I wish I could just craft for $ instead of returning to work

[robinnowak]

Hi.  I like to crochet and I have a website and a shop on etsy.  do any of you have etsy shops?  if so, are they successful?  the only people that've ever bought from mine have been friends, but it's a very cheap site to participate in (I think it's like 40 cents they charge you to list an item) so I just like to keep my hand in the game.  i am bad at following patterns so I just freestyle.  also, i'd love to knit but haven't  been able to master it yet. but like i put in the title of the post, i wish there was some way i could just make $ off crafts instead of having to go back to work.  I want kingsley to go to day care eventually, because studies show how great it is for them to socialize and also to be exposed to different germs so they don't grow too sensitive, but i don't want him to have to go to daycare until he's a couple years old at least!

[MissElissa21]

There are a lot of mamas that sell in this group. Have you tried Storenvy? It's free to sign up and list items and it's customizable. Welcome to the group! 

[christydlewis]

yea you should check out Storenvy.com. It free to list. The only fee is the normal pay pal fee.

[billssweety]

I also crochet, I do not have an etsy, I do have a FB like page and a storenvy.  For me FB has been the most beneficial along with word of mouth.  I tripled what I wanted to make when I started my business 9/21/11, so far I have tripled what I wanted to make this far this year.  I have been truly blessed with word of mouth thus far.....

[amonkeymom]

Welcome!  

[harry]

i feel the same about staying home and doing my crafts , jewelry and beaded totes , right now im laid off so working like crazy to do what i can w/ what time i have . no f/b selling pg or any selling site yet , have to get some more stuff done first

[corrinacs]

I know what you mean :/.  I just returned to work a few weeks ago and its been quite difficult.  I would prefer to stay home with my new baby, but I really can't.  I'm not crafty enough yet to make a pure liviing like we need off of it :/

[The_Monster_Mom]

Try storenvy and couple it with an engaging social media campaign-lots of pictures and interactions with your fan base. Not just Facebook but Twitter, blogs, forums, pass out business cards and get into craft shows. :) I am 'successful' on Storenvy. I mean... It pays my half of the bills.. I was able to open a brick and mortar store to sell handmade wares by various artisans, called Daft Crafts. :) I love what I do!

[melliburger]

Try storenvy.com its free to have a store. Good luck!

[robinnowak]

wow, storenvy looks like a less exposed/popular version of etsty.  it looks cool.  i'll start a store on there.  thanks :).

[robinnowak]

yeah, i don't think i could ever in a million years make enough $ from crafts -- we live in L.A., one of the expensiveness capitals of the world -- but wouldn't it be nice?  honestly, the only time i ever sold a lot of my pieces is when my husband and i were unemployed for a long time, and my dad and my friend Ashley would both often buy a lot of things, and like, once my dad paid $200 or something for the $15 scarf he bought.  Basically, it was a nice way of being charitable.   but lately i'm getting these really great ideas for pieces, mostly purses, that are turning out really beautiful and avant garde.  it's fulfilling in itself, since i know they're not going to be the golden ticket that prolongs my family bonding leave.  but yes, it's agreed, going back to work sucks.