Make-your-own..... What do you "manufacture"?

[ladyboss24]

With the economy as it is, have you started "making" anything that you used to buy? Might be a hobby (like canning or baking) or sewing, knitting, woodworking, etc...

I know one woman who started making her own soap -- not so much because of the economy but because of her sensitive skin. Now she sells it for a nice side business!

I have actually had some success selling home-baked articles at our local farmer's market. I can make $12-15 for a pan of bars that costs $5-6 to bake, so that's a good return. I'll never get rich doing it, but it's good pocket money!

So what do you make?

[LuvMaui]

I make pottery. That doesn't save me much money because I still buy my Mikasa dishes.

[clogaholic]

I'm having fun with my embroidery sewing machine. I've been embroidering just about anything I can get in my hoops!
I do t-shirts, towells, placemats, napkins, hankies, tote bags etc....

I made some really cute Christmas stockings this - well last year . I have make decorated bags for gifts. Personalize things for people.It goes on and on. AND, I'm having fun!!

[jcme]

Since it is just me it is very easy to just stop to get something to eat instead of cooking. In the past, I cooked more to eat healthier. It is just so much easier to sit down and have someone wait on you after a long stressful work day so I constantly slip off that wagon. :o

After tracking my expenditures, it is amazing how much money I've spent dining out so I'm working on "making" dinner and packing my lunch more.

Take care

[celtictigeress]

The only thing I can "make" is fiction (no artisan skills at all) but my sister has developed a profitable side business selling jewelry in Indianapolis. People see her stuff and go nuts for it. The only thing I can do for that is marketing. My MIL wanted a lapis lazuli necklace and couldn't find one she liked. I got her to commission one from my sister, who did a fantastic job. :signgoodj

[mezzo soprano]

This is such a fun thread.... great ideas and I'm so glad everyone is having a good time.

I'm a knitter. I make scarves, washcloths, dishcloth/dusting cloths, mittens and baby afghans. Some are sold, some are given away as gifts.

Right now, my "signature" items are a particular ruffled scarf pattern which people absolutely love... and a particular washcloth pattern I knit up with bamboo/acrylic yarn. I make a little money, plus provide something which people really love and use. It is incredibly satisfying to finish a project and say, "I did that!"

(((JC))) don't feel at all bad about "creating" food. That's a fantastic talent that many don't have, and I have no doubt you're saving big $$ by doing it.

[jcme]

...(((JC))) don't feel at all bad about "creating" food. That's a fantastic talent that many don't have, and I have no doubt you're saving big $$ by doing it.

MJ,

You make it sound like I'm whipping up gourmet fare ;) My dinners are more quick and simple. I do miss the days my roomate, another friend and I would track down yummy fancy feasts in various cookbooks and have dinner parties on a rotating basis.

Take care

[Mykhal Jaems]

I love to crochet. I have designated myself the official afghan maker of the family. Recently I got a huge stash (35+ skeins) from my Grandmother's estate. I've been working on making an afghan for her Great-Grandchildren.

I also (in the past, not recently) made jewelry. Earrings mostly. A while ago I donated a bunch to St. Vincent DePaul after their store was broken into. About 200 pairs sold out in a couple months. It's very cool to see my work out in the community. I used to bring them to work with me when I worked at the grocery store. Sold a lot to co-workers. I haven't felt like making jewelry lately, but still wear what I've made before.

[Sewcali]

Oh I love to make stuff...anytime I need a gift or whatever I make it. I love to bake, sew, crochet, I have recently even started making jelly too. I am very much a homemaker and I love it.

[clogaholic]

I make jelly and jam too. My DH is planting more and more fruit trees each year. We have a couple kinds of plums, a peach, fig, orange, lemon, grapefruit and lime so far. He goes blueberry picking each year at a nearby farm. We have quite a selection of homemade jams and jellies :)

[jules2707]

I make my own handmade cards and now sell then to friends and colleagues at my old workplace. It has taken off so well that I also sell my cards at school fayres and fetes. Especailly for Christmas. Every card I made got sold this year and that was about 500 cards!! I start in July and keep going until christmas and the number goes up each year. It's getting so busy now as I have been asked to make some wedding stationery for a friend of a friend. So watch this space and I'll let you all know how it goes. Any one else out there doing the same as me?? Luv Jules xxx

[clogaholic]

I make hand stamped cards and gift bags. I have not
sold any, just use them myself. I really enjoy it.

[Carmen]

As part of my seemingly "never-ending quest" to lose weight I make my own granola (to add to a bowl of Cheerios or yoghurt) that consists of oatmeal, walnuts or almonds, coconut and cinnamon. It provides crunch and taste with minimal calories and a good amount of nutrition.