Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Hmmm....a quandry

My eldest daughter (10) is really wanting to 'be like mom'. She signed up for a beading 'class' at school - a little something done during recess once a week - and she wants to watch and help every time I pull out my supplies.

My husband, of course, thinks I should encourage this....and while I agree with him, it DOES increase the amount of work *I* have to do. Plus - do we try to sell her items? He thinks we can "market" them to her friends for cheap ($3-5 each) with the intent of getting business cards into their parents hands. Not a bad thought. Me, I was thinking of starting a little smaller...let her help me assemble some of the "kid kits", see how she does coordinating colors and such, maybe even have her make some examples.

And of course the REAL problem - once I let ONE kid be involved, they will ALL want to be! I'll have to have "Rachel's Princess kit" and "Carson's Superhero kit" and....you get the idea! Although perhaps that's not a bad way to market it either....FOR kids, BY kids. Hmmm....

Anybody got any thoughts on this one?

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Does she want to make jewelry, or does she want to sell jewelry? I'd say let her play and experiment and be a kid with it, and maybe help you make things you already have planned out for your store. But I'm not sure a 10 year old needs to be going into business just yet... :)

Anonymous said...

Wow, that's a tough one.

I've heard of some other etsyans setting up a second shop for their child/ren... but, that would be even MORE work...

Definitely start with some craft kits, and see how well she grabs it...
;)
Good luck hun!

TexasTesla said...

Oh, she already makes jewelry. All my kids do. We buy cheap plastic necklaces in bulk at the thrift stores, unstring them, and let the kids make their own creations.

No, she wants to move beyond it, and become an "artist" like mom. She's made one bracelet (with lots of help) for a birthday present already.

Stephanie said...

I think your idea of kits is a good one, maybe market for sleepovers, parties, etc. I have 2 kids, too, and I agree, it is hard to include them. Especially when it's an escape for you!
Keep pluggin' along!

*******chocolatecanary********* said...

I am sooo with you on this...my dd wants to make cards to sell to, my dad went as far as to buy her stuff for xmas and a gift card to hobby lobby! She just turned 6!!!

RittenhouseBags said...

Maybe solicit her input on some design ideas while you are creating a piece, etc. that way she feels like she is a part of the process. Sounds like a girl with a plan -- I think you are doing the right things!

RandomNotions said...

i think that if she wants to make her own jewelry and sell it then you should open an etsy for her and let her spend her allowance on listings and what not. You can guide her but if she wants to be like mommy then let her learn a bit about the world and business while she is at it

monamigreetings said...

I'm in the same situation! My daughter wants to start making things to sell in my shop, LOL... I told her that she can contribute to some of the designs :)

Felicia said...

Could be a great business learning experience for the kids. Perhaps different kids could take care of different parts of the business (production, packaging, marketing, etc.) Lots of potential life lessons :)

Earmark Social said...

i love it, actually l think it is a great idea!!! could be so cute.

Denise said...

I like the idea of marketing for parties. Kids love to buy and sell stuff. My grandson sold a tourist a shell for $1.00 last summer...

'Cuz I Felt Like It! said...

Making and selling to friends is great! I used to make those friendship bracelets in school and sell them for $3. I understand the time problem though. My daughter is 7 and wants to sew when I sew, but I'm one of those kinda people that can't be distracted. It's hard, but somehow me manage! Good luck!

AmyC ~ said...

i know whatyou mean when you say 'extra work for you', my 5y/o is always wanting to play with my paints....

TexasTesla said...

Well, I have the kits up - with some input from the kiddo...y'all will have to tell me what you think!