Business in the Spotlight: A Treasured Something

                                          All about: A Treasured Something

Susan created  a small business called A Treasured Something. I spotted the gorgeous creations on Twitter and offered to do a blog post to showcase her business.

This is in Susan's words with some comments from me.

                                         Starting Out ....

Whilst I was at school I took Foundation Design and really enjoyed it. 

At the end of the school year, we were able to do exhibitions of our work and I put on one dedicated to The Teasle Family.  These were very much in during the early 1980s they were like little pompoms with a dress on and then a teasle head.  I then decided to make some stories with them and took photos on my old basic camera, had them developed at the chemist and put them in a book and wrote a little story about them living in my garden.  

I really enjoyed this and so did everyone who came to see my exhibition.

For many years then, art kind of fell by the wayside as work and gaining qualifications became more important. It wasn't really until about 10 years ago now that I started to pick it back up again, by looking into mixed media canvas paintings and decorating wine bottles and wine glasses.

                                                 My First Media Art Painting ....

I love this one so much because it reminds me 

of the sea with its wonderful colours and textures. 

I used a variety of mediums including broken 

jewellery, stamping and snow effects to give 

depth and texture to the painting.

It now hangs pride of place in my lounge to 

remind me of what I have achieved.

ME: I love the colours on this beautiful piece, it reminds me of the sea on a sunny day. 

Love the textures too, it's fabulous.

                

                              My Work Today .....

Over the past 10 years I have done a lot of different art and crafts, mainly for myself.  

                                     

One of the more unusual ones was making ornament goblets.

                                                                                

As a few of my friends were into Game of Thrones, I decided to get a few ordinary wine glasses and transform them into ornate Gothic style goblets.

ME: Aren't these fabulous? They really look the part. Such a great idea.

I enjoy diversifying into a variety of different mediums some have been pebble art, creating greeting cards and one of my loves at the moment is making miniature teddy bears and furry animals.  

As an artist and crafter I have found it very important to diversify in my work as it gives me ideals and inspiration.

 One of my favorite pieces has to be this little teddy bear and that is because I lost my little Pekingese in March this year and I popped some of her fur inside the teddy bear I had made so I could remember Hetty as she was my soul mate and will always be close to me.

ME: Such a wonderful idea, 

I am sure others would love something like this to remember a beloved pet and feel that they are still close. 

Susan's LINKS: 

ETSY: A Treasured Something

Ko-fi.com: A Treasured Something

Twitter: A Treasured Something

Facebook: A Treasured Something

Instagram: A Treasured Something

What do you think?

Did you enjoy this post about this lovely business? Do go and have a look, there are many beautiful pieces. Check out the social media pages. Why not follow to keep up to date with new products?

I love everything but especially the gorgeous Teddy bears, such glorious colours and so cute. They are not toys but fabulous collectables for adults to enjoy.

----------------------------------------

Your business:

If you would like to have your business in the spotlight contact me. 

You need to write out why you started your business and what your inspiration is. Your first creation, your favourite piece and why. Add pictures and all links.

Its a Pay It Forward because starting out I had help from other crafters.

Business in the Spotlight: Lizbet Felt Creations

       Today's business in the spotlight is Lizbet Felt Creations

Usually I am given an idea of what to write with information supplied. Helen, the owner of this business has done all the hard work for me. She has done such a good job that I am leaving it all in her words.

Introducing Helen of Lizbet Felt Creations.

How it began

Needle felting was initially just a hobby for me. I loved art at school, but to my regret ,I didn’t carry on with it. If could go back in time, I’d go to art college. 

Over the years, I dabbled here and there, trying out different crafts in my spare

time, but nothing stuck. Then I bought a cheap needle felting kit and took to it immediately. The first thing I made was an apple, which is now sitting pride of place on my mum’s mantelpiece!

From dream to reality

I carried on experimenting. In 2020, after receiving some lovely comments about my work, I started thinking seriously about opening an Etsy shop, but I needed to work out the business side of things.

It was a dream come true when my Etsy shop eventually went live in November 2020 (yes, during lockdown). I felt nervous, but had the attitude that if it sells, it sells, if it doesn’t, it was worth trying. 

First Sale

The first creation I sold was a miniature penguin. I was sorry to see it go because it was a favourite of mine, but at the same time I was delighted to have made my first sale. I was so nervous wrapping the penguin up and preparing it for posting. What would the customer think? Thankfully I got great feedback, which boosted my confidence.

I’ve made many things since then, including lots of penguins.

I like to challenge myself. I have a list of things I want to make and am slowly working my way through it. Most recently I’ve ticked a cat off my list. 

I can’t pin down one favourite creation. Each new make becomes my favourite, but I can tell you the ones which stand out, and they include a hedgehog, a Herdwick sheep, and I loved a snowdrop and a fox I made so much, that I decided to keep them. I put a lot of myself into my work, so sometimes I do get attached.

One off creations

My work is unique. Many creations are one-offs, like the angels. Others are limited edition. Take the penguins I’ve made, even though some of them are done in the same style, their faces are all different, so when you buy something from me, know that no-one else has an identical piece. Needle felting is a slow art too, so I can’t make hundreds of the same item (not that I’d want to).

Now I have two shops, the original Etsy shop, plus a Crafter’s Market UK shop.

I opened the second shop because I wanted to be part of a site which was UK based. The Crafter’s Market UK shop is still a work-in-progress, but I am aiming to have that one for pictures, brooches, cards, plus one-off hanging decorations, whilst birds, animals and angels will all remain in my Etsy shop.

Loving the journey

2021 has been a learning curve, in terms of what I can make, social media and most recently, I’ve been looking into getting my work into local shops. 

I find needle felting relaxing. It’s the perfect way for me to express my creativity. It’s so exciting to start work on a blob of wool and to see what emerges. I love needle felting and I hope that comes across in my creations. 

Etsy: Welsh needle felting artist based in by LizbetFeltCreations (etsy.com)

Crafter’s Market UK: Lizbet Felt Creations (crafters.market)

Twitter: @lizbet_felt

Instagram: @lizbetfeltcreations

What do you think?

Did you enjoy the post? Have you checked out Helen's wonderful creations? Aren't they lovely, so cute and gorgeous!

Not looked yet? What are you waiting for? Click on those links and check them out.

Isn't it wonderful how a hobby and interest you really enjoy, can become a business you love.

Another post you might like: From Handmade Hobby to Business

Thank you for visiting and taking the time to read this post. See you again soon.

Money Making Crafts: Woodworking

 With so many people out of work because of business closures and less jobs available in the real world, it makes sense that so many are looking online. Whether looking for jobs, working for someone else, or wanting to start a business it seems that online, a hugely increasing market, is the place to be

Working from home

Being able to work from home has been shown to be pandemic proof, in the main. Some businesses suffered of course, the wedding and travel industry are the main ones that spring to mind. Those that only had one website that was totally invested in either of those would have lost their source of income virtually overnight.

Not a good place to be. The lesson there is to diversify.

Times are changing

Lots of big businesses have survived by moving online which meant a lot of job losses. Those that could work from home during lockdowns and restrictions found it was a better option. They felt safer, there was no commute and no office distractions. Another bonus was they got more done in less time, so had more family or leisure time.

Many do not want to go back into a busy office or work environment, neither do they want to be on crowded trains or buses on the commute to work.

Online businesses

These are on the increase but with over 4 billion online users there is plenty of room for all. Many crafters have upped their game and turned their hobbies into a business. Lots of others are looking at what they can do to create a viable business.

It doesn't need to cost much to start up, website provider/hosting, domain name etc. It can take time to build a business and there is more to learn about than you realise. 

You need to have good photographs from every angle with a good description. It's a good idea to have a blog on your website with articles on different aspects of your business or talking about what you make.

A good way to start off is advertising online via social media in your local area. It starts bringing in revenue quicker than waiting until your online presence has built.

What to make?

For this piece, I am going to start with woodwork. Why? Because if this is your forte there is such a variety of things you can create from large to small.

Let's start with a very popular item at the minute, a Mud Kitchen! Not heard of one? Nor me, until my granddaughter asked my husband to make one for our great-grandson's 1st birthday.

She gave him a picture for ideas and off he went.

The picture was before he added a top shelf and another underneath.

Now the reason for her asking was that so many she had seen were expensive. If they were a decent size, well made and looked good they were £300 upwards. Websites also charged extra for the accessories. 

We discovered some pound shops had stainless steel bowls for £1 and sets of wooden utensils for £1. They were just cut down to size for small hands. So it's worth looking offline as well as on for extras that you need.

You can do research and find out whatever else is popular at the minute.

More ideas

If you like making big stuff, there are sheds, log cabins as a garden room. Children's playhouses, benches, tables, desks, stools and so on. The list really is endless. 

Beds

My husband made some beds for the grandchildren. The first was a type of bunk bed over a desk though, rather than another bed. Camper van bunk beds that still look as good 10 years on. Very solid and sturdy unlike many you buy. 

He also made a toddler bed that looked like a digger. A four-poster single bed, with a pull-out bed underneath on castors.

Then of course you can make bed bases with storage underneath, either by lifting up or with drawers or cupboards underneath.

The list is endless once you start thinking. 

Shelves

Then there were shelves he made for a daughter's friends who saw the grandchildren's shelves. One person asked for a football pitch, another a sail boat and there were a few others too. 

So after making many for free, well not free to us of course, another daughter suggested he make a business of it. But this time make and sell them using eco board and eco paint.

He made a variety of children's shelves including a rainbow cloud, racing car, double decker bus, a castle, a fairy castle and a train and so many more.

They became popular, but it got too much after a while, with his full time working. So he stopped. 

You can make all sorts of shelves, not just novelty shelves, for all around the house.

Boxes

What about toy boxes or storage boxes? Be innovative and make sections to hold particular items. Paint them to match bedroom themes. Make big ones and small ones, perhaps even stackable for an office or craft room.

What about Pets?

You can make things for pets too. Kennels for dogs, hutches for rabbits and guinea pigs with or without a run, Hutches can of course be two storey to give more space to move around.

You can build aviaries for bird breeders.

Then there are beds. Cat beds and dog beds of all sizes too.

Be creative

Brainstorm ideas too. Look for something that no one or very few make. Get friends or family together and write down things that you would like to make. Then take those ideas and expand on them with 'What if's'.

What if something was a different shape? Try to be different.

If you are making to order, ensure you list the amount of time it will take to make an order up. Always take the money upfront for personalised or made-to-order items. If you have done the work you should be paid.

Conclusion

There is so much you can make from wood. If you enjoy woodworking then it's an ideal business. 

Working out costs and time is important. Don't make things for free because you feel guilty charging those you know. Once you make something free or at cost for someone they will not buy from you at full price.

Once you are a business treat it as a business, not a hobby. 

If you enjoyed the post, please comment to let me know and share for others to enjoy.

Thank you..

From Handmade Hobby to Business

We have seen many new businesses start up during last year, especially online.

Some out of boredom and some from a need to earn money as jobs were lost and workplaces closed during the restriction tiers and lockdowns. 

Many people who were already selling odd items they made, more as a hobby, really stepped up their game and turned that hobby into a business.

Some began to discover crafts as something to do, some realising there was time now to have a go at that craft they always wanted to do. Still others were trying different things until they found one they really enjoyed. More rediscovered a love of creating because suddenly there was time in abundance. 

Popular Crafts

There are many old favourites that people have gone back to, such as knitting and crochet. Also many newer crafts and craft mediums that have appeared over the last few years.

I intend to do a series of blogs about the different crafts and where you can get kits to try and plans to make things etc. After all you don't want to buy everything in bulk and then realise you don't like it.

Some crafts use basic tools that many already have, like power tools for woodwork.

Many learnt basic woodworking form school and others learnt from parents/grandparents etc. Grandparents were often a good source of knowledge about many crafts and passed this on to the young ones if they were interested. 

Now though new crafts with different materials available spring up and really capture the imagination.

I am loving the resin creations that have popped up. So many innovative ideas and created with such gorgeous colours.

Learning Crafts

Crafts are not everyone's cup of tea of course but creating things by hand has had a major revival in recent years as it can be a big help with mental health.

My daughters learnt various skills from us. One was more interested in woodworking and other practical skills than the other. They both learnt knitting/crochet/baking and sewing which for a time when they were young seemed to be skills that were dying out.

I learnt knitting and crochet mainly from my grandmother, baking from my mother and school. Sewing was not something I enjoyed but the basics and more were instilled at school.

Nowadays, of course, you can learn just about anything from YouTube from basic skills to more advanced as well as from various blogs.

Getting the Basics!

Ask around to find out if anyone you know has a few basics you can try with. If you have shops open (Not shut due to Covid-19) its worth checking out charity shops. They occasionally get a variety of unused craft kits that were unwanted gifts. They often sell balls of wool too, if you are using yarn.

This time of year they get lots of unwanted items or even items passed on as people clear cupboards to find space for the new gifts.

A lot of people are decluttering now because they have time on their hands. 

Craft kits are a less expensive way of getting started too. See Candle making and Embroidery

Getting started

Many start selling from a Facebook business page. These are easy to set up and you can ask people you know to come and like your page to get you started.

Costs are minimal online. Opening free business pages etc. 

Open a shop on a selling platform such as Etsy. 

You have to list your items by writing descriptions of each one and adding photographs from every angle. 

There are tuition videos to help you and YouTube has videos by successful sellers to help also.

The first few listings will take the most time as you get used to what is required it will get easier.

My Etsy shop is Uniquely Your Word Art if you want to take a look.

There are other selling platforms too.  I started out selling on Folksy, a UK based platform and I also have a shop on Not On The Highstreet.

Do some research and find the best one for you. I have been on new platforms, only 2-3 years old but selling is harder as they aren't as established as the older ones. 

I have been on newer ones and despite working hard to market my shop, rarely sold anything. 

Try a more established one to start with.

Website:

You can build yourself a website, quite easy on most platforms, with the drag and drop set up most have. There are many platforms where you can start off on the free version to see how you get on.

WordPress takes more time to learn and build but it's another option.

Take the step!

Now it's the time for you to keep

learning alot as you take the leap.

Just follow your dreams

its not as hard as it seems

its never really all done

but it makes life more fun.

The step that you take first

feels scary and is the worst.

So jump in, don't look back

else you might give yourself the sack.

If you don't try you'll never know

if that business would start to grow.

You're not too old or too young

just don't leave your song unsung!!

What do you think?

Many start their business alongside their job. In these trying times, many of you have lost your job and are looking for alternative ways to earn a living.

Nobody is happy about the Pandemic, lives have been lost and jobs have vanished. 

But many have reconnected with family and got to know their local community because they aren't on the treadmill of work long hours, eat, sleep and repeat. 

Others have found a new direction in life online, Facebook pages sprung up to help local areas to help each other by exchanging goods and belongings. 

Still more took up hobbies at the beginning, or expanded the hobbies they had. Then as the restrictions continued turned them into businesses. Often, as much for something to do, as to earn money.

If you always fancied an online business, there has never been a better time!

A few links with more information:

How to create an online Bussiness 

How to start a Profitable Website

-----------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for visiting. If you enjoyed this post please share.

Questions and comments welcome.

5 Must Do's when business is slow

Pandemic makes it different!

This year, of course, is likely to be different, with so many lockdowns and restrictions in many places around the world. The Covid-19 virus keeps mutating and new versions springing up that are more infectious causing more problems around the world.

Many new businesses have sprung up, necessity being the mother of invention, there are some fabulous new ideas out there now.

My local Post Office is always busy in the run up to Christmas but this year it was even more so. They usually have January to recover, but not this time. Yesterday they reported that there hadn't been any slow down, they are still very busy. 

That is good for me and other locals especially as it means our Post Office won't get shut down like so many in recent years.

It is good for all the online sellers as it keeps them busy.

In normal times!

Traditionally January and February are slow for crafters.
Why?
Christmas has gone, winter drags on, many people are spent out. 

Those are some of the reasons. It's the way I always thought when I designed and crocheted accessories. It was the general consensus, everyone agreed and had sales to get stuff moving.

There often seemed to be a lull in the summer too once the children finished school. Though I think this has changed more now with most people using their phones for so much online activity. 

Sales are good right?

Not really. They are great to move the last few items of a line you no longer intend to make for one reason or another. Or to get rid of surplus supplies.

Early on in my crafting business, I would have a sale every time business went slow. It did produce sales but I wasn't making very much at all, covering costs and a tiny amount for my time.

If you only want a hobby, that is fine. If you want a long term business, it just doesn't work.

The answer!

The answer was surprisingly simple.

I was saying on a forum that I only seemed to sell when I had a sale. 

A long term, well established seller just responded with: Don't have sales. She pointed out that if you have them regularly, people will just wait for the next one rather than pay full price.

It was a light bulb moment, such an obvious truth.

I needed to sit out slow times and find other things to do, that would help my business.

What you can do!

1). Get your accounts up to date.

 It's very easy to let them slide, especially when you are busy. It becomes a habit to continually think, 'I will do that tomorrow or next week'. The result is usually a massive job as you panic at the last minute.

How do I know? I still do it every year. Maybe this year ...........

2). Clear out your workspace. 

Whether it's a craft room, the spare room, half of another room, it needs sorting out and tidying up. It's also a good thing to do when inspiration does a runner.

Why?

If it's because it's quiet, it will make life easier when you get busy again. If it's departed inspiration it will help revitalise it. 

I rarely finished tidying my space because I would come across half finished things abandoned for something more exciting. Or scraps with drawings of ideas I had had. Sometimes it would be some yarn or a particular colour that would set me off and just like that the inspiration was back full force.

3). Grow your social media accounts! 

When you are busy, this is something that doesn't get as much attention. I found I would do the basics necessary and when extra busy, social media was dropped in favour of getting the orders out. 

It is important to prioritise.

With time on your hands though, rather than bewailing the lack of orders on social media, decide to grow it.

How?

Interact with people, comment on and share their posts/tweets. If they follow you, then follow them back, as long as their timeline/newsfeed doesn't have anything you don't like in it. Spend half an hour or so twice a day doing this and you will increase your followers. 

I found Twitter was my best social media platform for generating orders so I spent more time growing that one and it paid off in spades. I now have 29.3k followers and that makes a big difference in encouraging sales.

4). Try different crafts. 

It's not only fun but you could end up with new products to sell. At the very least you could end up with a new hobby you find enjoyable and relaxing. If you are a crafter, there are invariably other crafts you have looked at and thought you would like to have a go at 'when you have time'.

5). New Ideas

If not trying new crafts then play around with ideas for new products or designs. Just having the time to play with it can have amazing results and its fun too. 

If you are anything like me, I would often jot things down, odd words, drawings etc in a notebook or on various scraps of paper to hand at the time, you will have some notes on ideas to try. 

Get them all out, decipher them and play around, have fun and come up with new ideas. 

Nothing like new products in an online shop to bring people back.

A bit of rhyme for you!

The pandemic had me rhyming again

I think it helped to keep me sane.

Once I start I go into rhyming mode

I seem to hit the mother lode.

My brain just rhymes whatever I see

once more the verses are part of me.

This one is to tell you to get to work

this is definitely not the time to shirk.

Millions and billions are looking to buy

Get yourself out there, don't be shy.

Get out the trumpet, blow your horn

don't hide away, looking forlorn.

This is great time to sell online

arrange your goods, so they look fine.

Help people find what they need

and know you're doing a good deed!

Another day I will add several of the new ditties/verses I have done over the last few months.

I know many of you seemed to like the rhymes.

It became something I did.It feels good to get back into blogging again.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hope you enjoyed the post, if you did please share. If you didn't share it with someone you aren't keen on, lol.