It is probably safe to say everyone likes to make money. In Baltimore, with the high unemployment rate, that is probably more true than ever. But for Baltimore County art students, art teachers are suggesting ways to earn spending money to save for that special something that just doesn't fit into the family budget. With the help of the Back River Restoration Committee trash art was introduced to local students.
Finding just the right idea can make a difference! Make the right items, then hold a yard sale or attend a flea market or a craft fair could earn some extra cash. It also has a positive impact on the environment by keeping scrap items out of the solid waste system.
Here are some suggestions:
> Ever hear of the pet rock craze? Years ago people bought them by the millions. At a 2011 Christmas Gift Fair, a whole table of pet rocks sold (flat rocks with cute sayings on them). Other shaped rocks were painted to look like eyes, noses, etc. The student vendor appeared to be doing a booming business. Surely some of those rocks became Christmas stocking-stuffers!
> Another vendor made toilet paper holders from recycled coffee cans. After removing the lid and the bottom of each can, they were glued together to hold a four or six-roll pack of toilet tissue. The cans were painted in various colors with various designs. The vendor admitted that all paint used was collected from family and friends who had left over paints stashed in their basements or garages. She felt it was a benefit to the environment to put those leftovers to good use before they were dried-up and thrown away.
> Jewelry at another crafter's table was made from scraps of old jewelry. Again, at the suggestion of his art teacher, this student crafter sent an email to all his aunts and cousins asking for their old, broken and unwanted jewelry. Then, with a good eye for mixing and matching parts, a new line of jewelry was produced, looked good and sold well.
> Hot pads were also available by the dozen throughout the craft fair. These were made from a unique list of recycled materials. The bases were from construction job scraps – plywood, or 2x4, 1x4 and 1x6 blocks of wood. The blocks were covered in washable material from old blue jeans; others were covered with dress scraps and various other materials. These creative slip covers for the wooden blocks surely made for interesting table decorations while holding those hot dishes.
These are just a few ideas of how middle school students were putting on their thinking caps. They collected odds and ends, scrap material and wood. Then, with a little creativity, they produced some interesting, helpful and useful products. All materials were recycled or reused; and, all were free.
What kinds of crafts can you think to make? What materials can you collect?
In Part 5, we will discuss more money making tips for older students and young adults.
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