Sunday 12 January 2014

Small steps

I'm in this funny place between selling a few things/enjoying it/ having a paying day job that would be very difficult to leave (financially) and desperately wanting to own my own business/ actually wanting to DO something with Thisel and Bean.

I've been dancing arouond the issue for months wondering what to do, when do i register myself, is there any point if I never sell anything?!? For now I've decided that it doesnt need to be all or nothing, small steps are good! I'm going firmly down the middle of the road: I'm going to make when I feel inspired to, sell online as I've started to, keep my records and do a couple of craft fairs to test out what potential customers think/build a bit more of a client base. Then I'll see how it goes...

So I was thinking ahead to an Easter fair I'm looking at doing, trying to work out what I'd stock in addition to my main felt bits, and I decided to try out a few hand puppets. I started by sketching out an Easter bunny and an Easter chick (seemed seasonal) but when i sat at the workbench to make a prototype, somehow my mind had drifted and what I ended up making was a fox and an owl! Still not sure how that happened. Anyway they took hardly any time to mock up and I love them so they came with us to the woods yesterday to have some photos taken in their natural habitat! :-)

















 Introducing Mr Foxy and Mrs Wise Owl
















  

Someone else quite likes them too!

























The photographers assisstant


Is anyone else in a similar position with their craft? What steps towards your own business are you taking?

Joining in with Handmade Monday on Handmade Harbour

20 comments:

  1. I'd work my way through the Handmade Marketing book which I notice you have. Finding a niche is what we're all trying to do. Some fairs are better than others. Seems important to me to find a good one. Also, maybe use the finger puppet images for other items to build ranges. Smocks, bags, little puff style seats, mobiles .... spring to mind

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    1. Thanks for your message. Yeah I think its going to be a bit trial and error fairs wise. Hopefully not too much error! I had been thinking about at ranges. Possibly addeding some crowns with the woodland creatures and maybe cushions. Hadn't extended the thought as far as bags and mobiles. Lovely idea though!

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  2. I think you're very sensible sticking to the middle ground for now and building up slowly on the crafting side - there's nothing like money worries to dampen creativity, far better to take things slow and enjoy the ride!

    Your little woodland creatures are adorable! I can see them being a great seller x

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    1. Thank you. Enjoying the ride so far. I definitely mean yo keep it up!

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  3. Hi, I'm in exactly the same boat really but from the extensive reading I have been doing the 'best' thing to do is continue making small steps and slowly growing your business. This means that you stay within your means too. Also planning ahead and making goals, then working backward to determine the steps required to achieve them. The Design Trust have some really helpful information on their website. Best of luck and love your puppets

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    1. Thanks for that. I hadn't loomed at the design trust (have now) and it looks really useful!

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  4. Love your puppets! Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

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  5. Hi! I found your blog through Handmade Monday.
    I'm in a similar position: I had no job and took the plunge and registered my business back in october, but somehow I'm still stuck in this in-between place where I'm not really sure how or where or when from here...

    BTW, I love your handpuppets :)

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    1. Tricky isnt it! I like the little Owls you do. Is that all hand stitching? Good luck with your decisions too!

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  6. Love your puppets and owls are pretty popular right now. Baby steps are a good start but I'd suggest some small goals to give yourself some focus and show yourself that you are able to go for it :)

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    1. Good idea. I am currently carry a little 'thoughts' notebook with me everywhere so will aim to come up with a few more concrete goals!

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  7. Lovely puppets, I've been taking small steps since I started last year, and I think its definitely the way to go. Good Luck

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  8. Hi Katie,
    I'm in a slightly different position as I am full time mum (2yrs and 5yrs), albeit with a small part time evening job. But it is still a very scary proposition even for me with nothing to lose, so to speak. For my part time job I am working towards a qualification so therefore have little spare time at the moment. I have decided to go with the flow and see how I get on making cards to order, and then when the qualification is complete (this summer) set some goals and get ready for Christmas 2014. Ideally I would like my craft business to replace having to get a second or another part time job when both children are at school. Working part-time around school hours and holidays is challenging, and I think the choice of jobs available is limited.

    I think baby steps are the way forward. Good luck and I think your felt creations are gorgeous. I may contacted you nearer May to get some bunting for their birthdays.

    Best wishes

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    1. Ah thanks Fiona. Yes I'd quite like it to supplement income too if it could. If I could build enough business to work part time on this rather than elsewhere I'd be a very happy bunny. I'd be delighted to make something for you BTW! :-)

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  9. Interesting conundrum! I feel dipping your toe in the water first is always a good plan. x

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  10. This really strikes a chord with me too - not sure whether to go down a more serious craft business path or just dabble, as I do now. Hard to take the plunge. Think the advice about having small goals is really helpful and something I'll try. Love your puppets, especially Foxy x

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    1. HI Tracey, Yeah I've been dabbling for a while too. Thinking about doing something is driving me ever so slightly nuts at the moment so I think at least taking small steps will take the internal nagging away...i think!

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