Remember how the craft room used to look? Since I took Friday off along with Kimba and what seems like half the interneters I used the time to clean the craft room. And think.
Nesting Place was a business long before it was a blog. I started off selling tassels and garlands and baby items over 5 years ago. I never really had a business plan or a goal but I knew I was having fun and I wasn't loosing money.
Last year Nesting Place had over 500 sales on etsy and more in local shops and craft shows and raked in about $20,000. Wow!
Wait, you have to subtract supplies and shipping charges and fees and junk like that. And all the stuff I've paid for but haven't used yet. I think right now I have over 300 toppers and over 150 yards of fringe. The profit was less than 50%. Nesting Place made about $9,500 in tasseling sales last year. And The Nester worked her tail off. Hence the question that every crafter asks them self. Some on a daily basis:
Is it worth it?
Each person has to decide for herself if it's truly worth the time to do the craft. But, I can share with you what has worked for me and how I've been able to keep doing what I love. But maybe I'll quit tomorrow. Or maybe I won't...
Every cent used for Nesting Place has been cold hard cash. Staying true to not going into debt for my business forced me to evaluate every purchase. I'm not implying that that a person wouldn't evaluate every purchase when charging something but we feel the pain of spending so much more when we fork over a $20 bill as opposed to a credit card that yes, I am implying that every purchase that is charged might not be evaluated to the fullest. I had to start small and build on past sales putting the money back into the business for the next show. It seemed like every purchase was a risk but since I started small it was always a risk we could afford to take. And still is. I only buy supplies after selling merchandise.
2. You Gotta Love It
I {big puffy heart} tassels. I think they are darling. I think they are adorable. I think they are the most enchanting, precious, captivating items that you will never need. And I wish I could keep every one I've ever sold. I love them dearly. They each have their own personality and I could have one on every lamp, armoire, cabinet, knob, hook and maybe one on the hood ornament of my car. Do you think that's taking it too far?
But it's not enough to love the finished product. You have to love the process. For me, I'm addicted to beautiful fringe. Bullion, brush, chenille, pom pom, ribbon, feather, tassely--I love it all! I like finding good deals on the supplies and I love putting ribbons and fringe and toppers together in different ways to create something spectacular. I could make tassels for hours on end. If I'm not in the mood I just don't go up in the craft room but for the most part, the only thing I need for motivation is a cute topper and 12 inches of plush fringe.
Making something you completely enjoy is sometimes the biggest and only payoff when you have a craft. I would be very careful before I launched into a craft that I didn't fully love.
3. A Supportive Spouse
Lucky for me my husband has an adventurous spirit. He's the most encouraging person I know. I think I would have quit years ago if it weren't for him making sure I knew that I should do what I love. I hope I can return the favor one day. I'm thinking if he was the one making tassels and having a tornado style craft room I'd tell him to burn it all.
Not to mention the fact that when you make something and sell it, it has a way of taking over the entire house. If the people you share your house with are fed up with your crafting ways, it's that much harder to make it work.
4. A Dedicated Space
A craft room is fantastic if you can spare the space. This is the first time I've had a room all to myself. The most important part of the room? The door. You can close it and pretend like the room doesn't exist. That is what you are after with your craft space. No matter where your craft space is--be it a corner, a basket or a room, I find it important to be able to pack it away or shut the door or cover it up and forget about it every now and then.
I also had to learn to allow the room to be a creative mess. I sit on the floor surrounded by all my junk. That's how I create and I make no apologies for it.
5. Know Thyself
Everyone has their own definition of success. Everyone has different goals. Each of us enjoys a different type of work and finds beauty in different things. Aren't you glad?
Some things that I've discovered about myself:- I hate shipping. I hate the packing and the taping and the making sure I have all the right supplies for shipping. It's not fun and I don't like it. {if you haven't gotten your package yet, I'm shipping out today--if you're lucky}
- I don't like to make lots of the same item. I don't even like to make two of the same item. There are some crafts that would not suit me because of my non liking of repeating the same thing.
- I want to be in charge of what I make. I want to make it when I want to make it. Apparently I am demanding. Custom orders and me don't mix.
- I am super picky. Currently I have a box of over 51 tassels that I have deemed not good enough to list.
There are also some positive things about me:
- If I like something I can work on it for hours, HOURS on end I tell you.
- I can create beautiful tassels fast.
- I am creative and love to find new and better ways to make cute junk.
- I'm not a pushy saleswoman. When I'm at a show I'm not actively trying to sell--I've actually told people not to by stuff {when they say, "my husband's gonna kill me for this"} I enjoy the show and the people and somehow, it works for me.
Knowing what motivates you and what your strengths and weaknesses are will help you decide how to market your wares and the types of services you can offer. Don't be afraid to adjust and tweak what you are doing over time.
So, it is worth it? I'm still trying to figure that one out. Some days it's so rewarding to make something and have someone be willing to purchase it. Some times it feels like a big fat waste of my time. But I do think it's worth thinking about. If you have a craft make sure you set aside a time to evaluate what you do, why you do it, how much you are actually profiting, how much time you are spending, what the true costs are and if you are enjoying it. Now go to my etsy shop and buy up all the cute, needless junk I've made.
113 comments:
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts today. You've written something we can all learn from, and got us all a thinkin'!
Thanks for the honesty! I have to tell you that your blog has just inspired me to watch my dollars and to be grateful for what I have. I really appreciate your words.
Thank You!
JRS
I really could relate to your post today. I had a small home based craft business and stopped about 2 years ago for all the "right" reasons. It wasn't making much money, it took so much time, blah blah blah. But I miss it and have been debating going back. Thanks for the honesty, you really have me thinking.
~Michelle
I so agree with needing a dedicated space. It's hard to be creative if you always have to clean off your creation from the dining room table in order to be able to eat a meal. Yes, the dining room table is a good place to start, but much easier to have a dedicated room where you can just get up and leave the mess behind while you go cook a meal.
Great tips!
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal
Hey Nester! Great thoughts! Your tassles are b-e-a-utiful and it's clear that you put a real love of making them into each one! It's so cool how much you sold last year.
Love the picture of the Man-o-the-House on the scooter. That looks like fun!
Thanks for all the advice. I love making hair bows because my girls wear them. But, sometimes I get a little frustrated with low sales. Everyone loves my bows. But, not a lot of people buy them. :-(
If you don't mind sharing....Where do you get your peronalized boxes? Love them!
Coming from someone on the recieving end of your crafts, let me say I am grateful that you continue to do this Nester Magic. It will be impossible to put a monetary worth on what you do, because in every sense of the word, you and your craft are priceless!
@So Bella:
I buy plain white boxes and I personalize them with stamps that I have made with my logo and cute nests and junk like that.
For years, my friends and family have told me to sell some of my things, but there is just no way. I have a full time job, and it would ruin me. This post was a confirmation for me. While it seems to be quite a good balance for you, it would stress. me. out. If nothing else, I loved getting to see your "madness" and your shipping supplies! :)
Thanks for posting this. My husband is always trying to get me to move on and work for myself. I just can't seem to find that perfect thing that I'm passionate enough about making. I do have an idea that I'm throwing around, but I'm scared! It's difficult to put yourself out there like that.
All I can say is "Amen, sister!"
AMEN!!!! I'm grateful for your brutal honesty! Congrats on a very successful 5 years...and here's to 5 more!
Hi! Sounds like you are doing a lot of work as a family to be good financial managers. If you hate the shipping, maybe this could be a good chance for your kids to learn the same value hands on. Can you hire one of them to do that for you? Are they old enough to do it responsibly? Then maybe some of the fun stuff you buy for them (clothes or entertainment for example), you can teach them to buy for themselves with their earned money. That way you don't lose more profit and your kids learn your family's values. AND best of all you don't have to do the shipping! :)
What a fantastic post! (I'd appreciate it even more if I had um, a craft. But anyway.)
About those 51 unfit tassels....maybe an 'as is' clearance sale is in order. My motto? It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. Wait. That's your motto.
Mine is: I'm number one in the number two business.
Never mind.
I'm glad to know we share the same philosophy....I do not like making the same thing twice....it's boring. But also not as productive. It would be way easier to mass produce!
Suzanne
@Sara
What a great idea! I am SO controlling that it would NEVER work. My big fear is that I send out 12 tassels and each one of them goes to the wrong person all over the country.
But, you are right, maybe I should delegate. Or I could just quit. That would be easier.
LOVE this post!
Many times I have thought about hanging out a shingle, selling my finds, but the boxes drive my husband nuts and I lack (any) dedicated space.
I love that you have been able to earn that income without having to go to work outside the home.
That is why WE LOVE YOU! (especially your very last line). For me, it's the packaging...I can't get past having to mail out the things that people want to buy from me. And so it sits, and I procrastinate and then have to overnight it to get it there on time and then I'm in the hole. Sigh! I'll get better, but I'm not passionate enough about the post office, I guess.
I really enjoyed reading your post today. As someone who would like to make something that lots and lots and lots of people would buy, I realize there's maybe just a little bit more to this than making and selling. Thank you for the insight and advice.
You know what nester, this is exactly what I've been questioning in my mind for years. I make all kinds of stuff. I have a supply room and a work room that is the biggest room in the house, yet I still wonder, why am I making this? I have sold some things, but I really don't like the business part of crafting. So, I often give my stuff away. I get a lot of joy out of doing that. And I focus my energies on volunteering for a small non-profit art and craft school. I also featured a young crafter on my blog today, and she says some of the very same things you say: if you don't love, don't make it! Thanks for this post. I find it one of the best ones I've read on your blog!
AWESOME post!!! I have been doing commissioned custom scrapbooks for others for 12 years. In the past 2 I have also branched out into digital pages and books. I love it! I agree with the no-debt philosophy. I also like doing "event" or themed albums rather than album after album of the same family stuff. I do find that when I get busy, I have to balance and make sure my own family's photos are also getting done. But I love doing such rewarding work... each album I am entrusted with is an honor to me, truly. I find that my clients turn it all over to me in trust, so I have complete creative control. When I think about other ways of helping to add to our family budget (i.e. "get a job"), nothing can beat what I am doing! Blessings!
What a fabulous post and soooo what I needed to hear!
Great advice that I think applies to every person in business for themselves. Love the pictures. The one of your husband is so funny.
As always, you are so honest and refreshing. In a world of fakeness, you are always a breath of fresh air.
Thanks for sharing.
Cynthia
I absolutely love this post.
I used to have my own custom children's clothing business and I loved making new designs. However, I hated making the same thing over and over for different people and I really hated having to make custom designs for people in themes I didn't like. I also hated that hours it took away from my son, so I just up and quit...and I haven't looked back. :) Now I design for ME and it makes me very happy.
Thanks for sharing what works for you. I've been wanting to have a little Etsy business for a couple of years now, but I don't know what I'd make and sell. I consider myself very crafty and creative, but I also have a high standard (like you)...I want to find the thing that makes my heart sing. Tassles for you, is like ??? to me.
BTW, I covet your craft room. One day, one day....I'll have my own space...
Thank so much Nester! It really made me think about my little project and why it didn't work. I quit. Not being recognized was a great frustration. I had lots of fun doing my stuff but always felt like something was missing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Vanessa ps. not having a optimistic and encouraging dh didn't help much either.
Just had to tell you how much I love this post. I'm always so happy to find that I'm not the only one going through the same thing when it comes to making a selling things you love.
Been there done that got the t-shirt. Thanks for sharing with us, I often wonder how others who sell their craft feel.
(I decided it was no longer worth it)
Oh, so that's how I get my craft room cleaned up! I have to pry myself off the computer for a day. I'll give it a try. ;-)
Great post.
~Heather
So true, so true. I tried to start a business selling scrapbook items. But I would have been better off reading a post like this one beforehand! Out of all the things you listed that a crafting businesswoman needs...I only really had the supportive spouse. So now I'm back to scrapping for myself, when I feel like it - and loving it.
GREAT post! I love the pic of your husband!
I have loved ABSOLUTELY everything I've bought from you. LOVED it. And I'm so glad that you love what you do - because that increases the chances I can purchase something else in the future.
At Christmas, I wound up with 129 orders. And I decided for a while that it wasn't worth it. I was not prepared for that kind of business.
Now, I'm slowly getting back into it. All of the things you've listed are things that it took me 3 months to consider.
Thanks!
Great post! I used to spend countless hours painting picture frames for my etsy shop. Then one day I just decided that it really wasn't worth it. I still love to paint frames. I still take custom orders, but I don't spend hours every week trying to paint however many frames I think I need to keep my shop stocked, and I quit try to find people to order my frames. It has been a good thing for me and my family.
Thanks so much for your honest, Nester. I love what I do, and hope it can one day support me. Thanks for the great post.
Love your tassels- I really appreciate your thoughts. Over the years I've had a couple home based businesses and some have worked and some....well not so much. I agree with you, that you really have to like what you are doing and having a great space to do it in is a must!
Thanks
I really like your post today. And I really LOVE that chocolate bunny tassel with the pink ball fringe and green pompom. But since my husband would kill me AND I'd have to use a credit card, I'm allowing my willpower to take over. Please just do me a favor and make sure it goes to a good home, where they won't bite the ears off :)
This post was perfect timing in reminding just why my kitchen is currently a peep and ribbon explosion as I craft yet another adorable Easter creation. :)
I have a home-based business, as well. And even though my business is direct sales, rather than crafting, those same rules apply! That was interesting to me. It made me realize that no matter what you do from home, you really have to go through that same mental checklist to determine if it's worth it!
=] emily
I love the "behind the scenes" aspect of this post. Thanks for sharing!
I love to browse your etsy wares. And when I am richer than I currently am, I'm going to buy a beautiful tassel.
And I am belatedly telling you that I love you for telling us all how to make ragamuffin garlands a few months ago. I love how you're generous with your ideas like that.
I have now made 3 of them and I'm working on 2 more. (Not to sell, of course. I'll leave that to you.) But they make the loveliest baby gifts and they are nearly free to make.
Rock on, crafter chick!
Nester, I totally agree with you, only have a business that you love! I have so much fun painting and it's just as fun to know people are enjoying what I make.
Hey gals...If you haven't bought a tassel from Nester, you need to! The white bird tassel I have is so beautiful. I enjoy mine everyday and you will too. Happy shopping!
I have never seen tassles like yours. I'm gonna have to get me one.
I'm cracking up at your husband on the scooter! We bought those same scooters for our boys for Christmas.
I love being surrounded by my creative mess also. What a great post!
Great post. I love understanding your thought process. It's very enlightening and helpful.
I think you are so right! As an artist and a retailer , I think it is so much more about the love of the craft and doing something that you love like creating or blogging. For the hours I out in to either, I don't make the majority of the money back, but it's worth it so make some money doing something I love. Jen
This was fun and encouraging to read. I'm getting thrilled about some stuff I'm making, and wondering if it would be worth it to pursue actively crafting and selling. Still don't know, but it's nice to see what it would take.
And you can just send those 51 rejected tassels my way, thank you very much. I won't tell a soul that they were rejects.
I just opened my Etsy store in December and everything you have said is SO TRUE! Although, I don't mind shipping because it means I sold something. :) I have yet to make a profit but each month I am getting closer & closer (and might just make one this month, yea me!). It really does help having a supportive hubby and loving what you do!
Still loving the way you lay it on the line! In figuring what you make remember that you're not buying a whole new wardrobe, gas, daycare etc so you probably profit more than you would working outside the home. Nancy
I loved this post!!! I have had a small business for 8 years..Snowman Hill. I had a shop in my home, several seasonal sales, and now I have a booth in an antique shop. I struggle with the time issue and if I really make enough to keep doing it. However, I'm still at it, I love it! There are days I hate it, but the good out weigh the bad, it's a hobby and it keeps me busy and I love being creative. Will it ever make me rich...no way, but it's not about that, it's about keeping my brain active and meeting new people and having a reason to buy more junk!!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts- Krista
What a great post! Your ideas have given me something to think about. I love making invitations and hosting birthday and tea parties. People often tell me I should go into business as a party planner, but my husband says that with all the time and detail I give to my parties, I would never make money doing it. So I'll think about this post for a while!
Great post - and great information. I want to start selling on Etsy and I'm kinda crafty - but just haven't come up with that ONE thing like you have that people will love. Love, love, love your work - so original and fun!
great post. i love hearing about other people's experiences with their crafting business. thanks for sharing!
You raise some excellent points. This is something I think about now and then; especially when I'm going through a dry spell creatively. Making a list of pros and cons helps and as long as the pros continue to outweigh the cons, that's a good place to be.
I started making jean bags because another lady suggested it. I enjoyed making them for her because of her excitement [and her shop :)]. When she closed her shop and moved I lost the fun of making them.
The fun of blogging way exceeded the fun of making the bags. I need to find something I love to make. Do you think music arrangements would count? I have a passion for that!
I THINK PART OF THE PROCESS OF DECIDING IF IT IS WORTH IT IS THE REALIZATION THAT WHEN A PERSON IS AS CREATIVE AS SOME OF US ARE BLESSED TO BE, WE NEED THAT OUTLET TO FULLY BE WHO WE ARE. WHO WE WERE CREATED TO BE. JUST LIKE ANYTHING ELSE WE DO, IT SHAPES US AND MAKES US. SO IF IT TRULY ADDS JOY IN OUR DAY, AND WE ALMOST CAN'T BREATHE WHEN WE THINK ABOUT DOING WHAT EVER IT IS, MAKING TASSELS, OR OPENING YOUR OWN SHOP, IT IS SO WORTH IT. YEAH... ALMOST NECESSARY.
HUGS FROM MAINE
HUGS FROM MAINE
I say that if you can create and love it AND make some money off of it---keep at it girl :)!
Can just say that I love this post? I'm just getting ready to launch a cookie etsy shop {bakeat350} after having a little business for years and taking a "blogging only" break for awhile.
I, too, am not fond of shipping! ;) It's good to know I'm not alone.
Thank you so much for posting this. I am getting ready to open my Etsy shop and I have been asking myself those same questions over and over. Is it worth it? I don't know, but I love creating, so maybe any little extra income from all the time I spend sewing will be worth it!!
Let's have a "it doesn't have to be perfect to sell it" sale and get rid of those 51 tassels taking up space in your drawer. You can discount if you'd like. ;)
I always enjoy your post! But I really liked your honesty about your creative business and family support. You are very lucky! Thanks for sharing and encouraging others!
I just wanted to tell you how much I LOVE everything I've ordered from you. To you, it is a craft that you are good at. To me, it is a piece of my home. I look at my cute tassel and ragamuffin garlands and they make me smile. My kids lay in bed and look at their garlands and the cute things you tucked amongst them and it makes them happy. You are creating little pieces of happiness for others to enjoy and for purely selfish reasons, I hope you never stop!
Oh...I enjoyed reading your adventure in the crafting world...wishing you all the success~
sandy toe
Oh man...do I totally get that! My husband thinks it's funny when I stand and hand embroider. I do it because if I sit down...I'll embroider for an hour and not even realize it. I stand to embroider because after about 10 mins. I need to sit and then I look at the time and realize...OH I got to go make dinner or put the kids to bed.
I love to embroider...and I don't make much money on my Tea Towels. I, like you...Just can't keep 30 tea towels...I don't use that many! LOL! I also don't think anyone would want to spend $20.00 on a tea towel either...LOL!
That was a wonderful posting!
Thanks so much,
Susan @ VeryPrettyThings on Etsy
Wow, I really *heart* you. With rainbow sprinkles and unicorn kisses. Sell those 50+ tassels! Think how much more fringe you could buy! And, as you like to say, it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful! Maybe you could offer them at a discount for their "imperfections."
And I totally want to come craft with you.
Great Post Nester! You have a wonderful way of inspiring us. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE all four of the Tassles that I got from you. I would have more, but my Husband thinks we should eat, crazy!
Thanks so much. I found your post very encouraging.
Thanks for sharing your heart with us! I think it's great that you know what you are good at but you are not prideful about it. Not in the negative way, anyways. I love all your tassels! I would buy them all if I had any money! Even the ones you haven't listed! :) Reading your blog everyday has made me more crafty with my hands and with my money...I've learned a lot from you! Thanks a bunch!
Excellent perspective and advice about crafting. I reread through your post several times today to take it in and see how to relate it to my decision. Thanks for putting this out there as it helps!
What a great post! Like you, I have a craft I love, don't like custom orders since it completely stifles my creativity, love the materials I work with (semi-precious stone beads & wire--love the colors and the feel of them). I don't craft for the money, since I work full-time, but I craft for the love of it. Salesmanship & shipping would be my least favorite aspects of a business. That is why I have chosen to sell my wares only by word of mouth...Thank you for all your thoughts and lessons learned.
AMEN!!! Thanks!
Thank you for this post. I have been working this week on setting up a dedicated craft space in my garage and many of the things you wrote about have been going through my mind.
I whole heartedly agree with you about paying in cash for what I use, it has made a big difference.
Thanks for inspiring....
Hugs,
Debbie
That's a great list of thoughts on crafting businesses--thanks for sharing.
Yes, it's hard to do crafting. I have done it a couple of times, doing the shows and all. It can get discouraging but then you get encouraged whenever people tell you how unique your work is. Your things are lovely.
Such a great post. Yes I think it is all very much worth it. Yes I get sick of it (I make children's boutique bows and can you imagine how many of the SAME ONE I have made?) I love to create. I hate to pack n ship too. But I love what I do. And alot of the times I give them as presents or put on packages........There's nothing better than seeing a little girl smile!
-Shannon in Austin
PS: I used to have my bows in a little boutique store. It closed down :( Now I have them all in my garage....protected. Sigh*
Oh yes. Craft rooms are much better messy!
I am just enjoying your honesty and your blog so much! Thank you.
I seriously LOVE tassels. I don't have enough stuff to hang tassels on in my house. My love of/for tassels is spilling into my kids rooms...whom aren't terribly in love with them. Your tassels are beautiful! But if you ever decide to stop making tassels...teach us, so we don't have to live in a world without tassels.
Nester, I have a real concern here. Doesn't your bottom go completely numb, sitting on the floor that long? I must be fat in the nethers, because mine goes numb after ten minutes and then it creeps down my unproportional legs. Or rather, the tingles RACE.
Oh and I am BURNING with curiosity to see the 51 unworthy tassels. How do you know some among them aren't the very type of tassel someone is looking for?
Of course, I'm still more of a ragamuffin garland kind of gal and still think I'm making mine wrong--like, as in the s.l.o.w. way. Good thing I'm not doing it for money.
what a wonderful post and you are right on the money.
xo
This was an EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT post! You should be proud of your business, your blog and your willingness to share your knowledge. REALLY great post!
We share the same thoughts on some things, however, I DO like to package my items up and ship them off to their new homes.
I have a studio in my house and like your's it gets a little unruly sometimes, but it's mine all mine! I have a blast in there, spend lots of hours and sometimes forget to come out to eat. ha ha
I really love that! I have to say, I'm so glad that you branched off into blogging instead of *just* crafting. I have always wanted a beautiful home but decorating just isn't in my veins. I now have the blueprints for hanging curtains (thanks to The Nester! ).
OH and this post caused me to go look at your etsy page. Your tassels are beautiful. Find me a mushroom tassel and I'll buy it. :)
Good for you! I think it is a good idea to take time to evaluate what you are doing. Sometimes we get so engrained in the habit of what we are doing we forget the why. I'm so glad you have found something you love. And what a bonus that others love it enough to pay you for it!
I'm really glad you posted this! Thanks for the honesty! I totally GET where you are coming from! I have been wondering the same thing about my etsy shop.
Thanks for the encouraging posts. It a great reminder of why we do the things we do and why I live with a messy craft room :)
Just a Lurker of your Fun Blog saying I could have written this post myself word for word. Well said and my crafting life to a T, only my craft is Jewelry making. Thanks for sharing too... Love your tassels so much too. Jamie
Oh, you know I needed that post! One thing I have found out making what I'm making is that I enjoy the process, too, not just the finished product. And you know what? It's contagious, because my sweet husband even asked me if HE could make one! It turned out as pretty as mine! Well, almost. :)
This post was so inspiring to me! I love to create things just for fun right now, but I'm working on creating a craft room!! I can't wait to make a mess and be crafty! I might even start MY own business, too! (Not selling tassels - don't worry!) Thank you!
This has been a real thought-provoking post for me. I love to create things, but the time and effort needed usually makes it unwise to sell for profit.
For that reason, I find that I most often create things and give them to close friends, who I know will cherish them.
Or I have been involved in crafting swaps where I makes something to swap with another like-minded person.
My friend - that was a fantastic post!!!
I love your tassels! I have a friend who's purchasing a new house. They would make a terrific gift.
I absolutely love your blog! It is one of 5 that I look forward to checking in on daily. You are funny, creative and I enjoy the chuckles you give us all! I also share your "tassel passion"! I've made them for years, and after giving them away, I finally listened to some people and sold some. My etsy site is new, but I don't want it to be a business... it is pure hobby for me. I love to make them, but I do so many other things that I need to take a break, which you can't do if people are depending on you to ship them their stuff! Keep making your beautiful tassels and never stop blogging... your too much fun.
Deb
what a truthful, insightful and inspiring post for all of us creative moms with blogs and shops. thank you for sharing.
continued success for the nester!
xo
Great lesson on crafting and business. Could be another one of your items to sell - a how to pamphlet or maybe an e-book!
Oh my goodness. If you have a moment, please check out my post today. It shows my floral room. I could have written your post almost word for word. My today's post talks about my 20 yr. anniv. of my business. I am just like you...think of quitting most any time, but I do love it and just can't seem to give it up. I have never been in the red, always making a profit, but let's not think about all that inventory I carry, okay? Yes, the fees, the shipping, the memberships, they do add up, don't they? And yes, my business is all over my house too...everywhere you look, there is a price tag! LOL!
I really enjoyed your honesty and seeing all the similarities we share. Thanks for a great post!
what a fabulous post. thank you for a realistic perspective, and a debt free one too! we're big ramsey fans! we're very similar spirits! i've owned businesses and i LOVE to craft and decorate too!
I love that you buy everything with cash. Add me to the mass who would love to see an imperfectly beautiful clearance sale on the tassles that didn't make the cut. Someone once told me that it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful...hmmmm. Put them on Ebay~let us decide how much they're worth :)
I've never commented before but I'm a faithful reader. I'm also a proud owner of one of your tassels and I LOVE it. Seriously. It makes me happy every time I enter my dining room where it hangs proudly from the door handle. So thanks for doing what you do.
No way, I love your tassels and could never make them as pretty as yours.
You need to figure out where your heart is and follow it, which you know better than me.... I have to tell you one day what I am working on.
Cynthia
Thanks for keeping it real today Nester. Must be a trend... I too posted about real life and how life is forever evolving. My artwork keeps my mind young! I love it, but do try to keep my spending in check at all times. It can get away from you really quickly if you are not using good old cash. Have a great week!
~Misti
This is why I haven't started an Etsy shop. I love to craft, but doing it for business probably wouldn't be as enjoyable with having to ship and make multiple things. When the kids are grown and I retire from graphic design work, I'll open my shop:-) Thanks for the "real" post. Good for people to see how hard running a small business really is! Looks like you're doing a fabulous job with yours:-)
love you nester. someday soon when i can pay for one in cash, i'm gonna buy my own nester tassel so i can hug it and talk to it and admire your handiwork all day.
xoxo
Amen,sister! I made dolls for 15 years-helped get both our girls through college and pay for weddings. Never worked so hard in all my life!(I'm also a nurse)
If not for my very supportive husband,I don't think I could have done it. He's the salesman and would go to shows with me and chat up the ladies while I worked on handsewing projects.I loved the creating,but not the business stuff.
Your products are wonderful! If you love it,do it!
With so many great Etsy shops out there now, I've often wondered whether people make money doing their crafts, how big their businesses get, etc. Thank you for just putting it out there and being honest, and for your great insight! Love this post.
I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes because this is such a total God thing for me. I have been trying to start a business making Christian jewelry and the only thing stopping me is fear of failure (and a 4 mth. old little boy who I adore). I love your blog and was just thinking the other day that you always give the best advice and I would love to see you give advice on how to start a craft business. I couldn't sleep tonight so I decided to check out your blog and here is an answer to my prayers.
So I just had to say thank you for all your great advice. It was more helpful than you will ever know.
Take Care,
Lisa
I commend you for sharing straight talk about what you love, what works for you, and just how you're making it all work!
Now, go dig out that box of 51 tassels that you deemed not good enough and post those babies! I have a feeling that a lot of other people would see beauty in your imperfection!
I love,love,love your blog...I love,love,love this post and I have just recently become infatuated with tassels! Going to your etsy shop asap!
Thank you for this. You have articulated things I've thought about but not organized in my head. I love creating stuff, but I, like you, don't like to "have to" do it. Custom work often repels me even if I like what I'm making. I also don't like to sell or do anything with numbers. I'm still looking for that perfect spot where I can make junk I love & make some money doing it so I don't have to sit at someone else's desk & computer all day!
Thanks for this post...I've thought all these things too! You are enjoying it and people love it! Priceless!
I'm desiring some double poms things in blue brown and green...to go with the table runner on my blog today...to hang on my walmart lamps. There is no thingy on the top to hange them from though. Let me know your thoughts when you get a moment.
MJ
It's so crazy reading this, because you sound exactly like me. Our businesses, although different, sound like they could be operating out of the same house! And our husbands too! :)
He just took a picture of all my "to ship out today" boxes.
Where do you get your pretty boxes? I hate paying for them! Please tell me you found a great deal somewhere!!
Your crafting sounds like so much fun, I want to come and sit in the craft room! You wanna trade places for a day? :)
Take care! Still getting lots of referrals from your blog. Thanks a bunch!
Lily
Looks like your craft room could use a creative vinyl decal like this one
http://marlenevelazquez.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=107&CatalogId=&DesignId=2565&ItemId=&CurrentPage=1
Reading your story will help me when I'm buying things I don't need. I find myself starting one project and thrilled to do so but I go out and buy the supplies for it and then I'm upset with myself because I want to stay focused and enjoy the things I already have to make and take pride when I'm finished with one project at a time. Thanks for keeping it real!
Enjoy,
Debra
Post a Comment