Although It's Far Too Warm...

Although it's far too warm for this summer vampire (I hate hot weather, don't really wake up till late afternoon, do very little outdoor selling, etc.) it is time to start thinking about Christmas Markets..
I know, I know, you'd rather have root canal than think about the 'holiday' right now, but for those of us who attempt to add to our ltttle nest egg through making and selling stuff, the time has come, as the walrus said, to speak of many things...
A friend and I have been busy plotting our strategies together (somewhat)..we'll be doing two fairs on the Island, not 'together' but at the same time, and I also, of course, will be at the Duncan Farmer's Market every Saturday that our rainy weather permits. I've signed up for two pretty major fairs (at least in these parts, they're major)..one called Christmas Chaos, also in the city of Duncan, but a biggie on the Central Island, and another in the suburban area near our capital city, Victoria, also a biggie, located at the Saanich Fairgrounds, on that little penninsula of land to the South.
Many markets in this area are completely ridiculous regarding costs..several are between $700-$1,000 and things here economically aren't much better than anywhere else..yet they do get vendors, who apparently make great swathes of cash..
I disapprove, and won't participate, not only for obvious reasons (I'd need a big bank loan to finace such an expensive three days) but also because these fairs charge admission...I personally, don't get it - why pay money to spend money? Guess that's just me....
So, we'll see you (or not) at Christmas Chaos, Nov 12th & 13th, or at the Saanich Fairground on Nov. 26th and 27th...
Or, of course, any given Saturday, at the Duncan Farmer's Market...from this September to mid-December..
And to all a good-night....

A Saga of Epic Disaster....

Hello. dear Readers!
Last Wednesday was my first time at the Chemainus Street Market, and quite an experience was has by all..
Personally, had a literal river running through my booth, as an out-of-nowhere flash flood decided to leave us a deposit, a big one, and soaked customers went flying off back to tourist buses, every seller ran to their vehicles to grab the supposedly unnecessary canopy walls to protect their goods...and I sold absolutely nothing that day...
Despite the epic weather and lack of sales, I met some nice people and it's always interesting to start at a new location; gonna try not to let myself get too discouraged.
In the pics I've included, you can see the unique pottery of Pogie, a man with a lot of charm and blarney who is a retired art teacher..I think his things are like no one else's, and I'm a big fan of the original..
The Holdens were selling next to me at the last Saturday Duncan Market, and here they are at Chemainus, too, with their fragrant (but not overpoweringly so) milled soaps and lotions..very pretty, and very reasonable, and milled soap lasts forever..
Maggie..what can I say, in another, wealthier lifetime I would love for this woman to tailor-make my clothes for me. You should see the delight on peoples`faces when they first arrive at her booth..
I`ve saved Bill, (looking down to make sure I get the full effect of his printed apron,) standing amidst the colourful flowers and produce of Providence Farm..I`ve blogged about the Farm before. Last year, I did a Christmas Fair at their pretty chapel building, in the middle of acreage and horse paddocks..they are a wonderful organization..but trust Bill to not be looking into the camera..
Well, off to the Duncan Market tomorrow, better weather, and hopefully some sales..
Canada Post began rotating strikes at Midnight last night (Thursday) so the giveaway will have to wait...

And for my First Event...

Pictured to the right of this note is the poster, for my first craft fair of the season..a benefit for the "Cowichan Women Against Violence"
Last year's fair was the first, and a wonderful time was had by all..this year we've moved to a larger venue.so if you are in the neighborhood, looking for fabulous homemade gifts and prefer spending your money to suport those who can use your assistance, please come by...
Looking forward to seeing you there!