Top Tip Tuesday ...Number 4...

This week's Top Tip is a money saving one - a very important one too for UK Bah! Humbuggers!  It's no good having made the most gorgeous Christmas cards ever if when December comes round you just can't afford to post them.

Royal Mail have already given a huge blow to us crafters with the introduction of the dreaded Large Letter stamp which means that most of our cards cost a fortune to post.  None of ours at Humbug Hall have ever been slim enough to get through the slot yet, but things are going to get worse.  So sorry to be the bearer of this doom and gloom, but needs must.

This is the official notice of the price rises by Royal Mail...

'The  main price increases are:

• The price of First and  Second class stamps for standard items weighing up to 100g will rise by 5p to  46p and 4p to 36p respectively.
• The cost of a Large Letter  stamp will rise by 9p to 75p for First Class items and 7p to 58p for Second  Class mail.'

Eeeeeeeeeeeek  75p to send a card!  Well, here at the Hall we're going to try and combat this by buying as many stamps as we can over the coming weeks.  As none of the stamps have the price on them it's possible to stock up now and avoid the price increase for a little while at least.  
Our plan is to add a couple of books of stamps in with our weekly shop which hopefully won't dent the budget too much, but will make a big difference come December.  
Remember too that because your cards will be all done and dusted by the end of November you'll be able to post them early and use Second Class mail. That will make a huge saving, especially if you post a lot of cards.
Even if you are lucky enough to live somewhere where there hasn't and isn't going to be a price rise (is that possible?) it's still a good idea to buy a few stamps each week.  It will certainly save you from a nasty shock come December.
Our current challenge of Doilies is here.  We've had some amazing entries so far.  Keep them coming - we're learning so much from you all.

Ann and Max xxx