Why Make Polymer Clay Beads? And Jewelry and Other Arts and Crafts

Looking Back to The Great Depression of the 1930’s for Some Insights and Answers:

Today’s post is about the WHY’s (instead of the How’s) of making polymer clay beads. There is so much “How-To” information here on this blog, but not that much on why you might want to make them in the first place.

With so much uncertainty in our current world economy, I am finding myself thinking a lot about the future and my goals for being able to make it through tough times that may be ahead. In any time of great change there is also great opportunity. As artists and crafters, what are our opportunities?

I was listening to a speaker the other day talking about economic opportunities, and he mentioned something very interesting. He said that during the Great Depression back in the 1930’s, there was a huge surge of magazine publications geared toward hobby-inspired, home based businesses. Since many people had lost their jobs, they had turned to their other ‘skill sets’ to make a living.

This means that people who had done hobbies such as jewelry making, wood working, pottery or gardening, were taking their knowledge and creating small businesses to bring in extra dollars.

This got me to thinking about my Grandparents and their resourcefulness during hard times. My grandfather was a barber, a gardener and raised rabbits for meat. He saved money for the family by creating as much home grown food as possible. My Grandmother was a seamstress. She sewed all the kids clothes and brought in extra money by doing custom alterations for the community where they lived. Both of them turned what they loved to do, into more than just hobbies.

This Christmas like most every one before, I am making the bulk of the gifts. This has saved me thousands of dollars over the years. And I can tell you that the time and love I pour into the creative process, makes these presents very special to give, as well as to receive.

So this brings us back to the question of the day… Why make polymer clay beads… and jewelry and arts and crafts and all kinds of other creative things? For me, there are many reasons:

• The First Being… I Must: Like the child that always sings, dances, builds, draws or giggles… it is in my soul to create with my hands. Without art, I would die inside.
• To Make A Living: Having worked in many different fields, what better way to make a living, than to do what you love!
• To Save Money: I have saved thousands of dollars making gifts. Not only for Christmas, but for all of the other birthdays and celebrations that happen throughout the year. For example, this year alone my daughter has been invited to 10 birthday parties. The standard gift around here is $20 – $30. Willow and I made bracelets, charms and necklaces for her friends instead of buying them. Savings… $200 – $300 right there. Plus they were personal and specially designed for the girls. That made them even more fun to give! —— Just think of all the girlfriend, sister and teacher gifts you can quickly and easily make with your polymer clay beads! —— How can you use your passions and talents to save money and improve your own economic outlook?
• To Share: If I can use my hobby to better my life, then just think how great it would feel if I taught you how to do it too! Sharing my love and passion for making beads with you and seeing you succeed, makes my heart swell with pride. —— It is very similar to the feeling I had last weekend when I spent a day selling at the craft fair with my daughter Willow. Watching her develop as an entrepreneur, with pride in her work. Seeing the confidence build as someone paid for her home made gourmet dog treats. Knowing I had a part in her success, but it was her that made it happen. The feeling was amazing!

These are the reasons why I make polymer clay beads. What are your reasons WHY?