I was listening to podcasts the other day, and yet again, was intrigued by the topic on Craftypod. Sister Diane was interviewing Paul Overton on the subject of “crafting for money vs. passion”, which happens to be the topic of one of his recent blog posts. Lots to think about.
I’m pretty sure most of you reading are crafters of one sort or another. So I’m curious, why do you craft? Is it your job? Is it a hobby? A little of both?
For me, it’s both – a part time job that earns me a bit of supplementary income, and a long-time hobby that started because I wanted unique jewelry that was also beautiful and expressed my personality. Well, and because I’ve never been able to resist small, sparkly things.
I was thinking back on some of the really interesting things I’ve made along the way – beadweaving, crocheting with wire, weaving wire, melting silver, wire wrapping, covering things with resin – and was thinking it might be fun to pretend that jewelry making is still just a hobby, and not think about creating work “for my etsy shop” for a while. Maybe I’ll make myself something great to wear, or try out a technique I’ve been wanting to play with, or just string some beads (it’s been a while since I did that). I feel like it’s time to get out of the box again, stretch my creative wings.
Now, to carve out some time, not an easy thing with a toddler in the house!
July 9th, 2009 - 4:07 am
Before I married and became a housewife, I was a research&development scientist. I miss the lab but not the corporate atmosphere. My creativity needed an outlet, so I got more serious about crafting, specifically jewelry. I do better with 3 dimensional things like jewelry, not making cards or painting.
July 9th, 2009 - 1:18 pm
oh, me too! for some reason with 3D, I can make things look just how I want them, but if I try to draw….well, it’s not pretty….
July 10th, 2009 - 5:57 am
Right on! Recharge those batteries!
Thanks for the DudeCraft mention!
Paul
July 10th, 2009 - 7:38 am
For myself.. it is how I keep sane, how I let my soul out. I do hope to make money from it, since I am the only person in my home who can physically make money * husband is ill * but it is so mu ch more than that… it is the real me coming out.
September 9th, 2009 - 3:30 am
For me, crafty is a passion which lead me to create my business. I love teaching others and I love working with color and design. Your right, it is hard with a toddler, but as the years go by, other challenges will replace that one, each one unique and make us stonger. For me, my crafting has really taught me a lot about myself and what I am capable of.
September 9th, 2009 - 6:13 am
Soon I’ll have the added challenge of a new baby….it does seem like you just have to keep making time for it despite the challenges!