Anybody interested in handmade MLP items?

[Tikibirds]

Not sure where to post this...I guess it goes here

Since I haven't had an interview in over 6 months despite applying for well over 100 positions, I was thinking it may be easier to sell handmade MLP items such as keychains, wallets, totebags, ceramic tiles and maybe some MLP Fund Jars. Well the actual wallets and keychains themselves are probably made in China someplace but the artwork and designs and stuff would all be done by me. Granted I'm not the greatest artist on the planet but I do have my own cartoony style, the items would't be too pricey and the would be MLP themed I could even do people's persona's on the items..

I've looked around on Esty and cafe press and most of the stuff I see looks like the images were just coped off of a G3 backcard or its a ponyville turned into a necklace or something..BORING and NO G1 stuff


It would cost about $100 or so to buy the blank materials and I dont want to buy them and then be stuck with all of them.

Good Idea, Bad Idea, No Idea??

 

[ShortyBoo]

I'm sure they would sell ok. I'm actually toying with the idea of doing something similar, except I'd be making plush ponies and clay figurines based off G1s. I just need to get some fabric and yarn. I've been considering learning how to make those resin pendants where you can put pictures, glitter or whatever in them, but they may be too hard. My mom is constantly going to Michael's and Hobby Lobby so I'll have to go with her soon to check out the prices on the stuff I'd need.

 

[thebeth]

I'm sure they would sell ok. I'm actually toying with the idea of doing something similar, except I'd be making plush ponies and clay figurines based off G1s. I just need to get some fabric and yarn. I've been considering learning how to make those resin pendants where you can put pictures, glitter or whatever in them, but they may be too hard. My mom is constantly going to Michael's and Hobby Lobby so I'll have to go with her soon to check out the prices on the stuff I'd need.

resin stuff is actually super easy, especially if you get the stuff that only has a 1:1 ratio.
There's a package with resin and a catalyst available at Michael's for like $10, and then you just need the molds (you can even use silicone ice cube molds from dollar tree) and whatever you want to fill your resin with. I love working with resin.

I think you've got a great idea, Tikibirds, though 100 seems like a lot to start with. The pony fund jars sound awesome lol

 

[ShortyBoo]

resin stuff is actually super easy, especially if you get the stuff that only has a 1:1 ratio.
There's a package with resin and a catalyst available at Michael's for like $10, and then you just need the molds (you can even use silicone ice cube molds from dollar tree) and whatever you want to fill your resin with. I love working with resin.

How messy is it to work with? That's the other thing I'd heard is it makes a mess. Can you put pretty much anything in resin, or do certain things dissolve in it? Because I have like a ton of stickers I'd love to put in resin pendants, but I'm not sure if they would work or not. I need to find a good tutorial, I think. Well, I'll look for that resin pack next time I'm at Michael's. My mom always has tons of those 40% off coupons, so that will help me get started.

 

[thebeth]

How messy is it to work with? That's the other thing I'd heard is it makes a mess. Can you put pretty much anything in resin, or do certain things dissolve in it? Because I have like a ton of stickers I'd love to put in resin pendants, but I'm not sure if they would work or not. I need to find a good tutorial, I think. Well, I'll look for that resin pack next time I'm at Michael's. My mom always has tons of those 40% off coupons, so that will help me get started.

Oh yeah, my household lives on those coupons lol. It is somewhat messy... I always do it outside. The annoying thing is that it wants you to mix the resin in one cup, then pour it in another and stir again before you pour into your mold. But the stuff I use can be cleaned up with liquid soap before it dries. I always have an entire package of popsicle sticks on hand to mix with, and tons of plastic cups.
I've definitely seen a ton of pendants with stickers in them, I even made one for myself with a dried up flower inside... When in doubt though, I just seal whatever I'm embedding with some sort of acrylic spray and it should be good to go.

 

[windsong]

I think it's a great idea. MLP-inspired/based stuff can sell pretty good as long as you have your own style. I don't think it's something that you can make a living off of, but it's a good extra income. I was reading an article about a couple who were able to make a living off of selling handmade stuff, but it took them years to get the business established so that they didn't have to work outside of the home. As long as you find the right things to sell, and the right customers to sell them to, it can become a good way to make extra money. Can't wait to see everything if you choose to do it!

 

[Tikibirds]

[QUOTE except I'd be making plush ponies and clay figurines based off G1s.][/QUOTE]

I had that idea as well but I dont really know how to sew. I think I may give a small plushie a try though. I bough some of the felt squares they sell at walmart. I can crochete as well but i have never seen a pony patern I could copy.

I think Im gonna give it a try and hold off getting the more pricy items till I see how well or not well these items sell.