Crafting Block!

Into the never-ending realm of gifting, there’s a constant need for fresh ideas that tickle the fancy and warm the heart. It’s a little bit like having writer’s block! I’m surrounded by craft supplies, with my mind ready to explode with gift making ideas, overflowing with inspiration, and a wild imagination that just won’t quit. My mission? To conquer the gifting world with creativity straight out of a spontaneous explosion at a craft supply store.

 So, grab your glue guns and let’s dive into this merry mayhem together! First on the agenda is the exploration of new craft ideas. This is where you unleash your inner Picasso, only with less paint and more glitter (because let’s face it, glitter is a permanent resident on your craft table). Why not try your hand at upcycled gifts? Transform last week’s wine bottles into delightful gifts c You can even convince yourself that you’re saving the planet while giving gifts that look like they belong in a hipster café.

 Why not get artistic with hand-painted mugs that capture your recipient’s most embarrassing moments? Imagine them opening a gift only to find a mug emblazoned with a cartoonish drawing of one of their faux pas! Absolutely.

But let’s not forget the bonding experience. Organise crafting sessions with friends, where chaos reigns supreme. Each person leaves with a gift they can proudly claim as theirs, even if it's just a crookedly painted rock. These sessions can guarantee a robust laughter soundtrack as you discover that not everyone is born with the dexterity of a seasoned artist. Spoiler alert: some of us are based on pure enthusiasm and a bit of desperation.

Now onto the elephant in the room: the serious and most hated part of having a small business - It’s time to "market the hell out of it", but with a wink and a giggle. You might not have a billion-dollar ad campaign, but you can have a quirky newsletter that updates your customers about the latest and greatest ideas—everything from how to wrap gifts in the leftover pizza boxes (because waste not, want not) to how to make greeting cards out of dried pasta. Marketing doesn’t have to be serious; it can be a fun opportunity to showcase your personality. Picture sending out emails titled “Oops, I Did It Again: Craft Edition”.

Then there’s the power of social media! (This is my least favourite of marketing tools!)

You can showcase your fun and fabulous creations on platforms that thrive on visuals. Create videos that display the “real” process of crafting—complete with bloopers and accidental messes. Because who doesn’t enjoy watching someone’s cat jump onto a table covered in glitter and ruin an otherwise perfect crafting session? Hashtags that make people chuckle can create a community of gifters rallying behind your charming brand.

Lastly, let’s not forget the value of collaboration. Team up with other local artisans. Think a craft fair where your outlandishly crafted gifts can be sold alongside homemade jams that look like they’ve been ladled straight from the set of a rustic cooking show. Not only will you gain traction through their audience but think of the hilarious conversations after a few mishaps with your glue guns, which lead to genuine bonding and a shared vision of promoting the small business movement.

So, here’s the takeaway: never underestimate the potency of creativity wrapped in laughter when it comes to gifting. The world is your playground, and every project is a chance to experiment and evolve. By tapping into new crafts and marketing your quirks, you can carve out your unique space in the gifting world. Happy crafting, and may your gifts be as laughter-inducing as they are heartwarming!

Much love

Esther