wildrose

Crazy? Maybe. Amazing? YUP!

LOL! I edited the title to stop any other confusion ;-)

Sorry, the only one I have is Celtic, not Sheridan.

Yup, I enter the cardholder's info and amount of sale when I get home, on the ProPay website. I can, however, do authorizations during an event via my cell phone (writing down the auth.# for reference) if I want. Takes time though; and since the customer is giving me their name/address/phone along with the card info, I am able to contact them if it doesn't go through. In over 10 years, THAT has only happened once.

Let me clarify: I pay less than 100/year for my propay acct. I think the "intro" fee is cheaper, like most places - they want to hook you with a low intro price. I can process as much as I personally need in that time (I have a "basic" account) Other fees are: Credit Card Visa: 3.50 % + $0.35 MasterCard: 3.50 % + $0.35 Discover: 3.50 % + $0.35 ProPay to ProPay Per Transaction Fee : Free ACH Out (transfer funds to bank account on file) Per Transaction Fee : $0.35 ACH In (add funds) Per Transaction Fee : Free These may seem high, but it works for me because I'm not processing cards with a huge regularity. Example, on a 25.00 sale, I make 23+change by the time I transfer the money from ProPay to my account. I price my stock accordingly. When I'm at an event, and someone hands me a card, I do a handwritten receipt. When I get home, I process the charges from that event all in one shot over the website. I could get a "reader", but again, it's not yet worth it.

They do charge a percentage fee per transaction, and there is an annual fee - which is more than 20.00. I don't have my receipt handy... But for me, where I don't really process alot of charge throughout the year, but rather at 1-2 large festivals and sometimes small events, it's worth it. Why should I pay 30.00 or so/month when there are months I don't process ANY charges? http://propay.com/ That's the link.

I'm thoroughly pleased with ProPay. I recommend them without reservation.

Thanks all!

Thanks :-)

That's a HUGE help, thanks :-) I also got a link from the potential customer with more info. I'm hoping to get the commission - I love trying new things like this!

A friend asked me if I knew what a penner is (no clue!) and could I make one. Looked it up and am still no wiser, just know from her that it has something to do with holding a quill.

Definitely carry around with you something you've made. That way, when someone asks, you have something to show. I usually have at least a business card case and wallet; sometimes I carry my folio around with me to meetings, or my Bible cover to church. When you go to events, talk up people who might want what you make. I don't do gun leather, but as an example you could meet folks at gun shows and talk to them about making holsters. If archery is your thing, well then go to relevant events (for me, that'd be a Renaissance Faire!) I'm not a huge fan of Internet sales, but certainly it works for alot of folks. As to learning carving, that was hard for me as well, but I had a determined teacher and she made all the difference. However, there is ALOT you can do that doesn't involve carving. Best wishes to you!

great job! I really like it.

I too use the wooden one that Tandy sells (and elsewhere). The only thing I specifically have made for a left is a stitching palm, which I got years back from Hidecrafters.

The classes I had with him were before my son was born, and he's 6, so it was a little bit ago....but I remember some of us joked that he was a ringer for Garth Brooks.

I've had a few classes with him....great teacher!

That's a good thought too! I'm not sure I personally could pull it off though ;-)

I've thought about those too, Luke, but I want it to perhaps be a longer session than the usual -1 hr. Those ARE good ideas to keep in mind though!

I have the opportunity to begin teaching classes at a new art shop locally. So far, they've done stained glass, batik and drawing. They are very eager to have me and I can set any fee and do any "topic" I want. So what would you do, or want to take? I'm not talking about it being for children either, though 'til now that's been my usual (4H and Scouts). I'd considered buying a pack of rounders and teaching a basic carving/tooling class. I have enough tools and knives to do that, and oodles of patterns. I'm hesitant to just teach stamping, though I find people outside of leatherwork seem to think it's easiest. Thoughts?

I thought of calling for the pair, but someone beat me to it!

I'm not sure it's "policy" per se, but I do know they don't seem to last very long. Just when I've gotten one "broken in" to my needs - LOL! - they're gone. It's probable that each case is different.

Great job! I really love it :-)

I'd sent you a pm looking for more info :-)

That's amazing, and not a bad price for the workmanship either.

When I worked with 4H, we also cut open the bags from inside cereal boxes.