craft

I had a friend knock on my door today, full of modern day fury at an annoyance that was the final straw to break the camel of the day’s back. It made me stop and think for a moment. My husband too has been suffering from some of this common malaise. Our world where we live is to the brim with stress. Everywhere I look I see people are struggling to manage a stress full existence. So where does my craft come in? Simple, it occurred to me that I choose to make things because it feels good. It makes sense to me in a world of complexity where alot of things make no sense whatsoever – how the local authorities spend our money, how the corporate institutions gamble , how corporate companies are allowed to default on tax bills, the list is endless. Making something slows down your world – you have to give your full attention to something you care about. It distances you from all the anxieties that threaten to overwhelm, there is a reason for occupational therapy in healing institutions. The brain is active on something that contains positivity. And it doesn’t end there – it connects me to other crafters – I only buy from small producers now , whenever possible. If I want an electric toothbrush I have to go to one of the retailers, but you know what I mean. It feels good to choose a gift for a loved one that is specific to them, and I can do that more easily with makers who are happy to tweak and change details to accomodate my wishes. Suddenly its a conversation, an exchange with real value.

And when I sell something I have made, invariably I get a wonderful feedback that puts a smile on my face for days. It’s a life-enhancing loop.

So what I want to say today is have a go – try making something, anything – motorcycle maintenance would work too, anything that grabs you, do it. I can bet your bottom dollar you won’t regret it, even if it looks more like something your Auntie threw away, it’s fun, and everyone has to start somewhere!

And I want to say thank you to all my customers, and to everyone who buys handmade. Thank you.