by Miss A
First lady Michelle Obama and a group of local school children planted the first large scale vegetable garden at the White House since 1943. Today’s White House garden is a throw back to the victory gardens (also called war gardens or food gardens for defense) planted throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Germany during WWI and WWII. As part of the war effort, citizens were encouraged to plant vegetable, fruit and herb gardens to reduce the pressure on the public food supply.
The strategy of Victory Garden 2009 appears to be to encourage healthful eating and show how we can feed our families inexpensively during tough economic times.
This garden is a tremendous idea, one that is both timely and in some ways long overdue.
Don’t have a lot of space to garden? Don’t have a time to dig and weed. Then grow your victory garden in containers.
I ordered this Cottage Farm 9-piece Urban Victory Vegetable Garden from QVC. This year will be my second year growing vegetables. Growing veggies in containers is so much easier. Has anyone else ordered this kit from QVC? I can’t wait!
by Miss A
As the economy continues in a tale spin and people lose their jobs, more people are looking for ways to tighten their belts. Like myself, crafters and artists are not only looking for belt tightening remedies, but also exploring ways to turn a hobby into an income stream.
The emergence of such sites as Esty.com, madeitmyself.com and foodzie.com is an indication that the American public is receptive to handcrafted items and we simply need to properly market our items.We must make sure that we are not only marketing to ourselves, but reaching out to those who desire handcrafted items but do not have the time or skill set to create their own items.
I’ve divided the individuals into four groups:
1. No interest in crafts or tightening their belts
2. Hobby as income stream-turn a hobby into part or full-time income steam
3. Hobby as belt tightening tool-Begun to rework old clothes into new and sewing clothing and other items for their families. Making holiday and birthday and special occasions gifts instead of buying from the large retailer.
4.Non crafters- purchasing handcrafted items as part of belt tightening strategy.
Group four appears to be the group with the most potential in the current economy. Use the economy as a sales tool. i.e Purchasing directly from the artists is a way to cut out the middle man so that the creator fully benefits financially. This is a great way to promote “Made in America” and stimulate the economy.
What impact is the economy having on your craft business?
by Miss A
The miracle of creativity is the variety of ways in which we can express our ideas. I hope this miracle will sustain me and all of you through the difficult economic times we are facing. For a small investment we can all explore our creativity and find a restful sanctuary from the stresses of daily life.