Friday 28 June 2013

My First Craft Fair











Last Sunday saw me host my first craft stall, selling my handmade buttons! The fair was called FORGE and was hosted by Hallam Roses WI, who did a fabulous job organising and promoting it all.

There was a good steady stream of browsers throughout the day and I'm pleased to say that sales were very good. I had been warned to develop a thick skin at craft fairs - some people speak to one another about your hard work as if you aren't there, but I was lucky this time. One lady laughed when I said I make my buttons out of polymer clay, but that was just a little confusing!

I really enjoyed putting my stall design together - including the bit where Bea and I went sneaking around woodland at 7am on a Saturday looking for that perfect branch before stuffing it in the back of my car and carrying on, whistling cheerfully, with our walk! The watering can I chose because I thought it looked rather Peter Rabbit. 

My lovely mum helped me out on the day, and a number of friends dropped in to show their support too. It was so special to experience this big goal in my year surrounded by family, friends, and other talented makers, and the weekend before my birthday too!

Thank you so much to everyone who has sent tweets and messages of support and encouragement on Sunday. I've been talking so much about making the stock for this fair lately that it's been my sole focus around my day job. and I'm really looking forward to doing more craft fairs soon. 




44 comments:

  1. Looks amazing, is that button hair clips I spied on the pics?! Well done you, excited for many more stalls to come! Amy xx

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  2. Glad glad you had a great day, all looks wonderful! :) x

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  3. So glad you had a worthwhile day ... I know what hard work it is. I shall be spending all day getting ready for a fair tomorrow! Your stall looks lovely and really inviting ... It makes such a difference. M x

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  4. Your stall looks great ... so glad it went well for you ... Bee xx

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  5. Your stall looks great! I really love your cup of tea buttons. So cute! Glad it went really well for you! :)

    http://OhHayDesigns.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Every time I look at those buttons I want a cuppa though! x

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  6. What a fabulous looking stall Anna - well done! And I spy sweeties too :-)

    I hope it was worth your while and you enjoyed the experience. It is a lot of work, so I commend you on balancing that with everything else you do.

    Here's to lots more sales for your lovely buttons.

    Claire x

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    1. Your sweeties idea was a good one, and the kiddies liked my duckling button stickers too. x

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  7. I love the way you've displayed your "wares" Anna! (I approve of the bowl of sweeties too!)

    It's lovely to hear your first fair was a success, my first one (many years ago now) was an absolute disaster. I sold one thing. To a friend! I also had my mum help me and when we packed the car up at the end of the day, we just looked at each other and burst into hysterical laughter with the words, well, that was successful!!! (not)! :D xx

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    1. Oh dear! It was a successful day but lots learned too - going to lower the branch next time so people look at it, not just at my stall. A useful experience. x

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  8. Congratulations Anna! That is so exciting. It's always a little scary putting yourself out there. You did an amazing job at displaying your work, I love the branch and watering can. And oh.my.god. I love the teapot buttons. Don't know what I would use them for... but I wants them!

    erinbulger.blogspot.ca

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    1. Thanks Erin, I love it when the teapot buttons make people smile :) x

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  9. Congratulations, Anna! I'm so glad that your first craft fair was such a success! Though I was sure your buttons would go down a storm :-) The layout looks lovely - one of those things you can tweak to your heart's content too, much happy sorting and placing I bet!

    Jem xXx

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    1. There was much tweaking throughout the day and lots of ideas for my next fair too :) x

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  10. Well done, pleased it went well. I used to do fairs when I was 15 selling jewellery but haven't been rave enough to do it since then. Your buttons are brilliant so I'm not surprised you had a great day. Hope your success continues

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    1. You should have another go! Craft fairs seem to be doing well these days, with a return to an appreciation for handmade. x

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  11. Ooh so glad you did well Anna, your stall looks fabulous .... Love the teapot buttons, very clever!

    Have a fabulous weekend

    Love Claire xx

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  12. Wow, looks fabulous! I LOVE the hair clips too, will you be stocking more of those? :) xx

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    1. Yes! I have a few to go in the shop over the next few days and more planned. x

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  13. Fantastic stall Anna, I'm so glad it went well. I love the branch. :-)

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    1. Thank you - I'd had a branch in mind from the beginning so it was exciting to see it all come together. x

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  14. So please it went well! Your stall looks lovely - love the Peter Rabbit watering can too :) xx

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    1. I searched high and low for the perfect watering can! x

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  15. So glad that you had a good experience. Your stall looks amazing. Well done and happy birthday :)

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  16. Oh I neeeeed that toadstool button!! Amazing!! xx

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    1. Ha, yes people seem to like toadstools, though usually they call it a mushroom which annoys me! x

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  17. How super - I hope that all your hard work paid off
    Best wishes
    Jenny

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  18. Stall looks great! I love how you laid everything out. Congratulations as well because I know a lot of hard work goes in :-) Ex

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  19. It looks absolutely gorgeous! I love the hairpins!
    I ventured up North to Durham this weekend, I love it up there where it's cooler and sunnier, and lovely hills. You are so lucky to live in that part of the country

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  20. Oh wow, your stall looks fantastic! Love the watering can and branch! Glad to hear it went so well! Congrats!
    Joanna :-) x

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  21. Your buttons are really lovely, they make me want to knit a cardie just so I can use some :)

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  22. The buttons are beautiful and so is the arrangement :)

    Charlotte xx
    charolivia.blogspot.com

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