A Crafting Journal 01/06/25

 

Starting a crafting business, or any business, is not for the faint of heart. 

December has been an exciting month full of crafting, planning, advertising, and dreaming.  It has shown me, without a doubt, that I want to do this more than just a hobby.  I enjoy the planning and setting up.  I enjoy the teaching so much... and I even enjoy cleaning up the space and putting it to rights for the next time.  But, it has also shown me that a lot of great ideas and lofty, dreamy goals of sunlit spaces filled with happy, crafting children isn't a guaranteed thing. 

So, without further ado, let's get into the nitty gritty details.

Wins :: 

1. I hosted two more Free Holiday Crafting classes.  The children were so fun to work with, and they seemed to enjoy the projects.  Especially the pom poms. Always the pom poms, lol.  

2.  I continued crafting frequently, and posting on social media. 

3.  I followed Patty from DEEP SPACE SPARKLE like a groopy folowing a boy band!  I admire her easy style, her brilliant crafts, her business sense, her happy personality, and her way of just making you feel like you can really do this thing. 

4.  I put together my class list for January.  I researched material for the classes, and made a lot of class samples.  I advertised and posted the classes on social media.  

5.  I was asked by a friend to teach an Adult Craft class the first week of January!  I am looking forward to it!

Losses ::

1.  I am feeling very discouraged.  All of the excitement of a new business and the buzz from others has seemed to fade.  My daughter, bless her heart, is the only one who consistently likes my posts.  I appreciate it greatly... but it would be nice if that number could grow. Not so much because I want to go viral, but it helps me to know I am on the right path. 

2.  After all of my free classes and advertising I haven't gotten anyone to sign up for an actual class.  So, of course that leads me to ask... is it me? Is it my classes?  Is my marketing strategy complete crap.  Hmmm???? 

3.  I learned that if you are going to start something like "The 12 Days of What I Love" or an Advent Crafting calendar you should start preparing for that way earlier than the actual day it starts, lol. I will absolutely try this again, but will be more prepared.

4.  I tried doing the whole MAILCHIMP thing.  I was going to send out an email 'newsletter' to the email addresses I had collected from my free classes.  I am embarrassed to say I couldn't figure it out.  I was able to get a decent looking email with all of my new classes, but ended up sending a test email instead lol. Duh.  So, I just send a basic email instead.  But, I never received any responses, so I have no idea if anyone ever saw them or not. 

I admit that I thought since I had these wonderful, happy ideas and enthusiasm that customers would just flock to me and jump on the happy, kid crafting wagon.  That just because I knew that I had a good thing, people would just believe me, and tell all of their friends.

But, you know what, life doesn't usually work like that. 

So, I am going to put on my big girl panties and get back out there.  I have a lot of exciting ideas, thoughts and dreams.  With a New Year ahead of me I am going to move forward with renewed enthusiasm and fortitude... and hope that I can figure out this whole Mailchimp thing by 2026!

Sending the happiest vibes!

Channon

All Life Is An Experiment

All life is an experiment.  

It doesn't matter what you are doing, where you live, where you work, who you are with... it's all an experiment.  If we can go into it with a curious spirit it will keep things fresh and new!  I think we will learn things about ourselves we never noticed. 

How often do you experiment with arts and crafts?  Is it something you do often? Or do you tend to stay with things that are familiar and comfortable?  Let me know in the comments below. 

Sending good vibes

Channon

A Crafting Journal 12/09/24

 

If anyone has ever started a business, you know that it doesn't take off right away.  If you are like me, you have more questions than answers.  More ideas than time.  You are hopeful, and easily discouraged. 

I keep repeating to myself that 

Things Take Time

But, I don't want to be patient.  I want to be up and running today.  I want to be teaching classes, paying my bills, and leading the crafty life that I dream about.  It's only been a month though, lol, so I don't think I should be too discouraged.

Wins ::

1. I set up my facebook page, and added events.  I have been adding posts almost daily, including motivational quotes, daily advent crafts, and photos from any projects or free classes I have had.

2. I set up an instagram account.  I am not on here as much. I honestly struggle with the fact that my photos and reels just aren't as eye catching as others.  I can never think of what music to use in the background.  I feel like I have imposters syndrome.  But, I will keep at it!

3. I started a blog.  Well, if you are reading this, then you know how it is going.  I like having this space as a landing spot.  I like being able to journal here.  Sharing my thoughts and hopefully helping those of you out there, wanting to do what I am doing.

4. I reactivated my Etsy account in high hopes that I will be able to sell there again.

5. I hosted a successful Free Holiday Craft Class, and I have two more scheduled with people registering already.

6. I set up Eventbrite for all of my class registrations.  I think this is going to be a big help.

Wow. I have to admit.  Seeing all of this brought together makes me feel a little better.  I have gotten a lot accomplished in a little under a month! I'm smiling again.

Questions or Things To Work Toward ::

1. How do I get my classes in front of potential parents, and how do I get them to move from free to paying?

2. Where do I find locations to hold craft classes that aren't expensive, or potentially free?

3. How do I make sure I am getting all of my daily tasks done, and done well.  Including homeschooling, being mom taxi, etc?

4. What is a great way to organize my supplies?

5. How do I create a schedule that works? Is there a planner for new craft business owners?  I have come across a few, but none of them seem helpful. 

I would be thrilled if you have any insights or tips and tricks that have worked for you. Please, leave them in the comments, or follow me on social media.

Sending good vibes!

Channon

Art Takes Kids On An Adventure

 

I remember how much I enjoyed crafting as a kid. Art was my favorite subject in school. This quote reminded me of just how important arts and crafts can be!

Sending good vibes!

Channon