Does anyone here make a living from their crafts?

**Patchworkgirl** · 09-22-2002, 08:32 AM

I used to make jewelry out of antique and vintage buttons a few years ago. Made some very good money and was a great supplemental income when my kids were small. Got out of that business, ( had creative difference with my business partner, and buttons were becoming increasingly hard to find) and went back to work part time. I miss being creative, and having the positive feedback of someone actually paying for your creations! Anyone else have this experience?

**homesteadmamma** · 09-22-2002, 11:05 AM

We don't make a full time living from our crafts but it is part time. It certainly supplements my dh's very small income and we love doing it. In 2 years time, it will be our full time job has dh will be retiring and in order to supplement our pension, will do it full time.

We both are creative and love working with crafts. We also enjoy meeting others who do crafts and especially love the craft sales.

**MANDERS** · 09-25-2002, 09:18 AM

I thought about doing this when ds gets into school.Right now it would be so hard with everything going on right now.I've hardly found time to start my christmas crafts,but i think its a great way to get your creative side going and your work out there.My mother and grandmothers(one still does)used to do craft shows.Last year my grandmother made enough to buy 3 formal dresses and to take a major vacation.Hers is all needle work.SO it can be a great way to make extra money,

**captclearance** · 09-25-2002, 09:24 AM

I made pretty good money doing it.... Trying to find a place to sell them is hard.... Some shows want $100.00 for a both..... I try to get supplies cheap and I can sell them for less than others do.... Try to find something unique, I hope none of you are IRS auditors, but I made $3,700.00 last year... I won't make that much this year unless I get my self going....

**~Sherry~** · 09-25-2002, 09:30 AM

*dialing the IRS*

LOL Just kiddin.

That's great, Lori.

I wish I was creative enough to do that sort of thing. I love crafts but I don't seem to be able to just think them up.. and I lose interest fast too. Not alot of patience either. Hmm... I'm not much good.

**captclearance** · 09-25-2002, 11:14 PM

You make me Laugh Sherry.......

**dolphin** · 09-26-2002, 12:49 AM

Sherry, I think you may be thinking too little of your abilities. You seem to be a very talented person. Maybe you don't come up with the initial ideas but I bet you can out do a lot of us on staying with something and making it better if you believe in it.

You just need to find the "thing" that is in you. Sometimes it may be right in front of your face. Other times, you might have to search for it.

I believe that if something falls in your lap........ that is what you are supposed to do and do it with a vengence.

Just take the time to let your talent be revealed and you will be surprised.

Maybe it will be mystery shopping, maybe crafts, maybe childcare, no matter, it will come hon.

Believe in yourself and it will happen.