March is National Craft Month, so what better time than this to take the plunge and go all artsy and crafty? It might be dabbling with paper, scissors, and glue just for fun, or you may have a genuine interest in developing your skills to the point where your crafts are good enough to sell. Maybe you'd just like to learn enough to guide your kids and their adventures into crafting.

Not really interested in dedicating the time or energy, not to mention the workspace, that crafting requires? Then at the least, take yourself to some of your local craft malls or farmer's markets and bring home some locally handmade goods to decorate your house before it's listed among Beavercreek homes for sale. Whatever you do, make the most of March in your home as National Craft Month.

1. Jewelry Making
   One of the most popular crafts is jewelry making. Making jewelry can run the gamut, from simple strings or wires of beads and charms, to actually casting your own pieces in gold, silver, and other metals. Start with a minimal investment in materials to see if you have an aptitude for it. If you decide to start working with metal, you'll need to master basic techniques so you can solder and fabricate your own designs. You might also want to learn about working with clay, turning it into a solid metal after firing. Metal clay requires mastering working with a kiln; a kiln is also useful for working with fused glass and enameling.
   
   
2. Soap Making
   You may fall in love with soap making to the point where you want to quit your job and take it up full time. But for beginners, start simple with recipes that only require two or three ingredients. Don't worry about colorants, fragrances, or designs at first. Start with palm, coconut, or olive oils. There is a lot to learn with that first batch — primarily, safely mixing your lye solution. Lye, a caustic solution, is needed to turn fats like the oils mentioned into soap. It's best to hone these skills before you move on to the fancier soaps. 
   
   
3. Needlepoint
   Needlepoint is so pretty. Imagine yourself relaxing at the end of a long day with your latest project in your hands, creating a beautiful design in thread. You will need to master some basic stitch techniques, so that you can place one stitch at a time on an even campus. There are different types of canvases, ranging from fine and gauzy to thick, and you will need to learn about them, and which thickness is appropriate. 
   
   
4. Pottery
   Investing in pottery making is expensive, so start out by taking a class where you can use the potter's wheel and kiln. See if you like it or have a knack for it before you invest in the equipment. A simpler route is to do air dry clay, where you can make simple small projects, such as key chains and jewelry holders. 
   
   
5. Paper Crafting
   Crafting with paper sounds simple, and it can be, but if you look at the work of renowned paper artists, you'll see how much can be accomplished with paper, scissors, and glue — and some basic training in how to put it all together. Buy some books or look at some online paper projects to get a sense of what you can do, be it a 3D paper sculpture, or a flat, framed piece to hang on the wall.

Our REALTORS® have great advice for getting your home ready for the market. Contact us today.