Is America getting back to being a handmade economy?
I’m excited to see some effort by a younger generation to learn how to make things with their hands like generations past.
What I think a lot of young people don’t see or don’t understand, is that there are years of dedication that someone has to put in to be able to making something from nothing.
It’s called paying your dues. Learning how to take pride in sweeping the floor of the shop and take care of the tools before “earning” the opportunity to use the tools.
Being a craftsman isn’t just a movement or a trend but, a way of life.
You have to live and breathe it.
I often refer to my chosen medium of metal-working, to be like being in the “Hells Angels.” Hells Angels aren’t just Hells Angels on the weekends. They are Hells Angels 24/7 .
You don’t just get to put on a patch covered, leather Hells Angel vest and be a Hells Angel.
The same goes for your chosen craft.
In fact, there’s a saying about the craft of blacksmithing.
“The life so short, the crafts so long to learn”
Now’s the right time to chose a life as a craftsman. It’s never too late to start, but the sooner you do the better. The economy and job market is not the best and is projected to get worse. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers are returning from the war. The military is cutting their budget and drawing down.
It’s the perfect time to be your own boss and become a craftsman and leave your mark on this life.
A craftsman who provides top quality goods and services to those looking for handmade unique items.
Items that you can’t buy in the store.
I didn’t say it would be easy. But if it was easy, everyone would be doing it.You can see more of my work at http://www.olsonironworks.com
Jeff Olson 