Turning your crafts into cash is tricky yet very easy. If you enjoy creating and you constantly hear people telling you that you should sell your creations, it may be time to venture into the world of selling your crafts for money. Like all things, entering the world of selling crafts should be carefully planned out. There are many websites and venues where you can sell your crafts both online and off.
Online venues are a great way to reach customers all over the world. Popular websites like Etsy are great tools that help to reach your targeted customers. Before taking the plunge into selling your crafts, be sure to take the time and do some research beforehand. Keep the following questions in mind as you consider the prospect of selling your creations:

Do I have a product that people would want to buy?
This is the most important question you have to ask yourself. If there is no target market for your products, you will have a hard time selling your creations and not because your items are not nice, but they may not be in demand.

Who is my potential target market?
This is a continuation of the question above because you need to know who to advertise to and how to successfully draw your target market to your items. It would be a waste of time trying to sell baby clothes, for example, to those who do not have children.

What will I charge for my creations?
Pricing is an important strategy. All too often, people undercharge for their creations forgetting to take into consideration the time and materials that go into a product. Make sure you account for both the cost of the materials as well as the time and effort you put forth to create your goods. Also, be sure not to overcharge. You may find that your items do not sell because they are overpriced.

Where will I sell my craft items?
Online websites are plentiful when it comes to selling handmade goods. There are websites such as Etsy who only allow the sales of handmade goods, along with supplies. eBay is also another popular venue to sell handmade goods. Be aware though, that you will be competing with the other goods that are not handmade and may be cheaper. A good description of the item and its benefits is always a good idea.

If you choose to sell locally, try finding a store that will sell your items on consignment or sign up to exhibit at a local craft show. Both will be good for exposure. If you choose to go the consignment route, be sure to get all terms in writing. Otherwise, you run the risk of having your items kept and not paid for.
It is very possible in the current day and age to make some spending money selling your crafts. Be sure to do your research and follow through your plan by keeping the above questions in mind. Once you have your plan in mind, go ahead and take the plunge. But remember, like anything else, you will get in return what you put forth so make it worth your while.
Be sure to leave your questions and comments below.

Coronavirus pandemic is taking its toll on everybody right now. More and more precautionary measures are being taken to save masses from the infection. Such preventive measures include effective lockdown and personal protective equipment such as face masks and sanitizers. Wearing a face mask is compulsory in some areas, and even some stores can restrict you from entering their store if you’re not wearing your mask. A face mask is scientifically proven to prevent infection from spreading.

Why do we need a facemask extender?

Some of us have long and tiring jobs, and more places are now requiring their employees to wear a mask. Eventually, one will have to wear a mask most of the time during the working hours, and it can leave you with some pretty bad bruise marks on the back of your ears due to tension caused by the elastic band. It is a painful experience, and almost all medical workers are suffering from it daily these days.

A facemask extender can be a lot helpful in this situation. It helps reduce tension on your ears so you can wear your mask for more extended periods without any discomfort.

How to make your facemask extender?

Crochet Extender:

This extender is washable and is really comfortable on the back of the head.

Things you’ll require:

• Colored Yarn
• Some buttons
• Basic crochet skills
• Thread and a sewing needle
• A pair of scissors
• Yarn needles
• A ruler
• A crochet hook

These items can be purchased in our Supplies shop.

Steps:

1. Take your preferred yarn, but make sure it has a bit of elasticity. It ensures comfort upon wearing.
2. Using your crochet hook make a starting chain of 21 chains (or your desired length).

3.  Then make double crochet on the second chain from the top using the hook.

4. After making double crochet on the second chain, continue making double crochets till the 18th chain.

5. Stitch the last chain to your desired type. I’ve made mine a bit round by making two half double crochets then double crochet, triple crochet, double crochet, and a half double crochet. However, as a beginner, I won’t recommend you do this. If you’ve been making crochets for some time then it’ll be a piece of cake for you.

6. Now start making half double crochets for the next 18 chains.

7. After reaching the 18th chain, stitch this end to your desired type. You can try making both ends different too. However, I’ve made mine circular, like in step 5.

8. In this step, you’ll have to skip over the first half double crochet you made and then continue making half double crochets for the next twenty stitches and then join at the end.

9. Using scissors cut the string from yarn. At this point, your crochet face mask extender is nearly ready but needs some significant additions which we will address in the next step.

10. Sew in the remaining thread with the crochet so that no loose end remains insight. Cut off the remaining thread with scissors.

11. Attach the buttons and make sure you pass the thread multiple times through buttonholes so that they remain locked in their place.

12. There you go. Your DIY face mask extender is ready.

Or simply purchase a ready-made Ear Mask Extender from our supplies collection to save you the hassle. Shipped quickly to you.

Rainy days can be a drag for children and adults alike. Despite the weather outside though, there is fun to be had inside as well. Rainy days are the perfect time to break out the arts and crafts that will drive away the rainy day dreariness. Crafts are perfect for all ages and ensures that nobody is left out.

Crafts for Small Children.

Children age two and up can sit at the table with paper and crayons. While the younger children may not have a long attention span, coloring will help to keep a child entertained when it is not feasible to play outside. Cut out some shapes on paper and let the children decorate the shapes. For more fun, break out some glitter markers and some stickers. Foam is also a good option for younger children. Foam does not tear easily and is very versatile which makes it a good material for young children to craft with.

Crafts for school aged children.

Children who are attending school are likely more adept at handling items such as scissors and glue. Popsicle sticks are a great item to have on hand for rainy days. Popsicle sticks can be used to build houses, picture frames and many other things. The possibilities are unlimited and your child’s creativity is the limit. Paints are also a good idea. Lay out some paint, brushes, paper and some water and paper towels for cleanup and let your kids paint the day away.
If the children are in middle or high school, they are adept at doing more than coloring or painting. Craft ideas for older children include painting on a canvas, scrapbooking and other paper crafts, as well as building crafts out of wood and other items. Cross stitching and fabric arts are good deterrents from the weather outside as they are time consuming.

Crafts for adults.

There are many different crafts that adults can do. Jewelry making and scrapbooking are two of the most popular activities. Sewing, whether by hand or machine, is an activity that can take up a lot of time and therefore drive away the rainy day blues.
Crafting does not have to be and is not age oriented. There are many different craft types, with different levels of difficulty available for pre-school age children all the way through adulthood. Keeping craft supplies on hand will make a rainy day easier on everyone.
Please leave your comments and questions below.