First a bit of charm swapping - the Low Volume Charm Swap run by Rachael at the Floral Suitcase. After a lot of deliberating about what exactly constitutes low volume I got lucky as Sarah did a post on low volume fabrics currently on sale - what a star! I've got two spots in the swap so I should be receiving 2 bundles of 56 squares. I'm quite excited about this but I have been putting off cutting up my fabrics out of terror at the hideous responsibility of doing it for other people and the fear of getting marks from my iron on the fabric, or cutting it squint. Now it's done!
I've found recently that when fabric comes off the bolt folded the pattern sometimes seems to banana in the middle, so after ironing my first fabric out flat I had to fold it in half by matching up the selvedges while holding it up to the light so I could make sure that the pattern line ran straight across.
Some stamp making - totally inspired by Fiona's own.
And finally I bet almost everyone who makes stuff has a little nagging voice of self-doubt but I decided to ignore it anyway and try making stuff to sell. I'm dipping my toe in the shallow end by starting with bunting - and little bags to put it in - and giving it to a friend to sell in her shop.
I've made about 40 metres of it so far - here's hoping.
As well as the bunting, I've been making Liberty fabric brooches using charm squares from Very Berry Fabrics (tutorial here, shortly to be updated).
This is my favourite.
It's turning into really useful experience, partly because I'm realising just how little my hourly "wage" will be after deducting costs, which probably isn't news to anyone who does this for a living. It's also useful from the point of view of learning about perfectionism and finishing things off properly.
Do you make things to sell? Where do you sell your work? And do you have a handy formula for pricing - or do you wing it?
Meanwhile, if you know anyone who would like to buy Christmas bunting, you can point them my way;-)
You did so many beautiful things:)
ReplyDeleteLove the stamp!!!
Well done on dipping your toe in the water, I am sure your bunting will fly off the shelves :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to New to Me too.
Congrates on your new venture! Yes, crafts for sale is sometimes difficult to make a decent return...Especially if you are paying regular price for your yardage. My general rule of thumb is 2.5 or 3 times the raw cost (maybe more if it's something really time consuming). So a simple item like the aprons in my last blog cost about $5.00 in raw material and I would ask $15.00. But your cute pins would go for more because it's about the labor not the materials. And then there's going with your gut. What will the item actually sale for?! I hope that helps?! And what the heck are buntings?!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, and happy holidays!, cheers, CW
Yup, making for a living isn't going to make us rich. I'd see how your competitors price their makes and go from there–but sometimes, just having the nerve to ask for more gets results. A friend (who makes and sells at numerous craft fairs) sells her stuff for decent sums, partly because everything looks like it is part of a brand. She doesn't spend masses, but presents everything the same way, with the same colour ribbon/paper/stamp–from a distance it looks really effective and draws the customer in.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck, I'm sure your work will sell well.
Love that stamp! Setting a price is always hard but better to start higher as you can always reduce your price if something just isn't selling. I agree with Elizabeth's comment about presenting your work beautifully it really does draw people to your product.
ReplyDeleteukcitycrafter@live.co.uk
That is brilliant news, those brooches are beautiful as is the bunting!
ReplyDeleteThe bunting and bags are very cute! Congrats on ignoring that voice of self-doubt.
ReplyDeleteThey are all lovely. They look so pretty on the tags! I'm an accountant as well as a crafter so if you want some simple tips on pricing let me know!
ReplyDeleteIt all looks lovely, bunting is so popular at the moment, good luck :)
ReplyDeleteGood on you for selling your beautiful wares!! Your beautiful brooches won't be sitting on the shelf for long!!
ReplyDeleteGood on you! they look beautiful and I'm sure it's a good time of year to make a start! I'm sure they'll get snapped up. I think Rachel at Stitched in Color did a post a while ago about pricing things for a market? But I suspect if you don't love doing it it won't be worth it financially!
ReplyDeleteLovely items! The Linen Cat blog and shop is a good place to look, I know Beth has given a lot of thought to pricing. Very tricky one, even making things as gifts can be demoralising when people have no idea of the effort that went into it...
ReplyDeleteDarling bunting... and best wishes and good luck with your venture! I have never sold anything. About 15 years ago I thought I'd make baby quilts to sell... but didn't really pursue it seriously. Looks like you are getting some good advice here!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely gorgeous makes. I guess on pricing it depends on how much money you want to make from it. Are you aiming for just a little bit of extra 'pocket money' or do you want to make more of a living from it. I tend to think that you will sell more if the price is not too high but it may become more of a wanted item if it is more exclusive? Best of luck with it all :-)
ReplyDeletereally interesting post Catherine, loved the brooches and the bag. I have been making things for my sister to help her bulk up a craft table she has taken, and I know what you mean about the trying to finish them off properly. And I was soooo stressed about cutting for the LV swap. I actually bought a new board and blade (much overdue I may add)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the
Good luck with the cutting - I messed up in the last swap that I did and had to order more fabric! I love the brooches, would you be interested in selling online or are you saving them for the real life shop?
ReplyDeleteGood luck. Everything looks beautiful. I am guessing, considering you have a blog and are known online already, that Etsy might be a good place to sell from.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of bunting in a little bag. Excellent solution for storing it from year to year. The brooches are lovely. Especially the ones with tiny roses in the middle. Well done on ignoring that "little nagging voice of self-doubt" and good luck with your new adventure. I think friend's shop is a good start. I agree with Willit Neverend, Etsy might be a good place to try too and check out the prices for similar items as well. The idea of making things to sell keeps playing on my mind but I have not been able to overcome that nagging voice yet! All the very best!
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