20-Year Prospect

20-Year Prospect

People like handmade stuff. There's a lot of satisfaction in knowing that you have a unique piece of work that somebody poured their heart and soul into, as opposed to something that a machine cranked out in a factory. The human touch speaks to us humans, and it speaks strongly.

 
Yes, it's gorgeous, but does it come with Swedish meatballs? (Source)

However, while people like handmade stuff, they can't always afford it. Or maybe they just don't have a place to put it. A person can only own so many mugs before they run out of cupboard space, and buying a handmade dinner set for twelve is mighty hard on the ol' wallet. 

Buying a mass-produced dinner set for twelve from the nearest IKEA, however, is...well, it's still not easy on the ol' wallet, but easier than buying handmade. Plus, IKEA has meatballs.

While there's been a trend towards local and artisanal products in recent years, you can't count on your "local, handmade, artisanal" stamp to provide you with a steady flow of customers. Selling online is absolutely a must, and that website had better look good. 

You might also consider diversifying the services you offer—for example, lessons, or paint-your-own pottery sessions—to help make ends meet. It can be a challenge to get people to sit up and take notice in a world that's flooded with advertising, but it's your only hope.