While many students found jobs to earn spending money during college, some were able to use their own talents as a source of income. Senior art major Clarey Fox found that her artistic abilities could be put to good use; in her free time, she ran a small crafting business called Little Bird's Creations. Fox said that she was always interested in arts and crafts, and her parents encouraged her to further develop that interest. When she was 13, Fox's parents bought her a pyrography tool. She began to work on wood burning projects such as jewelry boxes, pen boxes and signs. When she opened Little Bird's Creations in high school, such wood burning projects were her main focus. In college, Fox branched out to leatherworking, which became her favorite kind of work. "I really enjoy leather work because I can customize the entire piece," Fox said. "I do all of the sewing on those pieces." Fox said that while she taught herself most of her skills, she learned some from other artists she met at craft fairs and other events. She attended at least two craft fairs every year and created many items for her booth ahead of time. Most of her items, however, were custom-made and done on commission. Fox wanted all of her pieces to be unique, so while she sometimes worked on variations, she never duplicated a custom design. One of Fox's favorite pieces was a jewelry box she made for a customer inspired by a watercolor painting. The imitation required focus and a large time investment. "There was a lot of detailed work that went on the outside as well as the inside of the box," Fox said. As an art major, Fox's business offered some valuable experience and practice. She hoped to expand the business after graduating when she might have more time. Customers often used Fox's work as Christmas or birthday gifts for loved ones. Crafting became more than just a business; it was a creative representation of relationship. Fox's creativity affected her own relationships as well. According to her husband, senior Matthew Fox, the couple had a lot of her work decorating their home, including a bulletin board, signs and other decorations. She also contributed a recipe box to his grandmother's chickenthemed collection. Matthew said that he loved the amount of creativity she was able to express. Clarey shared her talent with the Harding community at the Harding Bazaar, an annual arts and crafts fair hosted by the Honors College. Honors Council President junior Kinsey Starks explained that such students were a valuable part of the creative aspect of the university. The bazaar demonstrated that value in a tangible way by bringing them all together in one event. "The craft booths at the Harding Bazaar were an excellent way for Harding students to show off their many different artistic and creative abilities," Starks said. "It was a chance for other students to see what their peers really enjoyed doing as well as a chance for the community to see some of the nonacademic talents coming out of Harding." For Clarey, nonacademic talent did not mean impractical talent. With a thriving business and happy customers, she was able to combine a practical business with the things she loved most. JP Baker/Jared Dryden "I have learned that running a business can be a bit of a risk, but being able to do something that you love is well worth it." Senior Clarey Fox 113
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