Start Your Own Arts and Crafts Business!

Start Your Own Arts and Crafts Business!
Start Your Own Arts and Crafts Business!

I am taking this online class through my local community college and Ed2Go: http://www.ed2go.com/wilkescc/online_course/acb/syllabus/Start_Your_Own_Arts_and_Crafts_Business.html   I am on the second lesson, and already the class has more than paid for itself($75!) I have learned several things I needed to know in order to make “Mama’s House” and “Karla Krafts” a reality. For example, I already know where I need to file my DBA (Doing Business As) and how much the filing fee is. I’ve followed links to more information than I can make use of right now. I have been given some invaluable advice, too. I am a happy crafter!

Still Working, Working, Working on Mama’s House

Still Working, Working, Working on Mama’s House
Still Working, Working, Working on Mama’s House

There are hardwood floors in the living and dining rooms, now, and new sheers at the windows. The sheers have machine embroidery that reminds me of free-motion quilting.  I recently discovered that my great-grandmother’s sewing machine was much more attractive open than closed, so I’m trying it in front of the living room windows. I’m keeping the two yellow floral chairs because they are comfortable and have nice low arms for knitting.

I bought a throw to cover one of the chairs. I thought if I liked it, I’d order another for the other one. I don’t much. It’s a beautiful throw, but the design is huge and only shows up well on a sofa. My daughter says putting a throw on a chair is an old lady thing to do, but it is Mama’s House. I’ve looked for slipcovers, but haven’t found any I think would fit.

On Pinterest, I’ve pinned all sorts of patchwork covered chairs and instructions for making your own slipcovers. I don’t think I have the time or patience to do either. For now, they’ll just be loud yellow floral chairs!

Mama’s House

Mama’s House
Mama-s-House

This is my mama’s house, and now it’s mine. I’m fixing it up a little before I move in my craft stuff. The exterior trim is being painted, and I’ve ordered hardwood flooring for the living and dining rooms. There’s a new garage door being manufactured for the basement, with two rows of windows to let light in what I hope will be my glass studio. I have plans for the upstairs,too. The living/dining room will be a library with space for small classes. The den, with it’s warm paneling and big brick fireplace is where I hope to host get-togethers I’ll call, “Knit-a-Spell.” The kitchen will make a great soap station, but I may leave some cooking equipment, too. I’ll need to serve refreshments, and we might need to try some Pinterest recipes! I’d love to learn cake decorating, myself. So much to learn, so much to do!
A friend asked me earlier tonight how I was feeling. I replied, “Sad and happy.” You can see why.

Remembering Mama

Remembering Mama
Remembering Mama

My beloved mother passed away September 5, 2013. Her funeral was last Sunday, September 8. She was my best friend in all the world.

Her house will become mine, now. I plan on making it my craft studio and school. More on “Mama’s House,” to come…

Lots of Caring and a Little Bit of Crafting

Lots of Caring and a Little Bit of Crafting

My mom’s not doing so well these days, and I have become her primary caregiver. I have only done a few crafty things since my last post.  I made shark soaps for my grandson’s birthday party, finished a bracelet that was inspired by Pinterest and a blog challenge, and sewed a few dozen yo-yo’s while watching Lifetime movies with Mama. I’ll try to get some photos up, soon.