I find creating these upcycled projects is a great way to unwind. For me, it’s a completely absorbing pastime even if a little challenging at times, but who doesn’t love a challenge? Encouraged by my friends, I started selling my handmade items on Facebook marketplace and selling groups, craft fairs and Shpock. I was delighted (and slightly astonished) that customers (real people, not just friends and family who I felt were possibly obliged to) were buying my work.
My friends are always supportive, and more recently when lockdown gave them the time and opportunity to clear out their homes and garages several of their unwanted items found their way to me, rather than heading to landfill. I sold my two largest items – sideboards (one shabby chic and the other a stunning teal and gold) on Ebay during lockdown and I was on cloud nine for a week. I think I told everyone I knew (and some I didn’t who were not quick enough to back away) how excited I was about the sales.
I have also recently bought myself an entry level sewing machine. I can hand sew quite well but a Husqvarna sewing machine became my nemesis at a tender age. Needlework was compulsory at my school until age 14 and I hated that machine. It would take me forever to thread it, then my foot would hit the pedal too hard and the needle would career off at a crazy speed in the wrong direction. Inevitably it would take until the last few minutes of the lesson to unpick the mess I had created. Only for me to have to start all over again in the next lesson. This time, and now in my 50’s my lovely friend helped me to purchase, thread and correctly use the sewing machine and I haven’t looked back. I made a couple of simple little bags using fat quarters to start with and sold them at a craft fair the following week. The first cushion covers I made were snapped up on EBay inside of a week.
I spotted that a new UK based selling platform called Mademe were inviting crafters to sign up and I thought I would take a chance. I have found the shop site really simple to use and have started stocking my virtual shelves with new products. So if you are looking for something a bit different, why not drop in (online and socially distanced of course) and have a look at MadebyMrsJoM ?
Made by Mrs JoM 