My first craft fair!
I had my first market stall when I was a young child, and I was selling things with my mother that we no longer needed at car boot sales! (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_boot_sale) My mother’s friends used to come too, so it would become a bit of a social event. I used to love the fact that things that we no longer needed, would be what others wanted – One person’s trash becoming someone else’s treasure. There would often be bartering involved and I loved the buzz of walking away with some extra pocket money!
30ish years later, I found myself preparing for my very own stall at a craft fair in Herne Hill in South London, featuring handmade sterling silver jewellery, made by me in my studio just up the road from the craft fair.
I had contemplated the idea of featuring at a craft fair for a while, but I had always put it in the “too hard” basket, especially having spent the past year finishing my Silversmithing Diploma. Even if it felt too hard, the fact that the craft fair was just down the road made it massively convenient and an opportunity too good to refuse.
After signing up, I had just five weeks to get ready and I spent one of those five weeks in the US on a work trip, so I was worried that I wouldn’t have enough time to prepare. Thankfully, with the help of some wonderful suppliers (for things like extra branded stationary, packaging, and display stands), I managed to get everything together just in time. The idea of putting my creations out there for the world to see was exciting but also nerve-racking, but what the hell, I had nothing to lose.
Anyway, I am pleased to say that the stress was worth it because the craft fair took place last Sunday, and it was a success! I was so proud to see my creations on display, I met new customers who were lovely and so complimentary, and I even had a few visits from some of my existing customers….AND, I sold some pieces! I loved the experience so much that I’ve signed up to be at the Christmas market next month, on Sunday the 18th of December 2022!
If you’re reading this and it’s not yet the 18th of December 2022, please come and say hello at the Makers & Vintage Magpie Fair above Herne Hill train station in London between 10am and 4pm! Herne Hill has some wonderful shops and pubs, and so you can really make a day of it!
https://www.stationhallhernehill.org/events/makers-vintage-magpie-market