Part time hobby/skill suggestions!

Anniee88 wrote: »

Hello, so I am not entirely sure if I’ve posted in the correct forum, but I was just after some ideas, advice, or stories of what you’ve done.

My background is that I’m a part time midwife (24 hrs) and have 2 kids, 2 and 7, (2 yo with me all the time bar 24 hours 😏)

I love to decorate and ideally one day would like to do up a property but I currently don’t have the money for that (you will also find me in debt free wannabe thread!) but, I am looking for inspiration on a new hobby/skill I could focus on in my spare time that could maybe lead to making some extra income if I get good at it. I don’t want a second job, my job pays well and I can pick up shifts when I can but wanted to look into something to do on my evenings when the girls are in bed.

Any ideas? I’m not that good at sewing but I have got a sewing machine. I was thinking about getting a die cutter machine, could make some lovely hair bows and cards. Anyone got one of these? Do you use it much? Or should I just focus my spare time comping and hope for some wins.

Any thoughts welcome

If you already have a sewing machine then the most economically sensible thing would be to learn how to use it, or practise to get better. Die cutters are OK, but upwards of £60 and then you have to buy dies for each project. Plus, homemade cards are no novelty anymore and people don't really want to pay to buy them. Most crafts are the same to be honest, unless you have a real talent for something in a niche. And I mean, like you can paint REALLY well or make something totally unique.

If you learn to sew, there's the potential you could make small items to sell eventually- but with the same caveat as above. However, you could save yourself a small fortune by making clothes, curtains and other needed items for your own family. It will also allow you to alter things you may buy cheaply.

If you want a small regular extra income, then settle down and read Martin's guide and follow all the advice on this forum religiously. You'll be able to make a few hundred monthly.

If you want to do up property, then find a partner with money. Lots of people develop properties together - just watch Homes under the Hammer. The rich person and his builder, husbands and wives, friends, family and so on. Or consider doing some courses in that direction, that would give you the skills you need - your local college or even B&Q will hold some - drilling, painting, plastering etc.

If you like decorating, what about refurbing furniture? You can pick up old items like side tables, wooden dining chairs, upholstered chairs, that sort of thing, from charity shops, Freecycle, car boots etc for a note or two (or even free!)

With a tin of paint, a bit of fabric and an evening's work you can easily give them a new lease of life and sell them on

carbootcrazy wrote: »

It never ceases to amaze me the really simple sewing skills that people just don't have nowadays and are prepared to pay a pretty penny to have done for them. It's not just a matter of people being time-poor. A lot of them just haven't a clue where to start.

OH is very good with sewing machine, but her daughter (late 40s) hasn't a clue. Some skills were never passed down or taught by mothers to daughters as I suspect daughters couldn't be bothered or had other things to occupy their time and so they can't pass them down to their own daughters.

Do you hand sew? I am involved with a cub group and there are loads of badges which have to be sewn on to their tops. I can do this for my kids but many parents don't seem to have the time/skills so I wonder if there is any mileage in offering that type of service if you have local groups.