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looking for advise on topic

Hi all, I recently graduated and with the evil student loan payments I have discovered that I am in some trouble with my $$. I shall spare you all my sob story lol but as a single mom of 4 the government is taking far more than it needs from me yikes. Anyhow back in the day I used to sell handmade soap and other such items at craft fairs for extra $$ but with the new health canada regulations this has become impossible for me, besides I far prefer quilting these days :):) So my question is this... I have so much fabric, what are some great ideas of quick things to make that maybe I can sell for some extra $$. For those of you who sell at fairs and what nots, what are the best sellers? Pot Holders? I have no idea. Baby quilts? I am not sure how to price either. I put so much work into my soaps and stuff and I know how hard this kind of thing is, so I am looking for some adivse. $5 - $10 pot holders seems like a reasonable thing, but how many can one sell. I was thinking if I made up some smallish items then had a few of my quilts on display it might generate some small extra income for me. Or am I just being unrealistic here? Anyone been there done that I would appreciate any words of wisdom. Thank you :)

Carissa

Reply to
Carissa
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I really hate to tell you this, but you will have a very tough time earning even minimum wage per hour by making hand crafted items. I think if you need reliable money/income just get a part-time job. Sorry- but I have made crafts off and on over the years and I never could average more than a dollar or two per hour. Maybe someone else has had better luck.

I wish you the best- being a single parent is one tough job!

Leslie- single mom to The HairyButt Gang

Reply to
Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Thank you :) Actually, I was just looking for extra $$ not minimum wage or anything. I have a fabric addiction and if I can turn some of it into extra $$ it doesnt really matter at this point. I am working full time m-f 8 hours a day and daycare costs enough $$ as it is lol adding something else wont even cover the addictional day care $$. Was only thinking a temp thing to earn some extra from what I already own... yikes addiction to fabric is no easy thing to deal with ;)

Carissa

Reply to
Carissa

Friend made basic shopping bags to sell. They are just plain 'our calico, your muslin?' with about a 4" band of pretty fabric round the top, so cheap on fabric, and every one is different. She was able to mass produce them as they are so simple. She has been selling them for about $4 or $5 as 'Save the Planet' bags.

I see lots of people using them, so they must sell!

Sally at the Seaside~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~uk

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Carissa wrote:

Reply to
Sally Swindells

You might check out people's Etsy stores. They are online "boutiques." That would give you an idea of what's selling and at what prices. (Etsy.com, maybe? And surely there is an online community of crafters who talk about their Etsy stores.)

You could also make a point of checking out craft fairs in your area. Get an idea of what people are selling and what the prices are.

There are a couple of books about making money through crafting. You can get them at the library.

Good luck!

Nann

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Reply to
Nann

I do not like to make things to sell, but there was a time when I had to. I found that the easiest to sell are smaller, lower priced items for babies or for specific holidays - Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, etc.

L>Hi all, I recently graduated and with the evil student loan payments I have

Linda PATCHogue, NY

Reply to
WitchyStitcher

Reply to
Tia Mary

Reply to
Roberta

another good one is "Pin Cusions" simple little ball ones, chicken ones, star shapes, moon shapes. they were popular at a show i just went to.

"Aprons" of all kinds were also there.

and the "storage bags" are also a great crafty thing. i have one, i love it. (you put your clean used grocery plastic bags (sacks) in them to reuse.

amy in CNY

Reply to
amy in CNY

Thanks all I have some great ideas now :) I loved the bags too... never even thought of it which is so silly cause I use them lol. Pin cushions and holiday themed items. I knew I could count on you all. Thanks again :):)

Carissa

Reply to
Carissa

(snip, snip)

Reply to
Donna in Idaho

Good sellers around here are sturdy shopping bags, small handbags, cell phone necklaces (like a chatelaine only for a cell) and anything John Deere, Corvette, or NASCAR- lap quilts, baby quilts, BBQ aprons, neckties, camp shirts. Caution- even though they sell licensed fabric there are still issues about selling things made from it.

Jane in NE Ohio- hot & muggy even now it's dark out

Reply to
Jane Kay

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