I’m drafting this email whilst sat at my display table at a ladies fundraising golf day, so there’s a few of us displaying our creations here.
I have been allocated two large sturdy tables which is fantastic!
Sometimes I struggle to find space for all my display stands when the tables are small.
It’s a nice environment, with upwards of 100 women playing golf and chatting over a tasty lunch. I was invited last year and this year I accepted the invitation again.
On the face of it, nothing is especially different to last year. The weather began wet but has brightened up considerably and apparently the numbers signed up to play was higher than last year.
But for those of us selling our crafts, it is markedly different.
So much quieter.
The poor lady organising the event keeps apologising profusely for the lack of customers!
So I am sat here mulling over the ‘great unknown’ of craft (and similar) fairs.
How can they be so varied when the venue, clientele and weather seem so similar?
Sometimes, there are only a few customers and yet they turn out to be absolutely the right customers.
Other times, there is a busy hubbub and yet everyone is happy to simply browse.
But however many sales it does or doesn’t bring, I do love in person events!
I love the opportunity to chat with potential customers and to allow them to see, feel and try on pieces of jewellery. I love having a conversation, whether it is about jewellery, the weather, or golf (of which I know absolutely nothing!!) I know some members of my family would prefer the anonymity of the internet but for me joy is to be found connecting with people face to face.
One of my goals last year was to register and sell at more events (craft/Christmas fairs) and I have enjoyed them all. They are certainly an investment of time: travelling, setting up and packing down, but I quite like that process - displaying everything in an appealing way and lovingly remembering the pieces I have made as I display them, in the hope they will find their forever home. I will continue with more through this year too.
…and if you have any wise insight into craft fairs, do let me know! I’d love to find out how I might do them better!
Here’s one of my current favourite tools!
It was on my wish list for a few birthdays and Christmases and I am happy to say I have been gifted two!
Can you guess what it does?
It’s a wave bangle press and with it, I can make wavy bangles like this!
I first used one at the Summer School I attended last year and have only recently got around to using my own at home. And as well as bangles, I have been using smaller lengths of wire to make rings (I haven’t perfected getting accurate sizes yet though but practice makes perfect, right?)
They’re cute aren’t they?
Bangle or ring - which would you choose?
Haven’t listed them on Etsy yet but email me if you’re interested in having one made for you!
Hope you have a blessed weekend! I’m off to a retreat day - can’t wait to spend time with Jesus in quiet contemplation…