Dinner's Served!

 

    I touched on this topic a year ago, and think it is important for anyone thinking about opening a business to see all aspects of what they are getting themselves into. I've worked several different angles of being a self-proprietor over the years, but I've not been able to be anything more than a serious hobbyist, and I'm alright with that. 

    Even the simplest of products take a significant amount of time and energy to produce and sell. Right now, I’m selling mask covers for $3.45, though I may up that price to cover the cost of an amazing amount of Velcro needed for this product. Some may wonder why it costs so much for something so basic and as a consumer I try to match what I think is the market value of a product. I believe in very short order these will be hanging on checkout counters for half what I'm charging. I really cannot compete with a product that is being mass produced. Rarely as a hobbyist do I get out the wages in time spent on any given project; I just hope to break even and/or make a small profit. Sometimes I ask myself why I would go to all this effort. I guess it is just the entrepreneur in me as well as my love of crafting.

For example, to make a simple mask cover includes the following list of items needed:

An assortment of: Fabric, Thread, Tools, Velco, Tabs

Office Equipment: Computer, Printer, Printer Ink, Paper, Business Cards, Envelopes, Tape, Wrapping Tissue, Labels, etc.

Add-ons: Thank You Notes, Instructions

Equipment: Camera, Shooting Box, Lighting, Editing Software (Adobe, Lightroom)

Fees: Posting Fee, Transaction Fee, Advertisement, Postage

Profit and/or Loss: Time invested in making product, posting product, editing, and marketing

    It seems like a lot to invest in an item that takes only minutes to assemble (once you've dug out the fabric, cut out the pattern, threaded the machine), because it is a lot of work. And once you've made the product it has to be marketed and/or shipped. Since I am a one-person business/hobbyist I am unable to mass produce items and that is where the real money lies. I come up with a design concept and pretty soon I’ll see it on the shelf in every WalMart, Target, and grocery store in my neighborhood. I guess I’m not the only one with ideas. I do try to customize my product and that makes it a little more personal. Mostly I do it because I like the challenge of meeting deadlines, pleasing customers, and it offers me a creative outlet. And if at the end of the week I get to order a meal delivered because I ran out of time to cook, then that is a tradeoff I’m willing to live with. Most days I’d rather sew than cook. And that's why I keep at it. No dreams of making it big or striking it rich. Just the satisfaction of creating something that someone will enjoy, and if I'm lucky, getting someone else to cook my dinner! 

 

     What is involved in a small business product post? My Etsy business is a solo act. I make, market, and sell my products from start to finish. Besides jewelry, felting wood and wood crafts I have recently added sewing products to my shop. Whether working with beads or fabrics the process of turning out a product to post on a web site is rather involved. I have supplies and tools for my profession, and like an auto mechanic I have spent thousands of dollars to build up my supplies so I can customize my products. When you see a necklace or a Christmas stocking more than likely a dozen different components have gone into the design and as many tools to assembly the piece. For example, I have on hand nearly 200 different fabrics and that is not nearly enough! Beside a rainbow of solid colors I have a limited supply of topic fabrics—one fish, one wolf, one coffee, one garden, two cats, etc. and invariably I don’t have the just something a person is looking for—so out to the fabric store for just a little more to add to my collection. And as soon as the design comes into vogue it drops out just as quickly.  

      In making a product there is the initial investment, for example staying with the Christmas stocking, there is the various fabrics, threads (variety of colors), sewing machine, cutting board, scissors, elastic. Then there is the time involved to design a product—probably several failed attempts—and then the actually making of the stocking. Once the product design is streamlined the production time can be cut to as little as ½ hour for the actual assembly process (provided all the pieces are pre-cut and ready to go).  Once the product is finished then a pictures must be taken  and some time spend to downloading and editing tocreate an appealing presentation. The photo must then be uploaded to the site and more time is spent describing the product in some detail. There is also the expense of posting, advertising, and a percentage of the sales taken from the selling of a good. Once the product sells more work is required to mail the product. More supplies, envelopes, tape, glue, business cards, special notes and possibly a gift wrapped package before mailing. At the end of the year—provided there are enough sales—you have the lucky task of dealing with taxes and other bookkeeping matters.

     When you see a Christmas stocking, or pair of earrings, or a scarf posted on Etsy or other platforms understand that behind that product there exists tools, numerous commodities to make each product, mailing supplies, camera, computer, photo-editing software, and the basic knowledge of how to work each piece of equipment as well as having the skills to make each product. Know that many hours were invested in learning, buying, sorting, assembling in preparation for even the simplest of products and all the effort that goes into marketing once something is made. Profits are marginal at best—some of us hobbyists are glad just to break even. The joy is in the making, in your satisfaction for our efforts, and the usefulness our contribution is as a whole. If we have a few shekels left over to take the grandkids out for lunch it’s been a good day. Thank you for supporting small businesses!

One corner of my craft room...I have since added "few" more fabric selections...

Let There Be Fruit!

I just read an article this morning where Warren Buffett claimed a person could increase their wealth simply by becoming a story teller. Evidently he has not visited my blog or my Etsy shop as I have been writing stories and trying to sell my wares for years. But hey, I’m up to giving it another go…

I make jewelry, usually pretty funky, unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. That’s because I don’t use patterns or directions; I just wing it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I often forget how I did it and, there again, why there is only one like it! I do repeat concepts I like, for example, my Tree of Life necklaces. I was sitting in a tavern some years ago with my niece making some necklaces when she told me I should sell them. She even helped my find a shop to sell them in and I did this for a short while. I’ve made several throughout the years, sold some, kept some, and gifted a few.

I sell my jewelry with the intent to make money, but that is not my main goal. I create because it feels good in my brain; it relaxes me and gives me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Now that I’m retired I can do this activity more often and at my leisure—profit be damned (though it would really be nice to increase my revenue by 50%).

Nearly each piece of jewelry I create entails a story. Sometimes a creation springs from a dream. I’ve wakened to an image design or pattern solution. I usually create in silence. Music playing in the background would be cool, but I’m a person content with my own thoughts and working my craft allows for not just free willing a design, but for my thoughts to go where they may. This tree design, as it unfolds, takes me back to family (as many of my pieces do). I can hardly make a tree without thinking of my niece. My brother was there sitting at the table with us and commented on how he’d like to see a tree with really small beads. My artist brother helpfully critic many of my of a pieces through the years as he was a very detail oriented person. So, about 8 years ago, I bought really small size beads (#15—ironcally, the larger the number the smaller the bead!) and then they just sat on my shelf—I’m a hoarder of craft items by the way—until I finally decided to use them in this project.

When making a tree I hammer out a piece of copper. Once I have the size and shape desired I use about 8 strands of copper wire. Because these beads were so small I had to reduce the size of wire I usually use and went down in size (26 guage—again, the higher the number the smaller the wire). Then to decide on a color scheme…I love blue so it is difficult to pick another color. This time the small beads determined the color—green. I usually try to include at least three color variances, or more; this time two greens, and a red. I threw in a left over faux wood bead I’d used in another design. This is the first time I’ve made a fruit tree out of my Tree of Life. The thought popped into my head that the tree should be fruitful…maybe it is because my daughter is expecting twins and I recently found out my niece is expecting. Let there be fruit! And so I put apples on the tree!

It’s not much of a story, I admit, but a story nevertheless. And when my Apple Tree of Life necklace is done I will either keep it, sell it or give it away.  

Warren Buffett article in CNBC:  https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/buffett-shares-an-easy-way-to-increase-your-worth-by-50-percent/ar-BBQxGXK?ocid=spartandhp

TAKING ORDERS for the 2018 HOLIDAYS!

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I AM CURRENTLY TAKING SIGN ORDERS. 
Delivery is free for those living in the Spokane or Cd'A area; shipping in the USA is @ $20.
If you are ready to order see CUSTOM SIGN ORDER FORM page for information.  

      I am gearing up for the holidays! I make unique, one-of-a-kind cedar signs?  If you want to order a sign for the holidays it is recommended that you order early. I am a one person shop, so am limited in the number of orders so as to insure delivery in a timely manner. These custom cedar signs are great as teacher gifts! They also make wonderful graduation or wedding gifts. They are perfect for the summer cabin or beach house!

Signs with a half-moon design between $50-60 depending on the number of letter or numbers. See CUSTOM SIGN ORDER FORM page for more information. 

Signs--horizontal or vertical--re between $25-$50 depending on the number of letters or numbers and whether and clip art if included. See CUSTOM SIGN ORDER page for more information. 

Other sign option are available--pricing will vary. 
Double cedar (12" in height; width varies) --- prices customized to design and size

Check GALLARY OF SAMPLE SIGNS for design options and ideas.  See CUSTOM SIGN ORDER FORM page for pricing options.  

Feel free to contact me for information by leaving a comment below, linking through my email: bachscrafts@yahoo.com,  or PM me on Facebook/BachsCrafts, and I will get back to you as quickly as possibly. I will make deliveries for those living in the Spokane/Cda area. 

Allow around two  weeks for me to design, build and deliver a sign; three weeks if mailing within the USA. 

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/bachscrafts

Thanks for shopping by!

JILL-OF-ALL-TRADES

     If you've every told yourself, "It's just a simple project...just wish I could find someone who could ________ without charging an arm and a leg," I might be that someone. I am seeing a few posts for people who want or need a little help from a crafty-type person. Mostly, something may have sentimental value that someone wants fixed or patched, or they want something specific and don't have the resources (or confidence) to take on a project, and need a little help making their items new, pretty or useful again.
     If you're like me you don't have a lot of money to spend on a professional, or hardly seems worth the trouble to bother anyone with such a small task. I might be just the person to hire for some small home-fix-it project. If you're looking for perfection--hire the professional, but I have a few talents and work in all sorts of mediums. I wouldn't really call myself an artist--I stick to the word "craft"--probably because I have so many interest that none of them are polished--a "Jill-of-All-Trades." I sew, make jewelry, felt, paint, work with polymer clay, make signs, can build a shelf. I can print custom made peel and stick letters, logos or designs. I've made wedding bouquets from silk flowers, and added bling to veils. I dabble in photography, and have done some photo restorations.  As a former teacher, I have some computer skills. I've made slide shows from pictures (usually for weddings, or after the wedding pics or for memorials).  I like to repurpose items--little spray paint, add a flower, and viola--like new! I've seen people throw out perfectly good jewelry because of a missing clasp--a two minute fix!

      All you have to do is make a request. I'll tell you if I think I can do it and at what cost. I know a lot of what people need can be gotten from Michael's or Hobby Lobby, but there is that rare vision of a project that can't be gotten from anywhere--the size, color, or design just isn't quite right. I haven't had occasion for anyone to stiff me--knock on wood--and I don't collect on my product until someone has seen and are satisfied with the outcome. Check out the different pages on my blog. I'll try to expand my gallery as people make suggestions or I come across previous projects. You can contact me through the email associated with this blog or contact me through my BachsCrafts Facebook page--BachsCrafts/Facebook.

   

Let me know what you need and I'll let you know whether I think I can handle the task. If not, I'll let you know that as well.

DRIP POTS

     When I saw a drip-pot project on Pinterest I knew I wanted to try it as a way to spruce up my clay pots. I then tried it on the plastic pots and it work just as well. I use acrylic/fabric paint. It is inexpensive, about a dollar for a 2 oz bottle. You can use any combination of colors you want. I found thinning it a little helps make for better coverage if you want the colors to smear and blend, or you can leave it chunky for a more textured look. A blow dryer can be used to help smear, blend, or add directional lines. (Be careful of where you do this activity; it will splash.)
     For my living room I always wanted a planter divider on the stairway shelf, but nothing too permanent. This quick fix seemed the perfect solution.  It also provides a place for me to grow some herbs. (Quick note: should you decide to bring in any soil from outside, make sure it wasn't composted--unless you want a kitchen full of fruit flys! I compost on my porch and in my herb pots. It was a sorry mistake to think I could just bring in the pots during the winter without infesting my house! Live and learn as they say!)
     For safety, I nailed a trim board along the back-edge of the stairway and butted the pots against this backboard. This project entailed the following supplies:

• 4--8"X 6"X24" plastic planters
• acrylic paint (dripped right from the bottle or apply with brushed)
• pumice rock (layer the bottom of the pot for drainage
• soil (sterilize) 
• play sand (optional for the top lay to keep down bug infestations)

I 

Change

     Walking through the store the other day, with a quick glance, I happened to point out some interesting paint colors to my daughter. Her eyes lite up and I knew immediately what I had done. She had been toying with the idea of moving her daughter from her crib to a bigger bed and with only a little encouragement the "plan" started to form.

     Change is most always bitter-sweet. Overnight my granddaughter went from her baby crib to a "big-girl" bed. I believe that transition is difficult for any parent, but the change was so dramatic it was hard to look back with any lingering thoughts. The first night my granddaughter slept in her "new" room was a wonder to behold. Her eyes were extra-large as she snuggled under her new cover. The first time I've ever seen her sleep with anything but her blankie touching her!

     The next morning, still in awe, she exclaimed several times throughout the day, "I like my room."

     One of the changes that really helped bring the room together was painting the old dresser. As a wood worker, covering wood with paint is almost sacrilegious--it just isn't done! And the fact that is was my grandmothers, and mother's dresser made it even more of a sacred object. But the dingy, yellowing wood had stood as an eyesore in my granddaughter's room long enough. In communing with Grandma Kate and Mom, I had to ask them if this was okay....change is hard for me. Both of them were artist and I could not hear their objections. With a final plea to my daughter, "Are you sure you want this painted," it met with a resounding, "Yes!"

     The dresser was sanded to smooth out some of the rough wear and to clean the wood. We used the same paint we used on the wall, applying the dark pink on the outer frame, while the drawers were painted the lighter pink. My daughter carefully taped each square, then used a roller over stencil. She was careful to apply only one or two rolls, then cleaned the stencil between each use. It was a little time consuming, but the results were clearly worth the effort. The painted dresser really worked to bring the room together and I think Grandma Kate is smiling down on her great-great granddaughter snuggled in her pink--very pink--room!