(Please note that affiliate links have been used in this post.)
No matter how small of a business I (or anyone else) run, there is an entire life or process that goes on behind the scenes that is often forgotten. The business doesn’t just happen, right? The Etsy Shop, the blog, the pinterest account, keeping up with Instagram, letting the Facebook page linger. Being (somewhat) consistent takes real time and energy.
Making products for my Etsy Shop doesn’t happen overnight. I don’t just whip pillow covers out. They take time and focus and investment. And making the decision to hand quilt the pillow covers has come with its own ramifications as well.
I think anyone who has ever made anything handmade knows your time investment is rather large. We also have the expense of the supplies. In my case, I’ll always recoup the cost of my supplies, but I will never recoup the cost of my time…if I considered paying myself an hourly wage, that is.
Why am I mulling over my small business strategy with my blog readers?
Well, I’ve hesitated carrying any product in my shop outside of pillow covers. I’ve made them for years, and I think I’ve learned how to make them well. I didn’t want to ruin a reputation that comes with good reviews and high quality.
But I also know my hand quilted pillow covers take some real time in life. I have not lost the joy of making them. And I often wish I could sit and sew them more often. But the reality is I want to spend time with my family and kids. And I also want to sustain my small business.
I’m stepping out on a limb and trying a new product. It’s a completely different price point, and it’s a completely different level of time commitment.
Since my sewing room comes with an abundance of the best scraps ever, I’m using the scraps and turning them into magnets.
And because my blog readers are not my primary Etsy Shop customers, I figured I’d share with you my supplies. You know those fabric postage stamps I shared about a couple weeks ago? These magnets are just as fun and simple and addicting.
Those of you who sew on a regular basis may really appreciate the fun that comes with using a variety of scraps. These, once again, are perfect for fussy cutting.
And, yet again, dig out all your Heather Ross fabrics for this endeavor.
1. You’ll need some button makers. I ordered mine from Buttons to Cover on Etsy. Shipping was fast, and they were exactly what I wanted. I ordered the 1 1/2 inch ones.
2. Find some scraps of fabric. For the 1 1/2 inch buttons, I learned that a scrap around 3 by 3 inches worked best for me.
I recently listed some magnets with vintage sheets. They’re such a great use of the smaller scraps.
3. Once you have the tools in your hand, you’ll see how easy it is to layer the fabric and the button top. Then you simply push the button backing into place.
4. Pop the button out of the flexible plastic form.
5. I found some simple magnets in the craft aisle at Walmart. I simply secured the magnets with hot glue. (I also recommend scoring or scratching the metal a bit to ensure the glue has something to adhere to.) You don’t want your magnets popping off when your children drop them. 😉
Below are some I made with the bundle from Then Came June.
And below is a Willow Market special. These are some of the original fabrics that sold on my first pillow covers. 🙂
And we must not forget Ruby Star Society.
The combinations are endless. If you don’t have the time to make any, check my Etsy Shop to see what is still available. If you see any combinations that you’d like that aren’t stocked, don’t hesitate to ask.
Do you have forms for a 2 1/2″ covered button or where I might find them?
Hm Eileen, I just did a quick search, and maybe the 2 1/2 inch size is larger than standard. It may be difficult to find. I didn’t see any that big on Amazon, but I didn’t check Jo Ann’s or Hobby Lobby.