The old school saying, “pressure makes diamonds” vibrates as a hopeful reminder that in these crazy economic times, the threat of financial hardship crushing us can serve as a motivation to use our God given imagination to create lemonade out of lemons. And not just any old lemonade either. I’m talking about the kind of lemonade that gets discovered, packaged and sold as an exotic beverage because of its unique texture and taste. You know, the kind that only you can make because there’s only one you in this whole wide world. The kind that creates a demand so great that instead of baking under the unrelenting sun as you earn just enough to get by, you instead find yourself basking under a warm and generous sun as you await your next check from the shares in your now successful beverage line. And to think, this time last year, you were fearing foreclosures and bankruptcy.
Now this scenario may seem a little unrealistic when we look at the ridiculous prices on fruits and vegetables, let alone lemons right now. But if you can at least take this concept and apply it to such a degree that you are able to turn your obstacles into opportunities, then you are able to take a look around your environment and see just where you can increase your wealth with minimum expense to your pockets.
Take fabric scraps for instance. Since we are one of the largest fabric stores in the Tri-State area, we carry totes and totes of these colorful, funky and fancy ¼ yard pieces that literally collect over the years. They sit here taking up space and not paying towards the rent. They want to be put to use, but have been made to feel like they are only good for one thing…..nostalgic memories of craft projects done long ago and clippings from love momentos for family and friends.
I am sure we are not the only ones holding onto colorful pieces of satin, denim and bark cloth. With the holidays quickly approaching, maybe it might be worth the minute or two it would take to pull the scraps out of your own closets and see what creative projects you can revamp or create. Just by adding a fabricated trim to drapes, clothing or home accent pieces, you can change a plain kitchen or living room décor into a holiday oasis.
No money for gifts and Christmas is right around the corner? Turn off the part of your brain that says you aren’t a good parent if you don’t buy your children all the latest toys, and instead let that pressure make beautiful one-of-a-kind gifts that little Suzy will cherish long after Polly Pocket has lost her touch. A crafty sweatshirt with autographed inscriptions in glittery fabric pens from all her neighborhood friends or a handmade ‘no-sew’ Angelina Ballerina fleece throw for those cold winter nights can make your 8 year old feel like the princess that she is, and she would owe it all to you and your crafty ways.
Whatever you do with your time, energy, and resources is up to you. But if you want to make lemonades out of your lemons and save yourself a buck or two, consider the creative power of the imagination…then watch the resourceful artist come to life!
For some really cool novelty cotton fabrics click here!
Until next time, this is Consumer Savvy Carol signing off!
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