{The gorgeous orchards in bloom there at the moment!}Hello friends.
Yesterday was market day...
It was a beautiful sunny day, not a breath of wind and we had gorgeous surroundings in which to set up our stall. I am sorry I did not get a chance to take more photo's of the market and surrounds as it really is beautiful setting. The venue is set on a farm with a river running through. Willows weep into the bubbling stream. The azaleas were bright in all their abundant bursting of color-hot pink, purple, red...
The oak trees full with their brand new, bright green spring leaves.
We had a table under the trees in the shade for which I am grateful as it was quite warm in the sun.
A nearby rooster crowed a rather pitiful crow that sounded like it was choking on it's own spit! It was impossible not to laugh each time!
I was up at 6 and out the house by 7:30. Fortunately the farm is only a 4 minute drive from my place. I met my friend, Sam there and we began to arrange and set up. I am so glad we did a trial run of the table at home as we only just finished at 9am! It was nice to know where everything was going to go and not have to stress in that respect!
The early morning "run" was busy and we had our few sales between 9:30 and 11am. I say "few" yes, because sadly we did not do well. I am grateful for having sold something though!
We had a lot of interest, a lot of praise but not enough sales. So purely from a sales perspective the day was a disaster.
However, being the ever-optimist that I am, I had a fun time! It was something new, it was a beautiful day. We got to meet a lot of fellow traders, and people. We got a mailing list going and some inquiries about bulk orders. I sold a total of 10 things (3 sales in total for me).
I believe in my products and I believe that I just need to pick myself up and try again. Perhaps a different venue, a different time of month, who knows. I do realize people in general are tight for money and the recession has hit a lot of people, even here. I also realize that the market might not be right for my goods. And perhaps the fact that it was the end of the month, before pay day might have factored into things. Also maybe even the fact that a lot of people don't carry a lot of cash anymore. This might be something to consider for next time.
I met a lady who was selling items along the same theme as me, but very unique and different to my own. Beautiful things. She was so sweet and helpful, {considering, as she said, she is the competition!}
I feel that if you do not view your own products as unique and special and if they do not portray your own style and personality, then you shouldn't be out there. And I do, I do view them as an extension of me, they reflect who I am. Just like her wonderful goodies reflected who she is and so I feel having said that, there should be enough "room" in the market for crafter's of the same craft, as we are all unique. I don't want to view others as "competition" or be competitive or greedy. It is just not me. I am not out there to make fortunes or to step on anybody's toes or take over. And I certainly hope nobody would view me that way.
Anyway enough waffling! let me show you some photos!
These lovely hair clips are made by my friend Sam. They can be a hair clip or a brooch.
She makes these gorgeous little stuffed hearts. {some of these pictures I put a textured overlay on -just by the way!}
My crocheted jars and her stuffed hearts...
Sam and I.
Me smiling a stupid smile..oh well...
My journals...
I did not take photo's of any of the other stalls as firstly I really did not have time, I took these photos just before the market opened and secondly I didn't want to step on anybody's toes and cause issues, so I thought it best to stick to my own stall. Being a trader with fellow traders you have to be careful of these kind of things-the last thing I want to be accused of is taking photos of someone Else's stall to "copy" their work. I certainly would not want to do that to anybody else.
I think people who do not do this kind of thing themselves, people who are not crafty or busy with their hands per say with a craft, do not understand the time and work that goes into each product produced. Which is why hand crafted items are more expensive than a commercially mass-produced item.I have to calculate the cost of my materials used, the labor involved and other expenses such as fuel, electricity, printing costs, packaging costs. And still put enough mark up on to make sure I cover all of that and earn a bit of profit.
Sam's crocheted/knitted cushions
Her adorable baby headbands. Totally adjustable and just so sweet!
Her cute owl hats,-forgot to take more detailed pictures of them, they are adorable.And my Aprons hanging on the barrel.
And her crocheted heart bunting and the cute sewing books she makes. (for needles, scissors and a pin cushion on the front)
Well that is it!I tell you standing for 6 hours is no joke! My back is killing me today and I feel 100 years old!
Time for a cup of tea!
See you tomorrow!
PS if you were there and visited my stall..please drop a line to say what you liked, didn't like, thought was too expensive-whatever you fancy, feedback of any kind is always appreciated and even cc is appreciated as long as it's not too harsh ! I am a softie!
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