So You Made Something Beautiful, What Do You Do With It?

There comes a time in all crafting lives where we have made something but don’t know what to do with it. While some say, “Why do you keep making things when you don’t know what to do with it?” Stop hanging out with those people, you don’t need that negativity in your life. There is an infinite amount of things you can do with your creations, you just have to realize what one best fit you and your crafts.

Photo By; ME

Option #1: Gifting

The best types of gifts are the ones that come from the heart. For example, when my sister announced she was blessing me with the opportunity to be an aunt again, I wanted to do something more than

just make a purchase. So I took my favorite nursery rhyme and painted it on a canvas for the baby’s room. So let’s say you can’t paint and want to do something more personal. The Father’s Day example may be more your thing. This past Father’s Day I made my dad a book titled, “25 Things I Want My Dad To Know”. I took pictures from when my siblings and I were little and put little sayings next to each. To give you an idea, I took the picture of us standing next to him on the day he graduated college and put “We have wanted to be just like you since we were little.” No big deal, but I made him cry. I realize that both of these circumstances involve me making the gift for the person rather than finishing the project then deciding. Sometimes it takes a special heart to appreciate the things we create.

Option #2: Selling Your Creations

There are multiple outlets to show the world that talent you have…for money. There is always the exciting opportunity that you become famous in your local community for making unique, custom crafts but don’t hold your breath. Though it would be amazing it isn’t realistic for all. However, if that is path you want to start, start a booth with your local farmer’s market or arts and crafts show to start displaying your work and getting your name out there.

One of the more up and coming ideas is selling the creations on www.etsy.com. Etsy is an incredible website that encourages creative discovery and creative purchases. The site allows you to open a “shop” and sell your incredible creations. While it sounds intimidating there are some incredible tips in the Etsy blog titled, “7 Steps to a Successful Start”. Everything form weddings to in home décor can be found on this unique site. The possibilities are endless for the opportunity to be successful with the help of Etsy.

Option #3: Philanthropy

There are thousands of organizations across the country that survives because of donations. One that is not always thought of is the donation of homemade gifts. Not only can these items be auctioned off at events or sold at a local store to raise awareness and funds but also they can be donated as functional items. When my nephew was born, the NICU was filled with fleece blankets that were donated by locals. These blankets offer much needed warmth to these babies and are sent home with the families to continue use. Blankets are just the start; artwork hung up around facilities like hospitals is donated and has been proven to increase mental health.

So, what are you doing with your latest creation?