I did mention my niece here and here but never explained where she fitted in. I childmind her three days one week and two the next. I've been doing it since she was just 6 months old - she's 19 months now. I really enjoy having her and my kids do too - mostly! But just lately I've been feeling that Islay hasn't had enough attention and I'm very conscious of the fact that she'll be at nursery mornings or afternoons from August. So I'm dropping one day per week and this is my last three day week. I think there will be a better balance with the reduction.
I also mentioned an additional dog too. When my parents are in South Africa we look after their Flatcoated Retriever. Moray is huge and very gentle, although he does occasionally take it into his head to run off, and our spaniel Kipper loves him. We get into the swing of things when we have him but I really enjoy the half of the year when we don't - much less hoovering required - not that I do it as much as I should but in a pristine house it would be done more when he's here!
So, on to the actual sewing. I've put together a few tea cosies and pot stands/mats. I'm quite uncertain how many to make but think I will probably go ahead without too many while I learn to judge what might or might not work. I plan to start on Folksy shortly, as a beginning, while I battle away with building a website. That will get my brain working - or not, as the case may be!
Its all rather daunting but I'm desperate to try. I'm very concious of the fact that there are so many experienced and properly trained people out there. One of my particular favourites is The Linen Cat. Beth's work is so beautiful and yet just a little quirky too. Her blog is great and she shares so much information which has been a real insight and encouragement for me ....but it does remind me that I am attempting to make myself seen amongst a field of experts.
Anyway I'm going to give it a go. I just need the time to get things loaded up, descriptions written etc, etc. Thursday, maybe? (I'm hoping that will work as some sort of deadline but its probably not safe to hold your breath just yet)
7 comments:
You have selvedges for me? Oooh! Exciting, thank you! I absolutely LOVE your chicken design on the pot stand, its so pretty. And I wouldn't worry about stepping into a "field of experts". There are lots of us out there who aren't properly trained, or very experienced, but people still love to buy our stuff! It's finding the right market for them, and spreading the word. I have a website, but have actually found that a combination of Misi, a Facebook fan page, and word of mouth has generated a lot more orders. Good luck with it all, do let me know when you get your folksy shop going, and I'll happily put links to it on all my pages!!
Abby, thanks so much for your kind words - you've no idea how chuffed they make me feel. I hadn't thought about a facebook page, in fact I've studiously ignored the presence of facebook but perhaps I should think about moving with the times?! Julie
You can have a facebook fan page without having to go the whole way and have a personal profile page with lots of friends etc. You would need to set up a profile first, but could be completely anonymous, with a different name and no photo. Then you can set up a fan page. Have a look at mine:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bubs-Bears/169706578812?ref=ts
It's really simple, you can add photos, links, and write messages on your "wall" announcing new products etc. The only challenge then is to get some fans, and the only way to do this is promote yourself to everyone you can think of! It's not the best way of marketing, but its good as an extra to go alongside your blog and website and Folksy...covers all areas I guess.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for the very lovely mention on your blog, I'm glad some of the things I write are of use, I do tend to just prattle on a bit and write what's in my head!
I wouldn't worry at all, your designs are great (I, too, especially like the chicken design). Folksy allow you to list in units of 5 for handmade (for 20p), which is worth remembering. I make more sales on my website, but get a lot more 'publicity' through Folksy, seems people find me on Folksy but then buy through The Linen Cat. Don't worry if you don't sell loads right off, I was a Folksy Featured seller 4 weeks after I opened my shop but sold bu*ger all, even though I was a Featured Seller for a month!
I'm impressed with you children skills, I struggle to manage two!!
Bx
Abby - thanks for the advice re facebook. I will check it out. I think it may be something to have a go at once I've got Folksy and website up and running. Don't know anything about misi either so will have to have a look at it. As you say covering all areas has to help. Julie x
Beth - your prattling if fantastic, I always enjoy it and it has so many useful snippets. Keep prattling please!
I think what you're saying about folksy mirrors my expectations - altho' perhaps my expectations are based on what I have picked up from your blog!
As for the kids well I'm mostly good with them but I do sometimes 'lose the plot'. Hopefully a bit less often now the childminding days are reducing. Julie x
Julie, the selvedges have just arrived, thanks SO much! I think I now have enough to start the first bear :)
I love the ribbon you tied up the parcel with too, so pretty!
xx
Post a Comment