And That Was That: Our Year in Review
- Words by Peppermint
Hi friends β Kelley (founder and editor-in-chief of Peppermint) here. ? As the year that was 2021 wraps up (I want to say thank goodness, but at this rate 2022 doesnβt exactly appear to be starting off on the right foot), Iβve been reflecting on some of the good things that did happen over the past 12 months. It may be hard to see through the mud right now, but we still need to find things to be grateful for and celebrate the little wins when we can.
‘They tried to bury us. They didn’t know we were seeds.’
DINOS CHRISTIANOPOULOS
First up β weβre still here. Thatβs a big win. That might seem a bit jarring and maybe oversharing, but so many businesses have not survived this Whatever Youβd Like To Call It period. Weβre a little team with a big heart and so we actually still do a happy dance when we are supported by you all β so, thank you. Thank you for buying our magazines, for purchasing subscriptions, for partnering with us through advertising, for engaging with us on socials, for downloading our patterns and for being part of this kick-ass, caring community. Thankful doesnβt even scrape the sides.
JUST A TAD EXCITED FOLLOWING OUR MUMBRELLA AWARD WIN
We were over the moon earlier in the year to win the Mumbrella Award for Sustainable Practices. The Mumbrella Awards have been around since 2010, celebrating the best and brightest across the marketing, advertising, media, production, PR and communications industries, so receiving this huge social-distanced pat on the back was a massive achievement. Of course awards are not everything. We do what we do because we are driven to make change in the world. However, we have to admit we were pretty chuffed to be recognised for our efforts, especially when we were up against some huge global advertising agencies and campaigns in this category. Yay us!
Weβve been carbon neutral for years here at Peppermint, but this year we went through the process of undertaking an extensive emissions audit through the Carbon Reduction Institute to find out exactly what our carbon footprint was. We are now happy to say that we are 100% Certified Carbon Neutral with complete certainty of the emissions we are offsetting.
OUR 50TH LAUNCH PARTY – PHOTO BY GEORGE LEVI
In May we launched our 50th issue β and what a beauty it was. We marked the occasion with a little socially cautious shindig, hosted by our pals at Allpress. Thirteen years on from our first edition, every issue continues to fill us with pride.Β Β
We also launched our digital sewing magazine β Sew&Tell β into the #MeMade world. Our sewing pattern downloads reached record numbers (hello #isewlation) and as a result we welcomed Bonnie, our new Sewing Content Manager (a role unheard of in media previously).
We were very happy to be one of Indigenous Fashion Projects‘ very first founding members, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and governed program that collaborates with Indigenous Australians working in textiles and fashion, with a range of development programs, mentoring opportunities and promotional events.
GRANNY CHORN WHO PEPPERMINT SPONSORS THROUGH CAMBODIAN CHILDREN’S FUND
We continued to sponsor our granny through Scott Neesonβs Cambodian Childrenβs Fund (which we have done since 2018), we planted 1063 trees through One Tree Planted and continued to support Groundswell (a giving platform for climate action) as a founding member.
We survived endless lockdowns, tricky working conditions and kept ethical chocolate in business. We hung out at markets and events, when it was safe to do so (and they hadn’t been cancelled). We navigated our way through socially distanced photo shoots and traversed difficult dilemmas, often with tears, laughter, love and lessons. Iβm super grateful that the whole team is also vaccinated β I want to wrap them all in cotton wool and protect them from the world at large, but some antibodies will hopefully do the trick.Β
Iβm also going to personally sneak in a big pile oβ love for my amazing team β if you all knew how hardworking, talented, smart, kind and determined they were, youβd all be showering them with adulation too (please do, they deserve it).
So yeah, I know, 2021 can get in the bin. But amongst the many cracks, there was also a little light that found a way to shine through. Weβre in a super privileged position and donβt think for a second that doesnβt escape us. Our love and thoughts go out to those who are experiencing hardship these holidays, may you find some peace and support somehow.
To our community: we heart you more than youβll ever know. Hereβs to getting through 2022 together.Β
Kelley (and Desta, Lauren, Caitlin, Michelle, Bonnie and Mara) xxx
TOP PHOTO AT OUR END OF YEAR PARTY (TAKEN BY TENILLE LESLIE, OWNER OF THE PLANT BUNKER)
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βCrafting is something that has come naturally since I was small and I just havenβt stopped. When I was smaller, I was interested in the end result. As Iβve gotten older, I realise itβs the process that keeps me coming back to craft. Itβs a meditative state for me and I find the repetitive action of the stitching and felting quite therapeutic.ββ
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Craving a world filled with warmth and whimsy? Itβs all in a dayβs work for textile artist @Cat_Rabbit, whose latest book, βTrinketsβ, is bursting with felty food friends to make and cherish. Cat invited us into her universe, filled with cheeky characters, layered storytelling and loads of humour. β
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Plus: try the super sweet pattern for Catβs Lucky Pickle, perfect to make as a stocking stuffer, extracted from Trinkets. β
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Read more from our βJust felt rightβ feature in Issue 64, at newsagents and stockists now!β
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Photos: Tatanja Ross @On_JacksonStreet and Cat Rabbitβ
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#PeppermintMagazine #CatRabbit #LuckyPickle #Craft #Crafting #Felting #FeltCrafts #Trinkets #ChristmasDecorations
Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the Bondi Beach violence, especially the Jewish community. Also to the beachgoers, those who bravely helped and the first responders.β
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While it`s easy β and understandable β to get caught up in the horror of it all and direct anger at certain groups, remember this quote from teacher and author Erin Gruwell: "Don`t let the actions of a few determine the way you feel about an entire group."β
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βYou don`t fight racism with racism. You fight racism with solidarity," said Bobby Seale of the Black Panthers. And solidarity is exactly what we need right now.β
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If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Remember there is much more kindness in the world than hate. β€οΈβπ©Ήβ
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@LifelineAustralia has created a Bondi Beach Incident: Wellbeing support guide, where youβll find information about common reactions, reassurance that what youβre feeling is valid, and ideas for taking care of your wellbeing.β
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https://lifeline.org.au/bondi-incidentβ
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You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14, text on 0477 13 11 14 or chat at lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat anytime, no matter how this has impacted you.β
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@BeyondBlueOfficial is also available with free 24/7 support by phone on 1300 22 4636 or webchat at https://www.beyondblue.org.au/β
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Register.Find.Reunite. has been activated by @RedCrossAu to help people reconnect with family and friends. Visit redcross.org.au to access the service.β
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@NSWPolice Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) is operating 24/7 on 1800 227 228 for information relating to people impacted.β
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@LifeBloodAu is supporting Sydney hospitals. O- and O+ blood are always in high demand in emergencies. To donate (from anywhere in Australia β all states are welcome and helpful!) call 13 14 95 or use the Lifeblood app.
Just a reminder⦠from @SugarHouseCeramicCo
This holiday season be kind, patient and shop local!
#ShopSmall #ShopLocal #SupportSmallBusiness
β¨οΈ Our website is getting a glow-up! β¨οΈβ
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Sorry for the inconvenience but it will be offline for a few days. You can still purchase subscriptions (perfect for chrissy presents!) via the links on the holding page.β
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Last year we were extremely excited to receive funding from the Meta Australian News Fund, in partnership with the Walkley Foundation. The result of this is a fabulous new website, with a sustainable fashion and sewing directory that will follow early next year. We`ve worked with the lovely Amy and Jenny at @CrumpetClubHouse who have been making the magic happen β we can`t wait to show you the outcome! β¨οΈβ
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In the meantime, please get in touch if you need help with anything β hello@peppermintmag.com β
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We`ll see you on the other side! π
π 12 DAYS OF XMAS GIVEAWAYS πβ
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πOn the 12th day of Christmas, weβre giving awayβ¦ a GREENPAN FROST ICE CREAM & FROZEN DRINK MAKER! πβ
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Ice, ice, baby! Calling all kitchen magicians and dessert devotees: itβs time to churn, blend and devour your way to frozen heaven. Itβs our final giveaway β and hoo girl, itβs a goodie! Thanks to the clever folks at @TheOriginalGreenPan.Anz, one reader will cool their mitts on the Frost Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker β perfect for conjuring up home-made gelato, sorbet, smoothies, slushies and more!
Valued at $599, the Frost Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker is designed with GreenPanβs signature Thermolonβ’ ceramic non-stick coating, so you can whip up summer-ready sweet treats free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium.
To snag this frosty prize, follow @TheOriginalGreenPan.Anz and tag a friend in the comments below before midday AEST 15 December! (Australian and New Zealand addresses only, please.) Good luck!
Update: The lucky winner of our final giveaway is @just__for__van - congrats! We`ll dm to get your details. Well done! π
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#PeppermintMagazine #12DaysOfChristmas #12DaysOfGiveaways #GreenPan
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