We're not mentioning the 'S' word

Well, we all know what the weather's doing in a lot of the UK, so we are NOT going to talk about it here!

Having a love of all things crafty means I gain great pleasure from looking at what others can do. Some people are just so talented and creative.

The pony beads I've been selling are so popular. I've sold them at craft events as part of a bracelet making set but not much else.  I was curious to know what people are using them for, so have been asking buyers for feedback.  People have been so willing to engage and one lovely lady reminded me of things I've seen done in the past but had forgotten about.  Some people's fingers are deft enough for them to create all manner of fabbie things with pony beads. A quick google throws up a raft of blogs and tutorials.  This is just one of them: A Creative Blonde I will obviously have to have a go at making one. If you try it, let me know how you get on!!

Are any of you pony bead users? I'd love to hear what you get up to with them!!

 

Price matters!

I've been asked to create a range of cards for another business.  I have had to provide descriptions, postage and pricing with room for commission to be added.

The whole exercise has confirmed that I am not pricing my cards correctly. At times I think I just cover material costs which doesn't exactly bode well for someone with their own business!! It would be impossible to charge for time at an hourly rate, but a profit still needs to be made as well as costs covered.

I think that the price I attach to my cards needs to go a little way to reflect the time I've put in and the fact I am offering a unique product. Are you a crafter who has had the same issues? Or are you a customer - do you think hand made goods are priced fairly?

In other news, I am continuing to extend my business and have begun to dip my toes into the world of craft supplies. This has always been an aim. I love beautiful, papers, ribbons, buttons etc and have so much admiration for lots of clever crafters out there. As with everything in my life it's all about the little steps. I've already added a small range of ribbons to Sharkey Tees Gift Shop & Craft Supplies and there are now also barrel shaped pony beads. My toddler loves all the colours and has had to have his bag of them to play with!! Yet again my profit margin is narrowing ha ha!!

From little acorns....

So!! I have 2 young children, a part time 'day job' & a little business that is about 8 months young. What would be the sensible next step?? Why, open another arm of the business of course!!! Right? Well that's what I've done!

Over the uears I have learnt that I don't do well with very structured routine, or just sitting down. I work well under pressure and I love variety! This is why running my own business suits me well, particularly as I have the main element of control.  I do feel like a bit of a fraud saying I run my own business. After all, I don't really know what I'm doing, but I do know I'm learning and enjoying every minute. I will never be fooled though. If I entered Dragon's Den I think they would cry into their cheque books. I would be their ultimate business nightmare.

My new page is to show case pre-made giftware as well as craft supplies.

 

 

There is a small collection for now. We all have to start somewhere and now is as good a time as any for me.

 

 

 

Sharkey Tees Gift Shop & Craft Supplies