Nearly Christmas!

I haven't forgotten my pledge - here is how I got on: I went to a couple of craft fayres and bought some cool things and met some lovely people!

I only tried big shopping center shopping once, quite early on in the whole Christmas shopping race, but I had to flee because M&S gave me the fear - there was just too much shiny stuff!!

With the big day nearly upon us, I feel suitable ready with almost everything wrapped, and just the biscuits left to make for the food hampers....oh,.... and the napkins for my sister - and I am sure a couple of other things will creep in before it's time to sit down and relax. (Did I mention my husband is cooking the turkey - yes he really is great!!)

Have a great christmas and a very happy and crafty new year!

Thoughts on co-operative

Some thoughts on what is means to be a co-operative:

According to Wikipedia a Co-operative is defined as an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. - This sounds just like what The Pin Money Craft Co-operative should be.

I love the idea of providing for our cultural needs and aspirations. That must be why we craft. Where is the culture in a mass made item, made indifferently for an annonymous customer? These items are bought easily and discarded without thought.

Hand made items however, as we all know, are made with love and care and pride, given with anticipation and enjoyed for a very long time. This is why I have taken the handmade pledge. I pledge to buy or make most of my christmas presents this year. I will struggle with the riding hat and boots for my younger daughter!! But she will also get something homemade. Sneek previews later!!



Are you with me?

In the beginning!

Well a start has been made. The Pin Money Craft Co-operative has been launched!!

Our first event : The Brackley Craft Fair.

We arrived just gone eight - very nervous!! I don't mind saying that I really just wanted to go home after seeing the beautiful things on sale.

But we set out our wares, and entertained one and all with the putting up of our banner. And finally:

even had time for a cup of tea:

Our first customer:


.....and then we were away. We had a fab day, chatted to lots of lovely people and even made enough money to cover the table cost and go out for a pint!!

Look out here we come!!