Starting your Business, Basics

Let me say upfront, that I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. Having said that, I have been selling online for over 10 years now. I love the freedom it gives me and has given me for years.

I made the leap to working fulltime for myself when I got made redundant. I gave myself 8 months, from May when I became redundant to January. 

I told myself that if it wasn't earning me a decent wage by then I would get another job. That's a great incentive, especially in the winter, when it's wonderful to not have to go out in the cold, the rain, snow and whatever else winter throws at us.

This is literally the basic bare bones to get you started. Which is still more than I had when I started. If I can do it, so can you!

How to get started!

Nowadays the internet is a big part of our lives and most of us are fairly internet savvy.

I knew nothing and had to learn it from the ground up. I hadn't even been on any social media sites at that point, so it was a big learning curve.

It was easiest to start on a selling platform for me. It is a good way to get started. It wasn't a thing then but now, many start on Facebook and some sell only on Facebook. Whether you sell on there or not, it is a good idea to have a business page anyway.

A shop

Wherever you sell from, you need good detailed descriptions and good quality photographs. 

WHY?

Because that is the only way your customer will get to know what it is like before buying. Photos show them and the description obviously describes it in more detail. This is what will sell your goods.

You will be charged a small amount to list each item and generally the listing will last for 3 months.

Any selling platform now tends to have clear set up instructions and videos to show you step by step.

You will learn to tag your items with terms that people search for and including such words in your description and Title. This is called SEO or Search Engine Optimisation. 

My Shops: Etsy & NOTHS

A website

You can build your own website which is easy enough to do. I know because I managed it several years back. I had it up and running in less than a week just spending a little time here and there when I could.

Many of the platforms that host websites will have a free basic starter site you can sign up for. 

Many crafters I knew just stayed with the free version, especially if they linked it back to their shop for selling.

My Website

Social Media

If you want to have your own business selling goods or services, you need people to find you. That is where social media comes in.

You get business pages on each platform, all free, and start to build each one. Logo, business name a little bit about you and a link to your shop or website. You can usually only add one link. 

That is where a website is useful as you can add a button for any shops or social media.

Which Ones!

The main and important social media platforms are probably ones you use all the time; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. 

There are others but don't overload yourself at the start as you need to use them regularly and interact with others to gain followers. 

The more followers you have, the more people that will get to see what you have to offer as your followers comment and share your posts. 

What else?

If you are making goods, keep making. In quiet times, yes there will always be times where you sell less than other times. Design new products, get on social media and get busy gaining followers. The more you do towards building those followers the more your business and goods will get seen.

TAX: Get registered with your local tax office. Even if you don't make much at first, it is very important to ensure your business is legitimate. I have heard about people being caught and fined because tax offices look online for those that haven't registered.

Yes there are a lot of new businesses springing up and there were lots before the Pandemic brought more. So is it overcrowded? 

With 4.6 BILLION people using the internet worldwide as of November 2020 (more now) I don't think we need to worry too much. 

The Internet is a growing business market, so get in there and get started.

Now is the time! A ditty!

         

Time to take the leap?

Most people are fed with working for someone else and having their working hours dictated by someone else. 

You know what they say about a J.O.B.? Just Over Broke!

I'm not interested in watching Television, so the evening is a great time for me to work. My daytime hours are decided by family and what else I have to do. 

In normal times I travel to stay with family at least 3 times a month, then my working hours change accordingly.

Yes it's hard work but it's for YOU!

Motivating tips for working from home.

Don't let fear hold you back

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I hope you enjoyed this post on the basics of starting a business. 

Sometimes basics are all you need. It can be very easy to get caught up in research on what to do and never actually make the start.

When I began over 10 years ago, I had no idea what online selling entailed. I decided and went for it, built it up alongside a job, home and family. 

I LOVE every minute of it!!

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Thank you for visiting, hope you enjoyed the post.

Questions and comments welcome.

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.

Candle Making fun

Natural Beeswax Kit

 

                                                Candle Making

Making your own candles is a favorite craft and/or hobby for lots of people. It can be fun to try different methods and get creative with colours and shapes.
Worth doing some research on the best types of wax to do if you are new to it. I think natural wax's, soy and beeswax are better purely because they give off up to 90% less soot so less polluting for your home. Using essential oils to scent them with is also better than commercial parfums.
Making your own can be more economical than buying them as good quality candles can be expensive.

Stress Reducing.

Any craft can be enjoyable and relaxing, excellent to do in times of stress. Also very good for the world situation as it is now with so many of us confined to our homes due to Corona virus. Lockdown is necessary but it can be difficult to suddenly have freedom of movement curtailed.
Losing yourself in the creative process can be very therapeutic.


What's available?

There are plenty of books on candle making that can provide everything from basic instructions, tips, and creative ideas to make beautiful candles. Many of the books will have an illustrated step by step guide with the instructions.
There are of course other resources, such as You Tube for instructions. The beauty of video of course, is that you can stop and start it as required.
Once things are back to normal, the library too can be a great resource and many areas will have candle makers that offer classes.


                     Crafting can reduce stress
                   even though it makes a mess.
                      The sheer joy of making
                     whether candles or baking.
                Try different crafts to find the one
                    that enthralls so you are gone
                    to a far away place of delight
            where your mind goes when it takes flight.
                Where imagination soars and leaps
              in a way that says, this ones for keeps!

DIY Easy Step By Step Guide to Making Scented Soy & Beeswax Candles and Wax Melts at Home 

This book published in 2018 is a good guide

with details on equipment, supplies and safety. Before going into the making process. 

It goes through the making of different types of candles as well as the best fragrances to combine and use.

Making Candles and Soaps For Dummies 

Instructions to make floating candles and herbal soaps. Learn the secrets of color, shape, and scent in an easy and enjoyable way. 
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned craft person, this fun book offers everything you need to make beautiful, professional-looking candles and soaps at home. 
There are practical tips on dyeing and scenting wax, using unusual molds and adding embellishments to your candles too.
Even some practical tips on turning your hobby into a business.
What more could you want.

House of Crafts Candlemaking Craft Kit

• Make your own candles
• This kit is packed full with creative new ideas within this ever-popular pastime
• Ideal for gifts
• Kit includes wax pellets, candle moulds, coloured dyes, fragrance oil, bulb pipette, wicks, wick rods, mould sealer and full instructions

Practical Uses.

Candle making can be fun to learn. Its wonderful to make your own candles and also give them as gifts. They can also be useful to make as part of the decor for a wedding. Making things you can use yourself gives great satisfaction as well as a sense of achievement.

If you continue to enjoy the creative craft you could even turn your hobby into a business. Especially going the eco friendly natural route as they are becoming so popular.

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Questions and comments welcome.
Thank you for visiting.

Cruising Life. YES!!

Better Late than Never!

Well I promised to tell you a bit about our holiday.
This is rather late nearly 6 months after we went. At least I am getting round to it now.

Weeell .... we went on cruise .... title gives it away really. All 13 of us! 9 adults, a 10 year old, 13 year old and 2 x 2 year old's.
Whenever we all got off together we were like a tour group all by ourselves. They probably thought that on board too when we moved en masse, as it were.
We had to go in the school holidays obviously for the school ager's and to accommodate 1 university student.
So what lucky cruise line got to house us for 2 weeks? Royal Caribbean. And the lucky ship? Independence of the Seas.

When we arrived at the port the cases are taken away and the parking was nearby, 5 minutes walk.
The picture was taken on the first day as we arrived, not a good start but the weather did improve.

Those adults who hadn't been before and all the children were amazed at the size of it. It was wonderful to see their faces, children and adults.

Expedited arrival, we filled in everything online, meant we literally showed papers and walked straight through onto the ship. We had an hour and a  bit until we could get into our cabins so we headed off in search of lunch first. The kids are always hungry.

What was there to eat? Pretty much anything you could think of. Hot and cold food and vast arrays of it. I meant to take photos of it all for a blog but forgot.
Though you can see pictures of buffets and meals in the brochures.

They loved the look of the pool area and couldn't wait for the chance to try it out.
The day we left there were high winds and it was very dull and grey looking. Wasn't cold though. However the pools were closed as they always are in bad weather.
The children were a bit uncertain at first because of the size and not being familiar with a boat that size. It didn't take long for that to wear off.
We had a drinks package too, so everyone had a pass card for drinks. Was great for the 10 & 13 yr old as they didn't have to ask, they could get them whenever they fancied. As it was hot, that was a bonus.

Cabins aren't massive on any boat and these were average size and perfectly fine as we weren't going to be in them much. They had everything needed, TV, fridge, hairdryer, en-suite bathroom, good sized window etc.
The staff I have always found to be excellent on any cruise. They go out of their way to help, always cheerful.

Often we would go back to the cabins sometime after dinner and find something made from towels by the cabin steward to amuse us.
The photo opposite is one after a visit to Gibraltar. I had bought monkeys for the toddlers so the cabin steward made one too. The children loved it.... well to be honest the bigger kids and adults did too.
A few would rush off to check what each days creation was immediately after dinner. They weren't all the same though which was nice.


On more than one occasion the youngest two stole the show, dancing on the stage, copying each others moves in a way that had the audience ahhhing. They found too, that if they clapped, the audience would copy and they loved that too, putting hands over their heads to clap. The videos of them still make me laugh.



As far as the eye can see
a vast sparkling blue sea.
Behind the ship a frothing white wake
as majestically we sail; and make
our way to the next port of call
with all on board, having a ball.
I stand here gazing at the view
enjoying the scene of endless blue.
Wondering will I see a dolphin today?
If I don`t though, that`s okay.
I love the music of the sea
it`s there for all to hear, not just me.
But many just pass it by without a glance
hurrying to the next meal at a fast prance.
They are missing nature`s gallery of art
unlike others who pause, they are smart!!

Photos of the trip

A few pics taken at the various stops we had. Looking through them has made recall what a fabulous time we had and now I want to go again and I keep looking at cruises.
However quite a few are advising caution for now with the Corona virus spreading so rapidly. So I shall wait.

The view from the top of the Rock of Gibraltar.
I didn't go up as I don't like heights but half a
dozen brave souls went up in the cable car and
took photos of the view.

This photo is from Lisbon. It is  many years  since we were there and I was impressed with how much it had changed.
Last time we visited the base of the statue had graffiti on it as did some of the buildings. Now it's pristine clean and looks amazing.
There have been lots of changes which made it a lovely place to visit.

One of the monkeys from the rock of Gibraltar.
*Currently, some 300 animals in five troops occupy the Upper Rock area of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, though they make occasional forays into the town. As they are a tailless species, they are also known locally as Barbary apes or rock apes, despite being monkeys.*
*Scientists believe that the Barbary Macaques, the proper name of the Gibraltar monkeys, were introduced to the area of Gibraltar by the Moors who lived there between 700 and 1492. ... It is from this legend that the saying was given rise, that so long as the monkeys live on the Rock, so too will the British have control."

 Barcelona's famous cathedral
*133 Years after the building started, Gaudí's Cathedral Nears Completion. The Sagrada Família, inspired by nature and faith, has been under construction since 1882. It's now in the final phase, with just another 11 years until completion.
Its a stunning building but there is always a massive queue to get in.
Better to go with a tour and bypass the queues."

 This photo of a Morgan car was inside the ship outside one  of the bars on the main promenade.

It didn't take up much room because the promenade is wide.

The children found it fascinating to see a car inside on a ship.
Was surprising how quickly they got used to it being there.

This photo was taken from one end of the promenade, which is filled with shops, a coffee shop, a sweet shop, ice cream parlour, clothing,  jewellery, pizza and general shop, as well as bars. 

The bridge often changed colour but rarely was seen in the rainbow colours as it is on this photo. 
As we look along the promenade, behind us was our dining room with an open area in front that was set up for taking photographs for people that wanted them done.

We were delighted to be seated all on one table as we had been told that with so many of us we were more likely to be divided between 2 tables.

Our waiters were lovely and quickly got to know us and we had quite a laugh with them each day.

      




I could waffle on for days about various aspects and all the places we visited, 9 in all, but it would become boring. But you get the general idea.
It was great fun to go together. It was very hot so wonderful to have the air conditioning inside and a sea breeze , once we sailed, outside. We spent a lot of time at the pool, as you  can imagine. The kids were in seventh heaven.

Hope you enjoyed this little insight in to our holiday. I recommend it for smaller and larger parties.

Thank you for visiting. Please come back soon.