Onwards and Upwards!

Well, what a frantic few weeks!  I have been cutting and sticking and sanding and varnishing like a woman possessed.  I have created masses of stock for the Winchester Handmade Christmas Fair (1st and 2nd December).  My items are gorgeous and I have spent hour upon hour putting them together.
  

Yesterday I took part in my local school's table top sale in Warminster and sold just one decoupage frame and that was it!  Oh dear me...I am now quite concerned for my Winchester debut even though I know it is a tailored event and the footfall in the past has been 2 or 3 thousand!  I also know (from my visit a couple of weeks ago) that Winchester is positively buzzing with shoppers.  No worries then!  Hmmmmmm.

On a lighter note, as you can see, I have acquired (via Freegle) a few (okay, loads of) copies of the Beano.  My first thought was to create some fun and funky stars and key rings.  I am tempted to adorn my girls' chairs and table too (but that is for another day!).  I think they look fab and quirky.  Let's hope the Winshester crowd do too!  If you want to order any of these items or know of someone who might please visit my Etsy shop or share the link.  Until next time, TTFN!

The Price is Right?

I am delighted to report that today saw my very first sale via my Etsy shop.  Okay it was just a little musical manuscript decoupage heart (just 10cm high) but I have packaged it up lovingly and will be posting it with all the care afforded a baby kitten!

Meanwhile, I paid a visit to Winchester Guildhall yesterday.  We were visiting Winchester anyway and popped in to get a taste of what to expect on 1st and 2nd December when the Winchester Handmade Christmas Fair will be on.  Given that we are only just into November I was staggered at how busy Winchester was.  It was teeming with shoppers and I guess it will just get more and more busy!  Goodo!!!

Consequently I am working hard at trying to complete my hearts and stars.  I have ventured into making key rings too.  All heart-shaped and decoupaged with a variety of patterns and pictures from leftover wrapping paper and old children's books.  They look amazing and I think they will sell well at £3 a pop or 2 for £5.  Pricing is always a tricky task for me.  I have put a lot of time and effort into my creations and am mindful of the fact that I should not UNDER value them, they are genuinely handmade in my home and not mass produced thousands of miles away.  I have personally collected and washed the shells and driftwood that go into making my driftwood products and put them together myself - they are not thrown together by anonymous third parties!  I have therefore priced them as honestly and fairly as I can.  The fact that I enjoy making all these gorgeous things is neither here nor there!