Upcycled is not the same as regifting

I've been busy doing some of the shows here in the southwest Iowa area. I get a chance to show off my work (and hope someone will buy it and help support my love of jewelry making and design), but I meet a lot of nice people.
I've added more pieces with a different theme to my display. I've incorporated more metal and I am using more recycled and found objects to create unique one of a kind designs that are either in the category of up cycled or steam punk.
Take your pick. I still have some of my more traditional pieces but I'm adding more interest.
I had several people this weekend that made a special trip in to see my pieces, especially the ones I've made with old silver ware. They had friends tell them to stop in and see what I had done.
That was kind of nice. I've added more pictures to this location and I'm working on getting them added to my Website, as they are for sale.
I had several people as me how I learned my technique and wanting me to give lessons/workshops.
I'll try to put together something for after the first of the year, I'm just not sure where to start, other than with the basics of design and then move on to the different techniques.
Right now, I fuse glass, work with metals, metal clay, and wire, that doesn't even get into the stuff I do that is actually strung.
I can see where I could have another part time job on top of the two I already have.
Oh well, whatever it takes to keep my repeat customers coming back - and yes, I still make scarves.

Is the economy turning around?

You read it in the papers and see it on the news. All the reports of how the economy is slowing turning around.
In Iowa, the answer seems to be build more casinos. I find it hard to believe this is going to create the stimulus needed to spur the economy.
Yes, creating jobs is important, but what about the ramifications when people lose hard earned money they can't afford to in order to keep these few people employed at casinos?
There are only so many dollars and I can't see this as an answer to the current situation.
There are too many casinos in Iowa as it is. Yes, they help the communities they are in and support some state funding, but where do those dollars come from?
The hard earned wages of people who should be paying down debt rather than lining the pockets a few corporate owners.
What happens when the market is saturated? Others in the industry see a loss. That's all that is going to happen if more casinos are built in Iowa. People who frequent new casinos hoping for better luck and higher payouts. The established casinos will see fewer customers, the need for less staff and those employees will be put out of work by the new jobs created in different locations.
How is this going to help stimulate the economy?
It's about as sound as the current universal health care plans. Not too well thought out.
It matters in the end, but there is always going to be the faction of people who will slip through the cracks and not gain any benefit when they are the ones who need it the most.