You may have noticed that I've switched gears in my shop and have been listing doll after doll and nothing in the way of bags. I started preparing for a boutique a few weeks ago, focusing on dolls because I already had a good back stock of bags. And the boutique hostess specifically mentioned that she thought dolls might be a good seller at the boutique. Now I've become totally addicted and don't really have any desire to go back to bags so I need to think about the future of Crafty Mama Creations.
I've been making and selling my bags for almost 6 years. Damn, I hadn't really thought about it until I typed that sentence and didn't realize I had been "Crafty Mama" for so long. Back when I first started on Ebay (where I "met" Jona!), there was far less competition and dare I say less crappy, under-priced product out there. I love Etsy and it provides a great part-time income for me but it's so over-saturated by bag makers now, it's really hard to make and sell something original.
Making dolls seems to be working a lot better for my family's lifestyle. I already spend 10-15 hours a week at my sewing desk for my other work at home job, it's nice to be able to work on something more portable than bags. I can cut and stuff doll bits and pieces in my yard while watching the girls play or on the couch at night while watching "Modern Family" with Crafty Pops (I just re-watched Mitch's flash mob this morning:) ). My girls have gotten involved with the doll-making process too, helping me choose hair color and outfits.
So, I'll be doing a lot of thinking over the holiday week and trying to determine where I see Crafty Mama Creations going. I have an excitement and enthusiasm for these dolls that I just don't really have for bags anymore. I mean, who wouldn't want dozens of these smiling faces in their craft room?
I've been making and selling my bags for almost 6 years. Damn, I hadn't really thought about it until I typed that sentence and didn't realize I had been "Crafty Mama" for so long. Back when I first started on Ebay (where I "met" Jona!), there was far less competition and dare I say less crappy, under-priced product out there. I love Etsy and it provides a great part-time income for me but it's so over-saturated by bag makers now, it's really hard to make and sell something original.
Making dolls seems to be working a lot better for my family's lifestyle. I already spend 10-15 hours a week at my sewing desk for my other work at home job, it's nice to be able to work on something more portable than bags. I can cut and stuff doll bits and pieces in my yard while watching the girls play or on the couch at night while watching "Modern Family" with Crafty Pops (I just re-watched Mitch's flash mob this morning:) ). My girls have gotten involved with the doll-making process too, helping me choose hair color and outfits.
So, I'll be doing a lot of thinking over the holiday week and trying to determine where I see Crafty Mama Creations going. I have an excitement and enthusiasm for these dolls that I just don't really have for bags anymore. I mean, who wouldn't want dozens of these smiling faces in their craft room?
