tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post1623405733522137593..comments2023-11-03T06:38:30.493-04:00Comments on michele made me: Changes AfootAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12707731064152242190noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-61757948618350777522011-09-26T03:17:24.694-04:002011-09-26T03:17:24.694-04:00Pretty much focus on global warming. Moncler Jacke...Pretty much focus on global warming. <a href="http://www.monclerukcheap.com/moncler-kids-moncler-jackets-kids-c-43_45.html" rel="nofollow">Moncler Jackets Kids</a> Despite the fact that all people seems the idea really need to perform project in addition to sizzling, nonetheless very few with the frequent once in the environment around watch instrument off. That frosty spot might be a lot more frosty, and a nice spot drier. 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I too found myself in a job I enjoyed - and for the first time felt I was good at - but it was eating me up inside. I was so unhappy and unhealthy as a result. I left my job the end of March 2009. I'm still not working. We have a son who is in his last semester of college and is out of money. I can't buy the fabric I might want to or new clothes or. . . well, you know. The list goes on. But what I can say is I'm so much more at ease. I am happier. I have time to create. I have time to really think about what I truly need vs want. There is a huge difference. Taking the time to realize needs and savoring all that I do have has been a gift. I hope you find a path that allows you to earn some money and create and share and feed your soul. I know your family will reap many rewards it you can - not all financial - but much more meaningful. Some day I hope to follow in your footsteps and find a way to earn as well, but until then, I'm doing o.k. So glad I found your blog~Amy Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11941461947684033252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-11433056592143977332011-01-31T17:20:39.934-05:002011-01-31T17:20:39.934-05:00You have an amazing talent for drawing-- I'd l...You have an amazing talent for drawing-- I'd love to see some of your sketches, paintings or pics for sale. Making a living doing craft stuff is hard-- maybe some sort of lessons, or even volunteer work. Doing volunteer work gives you a place to hand out business cards w/o feeling guilty too. (I do photo work for a foodbank, but taking pics at events allows me to hand out cards to doners who have spare cash. Wish you success *smiles* you deserve it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-15786820172197629062011-01-31T09:23:27.864-05:002011-01-31T09:23:27.864-05:00Thinking some more about this, while most people w...Thinking some more about this, while most people would not pay for a tutorial, I think a lot of people would pay for an e-course if it had a few projects showcased in it and they could interact with you. Just another idea :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-9184686904036906732011-01-29T22:39:20.984-05:002011-01-29T22:39:20.984-05:00I am a little late here, but I would like to throw...I am a little late here, but I would like to throw my two cents in. I think you need to get a dry erase board and think BIG, MIchele. Write all your different options under one umbrella. Then start branching out from there. There is nothing to prevent you from doing Etsy and other things at the same time. You can sell both a finished item and patterns (tutorials) for that item on etsy, all the while having a few freebies for your blog people. I don't really care for advertising on your blog, I feel like it clutters it up. Having said that, your questions are about increasing your income while remaining your own boss. You can redesign your blog look so that their advertising is put to one side in a separate column. Make the companies you showcase relevant to your projects. Don't entertain offers from "ugly" advertising or those that flash or move. Instead of a tip jar, raffle off some of your best pieces in local fundraisers, let them know you have a minimum that must be met. Rather than doing classes locally, or selling tutorials through your blog, why not go to the big dogs. I would contact Scott Paper Co. and ask them if they would purchase one of your tutorials on toilet paper roll projects that they can print directly on their plastic packaging. Do the same for other companies, if not on their packaging, then in their advertising or on their websites. You provide a photo and a link for a fee. Why not provide installation art work for their home offices? Blogs are the new magazines, offer a contributing post to other blogs that have a lot of traffic. I have many more ideas, if you want them let me know. CarolinaThe Muse of The Dayhttp://www.themuseoftheday.typepad.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-24721375177010482662011-01-28T17:56:13.991-05:002011-01-28T17:56:13.991-05:00Jeez, I totally missed this post yesterday! My fir...Jeez, I totally missed this post yesterday! My first thought, like many others is book. I have no idea if you actually make any money off writing craft books, but yours needs to be uniquely Michele and focus on the incredible recycling ideas you have - I don't see anything of the calibre you create in craft books that focus on recycling. Nothing even close. What you do is so original!<br /><br />Tip jar - never heard of that on blogs! I'd probably be so busy filling everyone else's I'd go broke.<br /><br />Etsy - not for me. I make stuff to sell at my guild's bi-annual quilt show, but with the price of quilt-shop quality cotton in Canada, I never make much more than $5/hr on my time. Ugh.<br /><br />Here's my idea that has been hit on a few times above. I make money on my retreat business. I run 13 hour day retreats about every 6 weeks for 24 people. I cater all the food and set it all up and get door prizes and goodie bags from the wholesaler. This is a great business that pays for my fabric addiction and also brings like-minded women together in an extremely creative atmosphere that is LOVED. Now, you may take a slightly different angle, offering workshops, 'how-to's' ...etc. My retreats are UFO, bring your own stuff and just work while I take care of you type days. <br /><br />I'm not sure if you enjoy teaching kids, but on your blog you come across as infinitely patient and I could see a creative b'day party business, or community workshop idea for you as well. I do make a little bit of money teaching workshops, but by the time you account for sample-making and all the time it takes to write up patterns, it's not a whole lot per hour - for me it's more for the love of sharing and supporting other women who want to expand their quilting skills.<br /><br />So, to recap: book, retreats, workshops. I'm happy to chat/email more anytime!! Good luck! Once you put yourself out there, like you've done with this post, things start happening. Just you wait and see!Poppyprinthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08251892807966340175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-48552061235831358232011-01-28T17:55:04.169-05:002011-01-28T17:55:04.169-05:00Wow what lovely comments you've got on this su...Wow what lovely comments you've got on this subject. As you can see you are not alone in this situation. I understand you not wanting to make a lot of the same stuff to sell and I think a lot a of crafters are like that, me included. I still think your best option is an Etsy shop just making the things you enjoy, and one of a kind things are what people like. Also a book sounds likea perfect idea for you! You are very good at writing and I think that's one of the reason's your blog is so popular along with your honesty and sense of humour. Not sure where to start witha book but maybe getting your tutorials published in a magazine is a start. You have lots of food for thought!<br />Looking forward to seeing which path you take next.Catherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-43124764672475761592011-01-28T10:25:29.843-05:002011-01-28T10:25:29.843-05:00Hey dear...i say your pics & feel nice..you ar...Hey dear...i say your pics & feel nice..you are sweety hearty girl...lovely to see your childhood,adult,young & now....smart ages...<br />well I am just a student,& a part time crafter..whenever get time from my tough studies i love to share arty crafty tutorials..well I am not a successful blogger,how i can suggest or advice you something...(Although i want to write something,but...)so i just wish you lots & lots of happiness & good luck...be happy my dear..be smart as ever...we love your blog & stuff...stay cooooooolCREATIVE KHADIJAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18408789311149647947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-77786290949865733742011-01-27T19:43:56.840-05:002011-01-27T19:43:56.840-05:00Strange enough , I discovered your blog almost at ...Strange enough , I discovered your blog almost at its beginning, and have been a regular visitor since .... I lived almost the same story, except that being a bit older than you are, the situation is a bit different ... I love your blog , and I can imagine that you could sometimes sell some of your ideas , and indeed make a book or contribute to a magazine .... Don't you have local authorities involved in recycling ? You could contribute a page in a local paper ...You would do wonders organizing workshops for kids ( maybe I say that because it is something I have contemplated , and I am happy and lucky to be able to do it with my grand kids and niece ) <br />I also understand how you feel about publicity, but .... Considering the huge number of visitors , it might be an idea ... I don't know how intrusive it might be .... But it is less pollution than real paper in the mail box .... Would you find a way to recycle or revamp that too ???<br />I would definitely buy a book by Michèle of Michele made me .... Something called : Les idées de Michèle ????DMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06616368743908415881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-32301346119667375812011-01-27T16:43:01.452-05:002011-01-27T16:43:01.452-05:00Dear Michele and all you crafters,
Firstly, I find...Dear Michele and all you crafters,<br />Firstly, I find all of you bloggers absolutely amazing: creative, generous, time-and-family-managing whizzes! I appreciate how you like the therapy of blogging just as I like the therapy of sharing in all this amazing brilliance all over the internet. I found Michele's blog along with many others from One Pretty Thing.<br /><br />I am an anomaly here: I don't blog, I craft only a little, I do buy the occasional tutorial, e-book, etsy/dawanda product. I would tip because I appreciate amazing things! (I also do lots of volunteer work and a lot of fund-raising.) I am quite ignorant here, so am being honest and opening up cans of worms for many of you.<br /><br />So, what to do for cash? (Here come the worms...)<br />1. My first reaction is Band Together! If you make a super tutorial that someone else uses, wouldn't you all like a photo and then, say $1-2, as 'Thanks' money (i.e. a tip)? Why don't you ALL do this? You take a lot of time to craft something really cool then you take more time to make a clear, beautiful tutorial. I have bookmarked so many fantastic tutorials and you all deserve a lot more than a smiley face. If you ALL start doing tipping, then it WON'T be strange (just as people 'tip' for shareware that they like and use) AND you'll make a little very-welcome cash. The old 'scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.'<br />For this you'd need to know what it costs to implement and maintain tipping. The first year may not be worth it, but if you make this a standard, it will turn into profits.<br /><br />2. Reach out beyond the craft-blogging community!<br />* Promote your tutorials as something to be used for fund-raising (for schools, churches, local fire dept...). I know this one really goes against the grain, but so many of your products would be lovely for just that small-town let's-make-it-then-sell-it-together raffle or school fair. I could list hundreds of your crafts that I would LOVE to do this with! Why don't you let me? Again, have people like me - who don't come up with ideas - PAY for your expertise. So, I'm suggesting two options on your blogs: free if for private use (to keep or give as a present…) or pay/tip for the tutorial ($5? $10?) for selling locally (not for going into business and not for selling on the internet). Please note: there is really no difference between doing this and putting all of your tutorials together in a book for sale.<br /><br />* Make and maintain a special website or blog called something like 'Crafts for Fund Raising' where you all join together to sell your good-for-fund-raising craft tutorials (thematically ordered, of course) and anyone can find you through Google! Good possibilities for this market: Christmas items, pincushions, little dolls, wallets, small purses, bookmarks, fridge magnets, bags, notepads, hairbands, recycled anything! Lots of groups need to make money; make it easy for them to find you.<br /><br />* Produce e-books bringing together tutorials of a certain theme--this should cost the purchaser much less than buying each of your tutorials individually.<br /><br />* Etsy/Dawanda- If the costs are low to sell here and there are no unpleasant restrictions, then why not?<br /><br />3. I don't like ads, unless you have a company that you wish to advertise because you use them all the time. A previous person mentioned how 'peaceful' your blog is, Michele, and that is true not just because of your gentle yet enthusiastic writing style but also because the blog is easy to read and has a clean and uncluttered flow.<br /><br />Michele, I wish you the best of luck. I have enjoyed your vivid imagination immensely and I look forward to following your blog and supporting you if the chance arises.Janicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11220331838185489045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-68678149884535481602011-01-27T14:48:43.231-05:002011-01-27T14:48:43.231-05:00LOVE the pics-Thanks! Good questions.
I come by ...LOVE the pics-Thanks! Good questions. <br /><br />I come by because you are sweet and funny and super creative with ideas that I would never ever think of. I love to see what you can create out of recycled stuff. <br /><br />I think if you are up for it, etsy is worth a try. It is a pretty cool community, just like blogging. And, like others have said, you are the boss-you can make whatever you want!<br /><br />Tips-Like many mentioned, I prob wouldn't, b/c funds are crazy tight, and I never know what is a decent amount, or if the person would think it is not enough, etc. <br /><br />If it was a project I wanted to do, I would def buy a pattern. I don't buy too many b/c of funds situation, but I definitely buy some, and want to support other artists and creators. Also, would buy finished products that I love & can afford, to support other artists. <br /><br />Good luck in your search and your endeavors. You have done great so far and inspired a zillion people, so I am sure that you will continue to do so, hopefully in a way to bring in some crafting cash!<br /><br />Thank you, <br />VanessaVanessa at Rescued Goodshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15358985105590539342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-43834871268749451342011-01-27T14:28:44.538-05:002011-01-27T14:28:44.538-05:00If I had more than 2 followers on my blog I would ...If I had more than 2 followers on my blog I would think about selling our things in my sidebar. I'm a little nervous about starting an Etsy shop too. I know I can sell one of a kind items (that's what we create) but still a little weary about it. <br />Your blog is one of the first blogs I started following. I love all the things you create and love your writing style.Marehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07721334529030759764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-38224537684026839612011-01-27T05:22:19.585-05:002011-01-27T05:22:19.585-05:00Dear Michele, I think quitting your job was a good...Dear Michele, I think quitting your job was a good thing to do. Being unhappy with the work one has to do is simply awful.<br /><br />I read your blog because I love your ideas, and your style both in crafts and writing. Also I believe you are a nice person like somone I'd like to spend my time with in realitiy. I stop reading blogs when I don't like the people who are writing them, even if the blogs are interesting. ;-)<br /><br />I'm sorry, but honestly I don't know how you can make money with your blog. I think I wouldn't buy patterns or tutorials - just because there's so much free stuff all around.<br />Sometimes I buy books or magazines but not on regular terms.<br />I don't buy much DIY stuff either. That's because I usually believe that I can make items I like by myself. Even if I can't. <br />But this is just me - I actually know people who are buying patterns or DIY stuff. So maybe you should just try something and see how it works?<br /> <br />I'm afraid I wasn't that much help, huh? <br />I'd like you to know that I'm wishing you the very best!Centihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18074862560625378466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-65174143681433232642011-01-26T23:34:15.373-05:002011-01-26T23:34:15.373-05:00I understand where you are coming from, and why yo...I understand where you are coming from, and why you think it might be a good idea to charge for your expertise. However, I think we all give to each other here and we all come out for the better, and it's all fair. All evens out is what I am trying to say. I don't like advertisements on blogs. I canceled my Google Ads. Blogging is for all the reasons you listed...it's therapy for me, a joy and enjoyment like no other. I am turned off by the commercial type blogs, those who seem only to blog for profit. I don't really want an etsy shop either and those blogs that push theirs are not ones that I frequent. I will still come to your blog, it's peaceful here:-) and I love your ideas. I will help you in anyway I can, but I think it will take away from your blog if you start charging or have a tip jar. I wish you the best in which ever way you are lead.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-61591471780610585752011-01-26T22:58:43.340-05:002011-01-26T22:58:43.340-05:00Michele, I enjoy reading your blog and learning ho...Michele, I enjoy reading your blog and learning how your take something simple, recycle it and create something new. In this "green" world, that is good. I agree with others that a book or contributing to a magazine may be in your future. People are really interested in how to re-use items, not throw them away. You have that down! <br /><br />Of course, selling what you have created is another way to go. Either with the Etsy or as someone else suggested, with a listing on the side of your blog with paypal. Some of us may want to buy what you make instead of making it ourselves - yours will probably look better than what we attempt anyway... <br /><br />I usually do not buy patterns or tutorials, I look for them in books or other free sources. As for a tip jar, I don't know. If you don't have one, you won't get anything. If you do, there might be a possibility, like Mary said. So, that is up in the air. You could always link that with happiness....and hope. <br /><br />I'm glad you have found happiness. That is important. And thank you for sharing some of that happiness with us. I enjoy your stories and seeing what you create.Anne Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16265685588855866592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-24341817964536288932011-01-26T21:01:45.704-05:002011-01-26T21:01:45.704-05:00I come to your blog to get inspiration and learn. ...I come to your blog to get inspiration and learn. I also enjoy how you let your personality shine through. You're lovely. <br /><br />One idea -- you left me a comment the other day suggesting that I check out a book on crochet in order to advance my skills. Why not have a resources page? <br /><br />For example, Kristen at www.foodrenegade.com (awesome blog) has a resources page. Every time someone clicks over to a resource and makes a purchase, she gets a little bit of cash. And, bonus, a resources page is tucked away, so it wouldn't be in your readers' faces.Emmahttp://flytape.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-38480080720365506462011-01-26T19:09:13.996-05:002011-01-26T19:09:13.996-05:00I'm not sure if all of your post I understood,...I'm not sure if all of your post I understood, especially when it comes to your former job. Why not create a place where guests can find to creatively develop. Here where I live is a lot of community centers where the courses are organized - from learning to dance, play instruments, and pottery:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-6116830970629214262011-01-26T18:37:51.363-05:002011-01-26T18:37:51.363-05:00Hi!
I've only recently come across your blog...Hi! <br /><br />I've only recently come across your blog a few weeks ago (I don't even remember what brought be here... because your blog eclipsed my original quest completely, apparently). But lately I've been having the same dream of making money by doing what I love, experimenting and trying new crafts.<br /><br />It might be worth it to open an etsy store anyway and sell only what you make as one-of-a-kind items. Like limited edition things :) An etsy listing comes down once it's out of stock, so if you list 1 plastic bottle wreath, you would only sell the one and nobody could make a purchase on another one.... unless you made another one :) <br /><br />I personally would not donate to a tip jar, but I'm sure you would get some contributions... my brother made the free android app called "WW Dairy", and while it is free he does make some decent pocket money from people who donate out of gratitude. This, I guess, is just me repeating the suggestion of not charging for patterns, but suggesting that we donate if we find success in using them. <br /><br />Good luck! I am rooting for you :)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13089772399549966738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-89894748122770013472011-01-26T18:09:19.755-05:002011-01-26T18:09:19.755-05:00Hi Michele!! Wow, love all the comments you are ge...Hi Michele!! Wow, love all the comments you are getting on this post. I like the idea of a book, but you already know that. I'm not sure the tip jar idea is the way to go. I know I wouldn't use one. I think you could sell some of your unique items in an etsy shop. I don't think you need to produce a lot of items. I like the idea of every item being unique. I think that some people would buy tutorials or patterns, but you would have to continue to share some for free. That's keeps people coming back. I love all that you share on your blog. You are so creative. It is scary to put yourself out there and try to make money with your craft. But if anyone can do it, it's you. Hugs ArianeArianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06443998599169190006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-76224148777728924392011-01-26T17:38:32.009-05:002011-01-26T17:38:32.009-05:00Oh wow Michele you have the best answers above...i...Oh wow Michele you have the best answers above...i buy from Esty and love the stuff i get and i think this could be the way forward for you....i know someone who has just started selling Tutorials on there blog which i think is quite alot of money....especially when you can normally go to youtube or google search and someone would have done one which you wouldnt have to pay for.....<br />Love your photos through the years too.Jenstershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18082734018728041118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-89998185000007382272011-01-26T16:32:18.501-05:002011-01-26T16:32:18.501-05:00Michele, I have been following your blog for a whi...Michele, I have been following your blog for a while because I like your creativity and it inspires me. I have two suggestions: 1. Sell your crafts online rather than selling tutorials. selling on etsy doesn't mean mass production. Sell whatever you make. 2. Find a career as a craft tutor in schools, or kindergartens. Or simply start a crafting class for kids yourself. You have the look and the ideas. You'll be great in that.<br />My best wishes for you dear.Nazaninhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07918792343275090202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-73983540006661859402011-01-26T14:22:09.677-05:002011-01-26T14:22:09.677-05:00First, I am sorry but I have no real advice to off...First, I am sorry but I have no real advice to offer because am in a similar position not having a job. Second, thanks for putting up the question because I have learne a lot!! Ok, some blogs I follow post tuts or patterns for a specific time frame for free and then list them for sale. :)Lee Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05801423770686943237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-42708605682589890812011-01-26T13:43:23.506-05:002011-01-26T13:43:23.506-05:00My 2 cents- I totally think you could do Etsy - i...My 2 cents- I totally think you could do Etsy - it's fun and very reasonable to list things, it is so not about making 50 of the same items. I buy on there so I can get a one of a kind item. I too would not pay for patterns or tutorials as there is no much free stuff out there.<br />I'll keep coming back here no matter what you do, 'cause you are smart, funny and have great ideas and wild horses couldn't keep me away.Cindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09631760818212161947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767368008487835849.post-88519707053919098122011-01-26T13:32:48.825-05:002011-01-26T13:32:48.825-05:00There are a lot of people who covert their blogs i...There are a lot of people who covert their blogs into books, and then their blogs seems to shrivel away. I would prefer that you become a professional blogger like Cathe Holden (http://justsomethingimade.com/) - your writing and Ideas are good enough that I bet you could get hired by the right people, and get a REAL income.<br /><br />I don't think you need etsy to sell your stuff, either, as you get plenty of hits here. Just put whatever you want to sell in your sidebar with a paypal link.Juliet Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18201775296084268348noreply@blogger.com