Crafting once a hobby now a chore...
@OpinionatedLady (5965)
United States
March 3, 2013 2:22pm CST
Since January when so many new government policies have gone through our household has lost what amounts to a whole weeks paycheck to taxes and health care. I have always made crafts and sold them for extra money but now I have to do them. I have to make things all the time to sell (been working craft sales almost every weekend). What was once something I did for fun and to relax has become a job, a chore. The fun is slowly being leached away by need and I am so sad about it. I am so very thankful my husband and I can do these crafts and have so for kept our heads above water by doing so. Don't get me wrong there, but I miss sitting down to quilt or knit or make my jewelry for fun, for want. Is anyone else having to do this as well? I mean I know I was lucky to have everything (not start from scratch) so as not having to buy all the supplies but man does it sux.
1 person likes this
9 responses
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
8 Mar 13
Yes, with all the cut backs and I am sure more coming soon, it is hard to make sure you have enough money for food, etc. It does make most people having to find other means to make extra money doing other things as well. I am glad even though I work full time I do have my online offline business, and crocheted items, etc. to sell. I do wish it was easier to make money some tied for the extras like food,etc. forsure.
@OpinionatedLady (5965)
• United States
13 Mar 13
It seems to be harder to find things to do though, not so much the crafts but so many little odd jobs that used to be easy to find to do there is either too many people doing them or people don't want to risk hiring someone without some sort of insurance, licenses etc. I used to make soaps and candles but knew a few too many people who lost so much to being sued over allergic reactions or people getting burned. I stopped.
@bluespygirl (2112)
• Philippines
8 Mar 13
My friend who is into beaded jewelry and bag charms used to craft for hobby once too. Until orders came from her highschool batchmates. She says that she didn't expect the orders that she have now and she is having problems how to meet the demands..
@peavey (16936)
• United States
4 Mar 13
It's got to be all in the head, but I know how awful it can be to have to do something that you would rather do for fun.
I love to write, but when I realized that I really needed the money and went after a few more jobs, it was no longer a labor of love, but one of necessity.
Hang in there and maybe you'll find pleasure again in both doing and selling.
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
8 Mar 13
I can understand you concern and see how that could happen. Shame but at the same time...at least you have something you LIKE to do to use to earn money. Better than going to get a second job or a part time one. I bet once you get going on it, you'll be able to stream line the process well enough to give you extra time with the kids or to do something for fun. I started quilting last year (again) and now.. I have it down to a science this one process and really love it. I get that part done, then dread the rest! I really get going on an "assembly line" procedure. And hey, how about maybe finding a way for the kids to help to...the more hands making, mean the more time not making!! Good luck tho.... you at least have the ambition and the need...you'll find a way!
@OpinionatedLady (5965)
• United States
13 Mar 13
Well the project we do most has a lot of cut glass so no kids allowed there
but they go with us to collect bottles and they love digging around in the recycling center for cool bottles. 
but they go with us to collect bottles and they love digging around in the recycling center for cool bottles. 
@Shellyann36 (11384)
• United States
4 Mar 13
It is a shame that your household lost so much money due to cutbacks. It can be very frustrating to have to turn something that you enjoy and is relaxing into a job. I am glad that you and your husband can work on these together. The best of luck with it. When you said you lucky to have your supplies already you were very right. Just imagine the other people out there in the same monetary situation that don't have the skills and/or supplies that you have.
@OpinionatedLady (5965)
• United States
6 Mar 13
Yes we have been very lucky in that aspect
. I mean there are still things to buy but they are the things that get worn down, ya know like sand paper and yarn.
. I mean there are still things to buy but they are the things that get worn down, ya know like sand paper and yarn.
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
8 Mar 13
I know money has been tight with everyone and our government does not seem to care to do anything about it. The government seems to spend money like nothing and now it has hurt them badly to the point where the government has to make cuts in our defense and other government agencies, but yet they are not willing to make cuts in their own salaries. I am starting to learn how to do crafts so I can sell things online and make money. I am learning how to make jewelry and learning how to sew. The materials for jewelry are not expensive, however the fabric can be expensive which is why I am learning both skills.
@OpinionatedLady (5965)
• United States
13 Mar 13
Garage sale time is coming and I have found a lot of people sell off fabric that usually they bought to do a project and then never did. Have you looked at your local Salvation Army and Good will stores. I just bought a few weeks ago four baby blanket kits with the minkie fabric that go for $30+ at A.C. Moore and where only $3 each at Good Will! As we have an influx of babies coming our way I bought all they have
. Have you looked at your local Salvation Army and Good will stores. I just bought a few weeks ago four baby blanket kits with the minkie fabric that go for $30+ at A.C. Moore and where only $3 each at Good Will! As we have an influx of babies coming our way I bought all they have
@ElicBxn (63638)
• United States
4 Mar 13
I think that might become a problem. That once you could take your time and enjoy the process, now you are worrying about the bottom line.
The roomie was quite surprised when her paycheck took a hit, but since we don't live quite so close to the edge, it was just an annoyance, not quite so dangerous for us.
@OpinionatedLady (5965)
• United States
6 Mar 13
If it had been only one hit it wouldn't have been so bad but we got hit in a few directions making it rougher then it should be.
1 person likes this
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
3 Mar 13
I have been selling crafts for years....and it's a nice extra income like you said. I haven't felt that its a chore for the most part. There are times when I get an order that is inconvient like a week ago while I am getting ready for a crafts sale. Then the other night I got another order......but I am thankful that I have that opportunity. My sister likes to stamp etc. like I do and she won't do it for money....says it would take the joy out of it for her....so far so good for me. Someday I might feel like that it has turned into a chore.
@jdawg011 (498)
• Canada
3 Mar 13
That's really too bad! It's really a shame when what once was a hobby that you did in your spare time for fun turns into something you have to do non-stop. The damned economy needs to be fixed somehow or this could keep getting worse too. I hope you can still keep the enjoyment in crafting when the economy gets better.
@OpinionatedLady (5965)
• United States
3 Mar 13
Me too, me too. We do other crafts and are hoping to make them the main items which will loosen up my have to list...I hope anyway.
. We do other crafts and are hoping to make them the main items which will loosen up my have to list...I hope anyway.