I took part in my first 'Craft Market' last weekend and ended up out of pocket and somewhat disheartened by the whole affair. I had spent the previous couple of weeks frantically making mirrors, sunbursts and hearts and managed to deplete my hard-sought stocks of shells and wood in the process. I was stupidly nervous too but did, at least, have my six and a half year old daughter Daisy as my stall companion - she was a star (naturally) and helped with the setting up and putting away of all the stock. She has an eye for display and was a real help in arranging the stall - particularly the decoupage hearts which I had made in order to have some attractive, yet cheaper, items on my stall. Sadly, the weather was not on our side and the footfall was negligible. On the plus side I did get some great compliments on my work and invaluable advice from fellow stallholders.
What I have learnt from this experience is that I need to plan ahead...way ahead. I checked out the Bath Christmas Market (already fully booked) and our local Cuckoo Spring Fair (I am on the waiting list for 2013) - given the current weather forecast I am not too miffed about the Fair!
My workshops work - they are fun and I do not end up out of pocket. My clients get completely engaged in the creation of their own work of art and the atmosphere is relaxed and slightly magical. I generally end up in awe of the people I meet and happy to have cheered up someone's day - THAT is a GREAT feeling!
That said, I have not given up on special events. I am sure there is a market out there for my 'stuff', I just need to find it!
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