Tell me the truth crafting mamas.

[VisionaryMom]

Whew. Okay. Here's where I am.

I worked as a reporter then quit to freelance from home. That was June 2004. For reasons that are unimportant here, I'm tired of writing. I'd like to do something that allows me to work some with my kids around (without needing full concentration) and something that uses my hands and has a tangible end.

I really, really love beading and am thinking of trying it out as a way to earn money. The reality is that right now I'm just trying to pay for my medical bills and preschool. DH doesn't care if I don't make enough to cover either, but I feel I need to.

So, is it really, truly possible to make decent money crafting?

My initial ideas: craft shows (but if I do this, I'll definitely be back for advice on how to get started), coming to agreements with local shops for beaded items that match their clientele - wine charms, bookmarks, various hair items, breastfeeding jewelry. So far, I've come up with 6 places locally where I could try to get the owners to sell my items. I also could set up on Etsy, though I've honestly heard such mixed reviews that I'm not sure if it's worth it.

I guess I'm just wondering if it's something that makes money or something that can work or something where in the end I find out that no one makes much money doing it.

[E.V. Lowi]

The top seller on Etsy made over $100,000.00 last year. Some artists are doing very well there. Jewelry is quite popular over on Hyena Cart. I think you have to try different things until you find something that works. It takes time and effort to build a business of any kind. Good luck!

[forest~mama]

I have found that it is very hard work, and my business was pretty successful right when I launched it. I think it is almost more difficult sometimes to be at home and work, than to leave the home for work. My dd acts horrible when I sew, and it makes thing very difficult. Many crafty wahm's work really late into the night so they can have uninterrupted time. Anyway, not to turn you off of it, but I didn't know this stuff going into it.

[kittywitty]

It is really hard. There is SO much out there, too, that it is tough competition. My mom was a silver smith and she worked on it as much as a full time outside home job and probably even more. I knitted soakers for awhile but it was very stressful. between people trying to rip you off (I didn't get my package until you bring up delivery confirmation proving it, etc.), getting underpaid for your talents...it's tempting but I wouldn't do it again.

[Dakota's Mom]

I probably do about $200 or so a month. It's enough to pay for the extra stuff I do while homeschooling my son. I certainly couldn't support myself on it. But I don't spend a lot of time or money on advertising either. Some weeks I do better on Hyena Cart and I do on Etsy. Other weeks it switches. My daughter spends a lot of time spamming our Hyena Cart site around. But lately she hasn't been feeling well and hasn't done much advertising. It shows in the sales. For me it's fun and I feel like I'm doing something for the environment. If I stop one person from using ziplock bags and throwing them away, then it's worth it no matter how much (or little) I make.

Kathi

[lilyka]

If you do anything i certainly doesn't hurt to start an etsy store. its easy and chap and is on more way to get your stuff out there.some months I make $100+ some months I make nothing. : I am thinking about branching out to craft shows and retail stuff but no matter what I will keep my etsy site.