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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

St Jude's 'Thanks and Giving Campaign' - Nov 2011

By My Touch has joined the 'Thanks and Giving Campaign' by St Jude Children's Research Hospital in honor of my baby nephew James Henry Rudkins who died of a brain tumor in 1993 at the age of just 21 months after a heroic battle. He loved chocolate buttons and splashing in the bath - I can still see his beautiful smile and delightful chuckle!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Craft fair tips ...

I was recently in London and took a trip to the market at Spitalfields.  I was immediately drawn to this vendor's table; it just drew me in and I started to wonder why.  It came down to 3 features that I think were done really well:

1.  The stall itself was inviting because the background and table skirt were attractive from a distance and had clearly been chosen carefully - they were mirror images of each other and the pattern and color did not overshadow the cards on display.  It was a playful pattern which subconsciously told me the cards would be too.  The table top itself was covered with a plain green cloth which meant the cards stood out.  The green was featured in most of the cards, as were the lilac and white, giving the whole display a cohesive, professional look.


2.  The cards were displayed to be seen easily.  Some were hung from lines with pegs which meant the vertical area of this small space was fully utilized.  Others were displayed on the table with most raised up slightly on small wooden blocks making it easy to see the ones further back.  The additional cards were neatly displayed in the rack on the end so two sides of the stall were accessible to customers, with a few more in small boxes on the table.  There was plenty to look at without it feeling overwhelming.


3.  The stall was customer friendly – the price was clearly displayed with a discount for purchasing more than one (great incentive!) and the vendor was very approachable.  She clearly took pride in her work and it showed.


A big thank you to Bryce - although still setting up for the day, she was kind enough to let me photograph her stall and blog about it.  Thanks Bryce!

Bryce Russell, Cross and Broken Hearted cards http://www.crossandbrokenhearted.com/
Spitalfields Market http://www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com


Kiva loan November 2011


Sometimes a photo 'speaks' to me.  That is what happened when I saw Barno from Tajikistan. 

Although she is married, her husband works in Russia so she works alone to raise cattle, grow potatoes and process fruit in order to support and educate her children.

I've always had the greatest admiration for single parents and her quiet dignity and kind face moved me to want to help.  She will purchase more cattle with this loan which will improve her income once they're fattened up for sale.

This loan is the 5th through Kiva and once again, I am so grateful to my customers for supporting me in these efforts through their purchases.