By contributing columnist Kate Sibley aka Candle Scentsations

So Christmas is coming and all the kids are busy making their wish lists. I received my 13 year old daughter’s list last night. Imagine my surprise! Growing up in a family of 6 kids, our wish lists were small not only because in the 60s’ it was a one income family and everyone had to be treated fairly, but I guess we did not have the wealth of electronics and gadgets and toy aisles that take up miles. Holiday shopping must have been pretty simple during those days! We usually received that special gift on Christmas morning and boy were we delighted!!

If you have teenagers, then I’m sure I do not have to tell you what their wish lists consist of and how we need to take out a second mortgage to be able to garner only a FEW of what they think they need!

One item on her list happened to be a $40.00 pair of high tops that seem to me to be nothing special so I am astounded by the price! Why does she want them? Because they have a flow of neon colors and designs such as peace signs, smiley faces, etc. The very things that we bought at the 5 and 10 cent store, remember those?

So off I went to the mall and had a look for myself at these decorated sneakers as they seem to be all the rage for the teens and tweens. What did I find? A simple pair of high top canvas sneakers that seemed to have been massed produced a la spray paint and templates. Forty dollars indeed!

As I walked out of the store it suddenly occurred to me that for less than TEN DOLLARS, I could design the same thing and I would be willing to bet my car that she would never know the difference. So being artistic in nature I immediately left the mall and headed right to the craft store. Owning every tool that I would need to design these myself; except for the canvas sneakers so how much could they cost?

So…here is where I am, this is what I came up with and what do you think? Do you think that the teens and tweens would consider these as opposed to the $40.00 pair! I say yes!! Handmade is always more appealing then mass produced! What teenage girl wouldn’t want to have these sneaks, especially if you can gear them to their personality and what is top on their entertainment list!

Plus if you are thinking of putting these in your online craft business, imagine how popular the customer requests would be.

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Tags: christmas in the 60s, craft business, craft store, hand decorated, high priced sneakers, high topped, holiday shopping, sneakers, spray paint, teens, tweens

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