In terms of a 10-year or 20-year cycle, we are now in an era overflowing with digital works and information. Many people are aggressive in that field.
On the other hand, production activities with substance are less competitive.
Since I prefer long-term efficiency to following short-term trends, I am now trying to acquire some tangible production skills. My digital production, such as creating games and e-books, will be put off for a while.
In other words, I am starting new things.
In the previous article (this article), I introduced my first sewing product. Today, I will introduce my second handicraft.
My second work: a paper bag
My second product is small paper bags.
It is made of newspaper. It has a simple structure, so you can make one in under 15 minutes after learning how.
Despite its usual appearance, my parents told me that many people crave this bag. This is because it is made from overseas newspapers.
Consumable items from other cultures are rare. An example is newspapers. It is only useful in that region. It doesn’t spread to other areas. Although it is a common, worthless thing in one area, it could have value in other regions in terms of scarcity. The more cultures differ, the more unique the value it has.
In my area, almost all speak Japanese. People in this area seldom see English newspapers.
However, my parents ran a business near the U.S. military base, where a free community paper for military families is published. My parents became acquainted with several families and obtained a large number of those old papers.
It is rare to see even a newspaper written in English in my area, so a paper bag made from it is even more scarce.
How it holds value
The handcrafted paper bag made from specific materials in other areas makes the owner look fashionable.
For example, suppose that you want to give a small gift to someone. You can put the cookies you made in this paper bag. The person who received it would feel that you are deeply familiar with a different culture.
The paper bag is handmade and not mass-produced. Items like this cannot be sold because of copyright issues. In other words, these bags are only obtained by handmaking or being given by others.
Either way, that impresses the opponent and makes you special.
Items like this are effective for those who want to show off.
That is why such a small, handcrafted paper bag is valuable. It would be insignificant if it were a usual handcrafted paper bag. However, things made from rare materials become valuable.
Conclusion
That is about my second handicraft.
With a little knowledge, even things that seem ordinary can create value.
This perspective might be an example of how to use your unique circumstances.
Although these paper bags are not for sale, I will enjoy making them for a while.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope to see you in the next one.
