Do You Value Your Craft?

My daughter recently created a beautiful scrapbook for her cousin. It was filled with fun pictures of when they were younger, thoughtful memories, and hand-drawn designs.

She spent countless hours creating it as a birthday present. Yet she still felt compelled to buy an "extra" present. Why? Because she didn't think her handmade gift was "enough."

I used to feel the same way. Even though I created hand-knit baby sweaters, sewn baby blankets, toy dolls and T-shirt quilts for gifts, I used to feel compelled to add money to the gift as well. Why? Because handmade didn't seem "enough."

My views have changed now. After I began selling my work online, I had to learn how to price it. It is very common for artists and crafters to underprice their work. However, I've learned a lot from my fellow artists. You certainly have to take the material costs into account, but your time as well. So now, when I give a custom T-shirt quilt as a gift, I consider how much I would normally spend on a gift for the occasion. 

I also have to consider when to say "no" to making something. Sometimes I make things by hand simply for the joy of creating. For example, I have had people tell me I should sell my handknit sweaters.

However, if I took into account the cost of the yarn and the many hours it takes me to knit a sweater, I would have to charge more than what most people would spend on a sweater. I knit for relaxation, because it's a portable hobby and I love to create unique handknit items.

With the rise in the handmade movement and the dissatisfaction with poor quality in mass-produced items, I think there is a greater appreciation for handmade crafts. What about you? Do you appreciate your own creations?