Friday, January 18, 2008

The $20 Challenge

Well my New Year's Eve opened a can of worms! We were out with another couple and when my friend asked about "resolutions" for the year, my husband decided to raise the bar, and make things a bit interesting. Most people would just say, let's meet up for coffee once a month and catch up - but no, Mr Flowergarden put the challenge out there - the $20 Challenge. He said, what about we each start with $20 and meet up next New Year's Eve - during the year we will meet once per month (with coffee and cake!!) and discuss our plans, but whoever makes the most from thier twenty (using thier talents) is the winner. My mind started ticking away ... I have made some cards from my flower photos and am going to send them up to a Nursery/Gift shop where my mum and dad live. I'll see how they go there.
I also made some pincushions. Really don't have a clue about selling stuff, so any ideas would be greatfully received. As you can see, the competitive streak has come out and I want to be the winner. I liked the cards, I hope others do too. A nice interlude this week when my dear friend Brenda and her daughter Dani came for a visit. A few months ago I helped her put this quilt together and she has gone away and done all the hand sewing and quilting. We got busy and put the binding on for her between dinner, wine and lots of chatter.
A little trip to Ric Rac's for lunch the next day which was lovely to share my friend and Ric Rac made the most delicious cake for sweets. Looking forward to my craft weekend away this weekend and our inaugrual Quilt Swap.

15 comments:

Laurie Ann said...

Sounds fun! How do you compute the use of the $20? If you are using supplies that you already have, do you have to count that?

Locket Pocket said...

Has Mr Flowergarden been studying the Bible lately??? - just don't go burying your $20 in the flower garden somewhere!

Why don't you sell us some of your flower cards via your blog - I'd buy some! Lucy x

Alison Gibbs said...

Good luck with it all.
Alison

Shopaholic D said...

you should try selling your stuff on etsy.com - it's very affordable to list something and you can market it on your blog.

you could also sell items directly through your blog. just post the photo and list the price and tell people to email you or leave a comment if they're interested in something. then, you can send them a paypal invoice.

there are also lots of good articles out there with tips. and good books too! check out "handmade for profit" by barbara brabec - great tips there!

Good luck!
:) Diana
The Chic Life

Leanne said...

I love your photos so cards are a great idea. If I lived close to the garden shop I would buy some.

Jodie said...

Annie, I want details !!!!!! They look awesome and don't you dare send them all away to the nursery shop - I want some.

Jenny said...

The cards and pincushions are lovely and I am sure will sell. I'm putting my money on you! The quilt turned out really well. Going on a little quilting holiday is a wonderful way to end the holidays before the madness of school begins again!

Bren said...

Danielle and I had a wonderful copule of days in Ballarat. Lots of laughter, good food and looking at all your creations in and out Flower Garden. The quilt looks beautiful in Danielle's room, and guess what? One of her friends has asked me to make her one!!!
Can't wait to show the Melbourne girls your pin cushions and apron. My suggestion is to sell your aprons through your blog. they are teh cutest,most original item and consequently, most essential item in the summer 08 kitchen!

Anonymous said...

What a great challenge. Fingers crossed for you of course.
Love the quilt. Simple but stunning pattern.

Louise said...

Your cards are gorgeous and I would love some. You have a market sitting here waiting. I love this idea of making the $20 into more and may just have to do it myself. I love that quilt - so pretty and happy looking!

Christine said...

Your cards and pincushions look very nice. Good luck with your enterprise. Brenda has done a great job with her quilt.

Bronwyn said...

Your flower cards look great and I especially like the nuts and bolts one -great for the guys! Did you stick your photos to card and what with or print them onto card? The little faces of the flowers in the previous post made me sad - what is it with the black one?

Chookyblue...... said...

wow you cards look great.........I am waiting for some to turn up in the mail.........and the quilt looks great........

Jacinta said...

I LOVE this idea. I am a great believer in New Years Resolutions and this is FABULOUS. I will be really interested to see how you go.
Have you considered ETSY? It might be one place to start... good luck!

Kate said...

Gorgeous quilt! I love the idea of the $20 challenge - give Etsy a go - it's pretty easy and fun.