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 Successful Craft Open House

 

One of the things that I read, while looking up "How To Start a Crafting Business," was to offer a free class and an open house so that potential customers would get a chance to meet me, ask questions, and get a feel for what future classes might be like.  I thought that this was a great idea! 

I scheduled the event, and began advertising.  I admit. I was very nervous that even though I had four families signed up to attend, that the day of the event, no one would actually.  My children were even encouraging me with things like, "Even if no one shows up, it will still be ok! You can try again."  

But, to my delight, all four families Did attend.  It was a fun evening and I was thrilled with how it all turned out. 

I chose four crafts.

1. A handout that could be used to design their own 'ugly sweater.'

2. Supplies to make a pom pom. Including a cardboard template that they could take with them.

3. A coloring sheet with bookmarks they could cut out.  All the children tucked them into their bags to take home. 

4. A gnome made from cardboard, construction paper, and yarn. 

My thought process, was that I should have something for all levels.  They could choose what they wanted to do, and in what order.  By having a big container of yarn in the middle of the table, they were able to choose just the yarn colors they wanted to use.  The yarn crafts turned out to be a hit.

Having the "Design A Sweater" handout was awesome.  It was something the children could do independently while I was helping others.  They turned out even better than I expected.  They were so unique, and really showed off each of their personalities.

I hosted the class in my dining room/homeschool room.  I set up each seat with a white paper placemat with "Welcome!" written on it.  I added the two handouts, all of the paper and cardboard pieces for the gnomes, and a cardboard template to make the pom poms.  I added a brown sandwich bag with my sticker logo on it.  This was great for them to collect their crafts as they went along... and to take home with them.

In the future, I would like to have a handout to send home with parents that would include:

Upcoming classes

An easy craft

Possibly a coupon for future classes

So there you have it! A very successful open house in my book, and I am excited that I have two more scheduled this month.  They are at capacity! Woohoo!

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

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

Hey Look! I Started A Blog!

How do I find a part time job while being a stay at home, homeschooling mom to my children?

This is the question I needed to answer.  How was a newly divorced mom, like myself, that had been homeschooling for 20 years, and stayed at home for 25 years... find a job that was flexible enough to continue doing the things that were important to me, And pay the bills. 

I knew I wanted to do something that I enjoyed doing, and also something that could grow with me as my children began lives of their own and left the nest. 

I sat down and thought of all of the things I loved doing, and arts and crafts always came to the fore front.  I went to college to become an elementary teacher years ago, and ended up changing to fine arts.  Even though I never taught in a classroom, I have taught my own children, as well as many others in coops and homeschool groups... and they almost always included some kind of art, crafts, or handwork. 

So, here I am. Embarking on this journey that is at once exciting, and overwhelming.  I thought that it might be fun to share my journey with you.  I know that there have to be other moms out there in a similar situation.  Moms that want to pursue their dreams, and provide for themselves and their children. 

Sending good vibes,

Channon