Anyone make things? - candles, etc?

my2monkeyboys wrote: I am interested in getting in to making something and (possibly) selling it.... like jewelry, candles, something like that. Just so I can help with the bills around here.
I have tried to find directions on weaving sweetgrass baskets, but I can't find information on it anywhere. I've also thought of soaps. I am just concerned about how much upfront money it would take and how big of a project it would be overall.
Does anyone here make anything?

boyohboyohboy replied: I so know what you mean right now, with the gas price the way it is, and freight is so slow for this time of year, its kinda scary.
Here is what I have been doing, selling junk on craigslist, so far I have made $600.
people really do buy anything.
I sold the kids old toys, stuff that was even missing pieces or was old...people bought it.
i sold an old potty seat, really!
baby stuff. old dishes, furniture, old cd's and vhs tapes.
old vcr.
and also have bought some stuff from people on there, cheap and turned around and sold it for more of a profit.
it is working for me.
pm me for more info..
i dont let people come to the house when my husband isnt home... and i dont give out personal info until i am sure the sale if final.

stephanie can you knit? or crochet? how about baby hats and baby shoes..or blankets..people, especially first time moms always love that stuff.

its not hard to learn

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: I don't. But what about looking into adult ed courses? They usually have classes where you make things like soap, floral arrangements, jewelry, etc. This way you can try it out and maybe get in on the local resources, where to shop, how to sell, etc. GL!

my2monkeyboys replied: I've tried to learn how to knit, but so far it's not going so well.
I'm really interested in candle making and/or wire jewelry.
I've been looking at some starter kits on line that look pretty decent without have to shell out a ton of money.
There is also a shop near here that offers stained glass classes, but I haven't had time to check into the cost and all, yet.
I have some toys of Will's that we were going to take to Goodwill, but I may put them on ebay or have a yard sale. I don't know how good a yard sale would be this time of year though?

maestra replied: Dh and I make jewelry- if you have any bead stores near you they usually offer free beginners classes. I make lots of things, but my beaded lanyards are the best sellers, because they can be hard to find (badge holders). I considered doing something like Cookie Lee in addition to my lanyards, but most people said they don't really care for their stuff. I'm looking into adding on pampered chef right now, if nothing else than for the discounts for me. I'm not a SAHM, but would love to get into a better financial situation so that maybe possible in the future.

My3LilMonkeys replied:
My BIL's mom does stained glass and it sells for a LOT. I don't know how much the supplies cost or anything, but she sells 1 foot square pieces for $200.

luvmykids replied: My MIL tried making candles, she really enjoyed it but had a hard time selling them for what she wanted/needed to. It's actually harder than it seems to make a really good candle that smells while it's burning, etc.

my2monkeyboys replied: I think the jewelry thing would work ok, but the only thing that's holding me back is the fact that my cousin (who I'm fairly close to) does it and I don't want to cause any bad feelings.
I have heard that candles are hard to get right, too. I may look into the stained glass thing a little more.
Thanks for the help!

boyohboyohboy replied:
but ebay will charge you a fee, and craigslist is free, also you dont have to deal with shipping

Crystalina replied: My soy lotions, soaps and oils.

I haven't really started yet because it takes money to stock up on some things. I'm starting small though just to see how it goes. I've asked alot of people and they say they would buy something like that so I'm going for it.

You can pm me if you want info.

my2monkeyboys replied: Good luck! I hope you have fun making them, and some money, to boot!

jem0622 replied: I love to make cards. I learned over a year ago. I have no time for it, but once you learn that, and then you get hooked on what you can make with the supplies...it's just amazing. You could see if a local shop would let you sell them.

I am also a baker. I could probably do very well baking and selling, but I would need a reason (raise money for a cause, etc.).

maestra replied: I do have to say that one of the downsides of making things and selling them is that sometimes you will make something and it won't sell- like I have a ton of bracelets that I have made, that are just sitting in my collection because they haven't sold. They are totally pretty, and everyone tells me so, but just not what they are looking for. I have to find just the right buyer.

So whatever you end up doing, you might make some samples and offer to do special orders- it drives me crazy sometimes to do them with jewelry, because people can be so picky and it's not that easy to find what they want sometimes, but it does keep me from having a ton of stuff that I spent my money on siting around.

Just a thought.