Selling crafts - does it work?

Hey

I have chronic depression, anxiety, etc, and I've never been able to hold down a full time job. I'm 30, have no qualifications and usually I'm only working for a place for a few months before I quit out of lack of motivation or because I'm having an episode. I just had a job interview for a part time job, but it didn't end sounding that good - most jobs want friendly, outgoing people, and I am extremely quiet and awkward.

I've tried online transcription and it has been ok, but in the last couple of episodes I let it slide and now I can't access any do-able projects. I do walk dogs part time but have had to cut down because physically I can't maintain that amount of walking every day.

I've started to think of selling things at craft markets. I'm really not too clued up on etsy and stuff, and here we have a number of monthly markets held in parks etc, where people sell crafts and food. It costs a bit to rent a stall. I've thought of selling my photos (prints mounted), collages (either cards or mounted), and small paintings on 5cmx5cm canvas. I've got to apply with sending photos of the products but I'd also like to find out if anyone on here has tried this. People are panic buying stuff and I'm over like, I can afford one roll of toilet paper lol.

I've also sold a few random items I had in my cupboard but don't really have anything left.

You could try it out at at local 'craft' fairs where you rent a table. This is an inexpensive way to try it out. You don't have to be 'approved' etc---
In the meantime, get familiar with etsy, just roam the site and see if you think it's for you. If you want to try to sell on etsy, do. You may need help (a friend, a local community college class) with setting up a site.
And, just making things, whether you end up selling or not, is very therapeutic. (and can become gifts, etc----)

yeah, that's the kind of craft fairs I'm talking about. you just need to give them an idea of what you're selling because they don't want too much of the same thing.
thanks, I'm looking at etsy
yeah, yesterday i did a couple of collages which were fun but also trying to imagine what would appeal to others.

I have been thinking of doing the same----the hard part is settling on a particular item/type of item so I can begin to build a stash. (& make it like work so I don't jump from one idea/craft to another). I thought I might aim for next holiday season & in the meantime try a few things and do some research on what sells.

Yeah, it's hard settling on the product. I've started making collages, but 1 - I'm not sure if it's just one of those 2/3-week phases of "Omg I love this I want to do it all the time!", or something that'll stick. Also unsure of how to sell them, like as an artwork, or get it printed on something etc.

given the health concerns, setting up a booth at local shops, etc might not be your best plan right now. I would look more into internet shops..at least until health issues settle down.

I know what you mean. I also like doing collage/multimedia and photos.
I am thinking that at the kind of fairs we are talking about simpler is better. But, you can try anything, do what you love and if it lasts it does, if not, keep trying things. You might want to try a street-artist fair if the work grabs you.

@resurgam - yeah, definitely. I think they are probably all postponed/cancelled until further notice, but if they came back I would try there.

@winter4me - thanks I don't think they have street artist fairs here... Just markets where crafts are sold. At the moment I'm just making postcard-sized collages based on my photographs.

with things postponed, it gives time to produce and build a supply (& it's therapeutic)

Yeah, I've been trying to do that. Today I feel a bit down - I just got out of hospital for a bad episode, and have had to cut down on the usual work I do. Consequently I have no money at all, and today it's getting to me. I'm in the process of trying to get medical insurance to cover my new medications, but for now have had to scrape together the cash to buy one or two days' supply at a time. I've gone to the transcription site but it shows 0 jobs to transcribe. I've sold a few things I don't need but people aren't interested in the other things. I'm applying for jobs daily still but feel totally useless today. I'm lucky that my parents do help me financially, but they are both probably going to be out of a job later this year because of their ages. I hate asking them for money for medication and stuff because they honestly can't afford it.

Tough times. (((((((((((hug))))))))))) You are doing the best you can (did you let your doc know you can't afford the meds? sometimes they have samples to provide---)
But it is always good to create when you can. I is more than just passing time. Some days are better than others. I am glad your parents help out even if it is tough for them also.

Thanks
I'm getting there with the meds... our country is going into lockdown from Thursday but I will get enough meds for that in time. Stocking up with food is tough though. I am basically spending the entire day collaging, and no urge to stop yet.
Hope you're ok.