Do you love to make crafts?  Have you ever thought about turning your hobby into a way of working from your home?  Cheryl, from A Touch of Home has answered some questions for us regarding her business and how to get started:

1. How was it that you first started crafting at home and how long have you been crafting?  I started my crafting home business in 1990. I enjoyed making crafts for fun and I had sold a few crafts, so I thought I could make some extra money doing something I enjoyed. You can be your own boss and work when you want to and still be around for your family. I have sold my crafts at Art and Wine festivals, rented a space in a craft shop, and online.

2. What has been your favorite item to make, and do you custom make items for people?  I don't really have a favorite craft, I enjoy both sewing and painting wood. If I had to pick a favorite, I would say my special orders. It is very rewarding to take a customer's idea and make it just the way they pictured it would turn out. I have done this with signs and dolls. It is important to do custom order because you usually will have a return customer. When it is something I haven't done before I tell them I will try and if it isn't what they want they don't have to buy it. So far I haven't made anything that my customer was unhappy with.

3. Where do you find your crafting material?  I buy my craft supplies online, crafts stores, and fabric stores in my area.

4. How do you advertise, online and offline?  I have business cards for advertising and online I exchange links with other craft sites. I list my web site with craft directories.

5. What has been the most challenging aspect of crafting at home?  The most challenging aspect is finding crafts that your customers want that are new and different.

6. If someone wanted to get involved in crafting at home, as a business, what advice would you give them?  The best advice would be not to give up. Find something you enjoy crafting and go for it. You won't know if you can success it you don't try. Don't give up if you don't do well at your first craft show. It is important to get your name and crafts out for the public to see. I have found that the street festivals are better for me than the school or church boutiques. You need to explore all outlets to see where you and your crafts fit in the best. Good Luck.

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