WAUKESHA - 
As people find themselves spending more time at home because of job layoffs and with less money to spend on going out, they are funneling their time and energy into home projects and crafts.

Sarah Schueler, a demonstrator for Stampin’ Up!, has seen a continued interest in people wanting to participate in her rubber stamp and scrapbooking classes.

"With people cutting back on hours at work, they have more time for stamping and scrapbooking," she said.

Having a home with fresh paint on its walls and a new rug in a room can also be a mood boost for people who are finding themselves at home more often, said Andrea Koehnlein, administrative assistant for Collaborative Design in Waukesha.

"More people are nesting," she said.

Koehnlein said people are buying paintings and lamps to add some newness to rooms.

"There is definitely a feel good aspect of when your home is freshened up," she said.

Although Collaborative Design is seeing a decrease in the number of jobs it has, the jobs are getting bigger, Koehnlein said. Also she said there are fewer new construction design projects, but more interior design work being requested.

"People are updating homes, just for the sense of beauty," she said.

Koehnlein also recounted the story of a customer who fixed up his house to sell, but fell in love with it again during the process and decided to remain there. Another client, an empty nester couple, planned to move in three years, but after renovating their kitchen decided to live there much longer.

Rudy Zeilhofer, general manager of Stein Garden & Gifts, said the stores had good sales in January and February.

"When the economy is bad, people will stay home and make their homes and yards look nice," he said.

Also, Zeilhofer said people are investing time and money into the appearance of their homes to increase the value and also to have a nicer place to be if they should take a "staycation" and remain home.

Shoppers are still browsing for project supplies at Ben Franklin Crafts in Oconomowoc.

"People are still crafting," said Mary Barnhart, store manager at Ben Franklin Crafts. "You spend your money and have something to show for it."

Doing crafts gives families something inexpensive and fun to do, she said.

The store’s classes and workshops also have a good attendance.

"They are very steady," Barnhart said. "People want to learn how to do a new craft."

Schueler also said people are staying at home more instead of paying for family vacations.

"These are things that make people feel good and that they can do as a family," she said of crafts.

Overall, Schueler said she has seen a slight decrease in business, but not as much as she had anticipated.

Having a hobby during stressful times is beneficial to people frustrated by the effects of the economy, she said.

"There’s something to be said for therapy and I call this stamping therapy," Schueler said.