15% OFF STOREWIDE SALE!

In honor of 2010 being almost over and with a lofty goal of 150 sales before the end of the year (I'm at 138) I am extending a 15% off storewide discount to all of my blog readers. Sales and discounts are rare to never on YazBerry as I work with very narrow profit margins. But because I am greatful to have you in my life, I am giving you the gift of a discount to help me celebrate the end of 2010.

Use endof2010sale15off coupon code at check out on yazberryfashion.etsy.com.

Sale ends January 7, 2011. Limit one code per customer. Discount can not be combined with any other sale offers.

Thank you.

Peace be with You

I know my friends are of many different faiths, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Even if you are atheist, I think you can find beauty in this vintage greeting card I found with a prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (the namesake for four generations of men in my family, my brother is IV).

"Lord make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith: where there is despair, hope: where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, let me sow joy." -Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

The inside inscription reads: May perfect peace within your heart abide this Christmastide.

Peace be with you and yours as we embark on this new solstice of the year and prepare to enter into 2011. May 2011 be better than 2010 in all ways.

Happy Holidays!

Virginia

P.S. for a limited time you can get a free mp3 of Boston folk singer, Anne Heaton's St. Francis song Check this out free mp3 of St. Francis from Anne Heaton - http://t.opsp.in/OoVj

Wisdom from the Handmade Marketplace Book

I'm pleased as punch that I finished this book so quickly. I can't tell you the last time I read a book cover to cover. I start a lot of books, infrequently and lose interest quickly. A finish is a good judge of content for me. This one was good.

I jotted notes as I read, hoping to gain wisdom necessary to improve my state of affairs in 2011, 2010 was not my year for many reasons. I can credit 2010 with an engagement to a wonderful man, just the rest of the year was the goo at the bottom of the barrel. I've been joking, I think there is a hole in the bottom of my barrel.

Anyway, here are some gems I jotted direct quotes of from the book:

"Do not underestimate the value of your work. If you undercharge, you not only hurt yourself but other crafters who are a part of your community." -Page 49

"Remember, your portfolio is only as strong as your weakest photo, so make sure all of your product shots are your personal best." - Holly Becker of decor8, Page 126

"Nothing helps people imagine something in their own life like seeing it in action." -Page 175

Here's a little wisdom for you. I hope you enjoy these drops of knowledge.

Quotes from: The Handmade Marketplace; How to sell your crafts locally, globally and online, By Kari Chapin.