It's Not Just Business

Everyone knows doing business in a small town, (or a very competitive one), can be a challenge. Especially when everyone you have to do business with, has some kind of personal connection in some way. That makes doing business, as business a bit funny.

I would say it's a touchy situation, becuase it's not just business. People tend to make things personal, or, expect that since you're their friend, family member or who knows what the relationship, they just demand more, expect more, and feel they're allowed to have more breaks. (They may not say it out right, but after a while, you start to see the signs, oh hell, before you know it, they're not only talking business, they're asking you to do things that has no benefit to you., Like womens prayer circles, helping with their kids fund raisers with your stuff, oh, and by the way, lets have your work as a trunk show, and they get 50% mark up. Dam!!!) Kind like they think they're doing you a favor, but wait, we're the ones giving them merchandised to put in their store. (Free money for them, since it's on consignment) Oh yea, they say it's a 50% mark up, but when they decide they want to swap out a piece or two, for something else to move inventory, you find out that it was more like 100% mark up. Wow! (I thought friendship goes both ways, I guess in some situations, money takes precedence.)

Any ways, I found in my experience as of late, it's a very blurred fine line, where choosing to do business locally due to these issues can make it a real nerve racking dilemma. I love my friends, don't get me wrong. Love em!!! But, I've decided to try to keep with people I really don't have some sort of personal relationship with. I find it's easier just to state my position, ask for what I want, and wroth, and they can do the same, with out having feeling hurt, or demands expected. To me, I feel that it helps me to be me, with out compromising my worth, or loose people that I like.

But most importantly, I can enjoy building my business, with out feeling compromised in the name of friendship. Like I've said the lines are very blurred. Let me know how you feel about that matter, or if you've ever experienced such issues.

PK

Buying Wholesale #2

Okay, all of you wild and willing guys and gals out there, that like me, are die hard craters, hobbyist,and business people, you all get that these days, cutting cost, with out losing quality is everything. Than let me pose this mind boggling, no brainer questions to you all, "Why, if we are in economic hard times, prices continue to go up?".

I know, what you're probably thinking, well that's the way America runs business. That my dear frenz, are b___s_____T. We are the very back bone of our country, that's right. Remember the cottage business era, the crafter homemaker that bakes up goodies and sells it door to door, the Mrs.Fix it types that this amazing country of ours were built on. Now is your memory kicking in. That's right we are a proud people that created our way of life, by doing what we do best, create amazing things. There's not one job out there done today, that doesn't depend on some master craftsman or woman doing what they do. Not one. Everything we do is some sort of craftsmanship. From fixing automobiles, baking bread, to architecture. All a major craft learnt from the old countrys our ancestors came from. We our American way of life is an art form in it's self, everyone wants to move here, be here, and be it.

So once again I ask, where has their brains gone? We are all in this together, with out us they can't make money, with out them (the stores), we can't do what we do, and still stay in business. But hold on. WE can! We really don't need them. What we need to do is start being resourceful again. Start to recycle old supplies, materials, and each other as a resource. Start doing material, tools and supply swaps. Or, get togther and do craft sales for old supplies @ discount prices. Who knows may be even create a day each month that artist types get together and sell unused not needed supplies etc. Whatever works, do it.

As for WHOLESALE, start using your business lic. to get deals, go to places that support small business, and will accommodate you. Don't buy, just because of the really cool packaging. No, go to the clearance and see what you can find. Oh, yea, if you find items that are a bit chipped, or packaging issues, ask for a discount. Just ask, it can't hurt. Shop on line @ etsy, support your other frenz there, we're all in the canoe together, so we better start helping each other. And finally, if you got supplies and don't really need them after you've tried to sell them to no avail, donate them to your local public school, trust me they can use all the help they can get. You can also get a donation recite for your tax right off at the end of the year. If not to your churches as well. No matter what you'll feel much better. And that really is what doing what we love is all about. Not spending hard earned money on what's the latest trend at Michael's, Ben Franklin Crafts, etc. Just becaus it's pretty.

PK

Fall's In The Air

Fall is my most favorite time of the year, Christmas comes in 2nd, it's just that the colors of the season is so bold, radiant and alive. I just can't get enough of the crisp air. Even here in Hawaii. Here's my Autumn inspired gift tags, for just about anything. Hang them on gift preserves jars, cookies to a friend, gift baskets, you name it, it's good for all. I took a more rustic approach these babies, I love the loose feel of paint, stamp and just having fun. Let me know what you think. Want to see more visit my etsy @ http://www.creativecaldron.etsy.com

Tis The Season For Giving...

My roots started with making little do dad crafts with my daughter Whittney, to give away to family and friends. I had little money, and what I did have I had to use just to keep my family going. But what I did find, was by collecting bits and pieces of fabric, old ornaments, etc.s, I was able to breath life back into beautiful old worn things. One of my favorite gifts to make, were small gift wreaths for Christmas. After that, family and freinds started to love them so much that they began to order from me. And that's where it all began.

Here's my newest wreaths added to my http://www.creativecaldron.etsy shop. go visit if you have some time. and If you love them, don't be shy, buy.

Love ya Pk