It was all for fun. Yes it was just a way to make a few things for myself and sometimes, gifts for friends. When all this started, I never intended this to be a business, just some fun. But let me start at the beginning ...
I have enjoyed crafting since about 2002. Back then my crafting interest was primarily scrapbooking. Plenty of scrapbooks fill my home from those days of choosing and printing photos, choosing background paper and embellishments and finally putting it all together to make a page. They cover everything from vacations, birthdays, Christmas, and family gatherings. Most of my scrapbooking was event-oriented. Some layouts though were done simply because I loved the photos even though they were not tied to an event. My love of creating continued for many years and eventually began to include other crafts.
In December of 2012, a local flooring store in the town where I live offered a class on making coasters out of tumbled travertine tiles. At the class, participants would learn how to apply designs to travertine and end up with 8 coasters to be used however we wished. My daughter and I took the class, just for fun to learn how to make something decorative yet functional and that we could give as gifts. I love functional gifts whether giving or receiving them, but I also love them to be beautiful. I made four each of 2 different designs. A dear friend received a monogram design for her Christmas gift from this class. The other set went to my nail technician. As I was giving the gift of coasters to her, another client came in and saw the set of coasters. Both ladies really liked what they saw.
The other client asked, "Do you sell your coasters?" I was put on the spot, it was “do or die!” LOL What would I answer? Out of my mouth came, "Yes." Then there was the next obvious question, "How much is a set?" Oh, no! What would I answer? I heard myself give a price, not knowing where it came from! She immediately ordered a set of coasters as a Christmas gift for a friend. I feel this was an early sign from God of things to come. Little did I know where it would all lead.
Since then I have learned a LOT. I have learned a tremendous amount about designing, techniques to use in applying designs, how to work with customers, selling, craft shows, including set up and tear down, and so much more. One of my biggest lessons I have learned is how much my dear husband and daughter are my biggest supporters. They are my first-rate cheerleaders, truck packers, load in/out crew (vintage/craft shows), and sales people. They are the first to say, “You can do it!”
Since starting my business that chilly December day with coasters as my only product, I have added more “pretties.” We have tumbled travertine plaques, car coasters, chalk painted decor and furniture. So far, my chalk painted pieces are one of a kind decorative items. When it’s gone, it’s gone. That factor alone makes it important to snap up something you love because I cannot replicate any of my painted pieces. The fact that pieces are one of a kind is also a challenge. I must stay on top of creative ideas, color combinations, and trying to figure out what the public wants in home decor. My latest addition to my shop is carefully curated vintage and antique pieces.
I know that God has directed me to this. God is the author of creativity, having created the entire universe from scratch! Without God leading me I would not have been able to come from where I was to where I am now ... a bumbling, unsure, conflicted person not sure what to do or say to a crafter who is getting a little better each day in improving skills at my work table, knowing how to work with customers, making friends with fellow artists and crafters and even some of my customers! There are plenty of days I still don't have it together but with God all things are possible! It’s about progress, not perfection. The class I took was only for fun but it has turned in to a cool business where I get to share things I create with family, new and old friends, and my customers. I am very humbled that I can help others find something they love enough to spend their hard-earned money in my shop or craft booth.
If you are in the area whenever we are at a craft show, stop by our booth so we can meet you in person. We love meeting our customers and put a face with a name! Without our awesome, loyal customers, we would not survive! It is all thanks to people like you that we are still kicking!
If you are still reading this, congratulations! I hope you'll poke around my shop. Maybe you'll find something you'll want to like. Possibly you'll find something you want to order for yourself or as a gift for a loved one. Please feel free to ask me questions if you have them. If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find the answer. If there is something you'd like me to add to my shop, please contact me at cynthiawelchdesigns@comcast.net and I'll look into it!
Much love,
~ Cynthia Welch
I have enjoyed crafting since about 2002. Back then my crafting interest was primarily scrapbooking. Plenty of scrapbooks fill my home from those days of choosing and printing photos, choosing background paper and embellishments and finally putting it all together to make a page. They cover everything from vacations, birthdays, Christmas, and family gatherings. Most of my scrapbooking was event-oriented. Some layouts though were done simply because I loved the photos even though they were not tied to an event. My love of creating continued for many years and eventually began to include other crafts.
In December of 2012, a local flooring store in the town where I live offered a class on making coasters out of tumbled travertine tiles. At the class, participants would learn how to apply designs to travertine and end up with 8 coasters to be used however we wished. My daughter and I took the class, just for fun to learn how to make something decorative yet functional and that we could give as gifts. I love functional gifts whether giving or receiving them, but I also love them to be beautiful. I made four each of 2 different designs. A dear friend received a monogram design for her Christmas gift from this class. The other set went to my nail technician. As I was giving the gift of coasters to her, another client came in and saw the set of coasters. Both ladies really liked what they saw.
The other client asked, "Do you sell your coasters?" I was put on the spot, it was “do or die!” LOL What would I answer? Out of my mouth came, "Yes." Then there was the next obvious question, "How much is a set?" Oh, no! What would I answer? I heard myself give a price, not knowing where it came from! She immediately ordered a set of coasters as a Christmas gift for a friend. I feel this was an early sign from God of things to come. Little did I know where it would all lead.
Since then I have learned a LOT. I have learned a tremendous amount about designing, techniques to use in applying designs, how to work with customers, selling, craft shows, including set up and tear down, and so much more. One of my biggest lessons I have learned is how much my dear husband and daughter are my biggest supporters. They are my first-rate cheerleaders, truck packers, load in/out crew (vintage/craft shows), and sales people. They are the first to say, “You can do it!”
Since starting my business that chilly December day with coasters as my only product, I have added more “pretties.” We have tumbled travertine plaques, car coasters, chalk painted decor and furniture. So far, my chalk painted pieces are one of a kind decorative items. When it’s gone, it’s gone. That factor alone makes it important to snap up something you love because I cannot replicate any of my painted pieces. The fact that pieces are one of a kind is also a challenge. I must stay on top of creative ideas, color combinations, and trying to figure out what the public wants in home decor. My latest addition to my shop is carefully curated vintage and antique pieces.
I know that God has directed me to this. God is the author of creativity, having created the entire universe from scratch! Without God leading me I would not have been able to come from where I was to where I am now ... a bumbling, unsure, conflicted person not sure what to do or say to a crafter who is getting a little better each day in improving skills at my work table, knowing how to work with customers, making friends with fellow artists and crafters and even some of my customers! There are plenty of days I still don't have it together but with God all things are possible! It’s about progress, not perfection. The class I took was only for fun but it has turned in to a cool business where I get to share things I create with family, new and old friends, and my customers. I am very humbled that I can help others find something they love enough to spend their hard-earned money in my shop or craft booth.
If you are in the area whenever we are at a craft show, stop by our booth so we can meet you in person. We love meeting our customers and put a face with a name! Without our awesome, loyal customers, we would not survive! It is all thanks to people like you that we are still kicking!
If you are still reading this, congratulations! I hope you'll poke around my shop. Maybe you'll find something you'll want to like. Possibly you'll find something you want to order for yourself or as a gift for a loved one. Please feel free to ask me questions if you have them. If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find the answer. If there is something you'd like me to add to my shop, please contact me at cynthiawelchdesigns@comcast.net and I'll look into it!
Much love,
~ Cynthia Welch
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21
Proverbs 19:21