Hey y’all and welcome to my weekly blog post. I hope you like the new layout here on Sewspire.com which includes a fresh theme and no more ads!
For many years, the site was not monetized–largely so that I could maintain creative control–and then for reasons I can not recall I toggled right and the page was quickly consumed with unrelated content.
Many moons later, I can honestly say the aesthetic and message I am relaying holds more value than the money the advertisements generate (approximately $60 per month or $720 per year).
Probably not as much as you expected I might earn after 4+ years of blogging such awesome content. Right?! Truth is YouTube and Adsense don’t pay much.
I suppose if you had multiple webpages and YouTube channels you could likely earn a living wage; but, that would be quite time consuming to generate enough content to sustain each platform.
If you are interested in learning more about my process and journey as a YouTube creator checkout my podcast interview with Marisa Huston of Lived Blissed Out:
https://liveblissedout.com/episode-27-starting-a-youtube-channel/
Marisa did a fabulous job of capturing my message and I am so happy to have that interview to archive my lived experiences.
These days it’s less about numbers for me and more about producing high quality instructional content that will generate opportunities to connect creative minds.
Over the last year, Patreon has become an essential aspect of my maker model as it provides a means for me to collect a predictable amount of money which I in turn effectively budget as to maximize my resources and available time. Without the support of our Patrons I would not be able to dedicate as much time to this platform as I do.
You may recall I opted to close my Etsy shop in March because of the supply procurement difficulties we are all experiencing during this unusual time. Since then, I have been exploring some of my other interests surrounding sewing, business and creativity in general.
In an effort to offset the loss of revenue from my custom orders I have set up two new affiliate accounts here at Sewspire. One with Tools4Wisdom and one with Arteza. I am really excited about both of these opportunities because you know I authentically love planning and have been a big fan of Tools4Wisdom for many years. Likewise, Arteza is a great fit as well because they offer a variety of quality products and tools directly related to sewing. I am looking forward to sharing a handful of their products with you in the very near future.
In addition to the affiliate income, I am working on writing my first pattern book, collaborating with an amazing entrepreneur on a joint educational opportunity, planning my first international sewing venture and designing a one of a kind collection of bags and accessories which will be offered for sale at some point under the Watermelon Wishes label I established in 2006.
As we wrap up week 9 of self quarantine I am feeling well rested, optimistic and more centered than ever before. I am grateful to be able to maintain this platform and to share my passion for sewing and creativity with you!
Obviously, none of us know what the future holds or how COVID-19 will continue to shape our existence—-so, I would never be so bold as to declare it a blessing of sorts; but, I can say with certainty as a result of this virus I am a stronger, more compassionate and evolved human being now than I was even just a few short months ago and that it would seem to me holds infinite value.
As always, I thank you for reading along and for your continued interest in my designs and sewing tutorials. If you are new to the Sewspire community and would like to know more about my design methodology, I invite you to join our Patreon community and partake in our virtual sew a longs, live chats and quarterly masterclasses.
Until next time, I will leave you with some inspirational photographs taken with the camera I received for Mother’s Day as well as a wish for you to be well!
Andrea
P.S. Like the bags? I have a step by step tutorial for the Chakra Messenger Bag right here: