Compensated Creativity
As a child, I devised many clever money making schemes. One year on the 4th of July, I sold decorated popsicle sticks to my extended family for 10 cents a piece. My mother suggested personalizing them for an additional 5 cents, so I did. Although I was a bit deterred when my uncles made fun of me for mispronouncing “personalize,” I came home that day with nearly a dollar. Another time, my sister and I invented skittle water and tried to sell it to the mailman, but for some reason he did not find mud colored water with little beady things rattling around at the bottom very appealing. My most clever scheme has to be selling candy to my siblings. I made about $27 one year, but unfortunately that enterprise had to be shut down due to the high amount of theft that occurred.
Martin Saints Classical HS Spring Festival 2019. Click on the image to learn more about MSC.
I have had a bit more success selling my knitted and crochet wares at craft fairs and craft shows. I did not start knitting and crocheting to make money; I just did it because I thought it was fun, and I liked seeing what I could make with my own hands.
Holy Martyrs flea market 2019. Click on the image to learn more about HM.
My mother once brought up the idea of selling things at flea markets or craft fairs. I started making stuff with the idea of selling it, and attended my first craft fair as a vendor at the age of 12 with my sister and a friend. Knitting and crocheting are not exactly considered cool in middle school, so I found the craft fair experience very encouraging because many people at the fair were pleased to see young people being creative and finding a use for their talents.
I enjoy attending craft fairs because there are so many talented people in one place. Each vendor has their signature style within their craft. There are always multiple people selling knitted and crochet items, but each vendor brings something different. One might specialize in hats, while another focuses on dishcloths and other kitchen essentials. My items of preference are totes and purses. Craft fairs also create a sense of community that cannot be found online. In fact, I will be attending the Archbishop Wood Craft Show this weekend. Stop on by to say hello and check out the items on the website in person.
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