Monetizing Craftiness

Ok, we all know that I am "crafty."  I like to think I am creative and that I didn't waste all that time and money paying back my student loan for my major in Art Education.  I love to create things for myself and other people.  I like the challenge of a new medium and I am not afraid to try anything I can get my hands on.  I actually think in my little head that I can make ANYTHING, whether or not I have done it before or it is brand new.

I made my brother's wedding cake and desserts for 100 or more people.  I made a topsy turvy cake and a bunch of cake balls and I had never tackled either of those before the wedding.  (well I practiced of course, for God's sake it was a wedding! Kinda important)

I make scarves and all kinds of crochet gifts for friends having babies or just best friends that need a warm neck in the winter :)

I have phases that I go through in trying new mediums and when I dive in, I DIVE in and learn everything I can about whatever new thing I am trying.  I have gone through jewelry making, wire sculpting, polymer clay beads, pens, picture frames, ornaments.  I paint furniture, picture frames, murals and room decor.  I crochet anything I can get a pattern for and I have recently started making soaps.  I make lanterns and buntings and greeting cards and dried flower jewelry as keepsakes and...  Honestly I think I can make anything and I love it!


I like to give home made gifts because of the time invested.  I think it is the most important part of the gift.  I learn something new, I love creating and designing the gifts and the feeling that I get when I share these gifts with others is immeasurable.

I opened an Etsy shop several years ago now and I still post things in the shop frequently.  I love when my friends contact me with an idea that they themselves don' t think they can make but have confidence that I can figure it out.  I have had friends ask me to show them how to work with different mediums like clay or crochet and I think it is fantastic!  I love making projects and helping others to be able to give homemade gifts as well.

My art comes from my heart and my desire to create.  Some of it is "fine art", some of it is "crafty", all of it is unique and all of it is a thoughtful piece of my heart.  Sometimes people buy these gifts, or materials for these gifts and sometimes I just give them because it makes me happy.  Monetizing my craft is NOT a full time job or a significant living, so to speak.  It is a Labor of Love and something I truly enjoy.  It is something that keeps me true to myself and defines my identity.  It also brings a smile to mine and other's faces and honestly that is payment enough.