Seeking inspiration and/or reality checks!

[Focus on Life]

Hi everybody

I really must go to bed soon , 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 spe******ing 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

[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

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? 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? 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!!!!

[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]

inspiration

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]

scared...

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!?