Hasn't the weather been gorgeous recently? Very hard working inside at the moment - I can make cards outside, so that is not a problem but making candles is a little tricky and that is what I need to work on now. moment.
Stall-holders do not take payment for their goods; on entry into the market customers are issued with a list and for each purchase the stall holder adds their details. Payment for everything is made at a central point (rather like a supermarket) and during the first market of each month, cheques are issued to the stall holders for their sales during the previous month. If sales are high, I would find this difficult because of needing to purchase supplies to make more stock - however, it is rather like being an employee as in paid at the end of the month. I look at it as another outlet for my work and the feedback was good - lots of people said they 'will make lovely Christmas presents', so fingers crossed.
My fellow stall-holders were great, very friendly and helpful. Two offered to source cups and saucers for my candles, told me of good places locally to buy them as well. The event is well organised and everyone pitches in to set up and clear away.
This week (or rather it is last week now) has been hectic. Not a lot of making, but a lot of other creating. On Monday I went to West Dean with Linda (the cake-maker). We went for some forward planning time in gorgeous surroundings, also to check out the shop as on a previous visit Linda had been amazed to see a cup and saucer candle set on sale for £24.95! We have lots of plans, ideas and proposals for the Christmas sale season. It does seem very odd planning (and making) for Christmas when I am desperate for summer to arrive, but as we know in the craft world you have to be at least one season ahead.
On Tuesday I met up with the lovely Twitter Gals (Lesley, Dawn and Michele) for lunch at the Harrow in Compton. We were able to sit outside - so nice to have lots of lovely sunshine and good company. Dawn is going to be a Stampin' Up demonstrator and this leads me nicely to my next 'bit' of news.
At the end of the week I met up with Lauren who I worked with at my inaugural card-making workshop. Lauren is a Stampin' Up Expert and we spent Friday afternoon planning our next joint workshop. The date is 11 June 2013, and the theme is likely to be cards for males (always hard to find really good ones in the shops or the right material to make them). We have agreed date, content, costs, and I am off to check out two potential venues on Tuesday and then it will be advertise, advertise and advertise. We have lots of ideas and plans for future workshops, so watch this space and if you know anyone in our area (Guildford, Farnham, Ash) who may be interested in attending our workshop, please ask them to get in touch with either of us.
It's time to get back to digging and planting, but before I go I want to thank Wendy of Handmade Harbour for her lovely digi-stamps, which I am trialling and using to create cards. I will post the results next week. I have an order for a new baby card and am using one of the designs for this. One of my fellow pottery students gave me an order for a card this week - the recipient likes natural things, so I have a lot of work to do to come up with ideas that may suit. Don't forget to visit my guest blogger's post - all about tools and equipment for the craft market. Many thanks for taking part Alison. Finally, a 'must do' is a visit to the Handmade Monday bloggers - always lots of great reads.
Have a great week everyone. Milly will be here on Wednesday (she is rather busy at the moment as she is being interviewed by the gorgeous Rumpydog) and I will be back next weekend.
Jill
Your country market sounds quite a good one, unlike my local one unfortunately! I love the atsmosphere at markets and as people get to know your stall I am sure things will sell. good luck with the workshop.
ReplyDeleteYou are right about the atmosphere, it was great and all sellers were very enthusiastic about their work.
DeleteI'm glad that the market went well for you, it sounds like it is well organised and still popular despite the drop in footfall. I'm sure more sales will come as you establish yourself there, its always a bit hard being the newbie isn't it!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear things are progressing well with your workshops too :) x
It is very well organised, very impressed how quickly it was set up and at the end packed away. Super efficient - just like me ;0)
DeleteI've never been to a fair organised that way, the ones I go to charge a fee for a table. Not having to pay uo front is good but, as you said, cash flow could be a problem if you have to wait a week for your money.
ReplyDeleteAs you also said, we do need to encourage more people to come to fairs and buy local and handmade when they do come. I've lost count the number of times people have touched and looked at my things, told me I make beautiful stuff, then walk away!
Your workshop on male cards sounds a great idea!
Have a great week.
Glad to hear that the market went well, even if there weren't too many visitors. I'm sure the numbers will pick up soon, especially during the run up to Christmas xx
ReplyDeleteHopefully as you become more known your sales will pick up. Sounds like you had a good time anyway and it's a good way to network with like minded people.
ReplyDeleteThe market sounds well organised and I am sure things will improve - I think it is still early in the year for markets.
ReplyDeleteThe workshop sounds great too - men are so difficult (in all respects) aren't they? xxx
The market sounds good - but it sounds like you were in the wrong spot (it seems there's always at least one spot like this at every fair!). Looking forward to seeing what you make with mu digis!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds to have been a really interesting market. It would help me if more were like this - with a central paying system as I never have enough cash!! Your future projects sound exciting.
ReplyDeleteThe fair sounds well organised and I like the way they organise the payments. I'm glad you enjoyed it, even if you didn't have as many sales as you would have liked
ReplyDeleteI too am loving the great weather we are having at the moment. I'm glad you had a good time at the market, it makes the time better when everyone is friendly.
ReplyDeleteJan x
I agree that if the other stallholders are friendly that can make a craft market much more enjoyable. Hope it continues to go well.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like it was a very busy week. The craft market sounds similar to Botany Bay near me, and i think, from a customer point of view, it works well. No worrying about having enough money and/or change and everything gets paid for together.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week
Sounds like an excellent market to be involved in, let's hope with more advertisement it will be even more successful, I've not heard of a place run like that before, but it sounds a great idea x
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the market was enjoyable, sales seem to be slow everywhere at the moment but it can still be a great day out with other sellers - lets hope everyone feels a bit better off soon!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a lovely day out at the market. Those food stalls sound very tempting. I'm looking forward to seeing what you produce with Wendy's digi stamps. Have another lovely week.
ReplyDeleteAli x
The concept of the market sounds good, I do hope it picks up trade-wise. Sorry I couldn't get there; work was a bit hectic - and I wanted to finish before the BH weekend :-)
ReplyDeleteJust popping over to your guest post now. Looking forward to our next 'board meeting' ;-)
WIll have to tell my niece about the workshop - I'm a bit too far away, but she's quite close! Looking forward to seeing the results of your stamping and the new cards. Sue
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have been busy! Hopefully you will get lots more sales in the future, it sounds like a really great idea.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of a market operating that way before. Sounds very organised. I hope footfall increases in the future.
ReplyDelete