Okay, so I have a problem. My 5 year old daughter and I have gotten interested in making beaded necklaces. I took a class at the local art studio on how to make necklaces and bracelets. I think I am pretty good at it too. I taught my five year old daughter to make necklaces and bracelets also. She is really really good at it. I took her down to the art studio to make jewelry and she had a blast making things for herself, me, her grandmothers, etc.

My mother in law is on the board of directors at the local arts council. She knows I am always looking for ways to make money while I am serving my current sentence as a stay at home mom. (I know that is a really bleak way of phrasing that particular calling, but it has been raining steadily for three days and that is how I currently feel. Sue me!) She suggested that I rent a table at the craft fair being held later this month. She went half in with me on the cost of the table, and she is donating some of her framed photographs for me to sell along with the jewelry we have made.

So far so good, right?

My daughter has now decided that when jewelry making was a hobby, it was great and she loved doing it. Now that I have made this an actual “thing” she has completely lost interest and wants to do anything but make necklaces and bracelets.

That is fine. I still love doing it. I find that combing through big containers of beads and arranging them just right to be very therapeutic. The lady who owns the art studio I frequent is a friend of mine. (Her mother actually invented craft glue, but I don't like to name drop) She serves delicious tea and I sit in the quiet studio stringing beads, drinking tea, and listening to Celtic music. Heaven! So I am absolutely planning on keeping my commitment to the craft fair. Additionally, I don't know if you know my mother in law at all, but you DO NOT cancel on her. Not an option.

Here is my problem. The fair is approaching in one week. So far I have made 2 necklaces and 5 bracelets. My husband has decided that I have made enough. He thinks that is plenty for the fair and won't front me any more money for this venture. I have tried to explain to him that I will be a little embarrassed if that is all I have, plus people are more likely to buy things if they have a variety to choose from.

But I can see where he is coming from. We are approaching dead broke this month, and he doesn't want to put out a lot of money when we don't even know if the jewelry will sell. This might very well be another whim of mine that gets dropped when I get bored of it. After all, my daughter did. I hope not, though.

Wish me luck convincing my husband. I think I almost have it. If I can convince him to give me twenty more dollars I think I can make two more necklaces and ten more bracelets. I am pretty sure, though, that if I end up selling nothing next Saturday, I will probably never hear the end of it.