Pricing

It is always hard to price your own stuff.  There is always that balance between what cost there is into it and how much time there is into it as well.  But I have to keep the ultimate goal in mind which is make a few bucks, and to use the fabric that is in my basement and not keep it all.  Clearing out what is in the basement is a good thing.
This is all just a big experiment and with a learning curve.  I'm learning more every day.  And the more that I do everyday, which hasn't been much lately, the better it will get. 

It's been awhile

Whenever you decide it is time to just take the jump and go for it, life sometimes decides to throw a curve ball.  I decided that it was time to open my on-line store and then work became incredibly busy.  My store has been open for close to 2 months, and there have been several views, which does make me very happy, nothing has sold yet though.  I can't say that I'm completely surprised though.  It's part of the old adage that you get out of it what you put into it. 

I did however just post 3 new bags and there is a light at the end of the tunnel at work.  So I may have some more time coming up soon to put a little more time into my online store. 
Until next time, and hopefully it won't be as long this time.

Opened

I made some business cards earlier this week and some labels for my bags.

It took me a little longer to open my store than I anticipated.  I think some of it was just fear of what would actually happen.  I've been excited to do this, but I just don't know what to expect.  I'm hoping that I sell bags and this is successful, but at the same time I'm anxious about selling them and what to do.  Also what will happen as I sell them.  Will I be able to make bags that people like?  When they sell, will I have the stock to always feel like I'm ahead?  I guess I'll find out the answers as I go.
I'll never find out if I don't jump in, http://www.zoma.artfire.com/

Jump.

Logo

My wonderful husband designed a logo and a banner for me.  He is also my photographer.  It's fun to say that I have my own photographer and graphic designer.  Below is part of my banner.

I think I'll have the on-line store open later this week, so I'll be getting my list together to do a mass blast e-mail. 

Almost there

The pictures are all taken, I received boxes this week so I can ship.  I just need to get some tape.  The on-line site is almost ready.  I've uploaded the first installment of items, but I deactivated them until my banner is ready.  That will make the turn on switch really quick and easy.

I just loved this picture because it really does show how versatile and fun these can be.  It just makes you smile when you look at this picture.

And the same bags can be used by the mom for projects as well.  At a time where dual usage of an item is key, these really can fit the bill.

A friend of mine suggested that I make sure to add the dimensions of the bag.  It is the little things that you don't think of sometimes.  So the size is 9" high x 8-1/2" wide x 5" deep.  I think the square nature of it gives it a little more modern flare.

Look back often, changes will be happening.

Photos

I finally finished my goal of 12 bags before opening my "online" store and this past weekend my husband took some photos of some of them.  This week we'll be taking individual pictures of them so I can start my listing. Below are some of the bags.  They can be used for lots of different things.

Carrying art supplies to do some scrapbooking or

Something a little bit smaller than a diaper bag for the baby, when a big diaper bag isn't really necessary.  For when Mom feels like carrying a smaller load, because the baby is getting bigger, or wants to be a little more stylish and still needs the basics.  It can then transition to the bag that the child gets to take to the library or carry their coloring books.

Look for Zoma to be opening soon.  I think I may actually make my goal of the beginning of March.

Getting Closer

I've made good progress on making some bags.  5 more have just one more seam to close up and then a little ironing.  So now I just need to start setting up all of the accounts that I need and get my Logo and information designed so I can make my labels and also have some cards that I can include with each.  I think I'll tackle setting up my PayPal to accept payments next.  And this weekend my husband will be taking some photos for me so I can post a preview on my blog before I open up my online store.  I believe it will be on Artfire, so keep an eye on my blog and I'll let you know when it is open. 

Goals

I'm slowly getting more bags ready to be able to open my on-line store.  I'd like to have 12 done before I open so that I have a decent selection and also so I have time to make more as they are sold.  I have 6 completely done, 3 that have about 10 minutes of work left on each of them, and 3 others that are at about the mid-point of construction.  Dare I say that I'll be ready by the end of February.  It is a good goal, and I think also achievable, but as I know from the past several months, Life happens so I'll just let it happen. 
I of course have grand allusions or delusions that people will love them.  I know it will take some time for the word to spread, and people to find my store, but there is always hope.
My goals for this store are very simple.  I don't foresee this replacing my full time job, but more as another creative outlet.  It is a constructive way to empty out the bins of fabric that I have in my basement.  Once those bins are more empty then I can buy more, Yeah.  A way to support the buying of different fabrics.  And some fun money for myself and my family that is not directed towards any bills, but to the sole purpose of fun and buying stuff that you don't need, but you want. 
Soon I'll have some photos, some may be of bags in progress, but soon so the word can be spread and the anticipation can just boil.

The beginning

I'm starting a new venture or it could be termed adventure. It started with a small tote bag several years ago for my daughter to use at her Gramma and Papa's to take to the library to carry her books. It then turned into a few more for family as gifts. I enjoy making them and like to combine all of the different patterns into something fun and colorful to use for the everyday items. It also makes it easy to find your own bag because it is original.
So I'm starting this blog sort of as a way to keep myself accountable and actually follow through and make it happen. And also a way to share what I've done to create an on-line store, the good, the bad and the ugly. Hopefully it will inspire you to visit my store once it is finally "open", or if you are considering an on-line store you can learn from some of what I do.

Let the adventure begin.