I don’t know who “Miss Pen Pen” is. In fact I’d never read her before today. I’m not even sure how I ran accross her blog, but I’ve decided that I like her.
Reading her recent post about crafting had me bobbing along like an Ichiro bobble head. Important lessons like, price your product appropriately, make sure your product is unique, assess whether you want to be an ameture or a professional.
There are a handful of things that drive me nuts about the handmade movement. One is businesses not acting like businesses. Shitty customer service, long turn around times, “missing shipments”, Email problems. If you’re going to run a business, run a business. If you’re going to open an etsy store, put some effort into it. if you get bored and give up, close up shop! The other is cthe copy cat issue. If you are going to do something, make it unique. The world doesnt need anymore sock monsters, or popsicle soaps or duct tape wallets. Really crafters, you’re better then that. If you really feel the passion, find something inspiring , make something unique, price it what it’s worth and make a go of it. I’m not saying that you have to do this forever, but when your run is done, plan a graceful exit, take the last order and sit back satisified that you did a great job. Propoganda soap is a perfect example. They were doing well, but decided to take a break because they were losing the fun of what they were doing. They’re gonna rethink, retool and just may be back.
If I ever moved forward with my idea of selling soaps, I’d strive for that attitude.
But what really made me fall in love was this quote, from an earlier post
And most of all remember that everyone should be doing a bit of craft, everyday, for their mental health. We talk about eating the right food, drinking in moderation, excercising but craft is meditation and sensory delight, problem solving and the joy of creating all rolled into one.
I’m an erratic crafter. Sometimes I’m going 240 miles an hour and engaged in my craft. I’m knitting on the bus, stamping in the evening, writing during break. I’m engaged in research of new techniques, buying new supplies, trying new things. Other times I want nothing more then to sit in front of my (now stolen) laptop and play Zuma. ( Damn you thieves, I was almost done with that game. Damn you Popcap for making it addictive) Crafting for me is fun, a diversion from the every day, a means of expression . I’ve never thought of it as a form of self care, but it makes sense that it would be. To add it as a daily part of my diet, a goal of what to include. Also to make sure that the Bit has some creative time as well.
It’s the balance that I like. Encouraging crafting, and engagement within the craft arts, but the expectation that if you’re going to become a professional, that you act like a professional. It’s refreshing.
