Woodworking has been a very rewarding hobby for several years now. Your craft hobby, no doubt, has brought you many hours of enjoyment and fulfillment. But what to do with all these crafts I’ve created and continue to create?
What happens when the house starts to look like an ever-expanding flea market, and the spouse has suggested from time to time the idea of a craft burning? None of us want to see our little darlings meet such an obliterated state, but the points brought forth are often valid.
Below are a few ideas that will help your creations see a higher calling or find a more noble fate. Choose the ones that meet your goals for your craft hobby.
Sell them. All of us probably consider this at some point in our hobby careers. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but there are many ways to sell your crafts. You can sell them online through your website or maybe an Etsy site. Find a local craft fair that will sell your goods. Or locate another merchant who will sell your products through consignment. Do not quit your day job. Repeat–do not quit your day job.
Gifts. Okay, this is an obvious idea, and you’ve probably been giving your crafts away for birthday gifts and Christmas gifts for years. However, there are some other people you might be overlooking:
Employees – reward an employee for doing an especially good job.
Volunteers – those people that help you in your church or civic organization.
Think, “Admin Appreciation Day.” Don’t forget those people that make everything work smooth as glass.
What about the boss and preferably right before review time. Wink, wink.
A person in military service. Thank them for serving their country.
Door prizes. Your church or civic organization always needs donations for door prizes.
Giveaways. This is a little different take on gifts, but what I’m talking about is you sponsoring your own giveaway. The easiest way to do this is through your website or Facebook or some other social media outlet. Ask for comments or give them a simple challenge. Put the names in a hat and draw a winner. This is also a great way to promote your website or craft business, if you have one.
Trade. Okay this is not exactly reducing the inventory of your handmade exploits, but it’s an interesting option to explore. I frequent a forum that attracts a lot of knifemakers. One day, I offered to trade one of my nice handmade pens for a knife. And the man took me up on the offer. If you want to get even more creative, perhaps you can trade your handmade items in exchange for a service or for advice. Your neighbor has a garden with fresh vegetables, you have a unique craft–go figure.
Keep it. Be proud of what you make. There’s nothing wrong with keeping some of your creations and showing them off. Heck, some of them may serve a functional purpose, like a dining room table for example. Get your family and friends involved in your hobbies. What a great way to build relationships and communicate your love for others in your life.
Not all of the above ideas are about making money. The world can always use more people who foster goodwill, and give while not expecting anything in return.
What about you? How do you redistribute your creations so you and your spouse don’t end up on a TV reality show about hoarding?
