25.6.12

playing shops .. and two winners


Thank you for all your kind words. It never ceases to amaze me that the crafting community is such a supportive place to be, whether it be online or offline.

Despite the fact I knew Saturday's fair was going to be quite small and low key, I was still nervous on the morning because I didn't know what to expect. I told the Husband that I wish I'd already done a mock-up of what my stall should look like but he helpfully said I'd have plenty of time to think about that when I got there. Ho hum ..


But taking someone's money in exchange for putting a handmade part of me into a paper bag is just the best feeling in the world. I know that everything I make I would willingly give a home to myself but, nevertheless, there are still some things that I feel loathe to let go. That day, it was all about cushions and they were flying away. Many of my favourite ones are now gone and I know it sounds dumb but I felt a little sad as I sent them on their way. I got over it pretty quickly, mind!!

My aim was to break even at minimum and take home a lot of experience. But I made quite a haul and when I came home, my tin filled with notes and a couple of cheques, I was positively euphoric. Oh, and I also traded a couple of cushions for a large framed panoramic photograph of the London skyline by this clever guy, who was also there.


I had such a great time, chatting away with other stall holders and the public, too, who showed a lot of interest. I've been cleaned out of business cards and feel that a few more people out there know about me now and that's what it's all about really, isn't it?

Ah, now I did mention a lack of organisation didn't I. I only managed a few little snaps and that was after the stall had been decimated somewhat, plus I had the council bins behind me (thankfully not smelly!) which obviously didn't add much to the visual beauty of the setting. And now that I've done it, I've started the research. Why the heck didn't I do that before? It didn't occur to me because I'm not organised enough!


This bit I did organise though and as promised, the giveaway draw took place over breakfast this morning. It was a joy having two names to find, simply because there was no fighting between the children. They each picked a name out of the breakfast bowl, which thankfully had no milk in, and congratulations go to Kylie and Ana. You, ladies, have just won a Hammam towel each, courtesy of Urbanara. Please let me have your address details and Urbanara will do the necessary.

Have a great week, everyone. I'm just finishing off another dress commission, so I shall tell you more about that next time. And guess what? It is sunny. Hurrah!!

18 comments:

  1. Sounds like it was a great a great success, well done! Congrats to the winners.

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  2. So glad it all went well for you Kate, your cushions are amazing!! There is quite a buzz selling something you have made yourself. :)
    Congrats to the winners!!
    No sun here yet but they say it's coming, at least it's dry!!
    Happy new week,
    Vivienne x

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  3. Really thrilled you had a good first fair - it's so daunting to put your things up for sale, and it feels terribly personal when people just look and walk on without commenting or even making eye contact! But you're right, the thrill of selling something to someone who loves it is hard to beat :-)

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  4. So happy that your first stall was such a positive experience. I knew you would be successful.

    (PS those giveaway winners are so, so lucky!)

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  5. Oh my goodness! When I saw my name, I thought I wonder if that's me...and it is. Yippee! Thanks Kate and Urbanara, I am thrilled.
    Your cushions are absolutely gorgeous Kate, no wonder you sold so many...playing shops is fun, isn't it - especially with paying customers to play with.

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  6. The snapshots of your stall are beautiful and I am really happy for your success!

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  7. Sounds like your store did brilliantly, your things look lovely (even after being rifled through a bit) it's exciting to see the things you put yourself in to, make other people happy isn't it?

    Well done the two who won your giveaway!

    Enjoy the sun!

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  8. Hello,
    I am soo pleased for you Kate!!
    It is the most lovliest of feelings, when some one pays you the complement, by purchasing your work!!
    I just love those cushions......
    Congratulations to the lucky twosome of winners!!
    Have a week full of kindness....
    Maria x

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  9. So glad your stall was a success though with your lovely things to seell it was never in any doubt to me!

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  10. Thanks to your children for picking me as a winner! Details are winging their way to you.
    How about a concertina type screen for markets? - that was you can hide any lurking bins and get some vertical space to show things off on.

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  11. So thrilled for you that all went well, in fact better than well by the sound of it. But I'm not surprised you sold well as you make such lovely things. Onwards and upwards :D

    Congratulations to the giveaway winners!

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  12. Your products are just beautiful! I'm so glad your stall was a success!!! I hope I run into some beautiful fabric like you have found sometime in my thrift shop wanderings.

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  13. glad to hear you had a good time!
    i haven't done shows in awhile and really miss it.it is a great way to see first hand how people like our pieces....
    congrats to the winners :)

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  14. So glad it went well - your stall looks very pretty.

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  15. Well done you, that is fantastic but not surprising that you did so well :-) x

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  16. Well done, you made such gorgeous things I'm not surprised they sold well! They look good together too, which makes arranging things much easier. It sounds like a lovely day.
    Congratulations to the lucky winners of your great giveaway!
    Helen x

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  17. Oh Kate! I so wish I could have been there! From the snaps every thing looks amazingly beautiful! I am so very proud of you friend, well done! And of course you made a haul, your inventory is absolutely stunning!
    Hugs
    xo

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  18. Congrats on your success! Your wares are absolutely beautiful :-)

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There's nothing like a comment to stop me feeling like I'm talking to myself. If you leave one here I'll pop one back here too, so don't forget to come back and continue the conversation ..

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