Jun 16, 2009

Etsy Easy

By nature, I'm not a risk taker. I don't enjoy doing things that I can't control. I have a need to know the outcome. I have a need to know that I won't fail. It is very hard to put yourself out on a limb when you don't know if you'll fly or fall when you jump.

A few months back, I started sewing. I mainly wanted to make some of the cute dresses and smocks that I've seen on-line for Amelia and needed an outlet for some creativity. I really believe in the life-long learning process. Learning shouldn't end when you leave school. I like to sew. I like to see what I can create and I get a lot of satisfaction from knowing that I can do something other than cook and clean.

I've had several friends and strangers tell me that I should sell some of the pieces like Millie's that I've made. Panic sets in. How can I possibly do that? What if the person doesn't like it? What if it falls apart in 3 washes? Oh the what ifs ... oh the unknowns!

There's a really cool place on-line called ETSY. It's kind of like an Ebay for crafty folks. They sell handmade items and supplies. It's a really neat concept because you know that any money you spend goes to real people and not huge corporations where you dollar is merely a rain drop in a huge barrel.


I've kicked around the idea of opening a "shop" on there to sell pillowcase dresses and things like that. I know that I would want to keep them as low-cost as possible, but also make it worth my time. I'm creeping out on that branch, I just can't decide if I want to make the leap.

11 comments:

Catey said...

Yep, yep, yep! I'm jumping the Etsy direction this week too. :) Just so much easier to manage. And it opens you up to a whole new level of exposure if you're willing to give more away-email me and I'll explain. Because I'm too long winded here already and if I say I'll email you, I'll forget.

Holly said...

I think you should go for it!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
snarflemarfle said...

(that comment deleted above was me...I didn't realize I was signed in with my work google account!)

I completely understand what you're saying. I have had people tell me the same thing about my crochet blankets and my handmade cards. I just keep thinking that my stuff isn't near as cool as some other people's stuff, so who would want to buy mine?

That being said, you do a really nice job with your clothes and I think they'd do really well!!

Laura said...

Give it a try Lisa. They are really cute and hey, what have you got to lose?

Anonymous said...

You should definitely make the leap! If you have found something you are gifted at and enjoy doing, there is nothing wrong with trying to make a livelihood (is that the right word?)through it! I think you will know once you start if it is the right path to pursue and for right now if the idea gets you excited than go for it!

Jill @ Sneaky Momma said...

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. :)
Don't know where I heard that, but I've always loved that quote. I think you should do it!!!!

T- said...

You should do it! Your dresses are sooo adorable!

amanda said...

i'd go for it. i love the concept of a pillowcase dress!! and i love sneaky momma's quote. i use that all the time. i think it's so cute you call amelia-millie. i had never heard that before. we debated calling amelya- mya (mia) but i didn't like it after she was born. so now it's amelya, or amelya bedila. lol. :0)

Unknown said...

I love Etsy and get lost there for hours. So many unique things.

Your dresses are adorable and I think that you'd do great! (And I know I'd recommend you.)

McCryssy said...

I'll give you a friendly little shove if you like ;)