Here's my table:
I just loved setting this up (I'd even had a practice the night before) and was really pleased with how it looked.
I made little signs to describe my stuff and printed labels and even sewed (badly) my little labels onto my cowls and mug cosies.
Cor blimey though, I totally underestimated how much time all this would take to do (burning the midnight oil is NOT preferable the night before your sale ..)
I'd even finished a couple of dolls.
(Did not like pink wig on pale skinned elf. Just looked wrong. Made blonde wig also night before. More burning of midnight oil)
Note to self: Crocheting with mohair is mental at night when the light is bad. Never, never again.
How much did I make?
Minus £5. Didn't even cover the cost of my table!!!!
It was such a shame- the sale had been well-advertised, but it was so quiet.
My fellow stall-holders likewise made few sales and were not impressed by the lack of buyers (apparently there was a big auction in the next village and a big craft and food fair going on too). Also, I don't think people were expecting a craft stall- most people glanced, but didn't come to look. The other stalls included bric-brac, homemade jams, fresh eggs, antiques and a man selling army surplus, obviously.
But, do you know what? I had a great time. This was something for me and I loved every minute.
The people who did come and look were full of compliments and loved my wares. I met some great people (lovely Sue next to me selling fab jams) and I made a couple of contacts: another market nearer Christmas time (bit more crafty this time) and a lovely lady who again thought my things were great and who hosts a Christmas craft sale and wants me to be there! Amazing!
And, I loved the 4 hours of peace and quiet, sitting, chatting, crocheting and listening to the locals.
Another sale?
I think so.
Have a great week. Looking forward to catching up with you all now.
Xx
Oh I am glad you've come away with plenty of positives. You just can't predict these sales but they are all great for experience.
ReplyDeleteYour next one will be better again.
xxx
Gutted you did not make your first million, but really chuffed that you were not put off and will do it again. Your little people are very clever and I'm sure you will find the right spot for you and will do well. I know what you mean about doing something for yourself and getting space from all other stuff just for a short while...keep on keeping on and continue to be creative!
ReplyDeleteYour table looks fab!! Really glad you enjoyed yourself!!
ReplyDeleteS x
The table looks amazing, and your dolls just unbelievably adorable!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd at least you've had your first experience with a stall, and the next one will be brilliant!!
That's a shame that the buyers weren't out because your table and your things look beautiful. I'm so glad it didn't discourage you- craft fairs are so up and down and the next one could be fantastic.
ReplyDeleteYour stall looked fab and it sounds like you had a lovely day despite a lack of punters. Think of it as great practice for your first ever stall - breaking you in gently. Maybe it would have been a little overwhelming to have huge crowds on your debut!
ReplyDeleteGood luck for the next one - love your little labels, very professional.
Nicki xx
It's worth paying the fiver for a bit of peace! Your stall looked lovely and I would have bought something had I been there. xx
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a good time, I would have bought half your stock had I been there! haha!! I'd love to do a craft fair or similar one day myself... looks like great fun!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comments on my crochet (and owly bits) :) Hope you've had a fab Sunday!!
Louise xx
Loo at your table! Well done you....it looks fab and the late nights were worth it :) if not for the minus £5 then for the pics to share and time to spend kid free! Hurrah!! Loving seeing a couple of dolls together too x
ReplyDeleteJo x x
Did Betty enjoy herself too? She looks like she is enjoying being the centre of attention!
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't make a profit on the fair but glad you can see the positives - its all good experience for next time and its always good making contacts.
I've been thinking about doing a craft fair sometime....but haven't got round to doing anything about it yet!
Glad you had a great time :o)
I would pay more than a fiver for a few hours to crochet in peace! Never mind... start small and build up gradually - it will feel so much better in the end ... well done you...:)x
ReplyDeleteYour display looked beautiful, what a shame the sales weren't rolling in. Just think, Christmas isn't too far away, there will be lots of buying in the next couple of months!
ReplyDeleteSandra x
It's like dipping that first toe in the water ... it can feel chilly at first but before you know it you're swimming. Here's to many more sales, swimmingly successful ones all :D
ReplyDeleteWell done to you! It takes courage and stepping out of our comfort zones to try something new. I'm sorry sales were thin on the ground but at least you have contacts now and the possibility of more craft fairs in the future.
ReplyDeleteYour table looked wonderful. Full of the lovely things you make but not too cluttered you don't know where to look first.
Have a great week,
Anne xx
Your stall table looks amazing!! What a brilliant thing to do - even if the crowds weren't there this time. What a fab experience - and now you've got it sussed ready for the next one (with lots of buyers I bet!!). Have a fab week hon. L x
ReplyDeleteWell your stall looked stunning! The contacts you made make it a success and it's great you enjoyed it too. A Christmas fair is bound to be more popular with people buying pressies! I'd have bought loads of your stuff if I'd been there, it looks so pretty :-)
ReplyDeleteAw what a shame re lack of punters, because your stall looks fabulous. Well done you and maybe this was just a blip and as Christmas draws nearer, you will make more.
ReplyDeleteI used to sell cards at a market stall in Bath on a friend's stall and I remember hearing someone say how cool my cards were (not knowing I made them as I was pretending to be a customer) and I was thrilled my hard work paid off.
Your will too my love.
Those dolls are utterly gorgeous. I actually liked the pink wig!!!
Glad you had a good weekend. Good luck with labelling the uniform!
x x x
Glad you had fun despite not making your fortune. Your stall looks lovely perhaps folksy or etsy might be better for you. I used to sell reusable nappies at baby fairs and the sales were always a let down it's trial and error I am afraid.
ReplyDeleteI would have bought everything you had for sale. I love you table and I think it is a shame anyone walked past with just a glance, they missed out on very special items. Better luck at the next sale,
ReplyDeleteMeredith
Your stall looks lovely and although you were £5 down it sounds like it was well worth it for having such a fun time. I bet your next stall will sell loads. x
ReplyDeleteThought of you more than once on Saturday and wondered how it was going. Well done you for getting out there and having a go. It all looked so lovely too! The Christmas fair sounds like a winner. Keep at it. Cx
ReplyDeleteWell shame you made a loss but your table looked gorgeous your stuff is amazing your very talented. Glad its not put you off i'm sure one at christmas would do well as people are looking for gifts then. Well done on doing one i'm sure you have inspired some of us to consider it. Thanks and thanks for a great blog
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you enjoyed it despite it being so quiet. Your stall looked great! I agree about the mohair in dim light - impossible!!
ReplyDeleteaw it looks such a lovely stall though, glad you still seem to be positive despite the fact it was quiet. i would definitely have bought one of your dolls, they're so cute x
ReplyDeleteDo you know what? I really admire you for taking a punt and getting yourself out there and having a go. Good luck to you. I'm glad you weren't put off, it could just be a one off bad day and next time (and the time after that...) you will do really well. Your stall looks lovely and I'm not suprised people liked it.
ReplyDeleteExcellent work, Mrs. I salute you!
xx
You should be really proud of yourself - the stall looks gorgeous and all your things are just beautiful - you've obviously worked so hard. Clever bean...
ReplyDeleteEmily x
Congratulations on your first craft show! Your table looked really cute!! In celebration of this, I'm giving you the Versatile Blogger Award!
ReplyDeleteWow! Your table looks lovely! I've only attended one sale as well, and I was minus two coffees and the table rental :( It is something to do though, and I am glad to hear you made a few contacts. I hope the Xmas one turns out to be a better market for you :)
ReplyDeleteThe stall looked fab, and the dolls look great, glad you enjoyed it and fingers crossed for the next one, take care, Tabs x
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful stall!!! I LOVE your little dollies and birdies! I WAS going to say that I wish I had been at the sale. But, perhaps that wouldn't have been so good for my purse - I think I would have had to buy the whole lot!!!
Your lovely, colourful things have inspired me - crochet is now number 1 on my crafts-to-try list!!!
I've never tried selling at a craft fair or anything like that (I'm pretty new to selling my crafts). But, earlier this year, I held an 'open house' event at home. It was great, as it meant I was able to show people what I'm doing and make some sales (without having to pay out for a stall). It might be something to try if you've haven't done it before???
Carly
x
oh that sucks! Your crafts are gorgeous. It is such an unknown quantity organising a Craft Fair. We stopped organising them at work but because it was so feast or famine.
ReplyDeleteWell done for staying so positive you are quite right! Your wares are lovely and need good homes, get back on that horse.
xx
Well done Sarah, sounds like you had a great time, i love crafts sales, i know its kinda hard to make money but the whole atmosphere is so nice.
ReplyDeleteAlso wanted to let you know you've won the pat it forward from my blog :). E mail me your address when you get a chance so i can send your gift over
Lots of love Karen x
Your goodies look very appealing there together on the table--yes, you did well. So true, moolah isn't everything. I always figure any costs I incur in the course of my crafting are the price I pay for my own entertainment.
ReplyDeleteYour table does look gorgeous and I'm so glad you enjoyed the time out. Stalls are SO hit and miss. I've been selling my Phoenix stuff for 4 years now and occasionally some homemade preserves and stuff and you can just never tell how it's going to go. But, the best bit is making the contacts so get yourself some little business cards made up and sprinkle them around and you'll soon be popular! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteYour table looked fab. I can't believe you didn't sell much. Purely because you didn't getthe people though. You'll do better next time, your stuff is amazing. The main thing is you enjoyed it. Keep it up x
ReplyDeleteLove this! I have an award for you on my blog!
ReplyDeleteoh bless your heart! Your table looked just adorable! I've totally been there - working into the wee hours, feverishly preparing for a craft show... slaving... only to sell very little. It can be discouraging, but your attitude is commendable to say the least! Upward and onward!
ReplyDeleteshame you didnt make any sales but sometimes its like that. I still go to them and enjoy a few hours of crocheting in a different environment than neing at home on my own.
ReplyDeleteYour stall looked great and good luck for next time.xx
don't care how you've stitched it on...it's a great label!
ReplyDelete