Ever since my craft show in February, I've been on the fence about what my next move will be for my business. I've been weighing options, since the show didn't do very well (I didn't even pay for my booth in sales.) So. Decisions.
There is the extreme end, where I would just quit making things for sale....no more shows, no selling online, no making dolls that aren't for myself or gifts to loved ones. I don't think I could go that route, as I still have dolls that want to be made and I think there are children (and adults) out there who want them. Deciding to sell online involves some new steps that I haven't been ready to take yet. Paypal, credit cards, shipping, etc.
If I'm to do more shows, I need to (like right now!) commit to a huge local craft show that comes next October. I think, even if I do sell online, I need this show to kick start things and I need to start making lots of dolls (as many as I can fit in) for that show. Since I do feel the need to make more dolls, (I have several in my head right now) I'm thinking that I WILL commit to that show and just keep right on making dolls. Sometime over the next few months, I WILL get arrangements made for credit cards, as that will be useful for the big show, and Paypal, as that would be useful for future online sales, which may be the only way I sell my dolls after the big show.
So it sounds like my decision is made: MORE DOLLS!!! One big show, Paypal and credit cards. Now I'd like to share some of my recent inspiration.
This yarn I found yesterday in a local yarn shop for an amazing price ($3/skein)
There is the extreme end, where I would just quit making things for sale....no more shows, no selling online, no making dolls that aren't for myself or gifts to loved ones. I don't think I could go that route, as I still have dolls that want to be made and I think there are children (and adults) out there who want them. Deciding to sell online involves some new steps that I haven't been ready to take yet. Paypal, credit cards, shipping, etc.
If I'm to do more shows, I need to (like right now!) commit to a huge local craft show that comes next October. I think, even if I do sell online, I need this show to kick start things and I need to start making lots of dolls (as many as I can fit in) for that show. Since I do feel the need to make more dolls, (I have several in my head right now) I'm thinking that I WILL commit to that show and just keep right on making dolls. Sometime over the next few months, I WILL get arrangements made for credit cards, as that will be useful for the big show, and Paypal, as that would be useful for future online sales, which may be the only way I sell my dolls after the big show.
So it sounds like my decision is made: MORE DOLLS!!! One big show, Paypal and credit cards. Now I'd like to share some of my recent inspiration.
This yarn I found yesterday in a local yarn shop for an amazing price ($3/skein)
It is much whiter in real life and very, very soft. It will be the hair for my next doll, "Snow Drop," who is a little girl of the north (think Norway, Netherlands, Finland, Switzerland, etc.) She will have this white hair and suntan skin and clothes suitable for a very cold climate. My hands are itching to get started on Snow Drop.
After that, I have in mind an African American doll with fairly short hair made from black boucle mohair. I think her name is Mia and she is waiting in the wings for her turn to come alive. :)
Lately, I've seen some vintage photos of little ones that are also inspiring me. I would love to make a doll based on this one:
After that, I have in mind an African American doll with fairly short hair made from black boucle mohair. I think her name is Mia and she is waiting in the wings for her turn to come alive. :)
Lately, I've seen some vintage photos of little ones that are also inspiring me. I would love to make a doll based on this one:
And this one:
This adorable Dolly Dingle paperdoll:
I can't wait to try my hand at a version of that hat!
And then this little one right here:
And then this little one right here:
Isn't she the sweetest thing? So there, just right off the top of my head, I have six dolls that are making my fingers itchy to start "making." Oh.....I forgot!!!....I want to make a Waldorf baby, too. Little fat arms and bent legs in baby clothes, diaper, bonnet and booties. So that's seven! That should keep me occupied for quite awhile, and I'd also like to make some felt crowns for young children: birthday crowns, royalty crowns, flower faery crowns. I might work on those while I'm away at the camper this summer. Also, some embellished felt clutches/wallets and more Acorn people.
Looks like decisions are made and I just need to get busy....as soon as I clean out two rooms in preparation for future guests and also hem 6 (!) pairs of pants for hubby. Sigh. "Real life."
Looks like decisions are made and I just need to get busy....as soon as I clean out two rooms in preparation for future guests and also hem 6 (!) pairs of pants for hubby. Sigh. "Real life."