January, 28 2012

I can't believe January is almost over. I've been spending the whole month working on whether I can possibly support myself at my craft, or if I need to take a 9-5 job again. As I don't have a husband to help me with health insurance and things like a roof over my head and food in my belly. I find I need to sell more than I am selling, if I ever want to move out on my own. You single artist/crafters know what I mean. Most single artist/crafters have to have a 9-5 just for insurance. Bless us all.

I'm taking 4 months to mull things over, refine my offering, and get a design portfolio together so I can go back to my full time career. I'm also finding that about the only money I am making right now is on my sewn items, aprons, pillowcases, bow ties etc.

I've found that because sales have been low on my felt flowers, I have lost motivation. I realized that maybe these are something that people have to see in person, to want to purchase. I also am thinking that I have designed some things that are so unique that the general population won't really want to wear. They are pretty, but not for everyone. I've been working on new configurations that will sell better, and getting new photography.

Today, I designed a simple brooch. I am very pleased with it, I am working out designs for bangle bracelets too. And I added more single flower necklaces. I also think I need to design more long necklaces, as not every woman has the neck for chokers. I'm on a roll.

I'm working very hard on the branding and packaging too. I've got a box and an idea. And I will be tightening up logo, ads and packaging.

As for supporting myself? I'll continue to sew and I will be working on my design portfolio. I'm hoping that I will use it for consulting work, rather than full time work. That way I can pull some income and still sell my flowers. Or I could find a wealthy single old guy with a heart condition. Either way.