Taboo subject?! Over 40 or under 40.

Im just curious. Are you over 40 or under? How long have you been crafting? And what? If you sell, is it you only source of income?

So me Im under 40, I have been designing clothing forever starting with Barbie ponchos. And this is my source of income and I love every tiresome day of it.

Thanks and hope everyone is having a wonderful start of a new year.

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Permalink Reply by mamaslittletreasures on January 17, 2010 at 5:52am: When I first started getting involved with online crafting / sewing / designing communities, I thought that everyone was younger than me . . . . and that I was probably so "out of touch" with current styles and fashions that I would probably never fit in. But even though I am older than you ;o) I still have two young daughters at home, and they keep be busy and connected to all things youthful.

And as a pretty "quick study," I have invested a bit of time in researching new trends in fashion and home decor, combined that with my years of experience in sewing, crafting, and quilting, and I think it has turned out quite well!

So, to answer your questions: I have been creating, sewing, quilting most of my life, like you, beginning as a teen-ager and teaching myself along the way. This is not my only source of income, however, my goal is to build my writing business (based on my designs and creations) into a potential source of stable income.

Thanks for starting this thread . . .. . it will be interesting to read the responses of other members of MCC! Nina @ mamas*little*treasures and Gossamer Wings Studio; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by designsbytonyagoudy on January 17, 2010 at 6:08am: Thanks for your reply. I think just watching the trends and staying in touch with what is going on around us is the main factor at knowing what is well so called popular.

As for the quilting I tried when I was pregnant with my daught 4 years ago and just could not get those darn things right, every line was off. I never want to see a quilt square again, but God bless you for doing them they are so beautiful and really show off someone craftmanship.

Have a wonderful morning all.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Amanda Robins on January 17, 2010 at 8:56am: I'm most definitely over 40. Birthday yesterday and still getting used to the new number. I only think I'm 25 though and still behave as though I am 30. I have crafted forever. 25 years ago I had a small handknitwear business, then did a post grad degree in International Development. Since then I have come back to crafting, craft fairs and selling my glass jewellery, ceramics and handknits on http://www.chicita.folksy.com. By day I am a copywriter for commercial websites. I could never make a living from crafting and it would become a chore if I had to do it 9 to 5.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pamangel on January 17, 2010 at 12:49pm: Like Amanda - definitely over 40 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA!!! Age is counted by the years we've lived, not how we think or feel :)

I've also crafted forever. Learned to sew at 5, crochet and knit at 8, macrame at 16, cross stitch somewhere in my 20's then started making jewelry in 2000. Art was always my favorite subject though not pursued as a profession. By day I'm a paralegal and all other available time is spent beading or stitching. I have an 8 year old son who keeps me young and a 31 year old daughter who constantly inspires me. I sell jewelry in my etsy shop http://workofheart.etsy.com
I would absolutely love to be able to quit working and sell my crafts full time.

I just joined MCC today and I like it already!!!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by designsbytonyagoudy on January 17, 2010 at 7:37pm: Welcome pamangel and happy birthday amanda. As for selling fulltime it does become a chore. And having a 3 year old underfoot and trying to figure out how to keep her entertained and sew till my fingers bleed then trying to find stores that will carry items I don't have in my online store. I think it is harder work than a 9-5 and just doing this for fun. But I love it so I will keep doing it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by littlefish on January 18, 2010 at 6:38am: I'm about to hit 24, & I've been doing all sorts of crafts & artwork & photography for as long as I can remember. Selling isn't my only source of income - which is good because I'm still trying to figure out how to network & make sales both online & in person!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by designsbytonyagoudy on January 18, 2010 at 11:10am: Selling I have found online and in person is a constant tweeking process. If you don't stay on top of it, it will just die.

Good luck! And if you find the magic potion for marketing and adveritsing please let me know.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Amanda Robins on January 18, 2010 at 11:14am: I totally agree. Turn your back for one minute and your online business just lays down and curls up its toes! I've noticed that January is a funny old month, business is slow and nobody is parting with their money. Or is it just me?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lajoni on January 18, 2010 at 11:43am: I am over 40, I do pencil portraits and decorative painting....I work fulltime and at the moment work to commision only as that is keeping me busy enough, oh and I have drawn & painted as long as I can remember . I am self taught :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lora on January 18, 2010 at 12:37pm: I will be 51 on Wednesday. I have been crafting my whole life. I can't remember a time when I didn't craft. I would love to say that selling my stuff is my only source of income but it's not producing an income yet. I lost my job in Dec. 2008 and haven't worked since so I'd love for it to take off. I have lots of crafts that I do. I knit, crochet, sew, quilt, stained glass, dabble in polymer clay, scrapbook, I'm wanting to learn to make cards. For some reason they don't come out so well! LOL There are others, but these are my main passions.

Lora; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Funnyface on January 18, 2010 at 1:56pm: I am under 40....almost 32 to be exact..yikes, I still have a problem with that 3 number... I can't even tell you how long I have been crafting..because I don't remember when it all began. I remember "helping" my mother from a very young age. I have been crocheting off and on for about 12 years. I am a SAHM/WAHM. Dh is out true source of income, however am I trying build this up so I never have to go "back" to work. Right now it's just extra income.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by StarsandRobots on January 18, 2010 at 3:42pm: I'm pushing the line! Just turned 37 a couple weeks ago. I have been crafting seriously for about 2 yes now, I had always dabbled before and my mother can sew anything you could possibly imagine, from my amazing wedding dress to a canvas convertible cover for her car. She's crazy like that. I spent most of my artistic energy singing in rock bands and acting, I majored in Musical Theatre ( a very long time ago). But now, those things aren't practical with a 1 1/2 yr old and a newborn! So I sew, that is my outlet, and I'm loving it.

Funnyface said:
I am under 40....almost 32 to be exact..yikes, I still have a problem with that 3 number... I can't even tell you how long I have been crafting..because I don't remember when it all began. I remember "helping" my mother from a very young age. I have been crocheting off and on for about 12 years. I am a SAHM/WAHM. Dh is out true source of income, however am I trying build this up so I never have to go "back" to work. Right now it's just extra income.; ▶ Reply to This