I, too have been"squeezed" out of items by "friends" I have painted ceramics for years, and crocheted many years and many items. I quickly learned to get "up front" money to cover cost of whatever supplies were needed. I then made and order in triplicate, of item and due date of delivery. I gave the customer one, and kept one to use for taxes, and one to be with order. I haven't had problems since I started that practice. I think it helps people realize we are in business, and not doing this just to "pass the time".