Seeking inspiration and/or reality checks!

[Focus on Life]

Hi everybody

I really must go to bed soon :sleep: , been so absorbed reading all sorts of threads! But first I'd love to ask how many of you guys manage to make a full time or part time living from your various crafts?

It's so inspiring to hear about everyone who's making a success of it but, at the same time, it's so useful to hear the "reality check" stories too - and having seen some of your wonderful websites, blogs (I didnt know what they were till I joined this forum!) and read your tales of good/bad/ugly craft fairs - I wanna say congrats to everyone whether its your full time job or your part time obsession - you're all so talented

Apols if this is a long first new post but I'm so keen to hear your stories (I guess that's my NLP side coming out!)

Cheers
Shaz x
:)

[silversurfer]

I don't make much, but for me it's just getting out there and being creative. I get really tetchy if I'm not writing or making jewellery, so I need constant outlets. Lot of people on here are trying hard to make a go of it, and I'm sure they'll all let you know that.

What do you do?

[Focus on Life]

Hiya!

I make framed pictures, cards, announcement sets, hanging baubles, gift bags/boxes etc specialising in using customers' own photographs in the designs. The biggest sample piece I've done so far is decoupaged a group wedding photo to 8 layers and everyone who sees it loves it - but I'm just starting out so I know it's a case of getting my stuff seen as much as poss asap! (when I get my sample photos taken & get em onto my PC, I'll post em so you guys can give me your valuable opinions!)

I was (happily) made redundant last year but (sadly) the cash doesnt last forever so I'm at the stage where I'm probably gonna need to start another job soon...but the dream would be to do this full time & still pay my mortgage! I've been separated 4 years (no kids, 2 cats!) so everything relies on what I can do - hence seeking some words from the wise!

Love Shaz x x

[Pauline@weddingtreasures]

I would love to have the strain of being the breadwinner taken away from me and put everything into getting my business well and truly on the road! I just don't have time to do anything except make the models to be honest.

This my 3rd year but to be honest, it only really took off last summer and now I have no doubt that I can really make a go of it once I'm given time to do so.

I love doing it and really wish I could take it as far as possible.

Pauline :D

[Focus on Life]

I have no doubt that I can really make a go of it once I'm given time to do so.

I love doing it and really wish I could take it as far as possible.

Pauline :D

I'm sure you will take it as far as you want to Pauline, I've looked at your site and your things are truly wonderful - I wish you all the very, very best

Shaz x

[linz]

I started up my website to make a bit of money whilst being a student. Because I'm studying art, it's a better option for me to make money by creating things than by getting a part time job in a shop or something. Plus, because it's my own business, I can put things on hold a bit when I have a course deadline to meet etc. My jewellery sales fund my nights out and shopping addictions, but I'm pretty sure I couldn't support a family or anything from it!

[swirlyarts]

It is tricky to do - I'm very lucky in that I can be a WAHM. I couldn't do this as well as having a full time job outside the house and hubby earns enough to be able to support us all. One thing I would say is to let ideas come to you and if it feels right then follow it. I started out as a card maker but have evolved into making things on a sewing machine - which I hadn't thought of at all!

[Focus on Life]

I'm loving looking at all your websites & blogs - I dont have either yet and methinks it needs to be made a priority

Your things are lovely Linz and I like the way theyre set out - newbie Q within a Q - can I set up a blog thingy (!) to start displaying my samples before I get a website up & running? :confused: doh?!

Love
Shaz x :)

[linz]

I'm loving looking at all your websites & blogs - I dont have either yet and methinks it needs to be made a priority

Your things are lovely Linz and I like the way theyre set out - newbie Q within a Q - can I set up a blog thingy (!) to start displaying my samples before I get a website up & running? :confused: doh?!

Love
Shaz x :)


I don't know a lot about different types of blog, but I do know that if you go to the livejournal website you can join up for free. Also, you might consider joining some selling communities on livejournal to sell your work - I've had a lot of sales that way. Thriftstoreuk is one of the btter known livejournal communities for buying and selling :)

[swirlyarts]

If you have a gmail email account then you can register for a blogger account free - otherwise you have to pay. I have blogger for my personal account and word press for Cuteable. Word press was hard work to begin with but it's become much easier as I've got used to it but I would go the blogger route myself if you are a complete newbie as it's fairy easy to set up and start.
It's much easier and cheaper to set up a blog as opposed to a website - websites are a nightmare (hubby does all mine for me!)
Ermm think that's all the advice I've got for now - give me a shout if you need anything else!

[EMEvans]

Ooooo thats interesting. I never had to pay a fee for my blogger and i don't have gmail (i don't think anyways).

As for the original question. I would love to do my crafting full time, i even set up a craft supplies website to pay for my addiction (by means of getting my stuff at wholesale prices and re-selling stuff) BUT after just submitting my frist set of accounts...........urmmmm lets just say i DON't make a very good business women and i could have taken my family for a lovely holiday abroad with the loss i've made...........oooops!!!! :o

[swirlyarts]

Ooooo thats interesting. I never had to pay a fee for my blogger and i don't have gmail (i don't think anyways).


I think it might be a new thing because I didn't think you had to but a friend of mine did a couple of weeks ago when she set up hers.

[EMEvans]

That probably explains it then as i set mine up August/September 2007 i think. Also thought it may be because i have an account with them for google ads that i didn't have to pay.

[caughtfraught]

Hi Shaz,
Ozzie from fraught iron,ive made a moderate success spare time wise still tryin to go for it full time.
But if you believe, the worlds ya egg basket.
My advice is never put yourself down coz theres always people around who will do it for you,but if you never try you will never know and i have found people to be very nice in general.
Regards ozzie;)

[Sprinkles]

I have just set up a blogger account. Last night infact!
I dont have a gmail account, I used my own email address, and i wasn't asked for any payment details. Am i going to get a bill through!?

[Focus on Life]

If you have a gmail email account then you can register for a blogger account free - otherwise you have to pay. I have blogger for my personal account and word press for Cuteable. Word press was hard work to begin with but it's become much easier as I've got used to it but I would go the blogger route myself if you are a complete newbie as it's fairy easy to set up and start.
It's much easier and cheaper to set up a blog as opposed to a website - websites are a nightmare (hubby does all mine for me!)
Ermm think that's all the advice I've got for now - give me a shout if you need anything else!

Thanks Swirly - I'll check my email out & see what that is, I dont know if its gmail to honest, thanks for the advice (tried to rep you but it says I cant do you again, so to speak!)

[Carol29]

I'm only starting to make a little, I have an online shop which brings in a few order but mainly its word of mouth, parties and my market stall that brings in the money. However, I'm fortunate to be in a position not to have to worry about making a living from it.

I had an article written about me in one of our national newspapers this week (Irish) and that helps with exposure.

Good luck with it all,

Carol
www.carolshawjewellery.com (http://www.carolshawjewellery.com)

[craftyjan]

good luck to all who are trying to make a living from crafting i do mine for fun and dont sell more buy i dont work as i was pensioned of due to ill health best thing that ever happened i look after my grandaughter 2 days a week and craft when i feel like it the only problem with this is you end up with so many things yove created and no where to put them i give lots of handmade gifts to freinds and family some appreciate them more than others i have been asked to make a couple of things for people but i try to avoid it if possible i dont like the pressure of if it doesnt turn out as they expect

[mymiyel]

Mine's still in it's very very early stages. It started out as something to do while off work sick for 4 weeks as well as doing a favour for a friend and it has grown since then.

I have spoken to business link folk and HMRC and have registered myself as self employed but there's still such a long way to go. It seems so daunting and overwhelming sometimes!

My intention is to make it into a full time business. I would love to do that now but I suppose I have to be sensible and not get too ahead of myself.

My blog is free but i did have to use my gmail address to set it up. I know typepad is quite a popular one but I think you have to pay for that. I'll let you know if I get any more info tho!

[wyattbean]

12 or 13 years ago I was almost ready to give up the day job and build up my business teaching porcelain dollmaking, then my life turned upside down. I had my daughter aged 40(the best thing that ever happend to me and wouldn't be without her although she wasn't planned!) and my marriage fell apart. I've only just started to rebuild the doll business but as a single parent and with a large mortgage etc.etc I'm still reliant on the NHS to employ me so we can live! the business pays for our holiday and one or two extras but thats all. I don't have the energy to do much more than I do already, but most importantly is the pleasure and the relaxation i get from creating, what little bit I make on it is a bonus.......
Guess i have to keep with the day job for a bit longer!!
Sue

[sharon]

I was lucky when I started as a self-employed soft furnisher full-time 6 yrs ago as I took a good redundancy package which saw me through. However, if I hadn't had this cushion to fall back on the dop in income would have been a worry. :o
There's no getting round the fact that it takes time to build up your business to provide a full-time wage - I delivered my first leaflets in January in snow & freezing conditions, stayed out an hour before I decided I couldn't feel my fingers to put them through the letterboxes, it only generated 1 order but that order was for over £400 & led to other recommendations. I placed 1 advert per month for 3 months in a local business magazine which bought in other orders & then when I was looking at fabrics in John Lewis on the spur of the moment I asked the dept manager if they would be interested in me making curtains & blinds for them in my workshop. Didn't get a response then, but a couple of weeks later I got a call & they came out to inspect my workshop/insurance etc & I started doing sub-contract work for them for the next 4yrs till we moved house. With this & private commissions I started to earn a reasonable wage - but you did have to wait to get paid! My first full house commission took 3months to complete so I had to wait till then to collect the cheque - after that when I did full houses I asked for payment when each room was completed!

I would definately recommend keeping your job on even if only part-time & doing your crafts in your spare time until you were sure that you could survive without a regular wage coming in - unless of course you win the lottery or have married a millionaire!!

If nothing else it gives you piece of mind until you've built up your business & feel confident enough to strike out on your own. :)


Good luck

[sharon]

Forgot to add that nothing beats working for yourself!!

[Poppy4lee]

I had to give up work through ill health and doing my crafts & setting up my eBay shop & website have been a real lifeline. I'm lucky my OH is sooo supportive. Although it's taken a while, my business seems to be really getting off the ground now and I'm starting to see some real returns. I've tended to 'go with the flow' and have fallen into things by pure chance. If I see an opportunity, I grab it :mf:. I really am the happiest I've been in years. We have enough dosh to cover the bills & very little extra but I wouldn't swap it for the world.

Ooh, sorry, got a bit carried away there :D

[Chris W]

I do manage to make a living from making and selling and have done for 17 years, it is certainly not impossible. What you will need is a bit of starting capital to see you through whilst your business develops, some lucky breaks which you have to seek out and saleable products. You also need to be self-motivated, not hard for me as I had no other means of income and kids to support. If you can discover a niche market where there is some demand, it is easier to promote yourself by targeted advertising. If I was younger and more energetic and ambitious I would be going for the online wholesale jewellery market.
Why not follow your dreams?
(This is my website catchphrase as I try to do this myself except I now stagger a little.)

[Focus on Life]

Its lovely to hear everyone's different experiences of running their dream craft businesses whether its full time or part time :)

I too had the lucky and longed for redundancy package which allowed me to take a nice long break to craft and, I have to confess, just chill out and take stock again after turning my life upside down just the year before that

I've yet to crack the elusive regular orders though, despite everyone who sees my work at craft fairs saying theyve never seen anything like them, and that includes stallholders who've been doing fairs for 20 years or more so I'm always especially chuffed to hear their feedback

But alas, bills need to be paid and there's only me to pay them so I'm currently enjoying my new temp job but am remaining "self employed" in my heart and at the weekends! :D

Have a lovely Bank Holiday weekend everyone
Shaz x

[sharon]

I agree with Chris W, some working capital to buy stock & tide you over is almost a necessity, but you also have to take a chance sometimes too.

If someone asks you to make an item or design that you've never tackled before but you feel that you might be able to do it - then go for it, making sure that you put over an air of confidence to the customer that you might not actually feel!! (Be like a swan - calm & serene on the surface, peddling like crazy underneath!!)

Can't count the number of times customers showed me a magazine photo of sumptious window dressings & said 'I want that!' - I then went away & spent hours working out how to do them, luckily all went well. :confused:

So, be practical with finances but let your creative juices flow freely! :)

Good luck