Once again I am choosing to sit out the Black Friday sales. If you've been following along for a little while you'll know I never participate in them and I hope I never have to. I've always aimed been transparent about this and my position on sales as an artist and small business woman.

Honestly, sales have always given me the ick. Ever since I started this business 16 years ago (WAT!) It feels really odd to me to put something like art on sale, something so personal and created by one person and chosen by another. I would rather you chose my stuff because you have to have it and it brings joy to your world, not because it was on sale and filled that gap on the wall. I pride myself on providing high quality, Australian made artworks and products that are produced sustainably and ethically.

I do understand that this year in particular the cost of living pressures have risen to a whole new extreme, don't you worry, we are feeling it in our household too. I get it. Even if I could encourage you to make Black Friday purchases through the big conglomerates (whose entire systems and price points are designed to go on sale every couple of months and can handle the discount) and shop consciously and with intention. Then counter balance that with some spending with some of your favourite local stores, artists and makers. This would still make a huge difference. The small guys depend on you and your local community and economy do to.

Instead of competing with the masses and screaming sale for weeks I'm putting my energy into lifting up my fellow creatives with a little blog series called "Creative Shout Outs", check out the first one here.

For those of you who have chosen to shop small with me this silly season, thank you for the support and I see you and really appreciate you. Have a wonderful Christmas and I hope you all get a moment to slow down and enjoy it.

Natalie x