It IS hard. There may be a lot of things we like to do and are good at, but how to make money at them? The things that make money, how to know if we can do them with the sx getting in the way?

I like th book review idea. I also know folks who make a few bucks, no investments needed, sending household tips to women's mags. Some sell pix to wildlife mags, travel mags and things like that. You don't have to be a pro, just lucky to get a good shot. Not steady income, but every dollar helps.

And you can get a lot of nice shots on one trip, when you're up to it that will last you a long time.

daniella- Thanks for your kind words.

AMN- I'm looking for stable income. My not yet launched craft business is my fickle income dream. Need something stable now to help with major debt and upcoming kid car/ college bills.

kicker- Before DD goes off to college she already knows she has to teach me how to use Facebook and text. I figure that is the only way I might know what she is up to.

BGB- Like I said to AMN, I need something stable. For fickle I think I'd make a better photographer than book reviewer. Actually I'm still slowly working on launching a fickle income craft business.

Good idea, having the dd teach you about FB and texting. I should have my kids teach me the texting thing too. That's the only way they'll keep in touch with me.



Some crafts might make more than you think. People are getting away from all the store bought over priced stuff and turning to more organic things. They have value. And you can do at home, saving tons. Sell online, no store over head.

I know a young woman who makes more money selling home made scented soaps and lotions than she ever did at her *real* job.

I am not a texter. It takes so much time for me to type 1 text and too much thinking. LOL However, there are ways that you can text without using the phone. You can go the person's carrier and send a text that way or (DDs showed me this) you can go to a certain website and text from there. For me using that site is so much easier as I can just type from my computer and DDs can send a message back.


BGB - thank you for the info about the crafting. Your post encouraged me more than you know. I have paintings that I have done stored away at my house that I really need to just sell. I lack the confidence in my work and haven't done anything with them. Coming up, I will have a major drop in income, again, and really need to do something. Your post has me thinking again. Thank you.

BGB- I second tkrik's thanks for your comments on crafts. My concern in this economy is, will people be willing to pay more to get something made by my hands? My stuff is very time consuming to make. I think that is going to work against me.

tkrik- Trying to text with tiny buttons does have me wondering how much of it I'll do. I fume trying to add names to my cell phone directory.

Weave

re your crafts, have you checked out www.etsy.com?

it gets a ton of customers and is mainly sellers of crafts, needlework, artisan jewelry etc stuff....they do have a vintage section too, but the main focus is handmade

it is ranked real high by Alexa and is one of the few places showing increased sales in this economy...mainly because more people are turning away from malls, boutiques and designer stores and going for unique, organic styles, home decor etc

Quite true, Brain, my sister (who seems to think she's Amish) makes fantastic soaps, takes wool from the sheeps' backs all the way to fabulous, colorful weavings, makes wool socks & slippers, sells her spun wool yarns, and all sorts of the sort. She used to work for Pfizer, now she works for herself (she got Pfired when they closed down here).

It's hard to say why the trend is on, but it definitely is and folks are clamoring for that "back to basics" quality.

I get my soaps for free.

Chemar- Etsy will be my launch pad once I get that far. Thanks for saying they are doing well even in this economy. That is just the kind of news I needed to "hear" right now.

AMN- Ah ha!!! Many moons ago you sent me a reply that included the correct use of several weaving terms. I don't think I asked how you knew that stuff but now I know. Something tells me I'd get along great with your sister. <penciling in nappy's sister right next to nappy's name on long list of board buds i'd love to meet in person someday.>