Winter Warmers Showcase

Ooh a Showcase! How special does that sound?
If you follow any makers on Facebook then you've probably heard of showcases before. If not - let me fill you in! I had seen them floating around my news-feed, but never really understood them before.
Well now I'm taking part in my SECOND showcase! My first was quite successful so I thought I'd give it another shot!

So here's what happens. (Feel free to skip this part if you know already)

As a maker/artist/seller you submit your item/s for sale to the organiser. You also give a description/price/postage details etc.
The organiser usually sets a time frame for the submissions and the products usually need to suit a specific theme.

The Showcase will have a set "opening time" and "closing time". Once declared open, as a buyer you comment "sold" on the item you want. NIL (next in line) can also be commented if the sale to the first person falls through.

Payments are generally made for the item within 24hrs and contact between the seller and the buyer must be made within this time also.

So that is a general outline of how they work. Obviously each showcase would have it's own rules and terms and conditions so make sure you read them!!

But anyway... onto the Showcase featuring my owls! This is being run by Handmade In Western Australia. It is an awesome Facebook page dedicated to promoting handmade businesses in Western Australia.

This Showcase is titled Winter Warmers. And although all items must be made in WA, they can certainly be bought by anyone from anywhere within Australia ( possibly international too - just check with the seller first for international shipping rates). Items are available for purchase from 6pm WST on Friday 18th July.
 My submissions are these two winter themed owls.

 

 

There are heaps of other awesomely amazing handmade items up for purchase as well! Pop over and check them out!

 

Have you bought from or sold at a showcase before? Were the rules similar?

Inspiration

This morning I woke up and read my Facebook Wall as I do every morning. And every morning it is pretty much the same. People complaining about all the negative things going on in their lives. I get it... we all have to have a vent, and we all need to express that frustration, and by doing it on Facebook it is said to no particular one person - yet said to every one. By facebooking problems, you also receive a sea of supportive comments - whether the people are genuine or not.
But I'm not going to whinge about this, I suppose I am guilty myself of it too. But my point being, Facebook is full of negativity, the nightly news is all doom and gloom, not to mention the local newspaper that is just filled with local crime.
So when I sat down this morning to read my favourite blogs, I came across a refreshing post by Green Tea and Cupcakes titled Inspiration.

It was really lovely to see some positivity, and just be left with a smile on my face. So thanks Green Tea and Cupcakes!

So now I am taking that inspiration and sharing my own. I posted this on my facebook wall last week, and I thought it would be appropriate to put it here now.

So Happy Thursday friends. I hope your day is filled with nice things and positive thoughts!

 

 

 

 

Pay It Forward!

I've recently become a little bit addicted to online groups, forums and communities. Not really a problem I guess, apart from the fact I end up spending much more time than I would really like to on the computer!

 

One of the best communities I've become a part of is Pay It Forward. I've joined 2 local PIF groups through Facebook. The groups are made up of locals who have items they no longer need but are to good to throw away. Instead you list the items on the page. There is a few rules which you MUST follow, or you will be banned from the sites! All items must be for free, and if they interest you, you ask to be 'considered'. The PIF-er will choose someone randomly. If you are chosen you must pick the item up ASAP. There are limits to how much you are allowed to ask for and recieve. They also ask that if you have recieved an item then look around your house and find something to Pay Forward. That way the circle of giving continues!

 

Some people are very generous in the items they give away. It is such a lovely thing that people are willing to help each other out - and trust that the person recieving is not going to just turn around and sell the goods.

I've seen people offering movie tickets, massages, books, toys, furniture, clothes, electrical items and so much more!

 

Today I chosen for some books. I've actually wanted both these books for a little while now, so the fact that I was chosen for them was awesome! 

 

 

I have 4 bags full of items sitting in my front room that are waiting for people to pick up that I have "PIFed".

The whole "Pay It Forward" idea is kind of like a big op-shop on line - but for free items. But no need to worry, it will never replace op shops and thrift stores! I still donate and shop through them too!

 

Now I'm off to have a little read of my new books!