The Seasonal Craft Fairs Wind Down...

My holiday craft fair season is winding down, and it hasn't been what I could have hoped...
The flu followed my back problems so missed one three day fair, which, according to fellow crafters, was awful..no one wanted to pay admission, so few came, even fewer bought..
I broke my own rule on this one, which is never to spend  more than $100 per day for market fees, and never  vend at a fair that charges admission...
So, glad I missed it..an expensive lesson to learn, but then, the ones worth  learning so often are...
My next one is this Saturday at a smaller community venue...looking forward to it, a new one for me...at the Mill Bay Community Hall..
Mill Bay is a tiny but lovely town on the East Coast of Vancouver island, near where I live, and its coastline is where I go and walk when the weather is  much nicer than it has been lately...a gorgeous place..
If you are local and reading this, stop by, it's a free one...
In the mean time, here are two of my latest hats...

Is it just me, or do I seem to  have a real tendency this season to go for the purple side of life? These are both  done with multiple yarns  and both are of the purple/lavender/pink/fuchsia family...the adult hat is a medium and the child's hat sized for a 2 or 3 year old...
And what are you all up to?

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....

How About a Reverse Grinch This Season?

I spent this moning dropping off a few hats to a Women's Centre, for them to sell in their retail store as a fundraiser, in Duncan, the neighboring town where I sell at the Farmer's Market on Saturdays..
This was, for all intents and purposes, my Christmas presents to be given this year..
I thought I'd share my own Christmas experience for 2010 with my readers, since all of the blogs I read are full of wonderful decorations in the home, ideas about Christmas crafts, recipes, stories about kids, grandkids and families, etc. etc...In other words, the usual..
But I'm different..a single, childless early retiree sneaking up on what is referred to as her senior years, but frankly, psychologically kicking and scratching all the way, like a wet cat in a wringer, and I have to say that it gets to be a bit daunting for those of us who have no families or even friends in their new home towns to share the holiday season with..
Do not think that I am complaining, or giving anyone a hard time for their traditional Christmas feasting and partying..I'm not..the choices I had to make to live here were conscious ones, and I don't regret moving here for a second, but remember the name of my blog...
All I'm trying to say is, for those of you who have insanely busy lives, crowded with people that you love or at least like (or are related to, and have to pretend a fondness you don't feel) that there are many of us out here in the world who don't, by choice or chance, have the same experience of the holidays..
If you could find it in your heart to cut these folks some slack (and I'm betting you all know at least one) it would be a lovely gesture to include them, that is, if they aren't like me and generally turn down such offers, but I'm a tough old nut at Christmas..I know that many people would love the chance to feel part of something..it would add little or no cost to your celebration, but would be a wonderful present to someone who might otherwise be sitting in front of the tube with a beer and a microwave burrito..think about it.
And to all of you who read this blog, whether it's a turkey, ham, tamales or whatever your own 'feast' and party entails (or not) I would like to wish you all the very best of the Season, and an even better New Year to come!

Holiday Presents to Myself...

I said in a previous blog entry that I would share my few purchases from that semi-disasterous first craft fair- and here are the first ones..
the woman who created these used tiny bits of stained glass the way most people use tiles in mosaics-glued to a piece of glass, then grouted when complete! With such a beautiful result, each approx.5X7 inches.....When I first saw them I was surpised they were framed, with backing cardboard and easel-type stands-it seemed to me that you would want the light to pass through them-so that's what I did with mine-removed the backing stuff, and, though I tried to remove them from the frames , it couldn't really be done without damaging the edges, so for now, they'll stay framed until I can arrange to have them redone or find the wherewithal to do it myself- my idea was to frame them in thin black metal, one on each side of a centerpiece of clear glass (patterned) with hanging eyes at the top, so it could be suspended by clear strong fishline in a window..but till then, I can see them this way, more or less through my wildly blossoming Christmas cactus..another picture of which I included, just because.

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!

It's That Time of Year Again!

I'm very excited to be planning out my holiday craft fairs..what about you? This year I have three, one on the 12th,13th and 14th of November.. a benefit for the Women Against Violence and Transition House organization. I did their first one last year and it was a wonderful event..met many vendors who have since become my 'pals', and who also sell at the outdoor Duncan's Farmer's Market.
Then, on the 20th, I am signed up for the Ladysmith Olde Fashioned Christmas Fair, which is supposed to be a good one, and handy- a few blocks down the street..especially nice if we have snowy weather-which we might this year...
My last fair is at a wonderful place called Providence Farm, which I think I can provide a link to- it's a beautiful working farm that provides jobs and assistance for those who are challenged or troubled, and they have onsite counselors and management from the neighborhood, as well as locums who come from all over Canada to learn their agricultural techniques..they sell produce, flowers and eggs at the farmgate, as well as being fellow vendors at The Duncan Farmer's Market..this one, too, is supposed to be well attended, and is in early December, perfect for all those last minute shoppers....
I do love selling outdoors, but in the season, there is something about a cosy little fair and the wonderful friendly energy a bunch of happy poeple, buying, and selling, can generate..it can be magic.
I'll still be selling outdoors, too- we go til Dec 18th-then restart indoors for the months of Jan-Feb...then back outside in March, and a New Year begins.
Are any of you selling at a holiday fair, or planning on attending? It's a great place to find seasonal gifts as well as something wonderful for yourself, and knowing that you are buying from the person who created the item feels good too- no middleman, and supporting individuals in my community is something that I always do-as well as selling, I often end up spending far too much at these fairs-but enjoy every minute of it!

http://www.providence.bc.ca/craftfair.html

and here is the link for the CWAV craft fair:

http://cwav.viviti.com/

The Last Fair of the Year...

Yes, it's finally over..the Christmas season's last Farmers' and Crafters' Market has come to an end, and I'm glad I did it...it was very cold and very clear, felt like snow a bit, you know, when you get that taste on the back of your tongue, and your bones just feel it coming? Not supposed to though, so maybe it's just because it was very Christmassy today...
There were lots of decorations, and I was situated in a booth next to a horticulturalist wanderer who grows this and that, and wanders through the forest picking up this and that, and then creates astounding wreaths and mixed plant and flower bouquets (in the Winter!) so very beautiful that I was sorely tempted...
On the other side was a woman new to me, a massage artist,..yes, I'm conciously calling her that from first-hand knowledge, because when things were slow she "used" me to seduce business from all the strollers and window-shoppers...it was wonderful to be used in such a fashion!
I had my first taste of British-style ginger cake, and very good, tart and not too sweet, it was, too...
I bought homemade "smokie" sausages made from organically raised meat at a price that was competitive with the filler-and-drug-laden ones in regular markets...I've heard they are to die for...
And I sold a couple of things, although really I was lucky to sell at all, not many buyers about, probably too cold, and they were too sensible, to go wandering about the street in mid-December...
There were old-fashioned carolers in full 19th-century costume, walking slowly through the aisles of booths and singing, in harmony, the old carols, and the smiling and hugging, and the Merry Christmasing, just went on and on for the short four hours of the Market...

Now back home and exhausted from hauling heavy stuff back and forth, back and forth, from my truck to the storeroom, in the middle of my apartment block, I can't stop grinning, either...so glad I went and had a chance to experience all that sweetness and goodwill we hear about but rarely get enough of..

And spreading it around is gonna be easy...
May you all enjoy, in whatever fashion the season brings to you, your holiday time, just as I have...

Craft Fair Virgins, Unite!

As Autumn lengthens into Winter, the time is quickly approaching for Christmas or "holiday" fairs...and I am selling at three so far, two in November and one in December.
For anyone contemplating this for the first time, it can be quite intimidating to try and figure out what to do, and if the Fair's organisers aren't (organised), you can find yourself with more questions than answers...
What to bring, how much to bring, what about a float, (what's a float?), how do I price things, how do I display my work, what about credit cards? What about someone to show up and take over when I need to pee?
Okay, that last one is probably the most important, because you will probably need to at least once during a one-day fair, which can be between 4 and 9 hours long...
Here are some answers, and if anyone thinks of any other questions, please comment and I'll try to answer next time. And remember, there is no wrong or stupid question, except the ones left unasked...
To begin, I am assuming that holiday fairs at this time of year will mostly be indoors, so the following suggestions are for indoor fairs.
First, bring whatever isn't being provided as part of the fee: are chairs provided, tables, table coverings, lights? You may or may not need all or any of these just for setting up. Normally, tables are provided as well as standard folding chairs, but if it's a good fair you shouldn't be sitting down much anyway.
Invest in a beautiful piece of material to cover your table and drape to the foor, hiding the ugly legs and what will inevitably be your storage area. Second hand stores are a great inexpensive way to accomplish this; if you live in a fairly large city, fabric outlet stores have great deals on velvets, panne, etc. For $10-$20 you can make your table look luxurious and inviting.
Use layers or tiers...what this means is, don't have all your items at just flat table level-lend some interest to your display by having tiers or shelves to display work. Also doing this increases the amount of space available for display. If you don't have anything but the containers you brought your stuff in with, stick them under the pretty cloth on top of your table to disguise them, or have a complementary piece of fabric that goes on top of your other, larger piece to make your display more attractive to the eye.
This is all dependent on what you make and sell, of course.
If you can possibly get to the place beforehand, and see what the lighting is like, bravo...if not, most halls are poorly lit for things like jewelry, so you might want to request a table along the wall with use of an outlet. Bring your own lamp-and try to bring something that either complements your display or is unobtrusive-an ugly plastic lamp can ruin a good display.
If you sell anything at all that can be enhanced by your customers gazing admiringly at themselves in a mirror, wearing your creation or holding up earrings to see "how they look", please remember to bring your own mirror. It's really bad form to send potential customers to another booth with a mirror to look at your creations-and they may well be distracted by that seller's stuff and not buy from you at all.
A float- please have enough small change and bills to cover any possibility-do you charge tax? Bring lots of coins, and don't forget a double receipt book, one copy for you and one for the customer. It is also considered bad form to depend on your fellow craftspeople for change, especially early on ...if you take three twenties for 3 five dollar puchases, you will be soon out of small bills and out of luck..try to gently encourage your prospective buyers to get change themselves. I price my stuff so that a minimum amount of small change is necessary-everything ends in 0, 5 or 8-and luckily, Canadians have one and two dollar coins, which means I only need to have fives, a ten or two, and a couple of two dollar coins. Makes life easier-if you can price with this kind of formula, try it...
If someone wants to use a credit card and you aren't set up for that, apologize, and ask them politely to go to the nearest ATM (which, clever you, you have managed to locate ahead of time). I have never lost a sale because I wouldn't take credit cards-most people who attend craft fairs know how it works, and have smaller bills and don't try and use what you cannot redeem. If you feel comfortable doing so, and the sale is big enough, you can promise to deliver IF they live locally in exchange for a deposit now and the balance on delivery, or what ever combination of ideas works for you. Because I do a lot of custom work, I ask for half in advance, forfeit to me if the rest isn't forthcoming or any problem arises, and the balance on delivery. Again, if you take a deposit for items other than those that have an expiration date, you are protected, and they are motivated to return...
The rest of what I have to say seems commonsensical, but I'm gonna say it anyway...try to engage buyers without being overbearing, be polite, wish them a good afternoon etc, but don't ask if they need help unless they look as if they need it-I make hats, and after a greeting, I wait about 30-45 seconds to see if they are just glancing in or seem to want to stay, and I tell them to go ahead and try things on, if they'd like to...giving people permission is different than pressuring them, and you'd be surprised how relieved some people look that I offered, and they didn't have to ask...also, it encourages people to interact with my stuff, and in my case, touching my soft, bright-coloured hats is a positve experience, and encourages people to find "their" hat.
Keep smiling, but don't take any crap...there is usually one a day...be polite but firm and they will leave...
I would say don't sit and read, be sure you are available to the potential buyer, but the woman selling next to me did just that for the entire fair, wasn't terribly forthcoming (shy? perhaps...) and sold like crazy-because she had some of the most beautiful pottery I've seen, and people were so delighted with her work that they just wanted to buy it...we can't all be that lucky, but I presented that scenario to show you that being flexible is more important than a rigid following of any set of rules.
Lastly, whatever happens, enjoy yourself! Even on the days when the sales aren't necessarily there, I have a great time talking to the people strolling by, and the other vendors.

Disasters Need Love Too...

Today I screwed up and didn't sign up in time for my Market in Duncan, and that is a mini-disaster, but my favourite (?) one happened one blustery Christmas season in Vancouver in the late 70's...
Like many others at the time, I was selling my crafts outside the Hudson's Bay at Granville and Georgia...they didn't like it, but they knew enough not to come down too hard on us during the holiday season (bad publicity).
I was at the tail-end of selling some 'bread dough' ornaments...tail-end because I had done this for a few years, and I was sick of having people say " Oh, I can do that myself, it's just salt and flour and water". Yeah, and clay is just , well, dirt and water, or clay, which, you could dig up yourself and make your own pottery, right?
Whatever! I was spending upwards of 2 hours apiece on them and selling them for $3, to $10 for the really elaborate door wreaths, that took about 5 hours. They were beautiful, and always sold, but I wasn't even making minimum wage..I was a student at the time (University) and between Student Loans and 3 part time jobs, I was barely making it financially, so I thought I'd try this new-to-me craft...

As I was saying, outside Hudson's Bay, in the third week of December, extremly cold, and a biting wind...I had sold out of all my small ornaments like teddy bears, Santas, etc, and had nothing left but 4 really nice (if i do say so!) angel plaques with outspread wings, painted like old Renaissance faces in a fresco...one young woman was walking by, gasped, and said "They're beautiful!" She bought one, handed me a twenty and wouldn't take any change...how nice, and a lovely gesture of appreciation..are you wondering about the disaster yet?
I had my plaques on a corkboard, leaning on a stand-up painting easel, and about a minute after I sold my first angel plaque, a big gust of wind came along and knocked over my easel, the angels catapulted to the sidewalk, and, of course, shattered into pieces.
As people walked by, unheeding, I picked up what I could and disposed of the rubble, folded up my easel and waited at the bus stop, tears in my eyes, yes, but also a smile for my 'angel' who wouldn't take any change...