From Handmade Hobby to Business

We have seen many new businesses start up during last year, especially online.

Some out of boredom and some from a need to earn money as jobs were lost and workplaces closed during the restriction tiers and lockdowns. 

Many people who were already selling odd items they made, more as a hobby, really stepped up their game and turned that hobby into a business.

Some began to discover crafts as something to do, some realising there was time now to have a go at that craft they always wanted to do. Still others were trying different things until they found one they really enjoyed. More rediscovered a love of creating because suddenly there was time in abundance. 

Popular Crafts

There are many old favourites that people have gone back to, such as knitting and crochet. Also many newer crafts and craft mediums that have appeared over the last few years.

I intend to do a series of blogs about the different crafts and where you can get kits to try and plans to make things etc. After all you don't want to buy everything in bulk and then realise you don't like it.

Some crafts use basic tools that many already have, like power tools for woodwork.

Many learnt basic woodworking form school and others learnt from parents/grandparents etc. Grandparents were often a good source of knowledge about many crafts and passed this on to the young ones if they were interested. 

Now though new crafts with different materials available spring up and really capture the imagination.

I am loving the resin creations that have popped up. So many innovative ideas and created with such gorgeous colours.

Learning Crafts

Crafts are not everyone's cup of tea of course but creating things by hand has had a major revival in recent years as it can be a big help with mental health.

My daughters learnt various skills from us. One was more interested in woodworking and other practical skills than the other. They both learnt knitting/crochet/baking and sewing which for a time when they were young seemed to be skills that were dying out.

I learnt knitting and crochet mainly from my grandmother, baking from my mother and school. Sewing was not something I enjoyed but the basics and more were instilled at school.

Nowadays, of course, you can learn just about anything from YouTube from basic skills to more advanced as well as from various blogs.

Getting the Basics!

Ask around to find out if anyone you know has a few basics you can try with. If you have shops open (Not shut due to Covid-19) its worth checking out charity shops. They occasionally get a variety of unused craft kits that were unwanted gifts. They often sell balls of wool too, if you are using yarn.

This time of year they get lots of unwanted items or even items passed on as people clear cupboards to find space for the new gifts.

A lot of people are decluttering now because they have time on their hands. 

Craft kits are a less expensive way of getting started too. See Candle making and Embroidery

Getting started

Many start selling from a Facebook business page. These are easy to set up and you can ask people you know to come and like your page to get you started.

Costs are minimal online. Opening free business pages etc. 

Open a shop on a selling platform such as Etsy. 

You have to list your items by writing descriptions of each one and adding photographs from every angle. 

There are tuition videos to help you and YouTube has videos by successful sellers to help also.

The first few listings will take the most time as you get used to what is required it will get easier.

My Etsy shop is Uniquely Your Word Art if you want to take a look.

There are other selling platforms too.  I started out selling on Folksy, a UK based platform and I also have a shop on Not On The Highstreet.

Do some research and find the best one for you. I have been on new platforms, only 2-3 years old but selling is harder as they aren't as established as the older ones. 

I have been on newer ones and despite working hard to market my shop, rarely sold anything. 

Try a more established one to start with.

Website:

You can build yourself a website, quite easy on most platforms, with the drag and drop set up most have. There are many platforms where you can start off on the free version to see how you get on.

WordPress takes more time to learn and build but it's another option.

Take the step!

Now it's the time for you to keep

learning alot as you take the leap.

Just follow your dreams

its not as hard as it seems

its never really all done

but it makes life more fun.

The step that you take first

feels scary and is the worst.

So jump in, don't look back

else you might give yourself the sack.

If you don't try you'll never know

if that business would start to grow.

You're not too old or too young

just don't leave your song unsung!!

What do you think?

Many start their business alongside their job. In these trying times, many of you have lost your job and are looking for alternative ways to earn a living.

Nobody is happy about the Pandemic, lives have been lost and jobs have vanished. 

But many have reconnected with family and got to know their local community because they aren't on the treadmill of work long hours, eat, sleep and repeat. 

Others have found a new direction in life online, Facebook pages sprung up to help local areas to help each other by exchanging goods and belongings. 

Still more took up hobbies at the beginning, or expanded the hobbies they had. Then as the restrictions continued turned them into businesses. Often, as much for something to do, as to earn money.

If you always fancied an online business, there has never been a better time!

A few links with more information:

How to create an online Bussiness 

How to start a Profitable Website

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The Benefits of Hobbies

What are the Benefits of Hobbies?

With so much going on in the outside world with the Covid-19 virus continuing its spread across the world we all need distractions. If you are furloughed from your job, isolating, lost your job or at home for a myriad of reasons, it is natural for thoughts to turn to hobbies. 

Maybe until now you haven't had time for a hobby, stuck in the routine of work, sleep, eat, repeat.
The thing is hobbies can be so much more that just an interest to while away a bit of time.

Hobbies have proven to be very beneficial to people in general. They give you time to relax and to do things that you enjoy doing. Having a specific hobby has also helped many people to make new friends, keep the brain sharp, and even make money in some cases.
They are also excellent for mental health, keeping the focus on something outside yourself. They can be very absorbing once you find the right one.

Hobbies That Sharpen the Mind

Some hobbies are better than others to make you problem solve and to think. These are especially important as you age. Some hobbies that are best for keeping your brain sharp include:

•  Puzzles, crossword puzzles and brain teasers
• Reading
  
  
•  Learning how to draw and paint
•  Learning how to play a musical instrument
•  Playing chess
•  Learning a new language
•  Participating in trivia games
• Online brain training games
• Card games like bridge and solitaire
• Jigsaw Puzzles
• Games that make you work things out
• Designng
• Graphic Designing

Hobbies for Kids and Families

Certain hobbies are perfect for you to do with your family. Making models together can be fun as well as frustrating. 
Hobbies that are best in ensuring you have a strong relationship with your loved ones include:

•  Making model planes and trains
•  Building with Lego
• Jigsaw puzzles
•  Magic tricks
•  Kite flying
•  Going to zoos
•  Playing with remote control cars
•  Swimming and playing in pools
• 
  

Hobbies for Outdoor People

It’s important to get out and get some exercise. 

Certain hobbies can help you to do that. Getting yourself outdoors can be very relaxing as you will see the beautiful scenery that surrounds you every day that you just don’t seem to have time to notice. For the adventurous, some of the key hobbies to help you get the needed exercise and relaxation include:

• Fishing
• Running, biking, or walking through parks, neighborhoods, or mountains
• Playing baseball, softball, or volleyball
• Swimming
• Traveling around the world
• Bird watching
• Climbing
• Jet Skiing
• Surfing
• Kite Surfing
• Hot air ballooning

Hobbies That Help You to Earn Money

Hobbies don’t just have to be something you do for enjoyment. 

Besides providing you with needed relaxation, there are a large variety of hobbies that provide you with money if you know how to advertise it right. Some of the most popular hobbies that provide people with the opportunity to earn money include:

• Knitting
• Crochet
• Felting
• Painting
• Jewellery making
•  Photography
•  Blogging and writing
•  Craft making like cards, candles, and soaps
•  Baking
•  Graphic design
•  Carpentry/woodworking

Hobbies for Collectors

Collecting objects that you find fascinating or that mean a lot to you brings you a sense of peace and relaxation. Having a set of something that is solely your own and something you worked hard to get brings a sense of joy to a person. Some hobbies that give that to you include, but are not limited to, collecting:

• Books
• Spoons
• Coins
• Vintage or unique toys
• Sports memorabilia

Hobbies for the Crafter

Craft hobbies are very popular and provide a variety of benefits. 

Crafts bring a sense of relaxation and calmness to a person. With some crafts, it has been shown to increase their confidence. Some crafts that help people to do that include:

•  Baking
•  Painting
•  Sewing
•  Crocheting
•  Knitting
•  Scrapbooking
•  Needle point
•  Quilting

Hobbies for Stress Relief

Everyday life can be very stressful. Having a hobby to fall back on when things get hard and stressful is key to enjoying life. Some hobbies that provide stress relief include most of the above as well as:

•  Yoga
•  Meditation

So many Benefits

Hobbies provide people with so many benefits, and change us for the better. It’s important for humans to have something special we can do separately from our everyday, busy lives. It's also good to have something absorbing and enjoyable to do in these trying times.

So what’s your favorite hobby?

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Personalise Crafts & Gifts with Embroidery

No matter what the gift giving occasion, a personalized gift always shows the recipient that you took the time to select a special gift just for them. Whether you are attending a birthday party, baby shower, or wedding, a personalised gift shows that you care and that you feel the gift recipient is special. One of the easiest ways to present your recipient with a personalised gift is through personalisation with simple embroidery.

What is Embroidery?                  

  VEYLIN 5 Pack Embroidery Starter Kit  

                   

                  

Embroidery is the handicraft of decorating fabric with designs stitched with thread or yarn.  Embroidery can be done by hand or by a sewing machine.  It can also include the addition of beads, quills, pearls, metals, and other objects.  Embroidery can be done free-form or with the use of a pattern.                           
The art of embroidery has been around for thousands of years or longer. People all over the world have been using it to personalize and decorate their garments and home décor for ages. Embroidery is simple to do and allows you the freedom to create some very beautiful works of art.

You can embroider by hand, which takes time but can be very relaxing and enjoyable. It can also be done by machine where the art is more in the designing than the doing I believe.

If you love gadgets and haven't looked at sewing machines in years, if ever, you will love the way they have evolved. Nowadays they are multifunctional, they don't just sew clothes, now they overlock, quilt and embroider too.

Having had a look, I have to say there are some gorgeous sewing machines available. I have seen machine embroidery and it looks stunning. Well worth considering.

I think its fun to have a go

you'll even have something to show

for the effort you have put in

I see that as a win win.

Something to while away the day

now that we are shut away.

Don't complain, not a groan

or even the tiniest moan.

If it saves the lives of just a few

then its the least that we can do.

The doctors and nurses so weary

losing so many is making them teary.

All we have to do is stay inside

while they hang on for the scary ride.

What and Where?                                                                 

Caydo Embroidery Kit 

Anything fabric or cloth can easily be embroidered upon. You do not have to possess any special skills to be able to personalise items using embroidery. All you really need is some colorful embroidery threads and a needle. You can draw your own design or buy ready printed designs on fabric or even get iron on transfers.

Some of the easiest things to embroider on are clothing and towels. Baby showers are becoming popular here in the UK now and it makes the gift special if the baby's name is embroidered onto baby clothes, towels or blankets. It just adds a very special personal touch.Of course not every new Mother to be wants to know the gender of the baby and even those that do know haven't always decided on a name. In that case you can give the gift and offer to add the name afterwards.

Personalised wedding presents are also popular. The happy couples names and even the date can be added to towels, tea towels or a wall hanging. It just makes the gift even more personal to have it hand sewn.

Children.

 Portable Sewing Machine,

Children love to learn crafts and you can get basic sewing sets with large blunt needles for basic embroidering of pictures. 

Then as they become older can also learn more advanced hand or machine embroidery if they are so inclined. 

There are sewing machines for children from 6 years old apparently. Not sure I would give a sewing machine to a 6 year old, maybe 8 or 9 years. Depends upon the child I suppose.

Crafts went out of fashion for a number of years but are once again very popular with new crafts appearing often.

Personalised gifts are the ones you likely remember the most from your childhood even though they were probably not the most expensive presents you were given by loved ones. Fun items to personalise and give to a child include; backpacks, lunch bags, sleeping bags, clothing or even a special beach or bath towel just for them. You could embroider their initials, their name, or even a small motif of something they are interested in.

Give it a go!

There are many books on the subject available to buy or borrow from your local library, once they are open again.

  Ribbon Embroidery Kit          

From the website:     

                                                                  

• The ribbon embroidery kit include pillowcase, ribbon, needles, instruction, drawings. (pillow core not included)
• High-quality materials: strictly selected materials, the pillow cover made of suede fabric, soft and comfortable.
• The ribbon is soft in texture and bright in color, with sufficient amount according to the pattern.
• Size: the size of the embroidery pillow is about 45*45 cm. Please confirm the size before buying.
• It can be used for sofa pillows, pillow head covers, elegant yet exquisite, fashionable choice of furniture matching.

Craft books and magazines often have lots of ideas  and even patterns you can adapt for whatever you are embroidering.
 You can also find patterns online and they will be in your local craft store too if you have one and if they survive the lockdown.  Embroidery threads will probably only be available online at the moment, so it might be a good idea to try a craft kit
If it does go wrong and you aren't happy just pull it out and start again.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your embroidery and come up with your own unique designs. There aren't any real mistakes in embroidery; just adjust the picture you were making, it's not as if anyone will know.
If it does go wrong and you aren't happy just pull  it out and start again.




Personalising your gifts with some embroidery will make your gift recipient happy and at the same time show them that you went the extra mile to give a present that is so personal and special.

Have fun with your creating.



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Thank you for visiting, I hope you enjoyed this blog post with another idea to keep you occupied for a while at home.

Please share for others to enjoy.

Questions and comments welcome.