Lesson Learned: Avoid *3D* magnets

I am so clever! So much more unique than what everyone else is posting. I must be a genius to come up with this!
I already photographed them and readied the photos. I was just going to upload the shots to sell the magnets when.... I decided to take one more shot showing the thickness of the magnets. Disaster.

So my first magnet attempt ended up scorched to a crisp in the oven. Take 2 was fine until I accidentally let them get too close. Then it was a slapstick comedy as I kept trying to pry them apart only to have them stap back together again and again. So I finally gave up my positive thinking (I can fix that!) and decide to put the two undamaged rose and daisy on the fridge and add the rosebud and dahlia to my "burnt to a crisp pile" to see if I can pry off the baked on Sculpey and re-use the magnets. *sigh*

I did manage to post a few more tshirts-- one is 'recycled' which I like. And I have one more to post. I still fear that tshirts are just not my thing, and they won't sell, but rather than make it self-fulfilling prophecy, I'll keep trying. I also want to really think about my pricing policy. I have been futzing around with the prices I posted on the first few shirts (lowering prices and shipping) but am wondering about setting a standard pricing policy. So far I have just spent time comparing my project to similar ones currently on sale on the etsy site and tried to set my price accordingly. ( I have seen etsy posts about being sure you aren't undercutting other people's prices... not friendly business practices.) But then I see some shirts going for $30 for one $%*#@! shirt. I can understand that with some of the refashioning, or hand-sewn items, or exquisitely screened designs but I look at mine with so little workmanship and talent required....

I want to start pricing my shirts by cost (tshirt and items that went into it, plus a little for any hourly rate) and come up with something decent. Maybe over time as I acquire some talent then I could charge more, but for now it seems like a rip off. Am I not being concerned enough for my fellow etsy sellers?

One Small Step, One Large Fuzzy Victory

I am so proud of myself. This is my first etsy sale. OK, It isn't much to look at, but it reflects quite a few of my resolutions for my new life/year. First is to reuse/recycle. This originated as a 'pelt' attached to the outside of some new slippers my parents brought for Thanksgiving. They floated around the house until I finally went to throw them out, feeling guilty for such a waste. But suddenly I realized how they looked like a mini bearskin rug. I trimmed them a bit to define some feet, a tail and a head, and added a few stitches, a couple of knots.... and voila! A mini bear skin rug. On Dec 31, I put it on etsy for a mere $4 (and feeling guilty for charging so much for something I almost threw away, and... ) It sold in minutes! I shipped it off today and am thrilled I turned a throwaway item into something 'useful' for someone and a little extra cash too.

That leads me to my other resolution... following the simpledollar.com blog, I've decided to try various ways of bringing in money. My own little side businesses I can work into my day with my child. This fit perfectly and was definitely worth the time investment and return. No, I don't expect to start turning out thousands of mini bear skin rugs and turn into the doll house rug queen. But I do hope to find ways to turn 'throw aways' into useful items for others and make a few dollars in the process. A win-win all around!

Happy New Year everyone!