Wow, times are tough! And all of our budgets seem to have taken a hit! What’s one of the first expenses to go? Your craft budget? Ouch!
Here are a few strategies for coming up with a little extra cash to pursue your hobbies.
Hold a craft supply swap. How many supplies do you have in your drawers that you just don’t seem to want or need? Get together with like minded friends and hold a swap. One woman’s trash is another’s treasure! You may find that it is such a fun activity that you do it often. It is really a great party idea. You may also be inspired to try a new craft. Or an item your friend wants to get rid of might be perfect for that shadow box you are making for your mother in law.
Repurposing items from around your home. Get creative with all of the odds and ends around your house. Old buttons, scraps of ribbon and partial balls of yarn can lead to some creativity on your part. But don’t stop there. What can you do with that old lamp? The throw pillow that has seen better days? The orphaned bookend that lost its mate last year? Use these types of things to stretch your imagination.
Thrift stores. When it comes to repurposing and getting creative thrift stores are your best resource. Wander the aisles and look for things that you can turn into truly wonderful items for your home. Look at the clothing not as the finished items that already hang on the rack, but as colors and textures. Are there interesting dishes that could be broken up and used to make mosaics? Are there jars, frames or even old picture that jump out at you? This is where you can find the things that will allow you to make truly one of a kind items for your home or to give as gifts.
Don’t let an economic down turn stifle your creative side, let it be what make it flourish!
Jacque Fairbourn is a mother and crafter helping www.totalclasscreative promote crafting online