Custom or Not to Custom

In this journey I've been on with my business some opportunities have come up here and there to do custom work.  Early on I declined any requests to do custom work because, well, it makes me crazy.  There is so much more pressure whens it's custom.  You know what I mean?  It's easier to just make what I want to make knowing someone will see it complete and either buy it or not buy it.  On the flip side it sure is nice to know you have a buyer ready for what you are working on. 

So I can't help but wonder (I miss Carrie Bradshaw) is it fear, lack of confidence, or am I just not cut out for custom work?

Well when it rains it pours and I recently took on three custom projects.  You know what, I enjoyed all of them.  The thing that surprised me the most was how much I enjoyed having someone else make the final choices once in awhile.  What fabric to use, what paint or stain color.  The finishing details.   



For instance.  I built and upholstered this custom ottoman.  The fabric, trim and paint color were all different then what I would have chosen but I love how it turned out.  It was fun to give her what she envisioned.



( ottoman in clients home)

If you've been reading for awhile you know I pick neutral fabrics.  I even bore myself sometimes.  The fabric she picked is very bold.  I loved it.  I never would have picked it.  I think it looks great in her home with her neutral furniture.


Next project was a custom upholstered headboard.  Loved the fabric from the get go, probably never would have picked it out though because again if I make it to sell without knowing who's buying it I always go with neutral.



The last project I just finished was a custom entry shelf.   (she will add hooks herself) I never stain anything but she wanted it stained.  First thing I thought was oh no, can't use any caulking if it's stained.  Must be careful.  I put on my big girl pants and I think it turned out great.  

I guess what I'm saying is I am now open to custom work.  I won't just automatically decline anymore but it has to be something I am excited about doing.  I did one job I've never mentioned a while back that I wasn't into and it was t.o.r.t.u.r.e.  Don't get me wrong I appreciated the work it just wasn't really my thing and I struggled with it.  In the end it all worked out and I learned a lot and that made it worth it.  

So how do you feel about custom work?