30 in 30: Week 3 The Struggle to Stay Creative
I won’t sugarcoat it—Week 3 of this 30-day crafting challenge was rough. Life decided to throw me a bunch of curveballs, and between keeping up with business, cranking out six dozen fall-scented candles, and trying to maintain some level of creativity, I felt like I was running on fumes. But somehow, I managed to create a few fun items that I’m pretty proud of, even if the ideas were a bit more… random than usual.
1. Liquid Hand Soap
Creating a quality liquid soap has been on my to-do list for years. I’ve spent over two years tweaking and perfecting my glycerin soap paste recipe, and I think I’ve finally nailed it. While it’s not a new craft for me, it’s definitely a new addition to Hansen's Craftory, and one that will be offered more regularly from now on. I’ve had some loyal customers testing each batch, giving feedback, and helping refine the recipe to get it to where it is today. I’m excited to finally share this perfected product with everyone! Currently being offered in lemon verbena and pumpkin caramel crunch!
2. Sugar Scrubs
This week called for two different sugar scrubs because, honestly, I needed something to lift my spirits. First, I made a lemon lavender scrub—the scent is like a breath of fresh air when you're trying to stay focused and not completely lose it. But because fall is creeping up, I couldn’t resist also making a pumpkin caramel crunch scrub. It’s like scrubbing with a slice of pie, which, let’s be honest, is what we all need right now. I also made chicken pot pie for dinner and a cherry pie with gluten free crust because frankly I was stuck on pie this week.
3. Laundry Powder
This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment creation; laundry powder was actually planned, and I made it using the laundry bar from Week 2. It’s a staple in our house, and I've been wanting to add it to our product line at the store for a while now. With the fresh scent of lemon and lavender, it’s both practical and effective. Plus, making a more sustainable, handmade option for laundry just feels right. We will soon be offering it prepackaged in unscented, beach linen, and my personal favorite lemon lavender with the option to request custom scented laundry soap!
4. Tassel Witch
With Halloween approaching, I wanted to make something festive. That’s how the tassel witch was born. A bit of fabric scraps, a sissal tassel as a broom, and some craft magic turned into a whimsical little decoration. She’s currently hanging out with her witchy twin and the sweet Christmas angel.
5. Tassel Angel
Not to be outdone by her spooky sister, a tassel angel also made an appearance. White red and green fabric scraps , a wooden bead for the head, and some pipe cleaners gave her a heavenly look. I figured I needed a bit of balance—light and dark, witch and angel. Maybe it’s a metaphor for my mental state this week?
6. Fabric Key Chain
While knee-deep in fabric scraps, I decided to whip up a quick boho fabric key chain using some leftover pieces. It’s simple, functional, and a great way to make use of those odds and ends. These are all the rage on Etsy, so I figured I’d give it my own twist. I like how it turned out, but I’ll be tweaking the design a bit before offering them in the store. Still, it was a fun, spontaneous project!
7. Mushroom Ornament
With fall in the air, I’m leaning hard into foresty vibes. I made a mushroom ornament out of half of a foam ball, some fabric and a piece of dowel and immediately fell in love with it. There’s something about little toadstools that makes me think of cozy Nordic forests, and these will definitely be a staple in our holiday decor.
8. Snowman Ornament
While prepping cute fall decor for the county fair last month, I made some adorable fabric pumpkins to sell. As I was stitching those together, it hit me—why not use the same pattern and stack three to make a snowman? So, I gave it a try and ended up making a mini version perfect for a tree ornament. It turned out super cute and adds a playful, handmade touch to holiday decor. Definitely keeping this idea in my back pocket for winter!
9. Naturally Dyed Cosmetic Bag
I attempted eco-dyeing using the flower pounding method with zinnias, calendula, and lemon basil from our garden. Let me tell you—it was loud and, honestly, pretty disappointing. I’ve been wanting to try flower pounding for ages, but after giving it a go, I realized I didn’t enjoy it at all. It’s safe to say this one didn’t live up to the hype for me. But hey, not every craft is a winner!
10. Mossy Photo Frame
Finally, I tackled a mossy photo frame. I took a simple wooden frame and covered it with preserved moss, green fabric pumpkins, green gems and to give it that rustic, nature-inspired look. It reminds me of the forests I wish I could escape to when things get hectic.
Amidst all this crafting, I was also cranking out six dozen fall-scented candles for a wholesale client and Hansen’s Craftory, of course. Falling Leaves, Toasted JACK o’lantern, apple Cranberry Marmalade… you name it, I was pouring it. But let me tell you about my latest obsession: black licorice. I recently made a “fishing soap” with black licorice scent and pumice. Licorice and anise( a common bait scent) are super similar so I use it to scent this fishing bar! I never thought I’d be into this scent, but something about the sweet, spicy aroma has me hooked. It’s like a burst of nostalgia mixed with a cozy, mysterious edge. It’s officially my new fall favorite, and I’m convinced it needs a permanent spot in the shop. Help me convince James we need to keep it around! While he loves black jelly beans and doesn’t mind the scent in the soap or candles, he really doesn’t understand my obsession!
Lessons Learned
If Week 3 has taught me anything, it’s that creativity doesn’t always come easily, especially when life gets in the way. But sometimes, even when you're running on empty, you can still surprise yourself. This week wasn’t about perfect ideas—it was about showing up and making something, anything, even when the inspiration tank was low.
Here’s to pushing through the tough weeks and finding little moments of creativity wherever we can. On to Week 4!
What’s your go-to craft when you’re feeling stuck? Let me know in the stuck post of Facebook. And if you’re curious about those black licorice candles or soap, stop by there are a couple out on the “new, new product shelf” already!
knit hats
2 Pounds of Lavender Bath Salt
Peppermint Slime
2 Paper Canvas Crab Paintings
Canvas Board Beach Painting
9 Decoupaged Oyster Shells plus a hand-painted one
Crab Sketch
Driftwood Painting
Halloween Necklaces
Halloween Earrings
Wax Melts
Halloween Tin Candles
Cursed Pumpkin Bath Soak
Laundry Soap
Loaves of Normal Soap
Mason jar pencil holder
Liquid Hand soap
Sugar scrub
Laundry powder
Tassel witch
Tassel angel
Fabric key chain
Mushroom ornament
Snowman ornament
Naturally dyed cosmetic bag
Mossy photo frame
