I am so excited to make a very special announcement today. This week is dedicated to honoring all handmade product creators. AND, it leads up to the first-ever, formally registered https://www.nationaldayarchives.com/day/national-bakers-crafters-makers-day/ (National Bakers Crafters Makers Day)!

That's right, from now and into the future, every January 21 is officially a recognition day for bakers, crafters, and makers.
The Origin of National Bakers Crafters Makers Day
This idea came to me back in November. I thought about how you'd scrambled this past year (if you have a business) to have an online presence if you didn’t already – because that was the primary way you could sell given social distancing.

And as the http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/how-to-attract-customers (holidays) drew near, I saw you hustling to promote your products, make and fill order after order, and ensure that all the gifts arrived in time (especially given the crazy delivery delays we had).

Even with 2020 being so different, this hustle happens all the time. Because as makers, we give of ourselves, many times to the point of http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/manage-stress-in-business (exhaustion) (even sacrificing family time), so others can enjoy our top-quality handmade products.

I remember it all too well when I had my gift basket business ...
... the backbreaking labor and last minute orders
... staying up into the wee hours of the morning (my dedicated employees at my side!)

We’d finally make it home and fall into bed, only to get up the next day and do it again!

The http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/maker-to-master-10 (life of a maker) is exhilarating, rewarding, exhausting, and wonderful - because you’re a giver. And I bet you’re like me and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Celebrating The Beauty You Bring To The World
All of this is what led me to the idea to celebrate the beauty you bring to the world.

And January is a perfect time. It's when there's a little time to rejuvenate and relax – even take some time for yourself for once. If you have a business, orders are back to a manageable flow and you can breathe again.

But seriously - look at what you’ve just done! All the love, talent, spirit, and heart you put into your creations are now out being enjoyed in the world. That’s an amazing thing!
Handmade Products Deserve Recognition
Handmade products go back to the stone ages when people used animal hides to cover and warm themselves. Remember seeing in history books and at museums how they formed tools out of stone and wood? All this for survival.

As the centuries moved on, handmade products were the foundation forming the comfortable life we experience today. Small villages of crafters made garments for warmth, jewelry for adornment, and tools of all kinds to make tasks easier.

They used creativity to make food taste good (and look so appetizing!). They also produced oils and lotions for healing, pottery for cooking, painting, woodworking, needlework, and so many other things!

As our culture has advanced, these activities have remained and continue to be expressions of individuality. Their creation brings us joy and is good for the soul.

So, we should celebrate this history and celebrate you too!

Whether you do this for self-fulfillment, or as a part- or full-time business – I want to recognize you by honoring you on the new National Bakers Crafters Makers Day – January 21.
How To Celebrate
Need some ideas to help you celebrate and lift up your fellow makers?

Call a friend who makes something handmade as a hobby and tell her how much you like their creations. A compliment goes a long way and warms both your hearts.

Shop handmade when you can. When you have a gift to give, think of friends who are handmade product creators. Purchasing something handmade means it’s one of a kind and will be all the more special for its uniqueness.

Purchase items from small businesses...