From a way to make a living to a way to relax
I was a younger mom and ended up married in a harsh situation. While going through a divorce with 2 small kids and no way to earn much of an income outside of retail work, I started crafting on the side to make a little extra. When my kids were old enought to be in school all day I decided I was tired of making $8.50 an hour and went back to finish my degree. I found myself in the same situation of trying to balance full time school, work and kids and ended up back in the crafting world. I found I could sit in class and make hemp bracelets under the desk while listening to lecture and when I was home my kids loved making crafts with me. We have done TONS...from homemade soaps to converting denim jeans into skirts. From making mini picnic tables to delicate beaded jewelry. It has been a long road and I have had many trials and errors which have lead to super accomplishments and have hopefully instilled a sense of work ethic, drive and motivation into my kids that will last forever! We have put in a full weeks work and then gotten up at 4am to drive to set up at craft fairs on Saturdays and finally gotten home at 10 at night. My older kids are now teenagers with their own jobs and dont always like coming to moms craft fairs anymore...but if they are needing a little extra cash I can always find them helping out! It has turned from a neccessity for me to survive into a splendid outlet of energy for me. My house is a bit messier from all the crafting stuff but I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I am done with something new, expecially when it takes off in sales! I got my divorce and my degree now. I love my full time job but in my heart I will always want to be a full time crafter so I guess i have something to look forward to in retirement!
