Internet friends, let me introduce you to my new venture…The Chicken Mama Etsy Store
I’ve put this off way too long. I have no idea why. I think I’m afraid to fail. Scared no one will like it. Well, here goes!
I love creating things. Big things, like my hay shed. But I also love spending time in the spare bedroom—let’s call it my studio, shall we?—sewing and printing and stamping and painting. After tinkering around for a while over the winter, I decided I wanted to make some items to sell that featured my favorite barnyard friends. Then summer came and I got busy with the big outside projects. But with that twinge of fall that’s in the air, I decided it was now or never.
There’s a series of note cards with wonderful illustrations by my talented cousin Beth.
And then a series featuring photos of a few animals you might know. Hey, that’s Brandy! The message can be personalized. You can have them say anything you want.
Right now I’ve got an admittedly strange mix of products—notecards and hot pads. Weird, right? Well, there’s more to come that I’m still working on. The hot pad idea came from a party at our house. The buffet was set with the salads and other cold food and I was digging in the drawer looking for something to put the hot dishes on—and I had nothing that wasn’t old or stained or just plain gross. I went online the next day and there were hot pads galore…but nothing I liked. One long afternoon of printing and sewing later and I had a prototype that made me smile.
The hot pads will make any table setting fun! This one features Napoleon in all his glory.
I kept saying to myself that I’d announce the store when I got all the items online. Well, baby steps, Joan, baby steps. I’ve found I like creating and making the items way more than I like taking product photos (ugh), writing descriptions and setting up payment systems. That part is not so fun, but I’ve almost got the hang of it. (Additionally, I’m the worst at self-promotion. I’d truly rather do anything else. But I’m putting my big girl panties on and giving it a shot.)
Anyway, I’ll be getting more items into the store in the coming days. So, the hot pad featuring my man Doink is not up yet, but will be soon!
Next week I’ll be back to writing about the animals. And while I may stick a photo of something new from the store in here once in a while, I promise you will not be bombarded by pop-up windows or scrolling bars asking you to buy something. Those things drive me nuts. That being said, you’ll always be able to find the store right here on the blog in the sidebar 🙂
So, dear readers, I’d love your feedback. Am I nuts or can I make a little bit of money to pay for all that animal feed and hay? You can either leave something in the comments, or shoot me an e-mail at joan@TheChickenMama.com. Thanks so much 🙂
**Shared at (mis)Adventures Monday, Homestead Hop, Simple Saturdays**
Way to go Joan! Love the humor & practicality. Especially super cute for those of us who are hooked on your blog (me & my office). I will be ordering a hot pad AND cards, how about that for blogger support.
Cheerios
Monica
Lumen, Melody, Ponce & Octavius!
Monica Tannian recently posted…A Room Test
Wow! Thanks so much Monica 🙂 We all appreciate from bottom of our little hearts!
Good luck! I wish you all the best!
I need to get over there to pick up those hot pads we’ve been talking about- and I look forward to Doink themed ones, too-
I am so amazed at your many talents, Joan, I just can barely stand it!!! (in a good way).
Yay you for getting this going!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jocelyn
Yes! You need one with a loop on it for your mom, right? Call me!
I have no doubt that you will be selling your wonderful creations. What a fantastic outlet for your imagination! Your items are like no others. Enjoy the process!
daisy recently posted…Seed to Table Series-Leek
Thanks Daisy! It’s the one thing that makes me look forward to cold weather and staying inside. I love making things back in my little room 🙂
You had me at. “I think I was afraid to fail.” I so know that feeling and my heart immediately said, “Let’s give this sweet friend some support!” (Not to mention that I think your products are waaaay cute!
Keep it up
I appreciate that Lila. I’m old enough to know that being a little afraid is not a bad thing, but it doesn’t make it any easier!
Congrats! This is wonderful! 🙂
Thanks!
Good for you! You can always grow your business to what suits you. Cute!!!
Nancy @ Little Homestead in Boise recently posted…Mary’s Amazing Apple Cake! More Smoke and Fires, Organic Local Veggies, Feathered Visitor
Hopefully it will grow! I’m learning a LOT 🙂
Great idea !! Lots of luck….I’m sure I’ll be a regular customer , I just love all the pictures of your critters. They keep me smiling all day !
They keep me smiling, too 🙂
Good luck in your latest adventure. I am looking forward to hearing how it goes. We have been debating starting an etsy store as well.
Thanks for sharing this with us on the Homestead Blog Hop.
Gregg @ The Rural Economist recently posted…Homestead Blog Hop #44
Ooooooo I have only just seen this – well done you! 🙂 I will be going over there and having a mooch orund later this morning. Luckily I am visiting the States later this month so I’ll be able to order and have things sent to my cousin’s house. Yaaay! 🙂
Cath recently posted…Aug 8, Candling : identifying the blood ring.
Thanks, Cath! Have a great trip and safe travels 🙂 If you make it as far west as Colorado, look me up!
Joan Hobbs recently posted…Crisis Is Over, Pig Is Better