Monday, October 7, 2013

Steal These Crafts

I mentioned in a recent post that I've started selling craft kits, an endeavor I am very passionate about.  Today I wanted to elaborate on that and the way my creative focus has been shifting.  I know there are some nasty things going on in the craft world- copying, accusations, knock-offs, and fierce competition among makers.  It's enough to burn anyone out.  We've all heard of someone who put their heart and soul into their work, just to set it up at a craft show and hear someone say "I could go home and make that".  Well here's the thing: I WANT you to.  Why?  Because creating is magical.  It unlocks something I honestly believe to be divine. When you're busy making something, regardless of whether it's art, music, or a meal for your loved ones, using your talents to create things is a sacred act that I want to encourage everyone to take part in.

Make a Little Magic

Sure there are some people who do not enjoy making things themselves. They would rather pay for the finished product, and I understand that. But I'm also noticing a growing group of people who genuinely enjoy living a D.I.Y. lifestyle. They want to become familiar with various craft techniques, and they enjoy the process of putting new skills together. Sometimes these crafty folks join forces to create in a social setting.  This is yet another aspect of a crafty lifestyle I view as borderline holy (social crafting is something I often get sentimental about).  Sharing conversations and creative energy with others always makes me feel the kind of deep-down satisfaction that saturates my soul.

Social Crafting

Sometimes the easiest way to enjoy time spent creating with friends is to have the project all set up for you. This is why I've become so excited about incorporating craft kits into my product line. I've done all the cutting, measuring, and instructions so all you have to do is the fun part!

Craft Kits!

I am currently selling Dream Catcher Kits and Card Wallet Kits in my Etsy shop and at Made: The Indie Emporium Shop, but I've got more fun ideas in the works.  One new kit I'll be releasing in the near future is the miniature fairy garden kit pictured below.  I'm still in the experimental phase of this one, but it's coming together pretty magically if I do say so myself.

Miniature Fairy Garden

Is there a craft you've been wanting to try but need a little assistance with putting together projects and supplies?  Paper crafts, gardening, polymer clay, sewing, and pet goodies are all potential kit ideas I've had floating around in my crowded little mind, but I am always open for feedback and ideas.

Lastly, if you love social crafting as much as I do, here's an opportunity for creative people in Tulsa to come together tonight!  

Make:Tulsa Skill Share

I'll be heading to the Schusterman-Benson Library with a few fellow Make:Tulsa members to demonstrate some of our favorite crafts, listen to music, and enjoy each other's company.  Bring a work-in-progress and a friend, or just bring your lovely selves because we'll even have a free project set up for anyone who wants to try it.  The event page for this get-together can be found here.

I hope your week is off to a spectacular start!

6 comments:

Pili said...

I absolutely adore how positive and encouraging you are with your crafts and your opinions, Holly!

I'm more of the buying variety than the doing variety (except when it comes to my passion for baking different kinds of cupcakes) but I wouldn't be adverse to trying my hand with one of your craft kits!

Keep up the good work lady, you really are an inspiration!!

babalisme said...

I have my share of "ooooh I can do that" but the craft project would sit idly for years after I said it. Being in a group of crafty people can be encouraging!

How are you Holly? I see (read) you've been doing great! Have a nice week!

the green guardian said...

Pretty sure I'm going to have to make a little fairy garden now! I love that concept! :D

DancingMooney said...

Flower broaches would be another fun kit to put together Holly! I love that you are doing this, and I love those little mushrooms they are SO cute!! ♥

Heather said...

This sounds like such a fun event! And I know you're a great crafty teacher :)

Katie Frank said...

I love crafting things <3 This event sounds fun!
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