Black Friday Dilemma and Its Alternatives

The maker’s point of view

I never really took part in any Black Friday sale except if I am selling through a platform that does that and I am just part of a general sale offer of 10% or 12% or 15% which is fairly acceptable. In this case, I just go with the flow as the hassle of login in each of them and put my shops on holiday mode and then undo it after the promotion finishes, is too much. What I do, or rather don’t do, I simply don’t promote my paintings during this time so if people buy from me by chance, so be it.

Decorate with Art

This is just a showcase of my art collection that includes art prints, original art, pottery, fused glass and hand painted ceramic, as well as some of my own pieces. 

Framed card by late Mary Sumner and original mini painting by Bijuterii Art.

Exeter Craft Festival

Take some sunshine, a lot of talented Devon artists and crafters and a violin player standing on a wire on one leg and you get a taste of the Exeter Craft Festival 2017. I don't know if the violinist is part of the festival or he just came to town for the day given the influx of visitors, but the variety of arts and crafts on show certainly is.

Artwork from recycled paper by Kim Watkins

Just a Card

Designers: Rachel Sumner, Handmade by Julie & Jill Leman

Did you know that if you buy just a card from independent galleries and local gift shops you can help them stay open? How many times have you entered such a shop and you were too embarrassed to buy just a card so you left empty handed? Well, I certainly have, but after reading this plea I decided that from now on, every time I visit a gift shop or a gallery I will buy at least a card.

Why I Like Handmade Products

Because they are quirky, unique, made with love, imperfect, original, not mass produced – these are just a few attributes that come to mind when we think about handmade items. Ever since I was a little girl I liked creating things with my hands, from drawings and paintings, to necklaces and dolls’ clothes.

Handmade hand bag - Etsy 

Why I Like 'Not on the High Street' Online Shop

Photo by Teodora Totorean

No, I haven’t been paid to write this blog, but ever since I discovered www.notonthehighstreet.com website, this is the first place I look when searching for something unique for my home (besides Folksy and Etsy, of course). From home accessories and art prints to jewellery and wedding stationery, there is something for everyone: women, men, children; brides and grooms, gardeners, artists; cooks, home stylists, fashionistas, and the list is endless.

Buying handmade this Christmas campaign

Photo by Teodora Totorean

I used to be one of those Christmas buyers to get their presents for family and friends form supermarkets and high street shops, being more interested in spending less money than in the product itself. “If they don’t like it, they can get the money back and buy something else instead”, I used to say to myself, along with more than three quarters of the UK population. There's nothing wrong with this, of course, but since having my own small business I started to appreciate more the handmade products created with love and passion for crafts. Artists and artisans are everywhere if you know where to look and starting this year I decided to buy exclusively handmade items as Christmas gifts.