Badge: Craft Explorer

Crafts can be a hobby or a way to earn extra cash. Let’s explore a variety of crafts to enrich your life, share with others, make a little money or to just have fun.

Steps

1. Look at crafts.

Explore a starting list in the Craft Possibilities supplement listed at the end of this badge program. Choose one you’d like to try from the list or discover your own by choosing from materials you like to work with, skills you have or something you’ve always wanted to try.

2. Online research.

Go to your favorite search engine and do a search for your craft. Not only will you find tutorials and workshops, chances are you’ll find patterns and templates as well. Check out the following types of sites:

Vendor / supplier sites
Magazine / pattern publishers
Associations or groups that feature your craft
Pattern sites, free
Tutorial / workshop sites
Template sites
Individual enthusiasts

3. Traditional research.

Go to the library and find out if they have books, magazines or even DVDs that can help you explore your chosen craft.

4. Take a class.

Check out local craft stores, interest groups or even online classes. Perhaps your local YMCA, library or other community area has craft programs for adults. Choose a class that appeals to you.

5. Practice your new craft.

Most crafts are done individually. Explore ways to make your craft a group activity. Search for online groups as well as those that meet locally. Start out with free resources to find out if you actually enjoy the craft before looking at “for pay” groups.

6. Share your new craft.

Here are a few ways you can share your craft. Include any others that you enjoy.

Web (Yahoo! Groups, blogs, etc.)
Local individuals
Formal or informal groups
Vendors / suppliers

7. Explore variations.

The craft you chose may have variations based on the culture, history or even the resources available to those who enjoy it.

You may discover techniques that have been forgotten or even a different way to do your craft. Explore vintage patterns, public domain publications, craft explanations, video examples, etc. You may even find a group online who supports a different approach to your craft.

8. Creativity counts.

Some crafts evolve as people add their own creativity. This may be as simple as new crochet stitches or as expansive as creating a new craft. Look into your craft and see how it has evolved over time. Can you add your own creativity to your craft to make it uniquely your own?

9. Share and teach.

Turn this into a training session for other adults, teach kids or even family members who show an interest. By teaching your craft, you’ll reinforce what you have learned as well as sharing your passion and enthusiasm for it. Find out if there are any local craft clubs or stores in your area that are willing to let you host a class. If not, explore what you need to do to start your own.

10. From craft to career.

Can you make your craft into a successful career? Writing about your craft, selling completed projects, providing supplies or even teaching can provide either a supplemental or full income. Etsy is just one of many online places to sell handmade goods. If you prefer to stay local, look into craft fairs. Explore the possibilities of how you can make money from your craft.

Supplements

SUPP_CraftExplorer_2in_12up_larajla

Avery 2” Round Label Printable, 12 up

SUPP_CraftExplorer_Checklist_larajla

Badge Checklist

SUPP_CraftExplorer_List_larajla

List of possible crafts to try

Sites to Explore

Get the infographic here > larajla blog post

Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here > Full badge PDFs

Badge: Craft Explorer

Steps

Supplements

Sites to Explore

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