How to Turn My Creative Hobby into Spending Cash?


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.

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How to make a handmade photo frame for father’s day at home?How to make a handmade photo frame for father’s day at home?

Father is a blessing for us from God. He is that person who makes every effort to make us successful in our lives. We celebrate father’s day every year and father’s day 2020 is coming. One day is not enough to pay salute to fathers, but we don’t appreciate them every day. So, at least on father’s day, we can show our love and affection for them in many ways.

We can give them a piece of appreciation which can make them happy and satisfied. There are a lot of ideas we have for a gift on father’s day like a customized mug or shirt. But your father will be happy if you gift anything made by yourself. Now, you will be thinking of what to make for father’s day?  So, after DIY father’s day card, we are here with another idea that you can make a handmade personalized photo frame for dad with a lovely message and beautiful picture.

How to make a photo frame for father as a father’s day gift

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to make a DIY picture frame for your dad. We will teach you to prepare a dad picture frame in less time with fewer things.

DIY rock frame

This DIY picture frame can be made quickly and looks very stylish and graceful.

Material

  • Any old or used wooden frame
  • Craft paint in grey color
  • Rocks of different sizes
  • Paintbrush
  • Hot glue

Method

  1. First of all, you have to paint the frame with brushes and wait until it dries.
  2. Now paste the rocks on it with the help of hot glue.
  • You have to cover the front side of the frame by pasting all the rocks on it.
  • Now add a note, picture or both. The photo can either be yours or your dad. The perfect option is your combine picture with your father.

So, a sophisticated DIY picture frame is ready as a father’s day gift.

“DAD” frame

Another photo frame, we are adding in this article is easy to make. It will be the best gift among all father’s day gifts.

Material

  • Newspaper
  • PVA craft glue
  • Paint
  • Readymade letters or you can cut from cardboard or wood.

Method

  1. First thing you must do is putting the newspaper on a smooth surface so that you can do your work comfortably.
  • If you have readymade letters “DAD” then it’s so convenient to make this frame. In any case, you didn’t find letters, so don’t worry. You can make them at home by cutting cardboard or wood. Just cut these letters on a paper and then cut from wood or cardboard with the help of paper’s letters.
  • Now it’s time to paint the letters in any color of your choice. I recommend you should choose the favorite color of your father.
  • You have to wait for the paint to dry. Meanwhile cut the pictures you want to paste on every letter. One thing you must consider that the size will be according to the holes of letters.
  • Next step is to stick your letters together with glue.

Here is your personalized photo frame for dad on father’s day.

How to start a shop on Etsy.How to start a shop on Etsy.

Starting a shop on Etsy is very easy. The hardest aspect of starting an Etsy shop is coming up with the kind of crafts you are comfortable creating, in order to supply the market you are targeting. If you don’t want to build your own crafts, you may source vintage items and sell them at reasonable rates.

There are upsides and downsides to everything in life, the same can be said about the kind of products you supply. I personally think it is best to create your own crafts for sale, in fact, no one knows about your creations as you do, hence you stand a better chance at selling your products just to mention one of the advantages.

A disadvantage is that the going rate for your crafts needs to be very competitive as lots of other vendors may already be selling the same or similar crafts. As for vintage items, one advantage is that the going rates are mostly high which is a good thing and the disadvantage is locating and gathering vintage items for your store which can be tedious and costly most times but if you like what you do you will find a way, not an excuse.

After coming up with your products, locate a supplier for your raw materials. I personally purchase all my supplies from the Etsy Club, I get a wide range of quality materials at reasonable rates and they are shipped right to my doorstep. Here is a link I added for your convenience.
Once you are through coming up with the kind of products you are comfortable with, Go to Etsy.com, click on the link “Sell” then click on Open Esty Shop and follow through with the process. Signing up is very easy but we will make a separate post with a total walkthrough on Etsy’s sign up process and product listings.

Once you are through signing up and verifying your Etsy store you may start listing the products you will be selling. Each product lists attract a small cost. Try to use professionally taken photos for all product listings.

Now, Simply purchase all raw materials needed from start to finish of your product depending on the kind of products you are creating. At first, you may not need to purchase a mass amount of supplies as it is best to supply on-demand but purchase enough to have materials left over for a few more finished products. Sometimes you may get deals of which if you purchase a certain amount of materials you get discounts, try to maximize on all opportunities when it comes on to business.

In some cases, you may need to wait until an order is placed before purchasing your raw materials as it is totally dependent on the product you are supplying.
This is a general outline of starting an Etsy Shop. Please leave your comments below if I missed anything if you have a question, concerns.

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Rainy Day Craft Fun for Everyone.Rainy Day Craft Fun for Everyone.

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.