Where can i use my crafting experties?

Question

I was a software engineer. I am out of field for last 8 years. Now my kids've started school, I want to find a job. i'm thinking of changing my field for 3 reasons. I didn't enjoy it much, I need to study from almost scratch coz IT world has changed alot, job would be tough and less enjoyable and so would be hard for me to manage with house and kids. What i love to do is something like arts and crafts. I am really good in recycleing used item like card bords, eggshells, wood waste etc and making beautiful craft work out of them. I can sew, knit, draw, paint and much more. I recently made a big floor vase with paper mashe.. I made blinds for my living room using big cardboard boxes. this type of work dosen't make me tired. I dont have education in this, but if i need to study anyway why not in the field i love. but could i get a job and earn something too, or should i go with IT because that is more hot and i wont loose my previous degree and experience.

Answer 1

I think you are fortunate to have determined that crafting is what you really want to do.  I don't believe you ought pursue an IT career if you don't feel it will satisfy you or make you happy.  As the previous poster suggested, why not take some of your craft work around to various gift shops, variety boutiques, florists, etc. etc. (smaller items) and ask them to host your creations on consignment, or even try to sell them to the stores outright?  Have you considered craft fairs?  How about selling your stuff online?  As you've experience with computers / IT, perhaps you could design a website on which to sell your creations.  Once it was up & running, you'd only need to promote it and might generate some revenue from your "hobby" that way.  You could even write about how to create the works you do, giving step-by-step directions.  I'm curious about the living room blinds you made, out of big cardboard boxes, myself - you'd get at least one hit on your website there!  I think there are so many places you could go with your crafting hobby, you just need to brainstorm ideas as to how to potentially make it lucrative.  I definately reccomend going with doing what you love.  Follow your heart and the money will come.

Answer 2

You need to find out if there are shops that will accept your work on consignment (some of the money from sales goes to you and some to them). Also, find out if there is a crafters' association that can give you info. on shows, etc. You can also sell on eBay. I sell jewelry in addition to my fulltime job.

Good luck.