My first attempt at beads

I grew up learning how to do different crafts, but because I love to handle beads and make necklaces, I finally just decided to try making my own. Of course, it was a learning process. I looked online for tutorials, and just did a simple Target cane. I wanted mine to look a bit tiger-ish, so I cut the soft polymer clay into several pieces, rolled them up, stuck a hole through the middle, and then set in the oven to bake.

This is how they turned out. They are not perfect, but for a first attempt at making my own, it is not too bad.

My first candle and flower arrangement

This is a simple candle and flower arrangement I made for my stepmother. She was thrilled with it. The candle was vanilla and cost only $2 from Walmart. The materials for the arrangment, including the lead crystal holder at the bottom totaled only $7.

It was something I made on a whim. When you cannot find something, make something…right?

In the past, I have sold things like hand-sewn handbags, bracelets, and even earrings. I did make a few dollars, but I was not really promoting it a lot. At the time, there were really no great social networks to try to connect with people who might be interested in at least taking a look at my DIY (Do It Yourself) crafts for sale, let alone even persuade further to buy.

However, in the past 5 years alone, people do not have to turn to using eBay as an expensive place. Here are some ways you can promote your work.

1. DeviantART – Even having a free account, you can load pictures of your items to show others. To connect, use their forums and seek out groups or individuals who seem to be interested in DIY.

2. Etsy – This place allows you to list your items for cheap.

3. Your own website. Whether you use a shopping cart, or WordPress with a shopping cart plugin, you can control your content more. There are some pretty good web hosts. I actually sell 5GB of webspace and 25GB bandwidth for $25 per year at Host Solutions.

4. Forums on the Internet. For those who are moms, finding and joining mommy communities might be ideal. Other moms sometimes enjoy buying DIY for family to keep their gifts unique.

5. Find SAHM (Stay At Home Moms) or WAHM (Work At Home Moms) sites and if they have a site directory, submit your link. I do want to note that some sites might have a minimal fee or even a link back requirement or other submission requirements.

What other ways can you promote your crafts?

I am a little late on this, but I better say something before it is too late to mention Holiday cards.

Yep, I am offering to send a Holiday Card to anyone who wants one. It is not much, just a card, but I know some people really like to receive things during the holidays and what better way to do it than mention it to those who read or comment. It does not matter where you live, whether within the US or outside, I will sent you one. All you do is send me an email at nile AT blondish DOT net or use my contact form here.

I plan to not send any cards out later than December 21st (I mentioned December 20th on my LiveJournal blog, but that is a Sunday…oops), so I guess that will have to be the last day to accept requests. If you wish to exchange cards, please mention that in your email so I can include my address. Otherwise, exchanging is not necessarily a requirement.