood furniture, and whatever else. They were proud of the works of their own hands. They didn't even have to look up how to do it on Pinterest!
In this day and age creation seems to be more of a hobby, a bonus rather then a necessity. My problem is I struggle is to make it more of a hobby then reading (all consumption). Wish me luck before I return to school and I won't have time for hobbies.