Craft Burnout Is Real
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2006_Mandy
Bracelet King
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2 months, 2 weeks ago by 2006_Mandy
I think one of the hardest things to accept is knowing when you’re doing too much. I can’t go into detail, but I got sick again and ended up hospitalized—yet another trip this year. Because of this, and because of how much my health has been declining, I’ve had to make the incredibly hard decision to let go of my small business, the parts of this website I love, and most of my crafting hobbies. I’m sharing this as a warning to other bracelet makers: burnout is real, and if you try to push through it forever, you risk losing the things you love most.I’ve been making bracelets since 2020, and it became one of my biggest joys. I eventually tried selling them because I simply had too many, but if I’m being honest, it never really became sustainable. Most of what sold were my newer crochet projects, not my knotted bracelets. Between ongoing health issues and constantly feeling overwhelmed, my business became the thing I had to let go of first. I already missed one market due to being sick, another is at risk, and the last one I’m only doing because I organized it myself. I still have items in two stores until the end of January because of a contract, but after that, QueenBee Crafts is done—for now. My social media will shift toward mental-health awareness, and I’ll be giving away my creations when I can. Maybe someday I’ll return if I end up with too much crochet stock again. As for the hobby itself… I haven’t genuinely enjoyed it in a year. I’ve made pieces I’m proud of, but depression drains any ability to feel joy from them. I look at my pile of creations with a mix of dissatisfaction and even hatred. Compliments hurt more than they help. I’m working on all of this, and I am getting the help I need, but it’s a slow process. Now I’m stuck with another problem: I have way more creations than I’ll ever use. I don’t want to throw them out—I’ve even had moments of wanting to destroy them—but I know I’d regret that once I’m in a better place. I’m starting school soon for CYC, so maybe I could give some away during placements, but even that won’t cover everything. I’ve tried giving them to people I know, but they don’t truly value handmade items, and that hurts too. If I donate, I’ll have to sort through everything to save the sentimental pieces, and I can’t afford shipping. Plus I’m currently in the hospital with no discharge date, so donating in time for Christmas is unlikely. If anyone has ideas on what I could do with all these creations, I’m open to hearing them. I just want them to go somewhere they’ll be appreciated. And who knows maybe I'll get back into the swing of things when I'm feeling better! 🙂 |
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