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Story by
gSakura
Published on July 24, 2008 in This Handmade Life |
Photo by gSakura |
Having children changed their craft...for the better.
The Mayberry Sparrow aka Corabelle says, "These boys are my inspiration for so many things I create. And without them, I wouldn't have the drive to create without looking back. Before I had the boys, and didn't have to provide for them, I would illustrate, create, all of it, but I wouldn't always finish every project. I'd let it sit for months (or years) and it didn't really bother me. Now I absolutely have to finish each project, because our financial well-being depends entirely on it."
No matter what your situation, whether you are a full time stay at home momma with a supportive spouse or a single momma who is working hard to make ends meet, the ability to combine the two biggest loves of your life is a real gift. The extra income from selling on Etsy has allowed many of us to contribute to our families' needs, and in some cases, is the main source of income, which equates to serious business. However, while it is a pleasure to have the little ones always with us while we work, it's not without its challenges.
Ruralabandon says, "It is difficult to manage it all, but my daughter's activities always come first. It is amazing how busy
their little lives become when they turn 5."
[Ruralabandon's Studio]
Littlepinkposies shares, "Finding a balance is challenging...the balance between being a devoted, caring mother and fulfilling enough of my own personal needs to be a happy woman, independent from my role as a mother. That, and finding time to sleep. On some days you feel like you’re pulled in so many different directions that you’re not doing anything very well. But I find that this challenges me to find creative ways to keep the kids occupied — in a good way!"
While a majority of our work tends to be done while they are asleep at night, it is possible to work along with them successfully. Setting up a designated area for them to safely create away from your business helps.
[Anniepoo's Studio]
Anniepoo has a little team of helpers: "They each have jobs...Bella helps cut up the soap,
AnnieClaire is my mixer and Lilly...well...she thinks she's helping. We usually create everything in the kitchen
and they pull up chairs all around me. We package things in our school room and they have a little
table that we made where they put things in bags for me and I tie everything up and get it ready to ship."
Anniepoo's family, like mine and many others, also practice homeschooling, which allows for many daily learning
opportunities and great time flexibility.
[gSakura's Home-School/Sewing Area]
Keeping them busy.
Giving little ones small jobs related to your shop, like stamping tags, cutting lengths of string, keep them busy and make them feel useful. The bigger they get, the more detailed work they can handle; learning to use a sewing machine and html have been a successful part of our curriculum. For us, the key is inclusion. Because they are involved, they respect the time needed for me to get work done and they all pitch in to help out where it is needed. By involving them, they are getting a firsthand lesson at being entrepreneurs. This is paving a way for a strong work ethic and proof that you can follow your dreams and really do what you love for a living.
These everyday lessons are apparent in many of our children already being very creative themselves, appreciating the work that goes into a handmade object and actually living a handmade life.
For all of these reasons, it is more than worth any sacrifices that are made. I try and savor the precious moments that I am allowed to be in my children's presence, teaching them, laughing with them. It will not last forever...these years will fly by, I tell myself.
Corrabelle says, "Keep your children your priority, and remind yourself daily of how blessed you are to have them,
even when they're making your day difficult."
So the next time you find yourself being whisked away from your work, take a moment to pause and look into their little faces, remembering why you are working so hard, and enjoy the time they are here with you.
Further Resources:
Children & Art Resources for the Budding Child Artist
City Guide for Parents
20 Homemade Art supplies
The Switchboards Forum
Do you have wee ones helping in your Etsy work? Share in the comments below!
Handmade Kids Series | Special Kids Showcase | Baby Gift Guide | Children Gift Guide
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Tags | children, entrepreneur, gsakura, Handmade Kids, homeschooling, moms, parenting, projects, THIS HANDMADE LIFE, WAHMs, working | |
27 comments Login to add your own!
Odannysgirl
BululuStudio
paisleybaby
zencreations04
Great story!
Ah, the balancing act. I know it well!
We always make sure Zoe has plenty of crafting supplies in the house. Now whenever I need to get work done, I set her up with a project at a nearby table and just let go crazy.
GracefulBabies
my daughter has lacing cards, crayons, sissors, paper in her "studio" while I sew. She often cuts the paper and asks me how many yards I need. I try to involve her as much as I can while I work during the day! My son is younger so he loves to play with the scrap fabric that falls or I make a new piece of felt food and he goes nuts!
It can be a struggle but sooo worth it! GREAT ARTICLE!!
TwoTurnips
CurlyQCuties
clearpink
great sotry.
it is nice to know that there are other people out there in the same boat as i am.
tworighthands
kinchi
beautiful article, it's the same here, and reading about the ways you found to involve the kids in the some aspects of your buseniss is inspiring!
littlebirdcreations
This is a great article! Very true for many of us finding that balance.
JesPlayin
I'm loving Anniepoo's workspace! I have 3 children ages 7,4, and 2, and I know this story quite well. It does take a lot of discipline to keep the focus and balance...I'm still working on it.
gingerlime
Nice article! I've just started on kid's items because I wanted my son to benefit even more directly from my work. He has always love that I do art, but now he's so proud to wear stuff that he had input in designing. His input is usually "Yes I like that" and "Are you done yet!"
Thanks for this :-)
jessiemccann
jenniferdennispotter
Great article! I love having my kids participate in my work, too.
oopsyloops
Fantastic article! Being a homeschooling mom doing the balancing act, now I'm more inspired to carry on. My little girl has caught the selling-handmade bug too, and lately, she has been pestering me to put up her "artwork" for sale!
roseworksjewelry
kudos to all you crafty Moms! I've often wondered how on EARTH I'll manage that when my husband and I add kids to the mix somewhere down the road...
thepaintedlily
what a wonderful article! i am glad to see so many moms in the same situation as our family, with little ones wanting to help. my son even wants his own etsy shop! :)
Bumblebeebaby
Thanks so much for this article! I know there are many of us who are stay at home moms who also run Etsy shops. It is a big challenge, I have so many people ask me how I do it with three little boys at home!
It ain't easy, but I'd rather be at home than having my kids in daycare.
They love to help me fill my I Spy Bags and bean bags. I also let them help me stuff my cloth rattle balls and put the jingle bell inside. I also ask their advice for which fabrics I should buy at the fabric store, they LOVE to help!
staceydotdot
This was a great fun little article!
Us Etsy Mums are just great! :D
And the ones who have time to do all that and write super cool Storque articles are super great! :)
Love the pics!
CarolinaCottage
Great story!
"Finding a balance is challenging...the balance between being a devoted, caring mother and fulfilling enough of my own personal needs to be a happy woman, independent from my role as a mother."
- so true!!
BPyarns
Balance is the essential ingredient for a happy and fulfilling life ~ when things get out of balance is when trouble begins.
Plumevine
This is wonderful. I'm contemplating motherhood and with making Plumevine my career, I wondered how mums do it. Perfect article!
jodieflowers
Super article! It's a challenge, but fun at the same time! Way to go Etsy Moms!
gSakura
Thank You all so very much for all the sweet and lovely comments..
It was great fun and sooo inspiring to write this article.
It only reinforced the respect I have for Creative and Artistic
parents that strive to give their children the VERY Best environments
we can, I can only imagine what wonderful adults these children will become,
what a gift to the world!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank every Etsy mom who so graciously
took time from their busy schedules and submit an interview, Every one's story is
so special and amazingly inspiring..keep up the great job everyone!
And if any of you Etsy moms ever need someone to chat with who understands the life..
feel free to convo me, after all I have four little ones here that I home school and we are having a blast!!!
Best Wishes to all for a Wonderfully Happy and Healthy Autumn,
xoxo
georgia sakura
>^_^<
http://gsakura.etsy.com
http://littlesparrownest.etsy.com
http://georgiagriegofineart.etsy.com
Purplesky
wow..I loved that article. I haven't been on here since my son was born. I forgot I was a photographer, seamstress, jewelry maker etc. I didn't evne recognize my own photo(that i took) as my avatar until now! HOW FUNNY! Guess it's time for me to open a shop! SIGH! LOVE IT!
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Awesome article:)!!! One of my favorits in this series so far...thanks for the fun pictures of work spaces too!!!