New Year-New Goals!

I'm sitting at work, drooling over Keepsake Quilting's new catalog. They have amazing fabric collections as well as patterns. For once, I am glad there is no way for me to scrounge up some extra money to order more fabric. I just received some beautiful fat quarter bundles and quilting templates for Christmas, and so definitely don't need any more fabric or inspiration. What I need more of is time! I think a good thing about having so little time is that I've had to learn how to prioritize my projects and goals as well as keep them realistic. I'm certainly becoming a fan of generalized baby steps!

My ultimate goal is to be able to stay at home and sell my creations full time. The reality of that is kind of depressing right now, so instead of crunching numbers, I focus on more abstract goals. Obvious things, like: create more to sell more. I realized last year, I really didn't make that much; I think I just wanted things to sell and got frustrated when they didn't. Well, people won't buy if there isn't anything listed. So, while I would like to set a goal, like list at least one thing a week, I know that won't always be possible, and I'll stress myself out if I try to stick to it. Instead, I'd just like to focus on increasing my listings in general. Along with that, I am hoping it will double my sales.

I need to try different venues. I did one craft show in November and it was miserable! Very cold and windy and I didn't make back my entry fee, which was only $25! But, I blame it on the lousy weather and maybe having too many options on my table. None of the vendors around me seemed to be too busy either. This year, I am hoping to test out the local farmer's market as well as a few other shows and festivals.

I've also recently started participating in some BNS/BNR treasuries on Etsy. Basically, there is a collection of shops chosen by the curator. If you purchase from one of the shops featured, your shop will be featured in the next round. So far, I've bought more than sold. But, it was all stuff I can use for my shop. And, I got 2 sales out of the deal. So, now, I'm sitting out for a while but definitely plan to participate again.

The most important thing I would like to focus on this year is to enjoy every minute of it! I sew and create because I enjoy it. Since this is not my only source of income, I don't HAVE to do anything. I've tried, well semi-tried, to keep up with what was trending and to try and guess what will sell best and cater my shop around those items. Results: stressful and not fun. I've found that I'm happiest just floating around in my own little world. Things definitely seem to come out a lot better that way!

Like I said in the beginning, abstract baby steps. You only have so much control over the numbers; you can't force people to shop with you. Plus, it's such a great feeling when you know the item is going to someone excited about it. So, this year I'm choosing to focus on the enjoyment of the process while expanding my skill set. Hopefully, the sales will follow. If not, check back next January for the new plan!

What are your goals this year?

Welcome!

Welcome to my brand new blog! I have so much to say in my head, but didn't think it would be so hard to break the ice!

I guess I'll start with the basics:
My name is Michelle. I'm married to a wonderful man, who understands me and loves me for who I am. Weirdness, mood swings, and all :) I have two incredibly smart and adorable boys: Clayton (3yrs) and Henry (1 1/2 yrs). Negotiations for a third little one are in the works. Gotta convince the finances to cooperate.

I LOVE to craft! Although I'm interested in just about everything I see, I am currently focusing on sewing and crochet. I am hoping to delve into embroidery soon as well. I have an Etsy shop: Thegiftgarden. Hopefully soon I'll figure out how to put up that cute little widget/mini-Etsy on the side here.

Someday, I would like for my crafting to be my main income (Along with some other dreams I have, but there's time for those later). I wish I could do it now so that I could be home with my little men-they are so precious and growing so fast. But, at this stage in life, I feel that the Lord has placed me in my job, and I'm grateful to have it. I have been so blessed in so many ways, so can find no reason to complain about the current situation.

There is so much more I could say (I like to talk) but am going to try and keep from running on too much.

My current purpose for this blog is to share my crafting experiences, life lessons, well, generally, whatever I feel like! To be honest, I'm a little nervous that I am not going to be interesting enough, but then again, if you aren't interested, you don't have to read it. And, I'll never know the difference!