Etsy Australia recently teamed up with the City of Sydney to produce three ‘crafty gift idea’ videos and fact sheets that show just how easy it is to give sustainably this Christmas.
The great crafty videos can all be viewed here on the Green Villages website. Each gift idea was made using recycled or sustainable products. Each video can also be viewed on YouTube via the links below:
1 – How to wrap with cloth – learn how to cloth wrap your Christmas presents this year – save on wrapping paper & sticky tape. Get creative and use fabric off-cuts, vintage fabrics, and cute op-shop material finds.
3- How to make a terrarium – make your own little decor feature piece. A great little mini garden present.
Follow the link to print out a PDF copy of the tutorials too
Learn how to gift wrap with cloth Japanese style, knot macrame pot-plant holders and transform an old vase into a terrarium with these fun DIY video series.
My earliest memory of crafting for profit was trading little personalised paper purses with fabric bows in the school playground “ I was 8!
While we dont see homemade lemonade stands anymore, there are still lots of ways to encourage your kids to earn a little pocket money from family and friends by selling their craft.
The above image shows some finger knitted bracelets my 10 year old daughter has made. She plans to sell them to raise money for an indigenous program at school. She has been emailing friends with images and even has pre-orders!
Here are some tips for encouraging your kids to craft for profit.
Friends and family are the best customers. These people love your kids and will be more than willing to pay some loose change for their crafty wares. It is also a lot safer than door knocking the neighbourhood.
Kids buy from kids and they all want what everyone else has. You may need to check with the teachers at school if they have an issue with your budding entrepreneur selling their goods at school.
As we head into the Christmas holidays and kids have loads of time up their sleeves, it may be a great summer project for them.
Let it be their project and try not to add your influence too much.
Encourage your kids to use items they already have instead of purchasing more. Try your local op shop for any items you dont have.
Donating the funds to a charity or cause is a great learning experience for kids and customers will be more likely to purchase.
—————————————
This guest post is by Jodie Maloni of The Haby Goddess. Her shop is full of crafty goodies and the blog which is full of crafty inspiration!
These are some simple steps to making your own beautiful ribbon wands, perfect for gifts, Christmas stockings, weddings, parties or just backyard fun! They are also a great way for kids to practice hand-eye coordination and burn energy without making any mess.
What you will need:
Ribbon (double sided satin or silk) 2 x 2m lengths (I prefer to use contrasting colours for effect)
Wooden dowelling rods (cut about 30cm long)
Eye screws (from the hardware shop)
Drill and drill bit (the drill bit needs to be smaller than the eye screws)
Fishing swivels (fishing shops or camping stores sell these in a packet)
Pliers
Glue
Small jingle bells
Matches/lighter
How to make them:
1. Pre drill top of dowelling in the centre with drill bit
2. Put in one eye screw by twisting it into the hole (someone with muscles is handy for this bit!)
3. Add a fishing swivel and bells by threading it onto the inserted eye screw – use pliers to press the eye screw together making a solid loop so the fishing swivel/bells can’t fall off.
4. Burn the edges of the ribbon gently to prevent fraying.
5. Tie both lengths of ribbon to the end of the fishing swivel. Us ea dab of glue so the ribbon knot doesn’t come loose.
6. Put glue down the length of the dowel rod and wrap with ribbon, or alternatively you could paint the dowel with glitter paint.
7. Once dry, wave and twirl with your new ribbon wand!
NOTE: Adults can also be found twirling and swirling with these lovely ribbon wands when they think no-one is looking. They are lots of fun!
This guest post was written by Sweet Blessings. Sweet Blessings is full of gorgeous and pretty things for little girls. To view the full range, head to the Sweet Blessings website or Facebook page.
KatyJane Designs is launching their new and unique range of letter writing pads for children (and the young at heart). My Letter Pads include everything you need to make and send your own letters “ 20 sheets and 20 stickers – just write and fold into the shape of an envelope. Its a letter and envelope all in one and all you need is a stamp!
Putting pen to paper, the good old fashioned way…
Drawing on nostalgia and a love of the ˜written word has been KatyJane Designs inspiration to create this fun, interactive aerogramme style letter writing range. Born from a desire to encourage children to put pen to paper ˜the good old fashioned way (whether writing letters to friends and pen pals or inviting guests to a party or play date) youll see faces light up when they receive a colourful My Letter Pad envelope in the post!
Designs for all
There are 4 pad themes to choose from including bold and bright Rainbow Stripes, Vintage Bluebirdsin pretty pastel shades, colourful Party Bunting in retro tones and an Air Mail style design in classic red, white and blue. Each pad has its own sheet of matching icon stickers which children will love! My Letter Pads are designed with fun, style and affordability in mind and of course incorporate that KatyJane twist.
Get writing…
My Letter Pads retail at $14.95 each and are available from www.katyjane.com.au
Wholesale is available upon request – email wholesale enquiries to retail@katyjane.com.au
Today we have the pleasure of getting to know Sue from Kids Klosset a little bit better, so Sue¦
Tell us about your business:
I inherited my love of creative design & sewing from my mother. I sat with her as a child while she drafted the pattern then created our cloths on her sewing machine often sewing well into the night. I felt very proud wearing the cloths she created with much love.
What inspired you to start your business?
I started work at 15 years old in garment construction, I completed a 4 year apprentiship & continued sewing professionally for a few more years
I started Kids Klosset in 2009. After making my children cloths when they were small it only seemed natural to sew for the grandkids when they came along
They grew older & didnt want to wear Nans outfits any more so I created Kids Klosset so I could fulfil my sewing addiction & most of all my fabric addiction.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
The name Kids Kloset was the name I had chosen for my business. When I searched the registry it was a available with Kloset spelt with a œk; I sent a text to my husband & he said he loved the name but I had spelt it wrong, it should be Klosset. Spelling not being my strong point I didnt bother to check & accepted his spelling of the word, big mistake. After I had registered the name & had business cards printed I discovered I was right in the first place it should have been Kloset. Im used to it being spelt this way now.
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Making frilly butt ruffle nappy covers has been the most fun & there success has been a surprise. I didnt plan to make infants wear but this line has been my most successful so far.
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
My best tip for someone thinking of selling their handcrafted goods would be to do what you love, have confidence in yourself and your creations but mostly dont give up- keep looking for ways to present your creations
What is your favourite item you make?
Making frilly butt ruffle nappy covers has been the most fun & there success has been a surprise. I didnt plan to make infants wear but this line has been my most successful so far.
My most favourite outfit would be the Summer Flower 4 piece set. I love the bright colours & have always had a love for anything pink. There are so many beautiful shades in this print.
Any personal or business highlights in the last year?
Business highlights for 2012 would be my success at the markets I have attended
Personal highlights there were many with 4 adorable grand kids. I have 2 granddaughters & 2 grandsons. The eldest, Kyle turned 13 this year & started high school this was a very big year for him
3 things about you that people might not know?
Some things about me that people may not know, as well as my serious fabric addiction Im quite partial to a kit kat from the garage when I call in for fuel.
I˜ve been going to the same meditation & healing class for more than 20 years .
I was born in Brisbane & have lived here all my life
Thank you Sue, it has been a pleasure meeting you, the maker!
