I am having issues with getting the tension right on my sewing machine so I stepped away for the evening because I didn't want to get more frustrated. I have been trying to get my next boot camp going so that I can not only pay my electric bill but also get signed up with my friend with Mary Kay. I am still doing my crafts but I will be doing both.
I am so sleepy and stressed and I hate feeling like this. I still feel lost but have to find my way out. I am finding more and more that I need to get out of here. I am tired of being talked to like I am nothing more than the dog that wet the carpet. I am better than that. I did make it to Starbucks to get the coffee sleeve to make the teacher's gifts.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Day 273-September 30, 2014
Okay, it is the end of the month at work and I have finally gotten everything caught up. Yippee! I made my boss more money! Hope you can sense my sarcasm. I have all of the pieces cut and just have to get my tension right on the top of my sewing machine, then I am in business. I am so tired but I know I have to keep moving forward to get to my goal.
I still have my boot camp getting started. I am holding 30 spots and if I can get the money together from that I will start selling Mary Kay. I use the products, so why not sell it? I just hope I can get enough people together. I messaged my best friend last night asking her to help me get people in the boot camp to help me get signed up as soon as possible. It sucks having stress on top of headaches on top of knowing that I need to get done and not being able to get it done fast enough. :(
I still have my boot camp getting started. I am holding 30 spots and if I can get the money together from that I will start selling Mary Kay. I use the products, so why not sell it? I just hope I can get enough people together. I messaged my best friend last night asking her to help me get people in the boot camp to help me get signed up as soon as possible. It sucks having stress on top of headaches on top of knowing that I need to get done and not being able to get it done fast enough. :(
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Day 271-September 28, 2014
I cut all 160 pieces of fabric for the hand warmers. I have to cut to 160 pieces of t-shirts too for the inner lining of the hand warmers. I am still thinking about what to make the teachers and I think I will be making the coffee cozy. I have to get the rest of the pieces cut and then get them sewn and they will be ready to fill and be done. I have to run to Starbucks later to get the coffee sleeve for my pattern but that won't take just a few minutes to get there and back.
I have been struggling with getting my head together. I want to have be a part of something but like the idea of working for myself. It is killing me. I don't know where to turn or what is best for me. Seems like as soon as I think I have found myself I lose myself again. I don't know which direction I want to go and what would be best for me. I spent part of the night last night crying and feeling like a complete failure instead of feeling like I am moving forward. I just want to cry still today. I don't know where I am going or what I am doing. I will concentrate on getting these Christmas gifts done and maybe I will figure things out by then. If not, I may just give up.
I have been struggling with getting my head together. I want to have be a part of something but like the idea of working for myself. It is killing me. I don't know where to turn or what is best for me. Seems like as soon as I think I have found myself I lose myself again. I don't know which direction I want to go and what would be best for me. I spent part of the night last night crying and feeling like a complete failure instead of feeling like I am moving forward. I just want to cry still today. I don't know where I am going or what I am doing. I will concentrate on getting these Christmas gifts done and maybe I will figure things out by then. If not, I may just give up.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Day 270-September 27, 2014
I am spending the day sending emails to friends that do direct sales and advertise my advertising business. I am watching movies with my girls and will be finishing cutting my pieces and will get started later on with the sewing machine. I am starting to psych myself out. I just have to get my mind around it. I always get like this when I start something new. I am looking forward to this but still worry they won't turn out right. I guess I am just a worrier.
I had a dream last night about my craft business and I had my own store front and was able to work while at my shop. I saw shelves of blankets and baby items, hangers of purses and totes, shelves of baskets and more. I also saw an area where my sewing machine was and a room where my fabric and plastic canvas and yarn stays. It was amazing.
I have been looking at several places to be able to open up and there are several places near my house that are in a busy area. I am going to make a bunch of bags up and hand them out as goody bags at Halloween and baskets for the local offices like I was talking about for the advertising business. I will post pictures of the hand warmers when I get them sewn. It will be next week before I get them filled. I have to make 40 sets but will make as many sets above that as I can.
I had a dream last night about my craft business and I had my own store front and was able to work while at my shop. I saw shelves of blankets and baby items, hangers of purses and totes, shelves of baskets and more. I also saw an area where my sewing machine was and a room where my fabric and plastic canvas and yarn stays. It was amazing.
I have been looking at several places to be able to open up and there are several places near my house that are in a busy area. I am going to make a bunch of bags up and hand them out as goody bags at Halloween and baskets for the local offices like I was talking about for the advertising business. I will post pictures of the hand warmers when I get them sewn. It will be next week before I get them filled. I have to make 40 sets but will make as many sets above that as I can.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Day 269-September 26, 2014
I cut some of the fabric squares last night and also looked on Amazon for fabric scraps. I can get a ton for just around $10-15. I also went through my friends list and wrote down all of the names of my friends that do direct sales so that I can start contacting them about the Pink Lady Bags. That is what I am thinking about calling them instead of LadyBug Bags. I am going to start sending email this afternoon but will be posting on Facebook today about who would be interested to email me. I will explain everything to them of how I plan to do it.
I am calling today and having my middle daughter added to our cell phone plan and my youngest daughter will get the phone my middle daughter is using now.
***Edit***
I got my daughter her phone but have to wait for it to come in. I will be leaving work in just over an hour and have a ton of things to do to prep for my sewing marathon tomorrow. I want to get as many of the items sewn as possible. I have to make 40 sets but will finish cutting everything tonight. I will be making the two coffee cozies once I get the pattern for it. I just have to figure it out. I am sure I will.
I am calling today and having my middle daughter added to our cell phone plan and my youngest daughter will get the phone my middle daughter is using now.
***Edit***
I got my daughter her phone but have to wait for it to come in. I will be leaving work in just over an hour and have a ton of things to do to prep for my sewing marathon tomorrow. I want to get as many of the items sewn as possible. I have to make 40 sets but will finish cutting everything tonight. I will be making the two coffee cozies once I get the pattern for it. I just have to figure it out. I am sure I will.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Day 268-September 25, 2014
I got out the girls shirts that don't fit them anymore and should have more than enough to do the inner lining of the hand warmers. My goal is to have them cut, sewn and ready to fill up by the end of the weekend. I might even get them filled this weekend. I am debating embroidering things on them. I still have not decided from the neck warmers or coffee cozies for the teachers. I still have time to figure it out.
I was looking on Facebook at my friends list and out of almost 1,000 friends most of them are in direct sales. I got to thinking, I can make advertising bags and give them out. I have several places that I know I can leave baskets of goody bags for people to take the bags. I can also give them out when I take the kids trick or treating and just hand them out at hubby's tournaments and such. I was thinking about it and I can get the bags at Wal-Mart, the dollar store, and amazon.com. I can fill them with mini catalogs, business cards, samples, mini fliers, etc. I am going to go through my friends list tonight and get the message out. I will do it for $10 per 100 bags. It is not much. They will provide me with their items to add to the bags and I will package them myself and distribute them myself. This will help get their names out there other than the groups on Facebook where they are pretty much competing with other reps for the same thing.
I was looking on Facebook at my friends list and out of almost 1,000 friends most of them are in direct sales. I got to thinking, I can make advertising bags and give them out. I have several places that I know I can leave baskets of goody bags for people to take the bags. I can also give them out when I take the kids trick or treating and just hand them out at hubby's tournaments and such. I was thinking about it and I can get the bags at Wal-Mart, the dollar store, and amazon.com. I can fill them with mini catalogs, business cards, samples, mini fliers, etc. I am going to go through my friends list tonight and get the message out. I will do it for $10 per 100 bags. It is not much. They will provide me with their items to add to the bags and I will package them myself and distribute them myself. This will help get their names out there other than the groups on Facebook where they are pretty much competing with other reps for the same thing.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Day 267-September 24, 2014
I still didn't get a lot done last night except take inventory of what I have. I know I will have to get more fabric but that should not be an issue. I get paid from my day job this week so I can get more material this weekend.
Things just seem to get more and more irritating at my day job. I am going to spend this weekend figuring out what I need to do to get my name out there more. I have been giving out samples but that has not really helped me. I will talk to some of the people that were my upline at the other direct sales companies and some of the people I know that are doing well selling their own crafts to get advice on what to do.
Things just seem to get more and more irritating at my day job. I am going to spend this weekend figuring out what I need to do to get my name out there more. I have been giving out samples but that has not really helped me. I will talk to some of the people that were my upline at the other direct sales companies and some of the people I know that are doing well selling their own crafts to get advice on what to do.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Day 266-September 23, 2014
I will be honest. I have not gotten anything done this week. We have had the grandbaby and seems like that takes all our time. I will be cutting pieces tonight and will start drawing out what I want on them to embroider. I know I can get 40 done by the time Christmas gets here. I will do lizards for the boys and swirlies for the girls. Those seem to be the easiest to do and have less detail so they won't take as long to do. We will either be taking the grandbaby home tomorrow or my stepdaughter (her mother) will be coming up tomorrow. We don't know which yet.
I will also get my handbook out tonight and start looking at how to thread my sewing machine. It has been so long since I have had one that I don't remember. I love having my granddaughter but I don't get anything done when she is here...lol.
I will be putting my website on the poster boards and phone number as well as putting to Google LadyBug Expression by Charity on them. I need to put the pictures of the party favors and baby name plates on my Facebook fan page as well as on my personal page. I need to make my to-do list for this evening that way I can stay focused. I have just stayed so exhausted but I know it needs to be done. After the bookmarks are done I am going to start making some of the things that are in my quilting book that I got from my Granny.
The more I look at things the more I realize that it is going to take me more than the 365 days to get to being a stay at home mom. I will get there. I just need to be able to work full time on it. I will get as many things done as I can and build up an inventory and post the small things that are easy to ship on the website but then sell the larger things at vendor shows and the flea markets. There have even been people set up in parking lots on the side of the street and I am thinking about doing that. I will make a list today of the things that I will make to sell but will not start any of them until I get the bookmarks done. I should have them done in a couple of weeks.
If I were able to work eight hours a day on it like I do my day job I would be up and running and kicking butt already but it is really hard when you are trying to get a business going that is based around handmade items. I may even talk to a few friends when I get my inventory built up and talk them into selling items for me and me pay them a percentage. I would love to start my own direct sales business. Maybe get kits together...lol. That is further down the road I guess.
I will also get my handbook out tonight and start looking at how to thread my sewing machine. It has been so long since I have had one that I don't remember. I love having my granddaughter but I don't get anything done when she is here...lol.
I will be putting my website on the poster boards and phone number as well as putting to Google LadyBug Expression by Charity on them. I need to put the pictures of the party favors and baby name plates on my Facebook fan page as well as on my personal page. I need to make my to-do list for this evening that way I can stay focused. I have just stayed so exhausted but I know it needs to be done. After the bookmarks are done I am going to start making some of the things that are in my quilting book that I got from my Granny.
The more I look at things the more I realize that it is going to take me more than the 365 days to get to being a stay at home mom. I will get there. I just need to be able to work full time on it. I will get as many things done as I can and build up an inventory and post the small things that are easy to ship on the website but then sell the larger things at vendor shows and the flea markets. There have even been people set up in parking lots on the side of the street and I am thinking about doing that. I will make a list today of the things that I will make to sell but will not start any of them until I get the bookmarks done. I should have them done in a couple of weeks.
If I were able to work eight hours a day on it like I do my day job I would be up and running and kicking butt already but it is really hard when you are trying to get a business going that is based around handmade items. I may even talk to a few friends when I get my inventory built up and talk them into selling items for me and me pay them a percentage. I would love to start my own direct sales business. Maybe get kits together...lol. That is further down the road I guess.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Day 265-September 22, 2014
It is Monday morning and I am at my day job wishing I were at home working on crafts. We still have the grandbaby for a couple of more days and I have so many things running through my head that I want to get done. It kills me that I cannot be there working and have to be here. I can pull out all of my fabric tonight after all the kids are in bed and the baby is sleeping and start cutting pieces out. I can use old t-shirts from the kids for the inner lining. That is how I made the one for my mom. I did not see my hubby all weekend because he was traveling with work and he didn't get home until after midnight last night. I saw him for a few minutes this morning before work. I hate when he works out of town.
My kids seem to wonder how I am going to get all 40 of the sets of hand warmers done before Christmas. They don't think about how fast it can go with the sewing machine. I am going to sew them and let the kids help me fill them with brown rice.
I have decided that my other blog (my crafty goddess) is going to go in a different direction. I am going to start taking pictures of the projects I do (like I have been doing) but instead of just the end product I will take pictures of the materials needed, the process, and then finished product and will explain with each project how I did it. I think I will also do that with my business fan page on Facebook. Kind of give them an insight to how I make my products so that they can see how much work goes into my products.
I am also going to take the signs that the girls decorated from my last vendor show and put my website on them and start putting them on my car when I am parked somewhere. Maybe even put them on the side windows when I am driving since I don't roll those windows down. That way people can see when they are beside me at red lights. That way I don't have to worry about it messing up my windows. I plan on trading in my car and with those vinyl decals they melt the design onto your windows and I don't want that on my car when I trade it in for a newer model later on.
My kids seem to wonder how I am going to get all 40 of the sets of hand warmers done before Christmas. They don't think about how fast it can go with the sewing machine. I am going to sew them and let the kids help me fill them with brown rice.
I have decided that my other blog (my crafty goddess) is going to go in a different direction. I am going to start taking pictures of the projects I do (like I have been doing) but instead of just the end product I will take pictures of the materials needed, the process, and then finished product and will explain with each project how I did it. I think I will also do that with my business fan page on Facebook. Kind of give them an insight to how I make my products so that they can see how much work goes into my products.
I am also going to take the signs that the girls decorated from my last vendor show and put my website on them and start putting them on my car when I am parked somewhere. Maybe even put them on the side windows when I am driving since I don't roll those windows down. That way people can see when they are beside me at red lights. That way I don't have to worry about it messing up my windows. I plan on trading in my car and with those vinyl decals they melt the design onto your windows and I don't want that on my car when I trade it in for a newer model later on.
Day 264-September 21, 2014
I spent the day taking care of my grandbaby and didn't get anything done other than some advertising online. I have to take stock of what I have material wise and what I need to get the hand warmers done for the kids. I also have been thinking about making the long neck warmers for the teachers. They will not be that hard to make now that I have the sewing machine. I will mainly be using it on the weekends since we have such a small area and it would be loud until I can get hubby to build me a sewing room. It would really help if I had a craft room. That way I could store everything in there and work in there and not bother anyone else in the house. Hubby will be gone on the weekends so my weeks will be filled with cutting things out and getting things prepped but then weekends will be filled with sewing and then I can also fill the items that need filled during the week and hand sew the parts closed.
I am thinking about getting the materials to make my kids and grandbaby blankets. I have the patterns for some things that would fit them. I can make one of the Tennessee Vols for my son. My oldest and middle daughter would like the girly things. My youngest daughter and grandbaby would like the Dutch Dolls patterns. I can embroider each square using the quilting patterns that I have. All I have to do is draw them out onto the fabric from tracing them off the book. I did something like that before and it turned out pretty good. I love to embroider and have always wanted to quilt. I cannot wait to get started. I know if I tell hubby what materials I need that he will go pick everything up for me (I can trust him to get things right) and that means more time for me to actually work on it.
He works weekends and I work during the week so he can pick things up for me while I am at work. But first, let's get the hand warmers done.
I am thinking about getting the materials to make my kids and grandbaby blankets. I have the patterns for some things that would fit them. I can make one of the Tennessee Vols for my son. My oldest and middle daughter would like the girly things. My youngest daughter and grandbaby would like the Dutch Dolls patterns. I can embroider each square using the quilting patterns that I have. All I have to do is draw them out onto the fabric from tracing them off the book. I did something like that before and it turned out pretty good. I love to embroider and have always wanted to quilt. I cannot wait to get started. I know if I tell hubby what materials I need that he will go pick everything up for me (I can trust him to get things right) and that means more time for me to actually work on it.
He works weekends and I work during the week so he can pick things up for me while I am at work. But first, let's get the hand warmers done.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Day 263-September 20, 2014
My daughter had her first cross country track meet this morning and placed 98th out of 250 girls. We are very proud of her.
I got my sewing machine today a have to get it set up. I will be cutting fabric pieces here shortly for the hand warmers for the kids' classes. We have my brother in laws birthday party later but other than that I can work on their gifts.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Day 262-September 19, 2014
I started posting on Facebook about the Boot Camp starting next weekend. I have several people talking to me about getting more info but we will see how many I end up with. I have one that is sending her money in tonight and waiting on about 30 more to respond if they are interested. I will be working on that all this weekend (with the exception of being at my daughter's track meet in the morning).
I am also going to get started on the bookmarks for the girls and get those done this weekend. Then I will get the ones done for the boys and in the mean time be looking for my crochet hook. I am bound and determined to get as many talents under my belt as possible for my business. I have been looking at some things that can be crocheted as well as sewn and will be working on those things. I am going to stop at Goodwill and see if they have any sewing machines and if not then I will be looking online for something simple to order. I am feeling positive today and have a new determination. I WILL MEET MY GOAL.
I am also going to get started on the bookmarks for the girls and get those done this weekend. Then I will get the ones done for the boys and in the mean time be looking for my crochet hook. I am bound and determined to get as many talents under my belt as possible for my business. I have been looking at some things that can be crocheted as well as sewn and will be working on those things. I am going to stop at Goodwill and see if they have any sewing machines and if not then I will be looking online for something simple to order. I am feeling positive today and have a new determination. I WILL MEET MY GOAL.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Day 261-September 18, 2014
So far no bites on the classes but that is okay. I am going to start trying to get boot camp started again this evening and try to start the kids' book marks tonight. I have to make 40 of them plus the teachers gifts by December. I am looking into a few other things to get me to my goal and to help bring money into the house.
I am also looking at some other things to do to get my name out there. There have been several hits on my website but no orders. I am going to start blasting on Facebook and Twitter that I can do centerpieces and party favors. Maybe get some things going that way. I am planning on asking one of the girls I did party favors for a couple years ago if she still has the pictures of the things I made. I am going to do some baby themed door hangers and see about posting them at the local labor and delivery departments at the hospitals.
I need to make a list of places around town and then mail fliers to them showing things that I make in the theme of what they offer. Like, doctor's offices and have things that are nurse and doctor themed or stylists and have items that are beauty themed. I have a ton of ideas but it is just getting them out there.
I am also thinking about offering a mailing service where direct sales reps email me their address and the flier for the month and I mail to the addresses around them. I think I am going to make party favors for my youngest daughter's birthday party and also send some to their Sunday school classes. I am thinking about finding out how many of the women there are at the church and making poinsettia or Christmas pins for them and have the kids in the Sunday school classes give them out. If I can do things like this to let people see what I do then maybe I can get some orders.
I am going to mail fliers and advertise lapel pins for events and things like that. I am also going to look into organizations and see if I can offer services like awareness ribbon pins and things like that. Like I said, I have so many ideas but it is just getting out there and doing them. I will also go around and put fliers on cars and find something to hang from the car window that has samples in it with a sign that says "Free Take One." I have a flag that flies from my car window so I can also hang a bag from it saying to take one. I am also going to make a sign to put on the windows of my car advertising my business. I will make a poster advertising my business and get a window visor and put it between the window and the visor.
I am also looking at some other things to do to get my name out there. There have been several hits on my website but no orders. I am going to start blasting on Facebook and Twitter that I can do centerpieces and party favors. Maybe get some things going that way. I am planning on asking one of the girls I did party favors for a couple years ago if she still has the pictures of the things I made. I am going to do some baby themed door hangers and see about posting them at the local labor and delivery departments at the hospitals.
I need to make a list of places around town and then mail fliers to them showing things that I make in the theme of what they offer. Like, doctor's offices and have things that are nurse and doctor themed or stylists and have items that are beauty themed. I have a ton of ideas but it is just getting them out there.
I am also thinking about offering a mailing service where direct sales reps email me their address and the flier for the month and I mail to the addresses around them. I think I am going to make party favors for my youngest daughter's birthday party and also send some to their Sunday school classes. I am thinking about finding out how many of the women there are at the church and making poinsettia or Christmas pins for them and have the kids in the Sunday school classes give them out. If I can do things like this to let people see what I do then maybe I can get some orders.
I am going to mail fliers and advertise lapel pins for events and things like that. I am also going to look into organizations and see if I can offer services like awareness ribbon pins and things like that. Like I said, I have so many ideas but it is just getting out there and doing them. I will also go around and put fliers on cars and find something to hang from the car window that has samples in it with a sign that says "Free Take One." I have a flag that flies from my car window so I can also hang a bag from it saying to take one. I am also going to make a sign to put on the windows of my car advertising my business. I will make a poster advertising my business and get a window visor and put it between the window and the visor.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Day 260-September 17, 2014
I finished the checkbook cover for my Aunt and gave it to her last night. She loved it. I have been doing a lot of thinking over these last few days. I am tired of being tired. I hate living paycheck to paycheck and being on welfare and still having trouble making ends meet. I am tired of working my butt off just to make someone else bonuses and commissions. If I am going to work my butt off it is going to be for me.
I decided to go ahead with the craft classes. The magic number is 11. October 11th I will have my first class. I know what I need for the packets and what I need to prepare for them. I am going to tell hubby the date today. I can do three classes on Saturday and one on Sunday and make what I make a week at my day job.
Wish me luck.
I decided to go ahead with the craft classes. The magic number is 11. October 11th I will have my first class. I know what I need for the packets and what I need to prepare for them. I am going to tell hubby the date today. I can do three classes on Saturday and one on Sunday and make what I make a week at my day job.
Wish me luck.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Day 259-September 16, 2014
I am almost done with the lighthouse checkbook cover for my Aunt. That will be done tonight and delivered tonight. I will finish it and start cutting out the bookmarks for the boys and get those started. I went through drive through and gave out one keychain. I will also be doing some heavy advertising tonight and getting my next boot camp set up since this is the last week of this one.
I am getting more and more stressed about things. There are things going on at my day job that make me more and more determined to get things going with my business. I need to get something going. I will be looking online tonight for things to do from home to help bring in money. I have to figure something out. I am tired of living paycheck to paycheck. I am better than that.
I am getting more and more stressed about things. There are things going on at my day job that make me more and more determined to get things going with my business. I need to get something going. I will be looking online tonight for things to do from home to help bring in money. I have to figure something out. I am tired of living paycheck to paycheck. I am better than that.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Day 258-September 15, 2014
I didn't do any crafts last night but I set up the fundraiser for the Pink Lady Project and did some advertising. I will start my crafts this evening after work. I am a little aggravated today and really wishing I were home. I still have a headache and feeling bad but have to keep marching on. I don't get sick days.
I set up the fundraiser for the Pink Lady Project on Booster.com where everyone that makes a purchase gets a t-shirt that says Pink Lady Project and has a set of stiletto hills with pink ribbons on them. I set the event up on Facebook too. The website is www.booster.com/pinkladyproject if anyone wants to check it out. It will run until October 15th.
I am still looking for a place to have my classes but don't know where to start. I thought about calling some of the local craft stores and see what they charge to do it. I have been thinking about a few other places too. I am still looking for a sewing machine but am working on getting a few things done. I saw a place for rent the other day that would be perfect for my storefront but that is still a good bit away. That is my next big goal.
I am going to find a place to set up my crafts and sell them one day a month. That gives me an entire month to sell online and get things made. What I don't sell by the end of the month will be what goes up when I set up. I am going to punch a hole in some business cards and tie them to the products with the price on them. I will also be getting some discount codes together and then will put on random business cards and give out. Maybe something like that will help get orders in.
I set up the fundraiser for the Pink Lady Project on Booster.com where everyone that makes a purchase gets a t-shirt that says Pink Lady Project and has a set of stiletto hills with pink ribbons on them. I set the event up on Facebook too. The website is www.booster.com/pinkladyproject if anyone wants to check it out. It will run until October 15th.
I am still looking for a place to have my classes but don't know where to start. I thought about calling some of the local craft stores and see what they charge to do it. I have been thinking about a few other places too. I am still looking for a sewing machine but am working on getting a few things done. I saw a place for rent the other day that would be perfect for my storefront but that is still a good bit away. That is my next big goal.
I am going to find a place to set up my crafts and sell them one day a month. That gives me an entire month to sell online and get things made. What I don't sell by the end of the month will be what goes up when I set up. I am going to punch a hole in some business cards and tie them to the products with the price on them. I will also be getting some discount codes together and then will put on random business cards and give out. Maybe something like that will help get orders in.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Day 257-September 14, 2014
Okay. I didn't get to work on anything when I came home. We ended up with company showing up and not leaving until this morning. I have my canvas out and about to start on the checkbook cover and then start cutting out pieces for the book marks. I am going to do the ones for the boys first since I know what I am doing for them. I was looking online and thinking about getting some of the tumblers and putting pampering items in them for the Pink Lady Project. Instead of bags that they might not be able to use I am going to use tumblers with the straws so that they can have something to drink out of while having treatments. There is a website called booster.com that I can use where people can buy t-shirts and the money gets donated to the cause. I am going to do an event on FB where I can get people to do it in their hometowns too. I want this to be huge!
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Day 256-September 13, 2014
Heading out to the movies shortly and then back to work. I loaded up the small samples that I have into the car to hand out while I am out and about. Maybe that will help get my name out there some. Once I come back from the movies I plan to start the checkbook cover of the lighthouse for my Aunt and then move on to the kids bookmarks. I have the pattern for the superhero bookmarks but will alter it a little to make it bigger. Then I will start on the ones for the girls. I don't know if I will do the cupcakes or the cats. Still have time to decide. I will know better once I get the ones done for the boys.
I need to make more items for my samples too this week. I will also plan the next project after the bookmarks and the teacher gifts.
I need to make more items for my samples too this week. I will also plan the next project after the bookmarks and the teacher gifts.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Day 255-September 12, 2014
Okay...it is time to stop playing around. I am working on the kids Christmas gifts now but after that it is on to Christmas ornaments to put on the website. I am tired of being someone else's peasant. I am tired of busting my butt for someone else to get paid.
I am looking more into my classes. I have a few people that said that they were interested. I was also talking last night about starting a magazine to distribute to direct sales ladies with tips and more. I am also looking at something for home businesses too. I already do Boot Camp but I just feel that the magazine is going to be better but I don't know if I want to do it for direct sales reps or just home businesses in general to cover all direct sales and those that make their own product. That is something to think about.
I have so many ideas that would help me get to my goal but it is just figuring out what is best for me.
I am looking more into my classes. I have a few people that said that they were interested. I was also talking last night about starting a magazine to distribute to direct sales ladies with tips and more. I am also looking at something for home businesses too. I already do Boot Camp but I just feel that the magazine is going to be better but I don't know if I want to do it for direct sales reps or just home businesses in general to cover all direct sales and those that make their own product. That is something to think about.
I have so many ideas that would help me get to my goal but it is just figuring out what is best for me.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Day 254-September 11, 2014
Today is the 13th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. It is a cloudy and somber day as is every year it seems. It is like Mother Nature knows what day it is. I am feeling a little better today. I did finally decide the next project I am doing. I am going to work on the book marks and the teachers gifts which will be pen holders with a teacher theme. Something simple that is not going to drive me mad making them like the stockings did a few years ago.
I did do some advertising last night and was looking at a website today about doing a fundraiser. I am thinking about doing one for the Pink Lady Project. Just have to figure out how much I am going to need to do what I am wanting to do. Let me tell you why I want to do this.
My Aunt Brenda was 62 years old when she passed away from her 2nd battle with Breast Cancer. She was mentally and physically handicapped and could not do anything for herself. The kind of BC that she had was the kind that fed off of hormones so Chemo and Radiation would not touch it. When she was originally diagnosed in 2004 she had a mastectomy and was given hormone blockers to take twice a day. You are only supposed to be on that kind of med for about 2-3 years but the doctor left her on them for longer. She was finally taken off of the meds in 2010 and was considered cancer free. She was only a week short of 8 years cancer free when she was diagnosed again with the same kind of BC only this time the meds would not touch it because her body had built an immunity to them. She lost her battle on March 16, 2013 (one day before my wedding anniversary) and I have decided that the Pink Lady Project is my way of coping with losing her. I refused to deal with it until I found a healthy way to cope. This just seems right.
I have been looking for ways to raise the money for the gift bags and I think I have figured it out but you all will have to wait and see. I am still working on getting my business going but putting all of my focus on both projects and making sure that I have all of my ducks in a row.
Once I get the bookmarks made I will start working on Christmas ornament sets to make and sell. Those will be added to the website. I am going to make a section for all holidays on my website.
I did do some advertising last night and was looking at a website today about doing a fundraiser. I am thinking about doing one for the Pink Lady Project. Just have to figure out how much I am going to need to do what I am wanting to do. Let me tell you why I want to do this.
My Aunt Brenda was 62 years old when she passed away from her 2nd battle with Breast Cancer. She was mentally and physically handicapped and could not do anything for herself. The kind of BC that she had was the kind that fed off of hormones so Chemo and Radiation would not touch it. When she was originally diagnosed in 2004 she had a mastectomy and was given hormone blockers to take twice a day. You are only supposed to be on that kind of med for about 2-3 years but the doctor left her on them for longer. She was finally taken off of the meds in 2010 and was considered cancer free. She was only a week short of 8 years cancer free when she was diagnosed again with the same kind of BC only this time the meds would not touch it because her body had built an immunity to them. She lost her battle on March 16, 2013 (one day before my wedding anniversary) and I have decided that the Pink Lady Project is my way of coping with losing her. I refused to deal with it until I found a healthy way to cope. This just seems right.
I have been looking for ways to raise the money for the gift bags and I think I have figured it out but you all will have to wait and see. I am still working on getting my business going but putting all of my focus on both projects and making sure that I have all of my ducks in a row.
Once I get the bookmarks made I will start working on Christmas ornament sets to make and sell. Those will be added to the website. I am going to make a section for all holidays on my website.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Day 253-September 10, 2014
I decided that my next project was going to definitely be the bookmarks for the kids' classes. I need to get them started now so that I have plenty of time to do them. I am also trying to get people for my next boot camp since there is only one more week of this one. I still want to do my classes but need to make sure I have a place to have them first. I am still not feeling well and sleeping even less than the last couple of days.
I am going to be promoting my website more too. I have some things made that I just have to start giving out. I have a pack n pull from Thirty-One that I have put up that I will put in the car with advertisements in it so that when I am in drive thru or out somewhere I can just grab one and go. I am also going to get my signs out that I used that the vendor show and start putting them on my car when it is parked. I might even figure something out where I can hang a bag or box with samples in it on my car with a sign that says take one. I have a cousin that has her own hair salon and I am going to see if she will let me put some samples out in there.
I am going to hand make a bag to hang from the car. Maybe one that I can have hanging from the window like what holds brochures. I will be looking online at designs today and start looking into that. Maybe alter a small tote to have them in. I do have a couple of small bags from Thirty-One that I might use as well.
I am going to be making a list this weekend of the things I need to do to get my name out there. No more days off from my craft business. I have to get serious and get this thing going.
I am going to be promoting my website more too. I have some things made that I just have to start giving out. I have a pack n pull from Thirty-One that I have put up that I will put in the car with advertisements in it so that when I am in drive thru or out somewhere I can just grab one and go. I am also going to get my signs out that I used that the vendor show and start putting them on my car when it is parked. I might even figure something out where I can hang a bag or box with samples in it on my car with a sign that says take one. I have a cousin that has her own hair salon and I am going to see if she will let me put some samples out in there.
I am going to hand make a bag to hang from the car. Maybe one that I can have hanging from the window like what holds brochures. I will be looking online at designs today and start looking into that. Maybe alter a small tote to have them in. I do have a couple of small bags from Thirty-One that I might use as well.
I am going to be making a list this weekend of the things I need to do to get my name out there. No more days off from my craft business. I have to get serious and get this thing going.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Day 252-September 9, 2014
Here is the plan for today. I am feeling sick again so I am going to spend the evening trying to get my next boot camp booked and also my classes started booking. My youngest daughter is sick today and I feel like crap. Just another reason to be a sahm. I decided to make bookmarks of cupcakes or cats for the girls in my daughters' classes and super hero bookmarks for the boys.
I am going to start cutting pieces for a tote tonight if I can find the pattern that I have in my books. I think I know where it is. I might even make a wallet to match depending on how much material I have. I have also been looking at patterns for initial coasters and other things. I just can't decide what to make next.
The more I talk to hubby the more I feel I might can still reach my goal. I still have 113 days to do it.
I am going to start cutting pieces for a tote tonight if I can find the pattern that I have in my books. I think I know where it is. I might even make a wallet to match depending on how much material I have. I have also been looking at patterns for initial coasters and other things. I just can't decide what to make next.
The more I talk to hubby the more I feel I might can still reach my goal. I still have 113 days to do it.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Day 251-September 8, 2014
I am not feeling very well today so I am going to start looking at the pattern for my next project tonight. I don't know what to make but I am thinking about bookmarks for the kids in my girls' classes. The teachers will like that. Then I have to make something for the teacher as well.
I got to Face Time with my son for almost 2 hours yesterday so that helped some. I really just want to be home on the couch working on things.
I have decided that I am going to get a ton of things made and then go to the flea market on the weekends to sell my crafts. Half the money will go to getting more materials and the other half will go to putting back to rent a place when I get more things made. I am thinking about cutting out some monster parts tonight or some parts for owl cell phone cases as well.
I saw a cousin yesterday at the family reunion that I have not seen in years (since we were kids) and we were so close back then. She is battling Breast Cancer so I wanted to see her and my great aunt that is getting up in years. Seeing those two made me think last night. I have to do all that I can and stay positive to reach my goals. I cannot let a day pass me by without telling those around me that I love them. Then talking to my son reiterated that.
As ill as I feel today, I will make it a point to make one thing (at least) per week. No matter what it is.
I am still getting all of the details worked out to get my craft classes started. I want to do the plastic canvas and hand sewing and embroidery. All by hand. I will post more about the classes tonight on Facebook.
I got to Face Time with my son for almost 2 hours yesterday so that helped some. I really just want to be home on the couch working on things.
I have decided that I am going to get a ton of things made and then go to the flea market on the weekends to sell my crafts. Half the money will go to getting more materials and the other half will go to putting back to rent a place when I get more things made. I am thinking about cutting out some monster parts tonight or some parts for owl cell phone cases as well.
I saw a cousin yesterday at the family reunion that I have not seen in years (since we were kids) and we were so close back then. She is battling Breast Cancer so I wanted to see her and my great aunt that is getting up in years. Seeing those two made me think last night. I have to do all that I can and stay positive to reach my goals. I cannot let a day pass me by without telling those around me that I love them. Then talking to my son reiterated that.
As ill as I feel today, I will make it a point to make one thing (at least) per week. No matter what it is.
I am still getting all of the details worked out to get my craft classes started. I want to do the plastic canvas and hand sewing and embroidery. All by hand. I will post more about the classes tonight on Facebook.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Day 250-September 7, 2014
Had a family reunion and then got to face time with my son. I am so proud of him. So you can see I didn't get anything done today. Back into it tomorrow. I think it's wonderful and it makes me more determined to reach my goal. Heading to bed a proud momma.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Day 249-September 6, 2014
Had a bad night last night. Didn't sleep. Sitting here watching the football game messaging with my son. Since he is not able to watch it from Kosovo.
Still trying to decide what to make next. I will put it to a vote.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Day 248-September 5, 2014
Okay, I have some things on the Storenvy site and will add more as I can. Left work early today to get some things done and to get away from it before I opened my mouth.
I am more determined than ever to get this going. Just wait until you see what's coming up next.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Day 247-September 4, 2014
I finished the customer order last night and will be delivering it on lunch today. I was thinking last night about some things to do and had the idea to get my name out there to just make small things to show what I can do and give them out to people I see. Like the girl in the drive thru window, cashier at the grocery store, things like that.
I am still doing my crafts and still planning on doing the classes and also my boot camp but was looking for a project to give back. I was thinking about the Pink Lady Project. I would get several ladies from all over the country to help get it started. I would be a group of ladies to make goody bags for breast cancer patients to help make treatments not suck so bad. These goody bags will be filled with things that are pink. Things like nail files, nail polish, candles, a greeting card, pink lip gloss and things like that. Just something to say that there are people out there that care. We will all be called Brenda's Warriors after my aunt that I lost last year to Breast Cancer. This will be my way of remembering her.
I will be spending most of the next few days making things like key chains, prayer in a pockets, cup of friendship tea, bookmarks and things like that to hand out as advertisements. Maybe if people can see and touch what I make then they might order more from me. I will be putting on the back of the business cards that if they need party favors or center pieces that I can do those too. I am also going to be finding small sewing projects to do and offer on my website until I can get a sewing machine. I might still borrow hubby's aunt's just to make some of the hard things. I can do that on the weekends.
My friend is still wanting me to join Mary Kay and as much as I want to I don't see me doing very well at it because I don't wear a lot of makeup. I will help get her name out there though. She is one of my best friends so I will do what I can to help her because she has always done the same for me.
I have a tissue box cover of Avon that I am going to make and a couple of things of Mary Kay that I can make too. Maybe branch out and make items of the different direct sales companies. I will see what I can come up with.
I am still doing my crafts and still planning on doing the classes and also my boot camp but was looking for a project to give back. I was thinking about the Pink Lady Project. I would get several ladies from all over the country to help get it started. I would be a group of ladies to make goody bags for breast cancer patients to help make treatments not suck so bad. These goody bags will be filled with things that are pink. Things like nail files, nail polish, candles, a greeting card, pink lip gloss and things like that. Just something to say that there are people out there that care. We will all be called Brenda's Warriors after my aunt that I lost last year to Breast Cancer. This will be my way of remembering her.
I will be spending most of the next few days making things like key chains, prayer in a pockets, cup of friendship tea, bookmarks and things like that to hand out as advertisements. Maybe if people can see and touch what I make then they might order more from me. I will be putting on the back of the business cards that if they need party favors or center pieces that I can do those too. I am also going to be finding small sewing projects to do and offer on my website until I can get a sewing machine. I might still borrow hubby's aunt's just to make some of the hard things. I can do that on the weekends.
My friend is still wanting me to join Mary Kay and as much as I want to I don't see me doing very well at it because I don't wear a lot of makeup. I will help get her name out there though. She is one of my best friends so I will do what I can to help her because she has always done the same for me.
I have a tissue box cover of Avon that I am going to make and a couple of things of Mary Kay that I can make too. Maybe branch out and make items of the different direct sales companies. I will see what I can come up with.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Day 246-September 3, 2014
I am almost done with my coworker's order and about ready to deliver it. I am also still looking at doing my classes and doing my boot camp. I was thinking about writing a book and trying to get it published myself and see how that goes but that is a long time from now. I have less than four months to get to my goal. After that, I will still be continuing my blog to help keep me motivated. Hubby asked me last night what I was going to do about my classes and I told him that I was still looking at all the details of it and going to do a test class to see how they go. I am going to start tonight to get the next boot camp going. Any money from here out that I make on the boot camp goes into savings where we will have it during hubby's off time.
I was talking to hubby about the classes and decided that instead of $20 I would charge $25 so that I could make sure that I had enough to still stock up on my supplies to cover the classes. Hubby was joking that I needed to sell my patterns. I was thinking about that too but don't know. I am looking for any way to get to my goal. I just need to get out of here.
This job was good when I first started here but now it is a joke. I am catching my supervisor's mistakes instead of the other way around and having to teach her more than she is teaching me. There is no room for advancement here either. I will not be stuck being an assistant all my life.
I was talking to hubby about the classes and decided that instead of $20 I would charge $25 so that I could make sure that I had enough to still stock up on my supplies to cover the classes. Hubby was joking that I needed to sell my patterns. I was thinking about that too but don't know. I am looking for any way to get to my goal. I just need to get out of here.
This job was good when I first started here but now it is a joke. I am catching my supervisor's mistakes instead of the other way around and having to teach her more than she is teaching me. There is no room for advancement here either. I will not be stuck being an assistant all my life.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Day 245-September 2, 2014
I have one more tissue box cover to finish for a customer and then I am going to start talking to some people and getting an idea of how many would be interested in taking my classes. That will tell me how to start out. I would really like to do the class and maybe hold a test class. I could hold the class at the picnic area of the state park next to my house until I see how things go and then move to my house. I am also still looking for a sewing machine for some things.
My aunt told me last night that I could use hers if I needed to until I could get one. I have so many things I want to make. If I can figure out how to make things like Thirty-One makes then I will do that and offer at a cheaper price. I would like to offer what they do and then maybe offer a few items that they don't and then turn it into a direct sales company. I don't know about personalizing them though. I was given a gift of a wallet from Vera Bradley and love how it is made and they are not personalized. I might just go that route and be like that line. Seems to sell well.
I am going to start with the chap stick pouches and then the coffee cozies and then move on to the cell phone cases.
My aunt told me last night that I could use hers if I needed to until I could get one. I have so many things I want to make. If I can figure out how to make things like Thirty-One makes then I will do that and offer at a cheaper price. I would like to offer what they do and then maybe offer a few items that they don't and then turn it into a direct sales company. I don't know about personalizing them though. I was given a gift of a wallet from Vera Bradley and love how it is made and they are not personalized. I might just go that route and be like that line. Seems to sell well.
I am going to start with the chap stick pouches and then the coffee cozies and then move on to the cell phone cases.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Day 244-September 1, 2014
I finished one tissue box cover for my customer and will do the other tomorrow. We went to eat at my mother-in-law's house for a cookout and play corn hole. It was really fun. I have been still running ideas through my head to try to figure something out. Someone told me that I should look at making something that you can't get at the stores. Maybe even look into a service that you can't really get from a lot of companies.
I am going to make a couple of posts here and there and see what people think. I will try to get some ideas. I still want to teach my classes but don't know if anyone would come. I think I will put some seeds out there and see what bites.
I am tired and about to crash out. Tomorrow is the second tissue box cover and then to start hand sewing items for the website.
I am going to make a couple of posts here and there and see what people think. I will try to get some ideas. I still want to teach my classes but don't know if anyone would come. I think I will put some seeds out there and see what bites.
I am tired and about to crash out. Tomorrow is the second tissue box cover and then to start hand sewing items for the website.
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