Help me decide what to do...

[DippyDiplodocus]

Dear wise mumsnetters,

I am currently on maternity leave with DD1, she is three months old.

I normally work as a Veterinary Nurse and I have done this for around ten years now and I feel like I don't really love the job any more. I think in an ideal world and if I am truly honest with myself, I don't want to go back to nursing once my maternity leave is over.

Now, I would LOVE to be able to work from home. Something along the lines of making things/crafting.

Without blowing my own trumpet, I am quite good at painting and I have done some commissions in the past of people's own pets etc, which I really enjoyed, however with the amount of time that goes into one commission and the amount of money I can realistically charge, I won't ever really make enough money to live off doing this, I'd need something extra on top of painting.

I'm good at crochet, painting, all types of craft projects but I suppose it's finding something that I can create that people will actually want to buy. I'm quite conscious that I don't just want to make tat that is actually awful and no one will buy... We have all seen the random shite on Facebook 

So, is there anyone out there that does this sort of thing from home and makes a decent living?
Also, what would people like to buy or what do you look to buy from a home craft business?

I really need some inspiration and direction. All ideas appreciated!

Thanks.

Personally, I wouldn't want to risk not having a steady income. I know someone who is a tailor and is basically on her arse because her business isn't taking off.

That's obviously one of the things I'm worried about.

Then I think isn't life too short to be so unhappy with something I spend the majority of my time doing?

Of course I know I have to provide for my daughter and that is the main priority. I just wish there was a way to live my dream. I can't think of anything else job wise that I'd like to do and I don't really have any other skills, I've only ever nursed.

Can you start trying to earn from your artistic endevours while you are on maternity? Then if it's successful maybe go back part time and earn from home on the other days?

I could certainly try. I think part of the problem
Is knowing where to advertise too...

Can you go back to your original job part-time, and use the rest of the week to get started with a crafting business and see if it's viable?

I'm hoping for part time old job, I know that I don't want to do over 45 hours per week now little one is here.

I just have visions of no stress and happily painting and taking care of baby.