Does anyone make jewelry from home to sell? If so how did you get started and what are some useful resources and contacts to help me delve into this venture to test the waters to see if it is right for me?

I too am looking for a way to make money off of the beaded jewelry that I LOVE to make!!! I started making beaded jewelry about a year ago and I have SO much fun that I HOPE I find a way to make money doing this but still keep my passion for it. I get MOST of my beads and findngs from Websites like Fire Mountain Gems and then of course from Michael's Crafts and any OTHER bead stores in my area that I might come across. I had thought originally that I would put my stuff on a website that I am trying to build up but I haven't really worked out some of the issues and now I am thinking about trying Ebay!!! I thought also of calling boutiques in the area to see if anyone would be interested in carrying some of my pieces to see how they would sell. I haven't made it that far but I'm still THINKING....hahaha I hope that gives you a few ideas and if not maybe you could give ME some!!! haha Thanks

I have a daughter that is in the exact same place as both of you trying to figure out the best way to sell her beaded jewelry.

One website that was created specifically for crafters is Etsy.com. If you haven't checked it out, you might want to. It is far cheaper than ebay to sell your stuff, but utilizing both venues may be an economical way to to start.

Good luck.

Sandie

Thank you so much for the website tip!!! I appreciate any and all comments that might help out in my venture! I will check out this site ASAP........good luck to your daughter in HER venture as well!!! Have a GREAT day!!

This past year I started making jewelry as a hobby. It is definitely a fun one to have. I commend you on your journey to going professional with it. Maybe you could start out doing some jewelry shows with friends or aquaintances of yours and have people order the jewelry there. I have a friend who has done this to bring in a little extra money for her family. I agree that having a website is a great way to display your works of art. Make sure that you take some good pictures so that people can really get a taste for what it will look like.

Mindy Lepp
http://www.saltedwebsites.com/
$50 off your website if you mention Idea Cafe!!

I have been making jewelry for about 2 years now. It started as a hobby, then my friends wanted custom pieces so I started selling it.

Home parties work best for me. I try to keep the group to no more than 20 people. This has been (by far) the most profitable situation.

I've done craft fairs, but those are a lot of work and can be hit or miss depending on the marketing if the fair. Plus, you have to have A LOT OF JEWELRY to fill up a whole booth!

I have a site on ecrater http://www.behindtheglass.ecrater.com but my photos aren't very good so I am not keeping the site updated.

I also have photos on my personal site http://www.juliejbc.com/behind_the_glass.html

Recently I found an Antique Market that rents display cases for $65 a month. This was a much better deal than the craft fairs! I am doing quite well there. Plus, my friends can check out some of my new designs and then ask me to make something similar.

I am also designing the Antique Market's website, it is still a work in progress, but feel free to check it out. http://www.hampdenstreetantiques.com/Behind_The_Glass.html

Good luck!!!

Julie
http://www.brookforestresources.com
http://www.soclink.com/juliejbc
http://www.perfectnetworker.com/network/juliejbc