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

Free Holiday Craft Class ReCap

With my second Free Holiday Open House in the books, I feel like I am starting to get the hang of it! 

I did a similar set up as the first time with placemats, brown paper bags with my logo sticker, coloring and project sheets, cardboard tree cut out, a pompom maker and little jars filled with tree embellishments and googly eyes for our critters.  As I am typing, it seems like a lot, but it is nice to know where everything is and I don't have to scramble for last minute supplies. 

Earlier in the day I organized all of my craft supplies into one place.  That really made getting ready easier. 

I truly recommend making pompoms with your children, or in your next class.  Once you get the hang of it, they are a little bit addicting. I bought a pompom maker from amazon and I felt it was a bit wonky and tedious to use. So, I looked up how to make your own and it was so much easier.  You can try it yourself by visiting the website HERE. 

I admit, that I have wondered if my crafts were 'fancy' enough.  Or should they be more sophisticated and complicated?  I will say, though, that the children leave with big smiles on their faces!  To me, that's a huge win! It's what it's all about.  So, I will keep teaching these fun crafts, adding more in as we go. 

I have one more Free Holiday Craft Class before the end of the year.  I haven't decided which crafts we are going to make yet, but I will surely be adding the pompoms lol.  I will make sure to share with you what I chose and let you know how it went.

My new classes have been scheduled for January and added to EVENTBRITE.  This website makes it easy to read about each class, take a look at the schedule and check pricing. 

Please don't forget to follow me on social media! I would love to connect.

Good vibes heading your way!

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

How Do I Even Start A Crafting Business

It's one thing to sit in my living room and daydream about teaching art classes, but where do I even begin? How do I make my dream a reality?

Here are a few things I have learned ::

1. Avoid Analysis Paralysis.  One of the hardest things to overcome is the actual doing.  We can overthink ourselves into a place of overwhelm.  I felt like I was reading a lot of how to's, but just needed to do it. So, I set up a Facebook page, used the name I had been holding in my back pocket, Fox Valley Crafting Club, and introduced myself to the world.  Well, actually just the 88 friends I had on Facebook. 

2. I shared with my little group where my heart was, and how important it was that I begin my business.  I had such a warm response, and it was really encouraging.  I set up a Free Crafting Open House, that I would be hosting in my dining room.  I'll let you know all about it in a future post.

3. I knew I needed some guidance from someone that knew what they were doing... so I scoured the Deep Space Sparkle website.  I adore the colorful, warm, and friendly way Patty runs her crafting business.  I read all I could and I am anxiously awaiting the reopening of her Primerry Pro membership program.  This is designed specifically for those wanting to start and maintain a crafting business.

4. I have begun collecting supplies, organizing them, and mapping out future lessons.  I set aside an area to collect recyclables that can be turned into art.  I have found the cardboard from cereal, cracker, pasta boxes to be ideal for many crafts.  Applesauce cups make wonderful spots for crafty bling, paint, water, whatever you need. 

5.  Aside from my Open House, I have scheduled a few more classes.  Sewing 101 where will be making little felt snowmen, gingerbread men, and Christmas trees.  Crafting classes that will incorporate paper, glue, yarn, markers, and cardboard.  We will also be making pom poms, because well, I really like making them. 

6.  I have also set up an Instagram account.  I knew that posting consistently was important, but I didn't have any content to share. I have been posting crafty quotes, process photos and projects I have been working on.

7.  I know it's going to be slow at first, but I am committed to being steady.  

Do you have a business you are trying to get off of the ground?  What are you tips and tricks? 

Sending good vibes 

Channon