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@alohaorchid: I don't but I think it would be great if it makes sense for you. What kind of overhead do you think you would need to get started? Could you charge enough to cover your supplies and "pay" yourself? And because I am nosey...care to share what kind of item it is?

I do! I'm a graphic designer. The hardest thing is finding clients, especially when you have a lot of competition. I tried the Etsy thing and never did very well because I didn't have the energy to "market" my shop.

@alohaorchid: I have lots of friends in the wedding industry--photographers and planners and tents/rentals. Networking and word of mouth seems to be the key to really getting your name out there! I'd love to see pictures. Do you have any?

I'm just starting my own tutoring business. Verrrry small. I plan on really marketing and trying to drum up business next school year.

Not to deter you, but I've made wedding invitations for myself, and then several friends, same scenario as you where I just charged for materials, and then usually popped over with things mostly finished and sat around with my friend and finished assembly over a glass of wine. Totally fun.

BUT I kind of think people got me to make them because they were so much cheap, and if I ever actually charged a price that would allow me to actually pay myself for my time, and in reality even pay for all the materials (because I was really bad for incorporating supplies from my own craft stash, especially things like double sided tape, glue, using my own punches, or the fact that the perfect shade of green actually only came in a 100 pack, and I only charged the bride for the 20 pieces I used and then kept the leftovers at my own cost, and felt bad charging for supplies that I used when making "test" versions, etc. etc....) it would have been hard to get people to make the leap from paying me $X, when you could get "real" professional invites for only $X plus a little bit.

But I think if you're honest with yourself about the true cost of making it worth it and are willing to put in effort to market yourself, you could certainly make a go of it!

@alohaorchid: I'm a wedding stationer! This wasn't a hobby, though. I've always worked as a designer.. My passion was the wedding industry.

This is my full time job.

I own a small business with DH. We offer branding and design solutions (web design and development, identity design, brand infrastructure, brand integration...etc.). I also own a small paper shop on Etsy. I think if you really want to try it out for supplemental income, go for it!

Being inexpensive and selective has its perks but eventually you'll understand why invitation suites run upward $1k ;). When the work is really divided up hourly with costs of premium paper and different printing styles, it can get pricey which is why I avoid the wedding stationery business. It's a wonderful way to be creative and make people happy.

Yes, I do. I do videography, primarily weddings right now. It's something I started earlier this year. I have a lot of experience with video because it's what I did throughout high school and college. It's pretty easy to start up a small business! I say go for it. I've managed to get business through word of mouth, and through posting my work on FB. It's not a full time job by any means, but that's perfect for me, because I don't really want a ton of work while I'm at home with LO.