For those of you who are makers/designers/creative potterers
will understand my feeling of exhaustion when I say that I have just come back
from exhibiting at a fair. But my
tiredness is softened by a layering of lingering excitement still present from
attending Selina Lake’s launch for her new book
Pretty Pastel Style.
Selina has used a selection of my makings in her
styling projects over the last eighteen months or so and I am so thankful to
her for the magazine features that have come my way from her styled shoots and one of my decorated hoops features in the book too.
The event was an intimate affair, full of colourful details, design and hand
mades, laughter and smiles, friends new and old were greeted with hugs. Echoes
of eeeeks and ohhhmyyy’s were rebounded around my little table as I met
industry folk who I had known for years but had never ‘actually’ met in person. I lovingly enjoyed seeing profile pictures
from Facebook and Twitter approach me in all their three dimensional sparkling glory.
As a designer maker who works from home (and whose social
life evolves around the school run) an event like Selina's is so good for the
soul. To receive feedback about your
work and brand, to discuss ideas, to share your passion in design and making and combined hoarding habits, to make new contacts and most importantly form new
friendships.
Most importantly, this beautiful event, re-affirmed my
approach to exhibiting at fairs. Yes,
you hope that you sell a selection of your makings, and it is good to do just that, we all need to earn
a living, but how many of us can become trapped into the ‘sales’ of product and
forget about selling ‘ourselves’, our little characteristics our excitable
animations that make us who we are. The
personalities and smiles behind the businesses I met were equally as decorative
and joyful as their products, so much so, that not only did I want to take lots
of object d’art home with me but I also wanted to pop a few people in my bag to
take home too as the room was full of the most amazingly friendly, creative and
inspiring ladies. The icing on this
pastel cake was that I got to spend the 550 mile round trip with my very dear
friend Jane from Tea With Ruby and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for
the laughter all the way down the M1 and back again and for helping me
construct and de-construct my table space (I never do anything simple at fairs, which Jane discovered, after the fifteenth unloading journey from
the car in sleet)
So I will waffle no more and let you breeze your way through
my little diary of images – I would love to know what you think, please stop by
again and say hi and I will plump the cushions on the chair for you and pop the
kettle on……..milk? one lump or two?
(this little set of images above of The Vintage Drawer is thanks to
The rather candy colourful Clover's Closet
It was an absolute delight and pleasure (and I was a little bit star struck) to meet Love Lane Vintage (especially after being inspired by Lucy Haywood's hoarding journey for the last few years).
a wonderful discovery meeting Mia Fleur for the first time
Peach Blossom, Felt Mountain Studio, Mabel and Bird, Anna Wiscombe (sorry Anna my photo of your beautiful work was blurred) if there is one thing you do over coffee is pop over to these ladies stores - so much to 'need' and 'want'.....
Now where do I start when finding words to type for Nicky Grace - absolutely love her energy for life, her styling, her home, her fabrics and one day I will own one of her patchwork throws and live in her summerhouse without her knowing - an absolutely lovley lady whose personality is as vibrant and colourful as her work - I hope to meet Nicky again very soon on my travels....
and Nathalie's (of The U in Cute) pattern filled table top was just an explosion of delightfulness
Oh my!! Oh my!! The intricate detailing of Sesame & Lilly - whom I have known as an internet buddy for nearly a year and it was sooo so so good to finally meet her - a maker with amazing style and skill and she is also a very beautiful lady who wears rather fabulous necklaces - who I hope to meet again with Jane very soon for a spot of car booting in York.
Yvestown - didn't get a minute to be able to learn how to crochet a coaster with this beautiful lady...
And Abigail Warner - I have no photos of your stand but it was so fabulous to finally meet you after all these months of working together on 'snippets'....
Image credits: Vicky Trainor of The Linen Garden and The Vintage Drawer
Facebook Page: Vicky Trainor Stationery
