The Art of Saying No Commissions

I’ve been crafting all my life, costuming for about a decade, and last month my blog, Red Shoes. Red Wine., turned four. And for at least the fourth year in a row, especially in the months leading up to Halloween, I’ve politely declined an overwhelming amount of requests for costume commissions.

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Thank you, truly…

I’m extremely flattered anyone would even ask, I like and sometimes love the costumes that I make, but I don’t think I’m that good. And I’m a people pleaser, always wanting to help…so it pains me to say “no” and I feel terribly guilty and selfish every time I decline.

But the truth is…

This is my hobby. A hobby that I never have enough time for. I work full time, maintain a home and social life, travel as much as I can, and run this blog. So the projects that I do for myself and husband take months or years to complete. I simply don’t have the time for more. I’m alarmingly slow, and screen accuracy is surprisingly expensive.

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So you’re saying there’s a chance…

Not really…unless you’re offering to completely fund my next European trip and can wait over 2 years for a commission from me. Maybe then make me an offer. Because I truly want to help, I do make the time to document costume making processes on this blog, so please do let me know if you’d like to see a tutorial on a costume I’ve yet to post. In the meantime, check Etsy for commissions and custom costume pieces by makers that have the time to sell their craft. And if you want to support my endeavors, click on any Amazon link in any of my posts and proceed to shop to your hearts content. I’ll make a teeny tiny commission that helps pay for this blog. Or buy me a “coffee” at the bottom of this post.

Thank you, again, from the bottom of my flattered but exhausted heart.

– Sheila

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