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PayPal Here Device

PayPalHere

I have done markets for many, many years now.  For a long time markets were definitely a “cash-only” affair.  It was probably at a time when people actually had cash in their wallets too.  These days, more and more people are paying for everything with a card.  Times have changed.  Market stall holders have had to change to cope with that.  Well, you either change, or you lose out on sales.

I used to do a weekly market, so I signed up with a bank to use their wi-fi Eftpos terminal.  It worked well, but as I slowed down with the amount of markets I did, the investment was just not worth it.  I went back to being “cash-only” for a while.

Then I heard about the PayPal here device, and I thought it sounded like an excellent option.  The PayPal Here device is awesome, and works really well. I am certain it meant the difference between getting a sale at the market last weekend, and having the customer walk away.  Yes, there was an ATM across the road that customers could have used, but I know myself that sometimes that walking time can also mean that I talk myself out of buying something.

It’s very safe and very secure, and I can use it 24 hours a day if needed.

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My Creative Pen Pal

Penpal

I did an online course about creativity this year, and at the end of it we were asked if we wanted to have a creative pen pal.  Eek, I have not had a pen pal since I was about 10, so I wasn’t really sure how this was going to work out for me!  In the end I said yes, and I’m really glad that I did.  Today I received a little present in the mail, and it was so bright and cheerful, it made me feel very happy!  I am pretty sure my pen pal did not know that yesterday was my birthday either, so this was an extra special treat for me.

Things have been pretty crazy here recently (in a good way), but I am looking forward to taking a moment to have a cup of tea and some organic chocolate!  It all smells so delicious.

My deepest gratitude to everyone who has either ordered work from my Etsy shop, bought work from one of the galleries that sells my work, or visited me at the markets.  You make it possible for me to keep being creative, and I am really looking forward to trying some new things in 2015.

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On my walk this morning…

2014_12_11On my walk this morning I stopped to take this photo of the fields.

I needed to stop for a moment.  Things have been hectic here lately (to say the least).  I like it when things are busy.  Hectic pushes me out of my comfort zone a little bit!

Today is my birthday.  The kids made me a coffee this morning (with a bit of help from me).  It was special.  It’s the little things that fill your heart really.

Next year we will be living somewhere else!  We are moving again.  I am feeling both excited and sad about the move.  We have loved living in Mount Gambier.  But it’s time to be closer to family.

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Grateful

Grateful

I am very, very grateful to everyone who has ordered from me this month!  Whether it was via Etsy, the markets, or my website, every order is very much appreciated, and I thank you very much.

If you wanted to order for Christmas, there is still time, but only if you live in Australia!  I am happy to post directly to anyone, if you are buying presents for friends/family.  Last orders should be in around 17/12, but if you are anything like me (last minute), and you need something after that, just let me know and we can work out an Express Post option for you.

Thanks again.

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Flinders Street Market Grand Bazaar Weekend

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Thank you to everyone who visited me at the Flinders Street Market Grand Bazaar over the weekend!  I had an amazing weekend.  It was wonderful to see so many people visit the market.

I was super impressed with the way the event was organised.  A big thanks to the team responsible, led by Georgia and Colin.  Amazing job!

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Reflecting on negative feedback…

I think it would be safe for you to assume that I don’t take negative feedback very well!

It’s tricky running a small business by yourself.  I know my husband is here, if I ever need to run things past him, but essentially all of the decisions about my business are my own.  Sometimes I get it right.  Sometimes I don’t.

Sometimes I know when I’ve got things wrong, and sometimes it comes as a bit of a shock. So, the email about “discounting” my work really surprised me.  I wasn’t expecting it.  I thought I had come up with some fun ideas (some discounts, some freebies) for the silly season.  Someone questioned my integrity.  That hurt.

On reflection, I think that person was partly right, but I think I was also partly right too.  And I still want to enjoy my favourite month of the year!

Here’s how the rest of December will work in my Etsy shop:

  • anyone can get 20% discount in my shop, plus free shipping, using the coupon code THANKS at the checkout (this will still be available in 2015 too).
  • anyone placing orders in December will also receive a FREE gift with purchase!  It will be a surprise.  I hope you like it!

Happy December!

 

 

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It only takes one person….

Someone emailed me yesterday about my 12 Days of December offers.  I won’t go into the details of their email, but let me just say that what started out as a fun thing to do, has now left me feeling like I have done the wrong thing by my customers.  I thought…if one person is complaining….what are others thinking?

So, this is an open apology if I have offended anyone with my special offers.  I have thought  a lot about it overnight, and have decided to stop them.

Everyone can still get 20% discount in my Etsy shop using the code THANKS.  That one is there forever and you can use it at any time.

Thanks for understanding.

Here is a photo of the Coopers Sparkling Ale necklace and earrings I made for the Urban Cow “Adelaide” Exhibition recently.  I realised the other day that I didn’t have a photo of it.

Coopers_Sparkling_Small