by Lynne at
Cozy Cottage CreationsOn of the things I never considered when I first started this business two years ago was my yarn stash. I've always been a bit of a supply hog (who can't relate to that!). Part of my desire to create items for sale in the Big-Ol'-World was to give a purpose to my much-loved collection of yarn and fabric beyond just scarves for my relatives and ponchos for my daughters' dolls.
Two years ago, I proudly had 1 drawerful of yarn (it was in the bottom drawer - the biggest). So my logical mind told me that this is how I would work my business:
1. Make an item using yarn from my stash
2. Sell that item
3. Replace the yarn
4. Repeat process going back to Step 1.
And so it would go.
What I didn't take into account was my obsessive mind with an unstoppable lust for fiber. How it actually went was this:
1. Think of an item to make
2. Go shopping for the yarn.
3. Buy yarn for that project plus 10 other projects I envision while poking around the yarn store.
4. Make the item but run out of yarn in the process
5. Buy more yarn to finish project, plus yarn for 10 other projects while poking around the yarn store.
Of course, you can see the problem (if you call an attic full of yarn a problem) with this course of action, but do you think I did while it was happening? The answer is "No". I suppose this is why it's recommended to have a Business Plan in place when one first embarks upon a business. I've heard that one of the most common mistakes people make when beginning a craft business is to overbuy in supplies. (Now imagine the sound of me slapping my hand on my forehead). Wow - I wish I had read that when I first started! Oh wait, maybe I did.
Anyway - I'm not complaining here - my love for my stash of yarn has grown right along with the stash. I do find myself scratching my head from time to time saying how did my yarn grow from a basket, to a drawer-full, to a dresser-full, to an attic-full.
And that's not including the roving and other fiber I've accumulated during this time period. As the song goes, "One thing leads to another"....and I'm excited that since my stash now demands a room of it's own, I'm embarking on my next project, which is to convert our attic into my studio. More news on that once it's finished!
So, my advice to anyone starting out is: if you're looking for some profit in the near future, do not follow my business model.
But, if you're looking for a great motivator to convert your attic into usable space, build that stash!
It was a bright and chilly New England afternoon on February 6th when 18 exhibitors from Boston Handmade arrived at 31 Thayer Street in the SoWa gallery district of Boston's South End.
In just 2 short hours every one had arrived, set up their displays, decorated the space, posted signage on the display windows, and managed to light the entire 3000 square foot room with a menagerie of photo flood lights, construction lighting, lamps from home, exposed bulbs, reading lamps, and strings of holiday lights.
The effort was monumental, everyone helped their neighbor, and the result was a beauty to behold!
For our event attendees we provided a spread of Valentine themes refreshments - everything from heart shaped cookies, to chocolate kisses, to candy hearts. We also were thrilled to have live music throughout our entire event provided by exhibitor Jen Paulousky's Father, Peter Paulousky. What a delight!
Once the doors were opened we were filled all night with visitors browsing our work and purchasing Valentine gifts for their loved ones.
We even had a Craft Celebrity sighting when Guido of It's A Purl Man stopped by for a visit.
For our first time exhibiting as part of this South End monthly event we were truly thrilled with the attention we received and all of the amazing positive comments we heard about our work on view, and about the event overall.
We couldn't have produced this show without the generous support of John Kiger and GTI Properties. Thank you! The event was a great experience for us and we hope to have the opportunity to show again in the neighborhood sometime soon! 'Till then, we'll see you on the blog.
So, my advice to anyone starting out is: if you're looking for some profit in the near future, do not follow my business model.
We probably all know someone who has lost their job, or maybe even their house. Every time we turn on the T.V., or radio there seems to be more bad news. Sound familiar? Well I decided to think about the upside of this down economy, and here is what I came up with:
Love is all around. Warm up your Valentines Day with something Red from a Boston Handmade member!
A while ago, I was challenged to illustrate the word phoenix. I based my piece on the following definition:
I think I definitely met the challenge... and it is also mother approved!
