Making Sock Monkeys

So far this year I have already made 17 Sock Monkeys.  Four were  requested and bought, two more were purchased, so the rest, including another10 or so that I have had are the start of my stock pile of Sock Monkeys!  Someone suggested that if I wanted to sell at a craft fair, I should have at least 100 Sock Monkeys ready before I go.  I have no idea how realistic that number is, but I figure why not?  I have about 23 Fuzzy Christmas Socks, around 20 or so Fuzzy Socks, and 10 Red Heel Socks so far to make Sock Monkeys, Sock Bears, Sock Bunnies, and whatever else I come up with.  I am hopeful that my Sock Monkeys would sell, but honestly if I only sell 10, I would be happy with that.  Most of the fairs around here, the "booth" rentals for the weekend are usually about $40 more or less depending on the event, so if I can make that plus a little for my time, I won't complain.  I know my Sock Monkeys are adorable and I do think that seeing them in person, touching them, hugging them they would literally sell themselves.  Pictures do not do them justice!  I found some cute little mini fuzzy socks and made all 6 of them into Sock Monkeys.

 They are SO CUTE!  My daughter kept one of them, and I think I am going back this weekend to buy more of those mini socks.  I think they would make the BEST mini Sock Bunnies for Easter.  I also made a How to Make a Sock Monkey Tutorial video with still photos, so as soon as I get it on YouTube, I will post it here too!  I didn't like the Tutorials I found even though I did get a few good tips from them, I still think my Sock Monkeys look better.  I know it seems kind of like shooting myself in the foot when I'm trying to sell mine as well, but at the same time, I don't really make them to make money off of them.  I tell everyone I who sees me making my Sock Monkeys anytime I'm at the Doctor's office or waiting for a long time that this is my therapy.  And it is.  Making these cute little Sock Monkeys, Sock Bears, Sock whatever makes me happy.  It has brought me through a tough time.  I put a lot of love and care into my Sock Monkeys, I hug them, I play with them a tiny bit to make sure they are durable, and they always make me smile.  What craft or hobby do you have that you pour your heart into?

Sock Monkeys For Sale on Etsy

After being encouraged by my mother to put my Monkeys online for sale, I went ahead and opened an Etsy store!  I did try selling my Sock Monkeys on Ebay, but it costs a lot to post a listing there, and I am too cheap!  Etsy is much more reasonable and the listing stays up for 2 months!  So here are pictures of the cute cuddly Sock Monkeys & Sock Bears I have for sale now!

All picture above are available HERE:  SOCKMONKEYMAMA

Not sure how well online sales will do since there are so many others out there, but its worth the try!  Also, I am trying to make at least 50 Sock Monkeys and other animals to try and sell at local fairs and festivals in 2013.  I went to a few over the summer and Fall and realized that if I had more setting up a table at a small fair would be fun and I might sell a few.  Now just to find the time to make them all!!  I am always on the lookout for new socks and will be needing to buy more fuzzy ones VERY soon.