Friday, December 26, 2008

Filling Orders...Whew!

Between my own Christmas gifts and filling orders for people, Christmas got busy! I made and embroidered an apron for a friend's daughter that was getting an easy-bake cupcake maker, made and embroidered a tag blanket for a friend at church, monogrammed 3 sweatshirts for someone's grandparents, and monogrammed 2 sets of sheets for a neighbor. They turned out beautiful! I liked the sheets so much that I went and got some new sheets for Ray and I for Christmas and will be monogramming them soon!


For my own Christmas presents I made Jonah a cape like the Wonderpets wear, a grilling apron for Ray, monogrammed a collapsible market tote for Ray's granny, and several other things that I can't post yet because the people haven't received them in the mail. I can't ruin the surprise!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Decisions, Decisions

So, I've really been trying to figure out this whole new realm I'm jumping into. From coming up with a logo (still need someone to help make the picture in my head a reality) to researching the best way to take payments, I've gotten a little overwhelmed today. If I could just sew and the money would appear in my bank account without making decisions, it would be a great thing...but come on that's not realistic is it? And don't even get me started about the fact that not one single present is ready to go under the tree at our house! One thing I'm very excited about is that there are people approaching me with projects and even a few orders just from posting some pics on Facebook. Success! Since my thoughts keep circling around in my head I thought I'd start a "to do" list...maybe if it's written down I might be able to sleep tonight (not likely).

To Do:
1. Find someone to help me with the logo I keep picturing in my head. (preferably for really cheap or even better...free! I would even be willing to make a trade.)
2. Order business cards, packaging materials
3. Figure out paypal buttons
4. Check into Etsy and setting up an online store through them
5. Make more samples and take pics (hooded towel, apron, chef hat, travel tumbler, nightlight)
6. Put together pictures of fabrics available (really I can do almost anything, but people like to have choices to help them out)
7. Stop thinking about business stuff and make Christmas stuff!

This is just the beginning...I'm sure I'll think of something else in the middle of the night!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Diving in head first...

After months of friends telling me I need to start selling my crafty little creations, I'm finally taking the plunge...head first. Call me chicken, or maybe it's the fear of rejection, but I've held off since the beginning of the summer. I've always used the excuse of crafting just for peace of mind and creative expression, and the never-ending need for cute, original gifts. Nevertheless, here I am. As a new mom, I had an overwhelming and burning desire to stay home with my son, so I took a leave from my "paycheck" job as a teacher and followed my heart....the funny thing about following your heart are those pesky little things called bills. Now don't get me wrong, we are fine financially and my wonderfully supportive hubby has said the words "whatever it takes to keep you home", but I would still like to contribute to my household budget as much as possible. And besides, I'm already up there in my little craft heaven...wouldn't it be nice to make a little on the side to fund my crafting efforts? So here I am. I really don't have any idea of where the road will go, but I'm finally ready to get the word out and see where we end up. So I'm inviting you to join me on my journey...who knows, you might just find something you want to order.