Some people think of home-based crafts as fancy hobbies rather than attributes of self-reliant living, but it all depends on the context. Whenever you do things simply, you can save money.
I’ve made wonderful homemade soap with old oil, and candles from otherwise useless paraffin drippings. I’ve unraveled old sweaters and used the recycled yarn to make new things. Most of the time, I can’t afford hobbies that cost money, so I get creative with whatever I have on hand.
Proficiency in traditional skills is a kind of security fund: Today, it may be easy to buy whatever you fancy in a store, but tomorrow, you may be glad to know how to make your own.
A good place to start is making natural body-care products. They’re usually quick to make and great for personal use or as hostess gifts when packed in pretty jars. They’re even a potentially profitable home-business venture. And they’re a lot healthier than commercially available products!
Here are a few of my favorite easy-to-make recipes for body care.
Super-Simple Salt Scrub
• 1 cup sea salt
• ½ cup almond, coconut, or grapeseed oil
• Several drops of essential oil (optional) Mix together all ingredients, place in a glass jar, and use in the shower for gentle exfoliation and moisturizing.
Coconut Sugar Scrub
• ½ cup coconut oil• ½ cup sugar• Dash of lemon zest, vanilla, or crushed dried herbs (optional) Mix together all ingredients, place in a glass
