Start a 'cottage industry'... official MoneySavingExpert.com discussion

RosaThorne

I'm no expert, but I think Oxfam only sell new items that have been hand-made in - I can't think of the right term - "Fair Trade" villages... Not right, non-UK made items generally. You know what I mean, it's just too early in the morning for me to think! And VERY expensive, £7 for 1 Christmas decoration?!
Those arty shops, also expensive, are your best bet I guess. Or etsy
Worth having an ask in Oxfam though, having a look at the labels etc

Sorry, I no help.. I'll go now

cazac71

You have helped, thanks:o
Yes Oxfam are very expensive, i will try etsy, and deffo look around the shops in city center.

Frugaldom

cazac71 wrote: »

...Oh and is there anywhere on the net that can show me how to work a standard sewing machine, ie threading it up etc, i`ve no idea! Although sewing isnt needed for my "Newest" idea, it would be handy to learn how to use one, i cannot stand sewing by hand!

Keep the thread going its Brill

Hi Cazac71, I Googled your query and came up with this link - http://www.ehow.com/how_5839_thread-sewing-machine.html

Hope it helps.

I'm doing really rubbish on the making for selling but have managed a few sales and have also made all pressies needed so far this year, so it's still a moneysaving positive. Now booked a stall weekend of 31st May/ 1st June so I have no choice - I MUST prepares some items. Am hoping to do a couple of large papier mache banks, assorted keyrings, fridge magnets and have some plants ready. It should be helped along by the fact I just bought a (very frugal) 10' plastic greenhouse. :j That will free up valuable space elsewhere and, on sunny days, what a great place to dry out papier mache animal banks! :rotfl:

cazac71

nykmedia wrote: »

Hi Cazac71, I Googled your query and came up with this link - http://www.ehow.com/how_5839_thread-sewing-machine.html

Hope it helps.

I'm doing really rubbish on the making for selling but have managed a few sales and have also made all pressies needed so far this year, so it's still a moneysaving positive. Now booked a stall weekend of 31st May/ 1st June so I have no choice - I MUST prepares some items. Am hoping to do a couple of large papier mache banks, assorted keyrings, fridge magnets and have some plants ready. It should be helped along by the fact I just bought a (very frugal) 10' plastic greenhouse. :j That will free up valuable space elsewhere and, on sunny days, what a great place to dry out papier mache animal banks! :rotfl:

If your`ve made a few sales, you cant be doing rubbish;)
Thankyou for the link, ive bookmarked it.
You seem to have loads of things going on! I`ve been making papier mache, i didnt realise just how bloody messy it was! I`d only done it as a child. I`m going to try make Pinatas for kids parties.

RosaThorne

aah papier mache... I made a "version" of Tracey Island years ago, second time it was on Blue Peter mind! It was just a huge mess on cardboard and carpet!!

I've just sorted out my plans, and getting everything gathered for some crafting next week. Almost hope the weatcher's bad so I don't want to go out

karren

im doing very well on the crystal jewellery, i give 20 % to my work and i make a lot of bespoke stuff these day's so im happy x

Frugaldom

Well done Karren! Thanks for keeping us all informed and keep up the good work. You can lead us by example. :T

cazac71

Can you Papier Mache over anything? I`ve tried balloons, but can i use more or less anything for different shapes? I suppose as long as it has a shiny-ish surface, so it wont stick when i take it off when dry.
Does that make sense....lol:rotfl:

Frugaldom

cazac71 wrote: »

Can you Papier Mache over anything? I`ve tried balloons, but can i use more or less anything for different shapes? I suppose as long as it has a shiny-ish surface, so it wont stick when i take it off when dry.
Does that make sense....lol:rotfl:

Can you give me an idea of what type of thing you would want to papier mache? I'm a bit 'confuddled' by that one, but cling film might work. :rotfl:

tattycath

At junior school we used to use saucers and bowls etc. we used to put a very thin layer of vaseline on the surface of the item so the papier mache would be easier to take off once enough layers have been done and it has dried.