I got my Sampler in the mail today. Wow things have totally changed in the two years since I ordered the last one. Not quite sure if in a good way or a bad way, but interesting. There were less items that were handmade or crafted in my package this time, but I got like 10 buttons and 11 postcards and two items that were made by someones hands that were individual perhaps one-ish of a kind sort of crafts.
It used to be that people would send items in that were actual samples from their craft, etsy store or online shop. This wasn't so much that in the package that I got today. I don't want to say I am disappointed, because really I am not, but it is just very interesting that everything seemed so not, craft. Maybe it was just the package I got because on the site it sure seems that there are items being sent out that are actual crafts, not just printed postcards and buttons made by Busy Beaver . This was not at all indicative of what crafters have available for purchase out there in the world and that is a drag to end up with postcards and buttons.
One package I got a couple years ago had lip balms and tea lights and knitted bracelets and stuff people actually took great love to make, I might not have liked it (well I do love the lip balm still to this day, its awesome and have ordered more, even though the free lip balm we give away at work is awesome too) but I kept it to remind me that someone took the time to knit or braid or do something with their hands.
I am sorry but using a button maker does not a "craft" make, advertising absolutely and I think its great, but this was sad. It wasn't so much about samples of people's handiwork as much as ... oh someone has access to a button maker.
Not quite the inspiration that I was hoping for. I was hoping that I would open up the envelope and there would be something so simply put ... but... neat... that it would stir up some creative juices in my brain and give me some motivation for my annual spring project.
Sublime Stitching did send out patterns so perhaps I go buy an embroidery ring and make tea towels or something. Not what I was hoping for.
Not to be critical because I know with these things there is no guarantee of what will come but seriously... one of the items from here instead of every button/pin/mirror would have been great and a couple of postcards and a bust magazine, I didn't even get a freakin' pattern for the crochet bee... that would have kicked my ass. I will go find one online and take it with me on the work trip I suppose. I have to say the little gnome magnet things are cute (but it isn't really what the gal sells on her etsy shop, but a good advertisement for it I have to say, I went and looked). Maybe that is what I find inspirational, even if I didn't get to hold one in my grubby little hands.
Maybe May will bring better things. I know the gal who runs the store/sampler thing is in a bind, her partner is ill or something and she has to move, but it just seemed lackluster.
I don't mean to kvetch because really its quite a project she undertakes but this was kinda 'meh. Maybe because it was sent out late in the month or something, I don't know, the pickin's were kinda slim. I will hope for more inspiration next time.
Maybe inspiration should come from the things and people I already know. Perhaps I need to get over to Fancy Tiger and take a freakin' knitting class and get it out of my system. I do have a couple ideas I was just hoping for better this round. Maybe May will bring me somethings that are super neat.
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