Craft Resurgence

We couldn't let this month pass us by without mentioning the current Craft Resurgence. Now, more than ever, individuals who are looking for ways to save (and make) money are turning to crafting. Yes, crafting is a great way to make money, should you excel at one particular craft- but it's also a fantastic way to save money! We'll show you how all next week!

The Editor's Corner: Crafts Reborn
Jane Chesnutt reflects on the current resurgence in crafting
August 24, 2009 from WomansDay.com
The Editor's Corner: Crafts Reborn

Amidst all the often dire economic reports of the last couple of years has come some happy news: There's been a resurgence in crafting. Stores that sell craft supplies not only have been among the least affected by cutbacks in spending but also have often seen increased sales. And then there’s the success of Etsy, the wonderfully charming, often quirky e-outlet for anything and everything handmade.

Obviously, saving money has a great deal to do with this development. That is not a bad thing by any means, more an indication of the can-do spirit of so many people. (When life hands you lemons, make soaps and candles and 1,001 other things.) But any true crafter knows that this is often not the most inexpensive of hobbies. So there's got to be more to this phenomenon than just pinching pennies, and what that says is terrific, I think.

Especially in the last year, so much has seemed out of our control. We've seen people—in some cases, ourselves—do everything "right" and still lose jobs, houses, most or all of their investments. There’s been a sense of waiting for that proverbial other shoe to drop. What better antidote to this kind of stress than to pursue activities in which you have pretty much 100% control?

The Editor's Corner: Crafts Reborn