Selling Handmade

Since childhood, I wanted to make things with my hands and sell them. In 5th grade, I made bead lizards out of plastic pony beads and little felt snakes stuffed with brown rice. My mother helped me create a display board to take to school, and I sold each little creature for fifty cents to my classmates. My dad helped me with my first eBay listing- one of those beaded lizards. It never sold, but I remained determined to grow up and one day sell my handmade wares.

After high school, I went to college to study Fashion Design and Art History. I became obsessed with learning as much as I could about design and technique. I worked a few jobs as a seamstress, and later became the costume designer for a local theater. Along the way, I discovered Etsy and sold a few hand made things now and then, but I never had the time to invest in making up a bunch of stock for my store.

Fast forward to today, I have finally found the time to start putting my plans into action. I have started listing some handmade vintage inspired dresses and aprons. It feels great to be doing what I love, and rewarding to know I no longer have a boss soaking in all of the profits from my labor.

Sweet Cherry Pie Apron

Blue Floral Cocktail Dress

So, I've sold some handmade items on Etsy, and I've sold clothing on eBay, but I've never nothing of this quality or quantity before. I have to admit, I'm probably going to do a happy little dance when I hear the "cha-ching" for the sale of one of these garments. I hope that these will take off and become a regular item in our eBay store.

We are, of course, going to continue picking thrift stores, yard sales etc. But it will be nice to have yet another kind of merchandise in the store.

-Ashley