We all want a fresh start to a new year and what better way than to find another money making avenue. It's the mutiple streams of income that let a few of us get ahead in this world from time to time. I'm not out to get rich as much as I'd like to think I can, but  do enjoy the world of crafting and want to make a few $$$ over all.

  Upon reading some of the different guides here ... there are a few that I totally agree on and some are very helpful, so  read what other people are saying especially those who have been in the business for awhile. For myself after doing art and craft shows for over 30 years there's money to be made at them but don't let anyone fool you into thinking it's a piece of cake. It's a lot of hard, very hard work and to be on the road traveling and setting up at shows now-a-days is not as profitable as it once was. Costs of so many little things eat into profits that yes, one does need to up the anti on final costs. Something that quite a few people here on ebay need to do ... another thing I agree on.

  I'd also like to think that most people would claim that they make the handcrafted product that their selling but even at juried shows I've seen people selling "Made in _____" and claiming it as their own. Again asking several questions about a product will give you insite as to whether or not someone has made the piece your thinking about purchasing.

  Along with that, here on ebay I've encountered quite a few people who also think I should be selling my products at 3rd world prices. Ok! Ok! so it's nice to sell a really cool item that you spent more than 2 hours creating and crafting and someone gives you a best offer for $2.00. Boy, sure makes me want to continue with my business. Actually, makes me want to cry, yet I'd really like to get my business off the ground and get selling. Think again! This only hurts you in the long run. Yes, some things if you mass produce one can get by selling cheaper but the route I've found is have a few items priced very reasonable and than add in higher ticket items. If there's anything I've learned through the years of marketing at craft and art shows is to always have a few items even if you don't sell alot will give you the profit margin. Some smaller ticket items can pay for the essentials and higher priced items bring in the profit. So keep the spread sheet going.

 Also, when it becomes a chore to keep it up, it's time to move on to. I've experienced this several times over the years I've been selling and creating, but some how through the years I've always drifted back to a few items I started out in way back in 1978. Like selling ornaments! Their fun and easy to do  and always a good start for anyone to get into. I now have people around the world collecting them.

  For myself I've created a lot of my own designs but there are also so many good books and magazines out there that can lead you to the craft that might get you started on a $$$ making journey of your own. Yes, follow rules on copy writes, but with a little creativeness one can come up with ideas for yourself. The world is so full of great ideas just waiting to spring forth. Follow your heart ... create with heart and it will come, and above all ENJOY!