In these tough financial times, here’s one unexpected, and effective, recession-buster: Crafting Jewish, ArtScroll’s beautifully-crafted (!), bestselling book on crafts. Children and adults alike find crafting a wonderful way to express their creativity, but it’s also a terrific, low-priced way to keep the kids entertained. With midwinter vacation drawing near and travel budgets shrinking, why not have the kids work together to make a decoupage fruit tray? Take a little sandpaper and an unfinished wooden tray, add some acrylic paint and a heaping tablespoon of creativity and, for only a few dollars, you get a group of happy children who don’t have to travel to foreign shores or overpriced amusement parks. Or get a head start on Purim, by crafting a gorgeous cape or crown (it’s fun, it’s easy – and no more high-priced costumes to buy!). A recent New York Times article noted the trend towards using crafts as an antidote to recession blues. While almost all retailers noted a significant drop in sales compared to last year, crafting equipment was flying off the shelves. According to the spokesman of the Craft and Hobby Association, said the Times, “Across the country, people are crafting more… With the recession, people are looking for ways to save money, and doctors are recommending it as a major form of stress relief.” Crafting Jewish. It keeps everyone entertained and busy. It encourages creativity and cooperation. Its final product is practical and beautiful. It won’t cure today’s financial ills, but as an affordable way to keep everyone smiling it can’t be beat. It is a truly effective recession-buster.
Filed under: Inside ArtScroll Weekly
