How do you explain craftful living to someone who thinks it's just "being cheap"?

It’s tricky explaining craftful living to someone who equates it with being cheap! My go-to is focusing on the intentionality behind it. It's not just about saving money, but about making conscious choices about what we consume and how we use resources. Think of repairing a beloved jacket instead of buying a new one – it's valuing the memories and extending the life of something you already own, and maybe even learning a new skill.

I usually try to separate the concepts. Cheapness often implies sacrificing quality or experience solely for the lowest price.Craftful living, on the other hand, is about optimizing value and making the best use of what you have. It means being resourceful, creative, and mindful. For example, making your own cleaning solution isn’t just about saving a few bucks; it's about knowing exactly what ingredients you're using and reducing plastic waste.

Ultimately, I think it boils down to highlighting the difference between frugality born of necessity and frugality born of intention and a desire to live more sustainably and thoughtfully. Do you have any good analogies or explanations you've found effective?