Reality shows like “Making It” and “Making Fun” have brought crafting to a new generation — and reignited the passion of viewers who remember when TLC mostly aired DIY shows. “Making” hobbies are a fulfilling and productive way to spend your free time, and it doesn’t necessarily take much money or skill to start. Here are some of the most accessible and affordable crafting hobbies you might consider trying. Stitching Hobbies Almost any crafting hobby that involves needles is perfect for beginners looking for a part-time pastime. There are multiple options available for all artistic types. Those with an attention to detail may prefer the delicacy of sewing or embroidery, while less-perfectionist crafters might have a great time punch needling or quilt making. Knitting and crocheting are also perennial favorites that are back with younger crafters in a big way. Best of all, many stitching hobbyists hold regular free meet-ups filled with enthusiasts who happily pass along tips and encouragement.
MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE WITH
AFFORDABLE OPTIONS TO TRY
‘Free Time’ Helps Us Save Our Most Precious Resource Papier-Mache Some would-be crafters want to get a little more three-dimensional, but trying to sculpt from clay can be intimidating, and pottery classes are often BEATING THE CLOCK
Time is money, as the adage goes. But author Jenny Blake believes time is our life force, making it much too precious to waste. In her 2022 book, “Free Time: Lose the Busy Work, Love Your Business,” she argues that many entrepreneurs aren’t making the most of this crucial resource and suggests sustainable changes to how many of us do business. Being busy has become a virtue in our culture. People who aren’t constantly busy are seen as lazy and unproductive — and no one expects an unbusy entrepreneur to be successful. But Blake turns this thinking on its head. She argues that you can build the business you want without sacrificing the rest of your life. Further, many things we spend so much time on are unnecessary. Blake’s approach to conquering the hamster wheel of entrepreneurship involves creating workable systems and a winning team. Many tasks we think no one else can handle can often be automated and outsourced to others. While many entrepreneurs think their only options are to do it all or hire a small army, Blake advocates for a “delightfully tiny team” that can get more done with improved processes.
There’s no one-size-fits-all system for every business, but “Free Time” will help any reader discover theirs. The exercises and recommendations will give you plenty of food for thought and actionable ways to find your ideal work/life balance — which, as Blake notes in the book, is different for everyone.
Business leaders are used to books and courses that promote growth at all costs. That’s fine for some, but not everyone wants to scale their business endlessly. Sometimes, small business owners want to keep their businesses small — and there’s nothing wrong with that. Blake shares that she limits her work to 30 hours a week because she values her other pursuits. The idea may sound impossible now, but there are many ways to reduce your current workload without sacrificing your continued success. “Free Time” is for people currently bogged down with “The Burdensome B’s.” If you’re bored, bottlenecked, burned out, or buried by bureaucracy, this book will help you reclaim your life. Blake reminds us that our time is much more precious than money. Isn’t it time you learned to use yours more wisely?
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
2 | 616-514-3831
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator