My Happy Dance

At the end of a 12-hour day sitting at a craft show, my confidence was in tatters from someone saying something hurtful. My body was screaming from the 5 hours we spent the day before lifting heavy boxes and display set-ups to get our booth ready and knowing we would have at least another 2 hours to get everything taken down and loaded back into the car and then several hours driving back home.

I was frustrated that people were touching everything with hands that just minutes before had grabbed popcorn from the bags they were carrying, not realizing that if they ruined the product, it was lost income for me. I was trying to remember why I do this every weekend for 7 straight weekends.

Then it happened.

A mom picked up a boredom buster box, exclaiming she had found “the perfect gift” for her child’s birthday.

My heart leapt. I was filled with such joy that someone appreciated the time and love I put into crafting my kreations and had someone in mind that it was “perfect” for. When the grandma bought a snowball fight kit to send her grandkids in Florida who have never seen snow, I smiled because I played a part in bringing joy to others.

I will never get rich handcrafting products.

Quality materials aren’t cheap. I support US businesses and don’t order my supplies from overseas.

Did you know that a yard of fabric costs over $12?

I would make more at a minimum wage job but I do this because I love seeing people excited about finding the perfect gift for someone on their list.

Handcrafted gifts are made with love. It sounds like a cliché but is so very true. The final product is a result of hours of trying to get it right and multiple attempts that have ended up in the garbage. More attempts than I often care to admit. Materials are handpicked for quality and durability. A piece of my heart goes into each product. I take great pride in my workmanship and want the end product to be just right.

It’s a source of joy to see someone appreciate the hard work that’s gone into creating something. It makes all the frustrations, time, and money worth it.

Have you seen the memes regarding supporting small business? There are several, but one of my favorites is this:

Small business Saturday is this weekend. Consider purchasing your Christmas gifts from a small business this year rather than a large chain store. Not only will you be getting great items, but you will be supporting a family rather than a CEO getting his 3rd home. You will be helping an actual person do a happy dance.

If money is tight and you can’t afford to purchase, you can still support a small business by:

1. Commenting on their Facebook (or Instagram) posts regularly

2. Sharing their posts

3. Instead of using the thumbs up icon, consider using the heart or wow emoji

These things will help their page be seen.

As a small business owner, not only do I do the happy dance because every dollar counts, I do it because I get great joy from helping you with your gift-giving needs. Please contact me at Kidderbug Kreations if you need any help finding the “perfect” gift for your loved ones.

Happy Small Business Saturday Shopping!

Anne from Kidderbug Kreations