Assorted

Even though I’ve been making crafty things for people for more than three decades now <ahem>, it wasn’t until I had finished school that I actually tried to sell some of them. Oddly enough, my first non-home-based sale was back at the university from which I had just graduated. And for a first time effort, it went really well – I recouped the cost of the table and then some. Thus began my journey into turning KateWares into a viable business.

Naturally, it wasn’t a complete success. Every single one of those tie-dyed tote bags remains in my personal collection of grocery bags, for example (the clerks just LOVE them, though not a soul bought them at any sale). But, other things practically flew off the table.

Like these playful beeswax candles.

Even the Christmas-themed ones, Ho Ho Ho!

Some opted for the simpler look of these wired tealight holders.

While others preferred these wax-filled decoupaged-glass candles-in-holders. Bottom line – university students love candles.

Beeswax candles and wired holders are still two of my best sellers.

The picture frames also sold really well at the university (see accompanying Frames page), as did my nature-themed art cards (see accompanying Art Cards page), but it’s been pretty touch-and-go with both of them ever since. I learned that university students really don’t have a lot of disposable income to be spending on crafty things, so in addition to my annual Open House & Craft Sale, I started selling wares at Christmas craft fairs.

Here are some of the other creations that have come and gone over the years. After all, you’ll never know until you try ‘em.

These colourful one-inch magnets are always a hit.

They come in pre-packaged sets of 9.

As are these decoupaged journals, which come in both large…

…and small sizes. They’re a great way to reuse found art.

Of course, they can’t all be winners. Though fun to make…

…the plant pots got abandoned years ago. (B’bye house plant pot.)

As did these garden-themed cork message boards.

And these glass-bead choker-style necklaces. Well, any jewelry for that matter. There are others who are far better at it than I.

Although that doesn’t stop me for making treats for myself.

Failures (well, “not-profitable-enough” works) not shown include: etched glass vases, decorative wooden bird houses, personalized Christmas ornaments and wooden tags, painted paper mache boxes, fleece-covered hot water bottles, painted coasters, polar fleece wraps, mini velvet pillows, and so on and so forth.

But there have also been many successes – like in the fabric department (see accompanying Stitchery page). And there will always be new things worth trying…

…like these wire and clay critter photo/memo holders.