"Didn't we have a lov-er-ley time the day we went to Selina's"
...my approach to exhibiting at fairs has changed since the beginning of my making journey (which started many moons ago - 17 to be precise). I used to gauge their success based on the takings at the end of the day alongside visitor numbers. If a fair had a high footfall and I had covered way beyond costs it was noted and I would then probably re-attend that fair, ...how naive was I, oh how my approach has changed.
I now mainly sell online, this method of sales has developed from having young children for the last 9 years and weekends have been far too precious to spend each one away from my family. This suits my 'lifestyle' and I now continue to use my web site and etsy as my main selling forum. When I do attend fairs they are chosen with great consideration. The experience of exhibiting is far richer in rewards than you can ever imagine. Such a wonderful and exciting experience due to the people you meet. Most importantly it is time spent with friends. It is time out from the working diary to meet customers who you feel you know so well but have yet to meet in person, the same goes for people from this lovely industry, you get to finally see twitter and facebook profile tiles come to life!!!This in itself is so much fun!
I felt so wonderfully giddy to be exhibiting amongst such a wonderful gathering of folk. A very long drive down from Teesside but one that was rewarded by a day that was filled with warmth, friendship, creativity, generosity, inspiration in reams and a feeling of being part of something rather pretty special. A wonderful reminder of why it is so important to break away from the studio and attend such events. I would be interested to know if your experience of fairs is the same.
So here is a little record of the day - I didn't manage to photograph everyone - but here is a little snippet for you to meander through at your leisure....
details of my stand - a mixture of The Vintage Drawer and The Linen Garden
Cheryl-ann Taylor Made's floral makes-love.love.love.love this lady!
...felt a tad giddy meeting the wonderful Leah Halliday
'lace love' with printed jewellery from Ally Monroe
my lovely friend Holly from Nicholas & Steele whom I wish lived just around the corner
so I could nip into her wonderful shop and rummage!
Wild Willow - just beautiful - Laura is always so inspiring with her styling
layerings of gorgeousness from 'marvellous Marna' from Little A Designs
..pretty floral styling from Fiona Humberstone...
..the occasional peony or two...
a colourful layering of fabulousness from Winter's Moon
I have been a fan of Hen's Teeth for such a long time. Her artworks are aesthetically addictive, every time you look at the same piece whether a brooch or wall piece you see more and more detailing with each glance. I am waiting for her etsy shop to be re-filled and will be making a purchase - I so regretted not having the time to purchase a piece on the day.
A little mention to Kate Fletcher from Vintage Style Hire - I have known Kate for what seems like 'ages' but we had only met for an approximate time of 3 minutes earlier this year - so how fabulous it was to exhibit next door to such a lovely lady - she was also very sly in having a lovely painting for sale which within 5 minutes of my arrival I had bought and was displayed on my table in minutes!! It is now hanging decoratively in my hall. You can see Kate's report of the show here.
Flowerona and Sally Crane both have lovely snippets from the fair too......
A big thank you to Selina Lake for inviting me to her Handmade & Vintage Fair - can't wait for the next!
