Last updated: 26 September 2026
Hello, I’m Helen. This page explains, in plain English, what personal information I collect when you visit thecheerfulcrafter.co.uk, join my newsletter or become a member of the Cheerful Crafters Club, and how I look after it. I’ll never sell your information.
Who I am
This website is run by Helen Smith, trading as The Cheerful Crafter®. I’m responsible for your personal information (the “data controller”). You can contact me any time at helen@thecheerfulcrafter.co.uk.
What I collect and why
Newsletter sign-ups. When you join my mailing list or download a freebie, I collect your name and email address so I can send you the emails you asked for. I only do this with your consent, and every email has an unsubscribe link.
Cheerful Crafters Club membership. When you join the club, I collect your name, email address, postal address and login details so I can create your account, give you access to the members’ area, post anything included in your membership, and contact you about it. I need this to provide the membership you’ve paid for.
Payments. Club payments are handled securely by Stripe. I never see or store your full card details. I receive a record of your payment, such as your name, email, the amount and date.
Emails you send me. If you email me, I’ll keep your message and contact details so I can reply and help you.
Comments. If you comment on my blog, your name, email address and comment are stored so the comment can be shown and moderated.
Website visits. I use Google Analytics to understand how people find and use my website, for example which pages are popular. This uses cookies and only runs if you accept them.
Who I share it with
I only share your information with trusted services that help me run my business:
- Stripe, to take club payments securely
- Google (Google Workspace for my email, and Google Analytics for website statistics)
- My website hosting provider, which stores my website, including my mailing list (FluentCRM) and the members’ area (SureDash)
- Royal Mail or another courier, only your name and postal address, when I post something to you
Some of these companies may store data outside the UK. When they do, they use recognised legal safeguards to protect it.
Links to other websites
My website links to other sites, such as my Stampin’ Up!® shop and Amazon. Some links to Amazon are affiliate links: if you buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon may set a cookie to track this. Those websites have their own privacy policies, which I’d encourage you to read.
Cookies
Cookies are small files stored on your device. My website uses:
- Essential cookies, to keep you logged in to the members’ area and to make the site work
- Analytics cookies (Google Analytics), only if you accept them in the cookie banner
You can change your cookie choices at any time, or block cookies in your browser settings.
How long I keep your information
- Newsletter: until you unsubscribe
- Club membership: for as long as you’re a member, then for up to 6 years for my business and tax records
- Payment records: 6 years, as required by HMRC
- Emails and comments: as long as needed to help you, or until you ask me to delete them
Your rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:
- ask for a copy of the information I hold about you
- ask me to correct anything that’s wrong
- ask me to delete your information
- withdraw your consent at any time, for example by unsubscribing from emails
- object to how I use your information, or ask me to limit it
- ask for your information in a format you can take elsewhere
Just email me at helen@thecheerfulcrafter.co.uk. I’ll reply within one month, and it’s free.
Keeping your information safe
I use secure, reputable services, keep my accounts protected with strong passwords and two-step verification, and only keep what I need.
Complaints
If you’re unhappy with how I’ve handled your information, please talk to me first and I’ll do my best to put it right. You can also complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.
Changes to this policy
I may update this page from time to time. The date at the top shows when it last changed.
Thank you for being here.
Helen x
