Times Are Tough!

I think we can all agree that times are definitely tough! For many people in this country, just keeping food on the table is becoming a rather daunting task. Even the wealthy are not immune to the consequences of this current economic climate. People of all economic status have lost thousands in their retirement plans and investments.

Watching the news the other night got me to thinking about the resilience of people in general. We have such a remarkable ability to adapt to changing circumstances albeit frustrating and sad. For many of us in creative circles, this has meant making adjustments to the way we go about our creative routines. For some, the changes have been minor but for others the changes have severely limited their ability to express themselves through their art and creative endeavors.

For many, the creative outlet is more than just a hobby. It can be a lifesaver for those dealing with depression, health problems or other mood disorders. It can also be a welcome respite from a long and tiring day or help to quell the fears of an unstable job environment. For others still, the creative process is the means by which they earn a living and therefore they must continue to produce without making significant adjustments.

To reduce costs' for myself I have begun to seek out waste materials from other artists' and small businesses. For example, I have begun creating my jewelry from mostly recyclable materials or re purposed items. Also, I have sought out waste materials from the projects of other artists' to use in my creations. I recently purchased a 3lb. box of fabric scraps from Debbi over at Marionberry Cottage to use in my art. The fabric pieces were gorgeous and were far more cost effective than buying yardage of each of the patterns I received.

With this thought in mind I wondered what you out there are doing to ensure that your creative process goes unhindered despite our worsening economy. Are you limiting your supply purchases or sharing the costs' with others? Are you seeking out alternative means of gathering art materials or working out ways to minimize waste in developing your creations? I would love to hear your responses to these very timely and pertinent questions!