I think I started making stuff for my annual craft fair appearances pretty much straight after I had packed away from the last one I did in December 2022. My laser cutter is well past its sell-by date so I use it as much as possible before it fails (which can be abruptly and permanently). I’ve spent the last few days prepping the stall, checking, barcoding and pricing stock, working out how to use a new card reader and app and making last-minute extras.
Dates for your diary
- Active Arts Craft Market, Countesthorpe Academy (LE8 5PR)
Saturday 28th October, 10-4pm
Admission charge £2 for adults, children free. More than 50 stalls to browse and refreshments are available until 2pm. - Whetstone Baptist Church Christmas Fair (LE8 6LJ)
Saturday 2nd December – details TBC
Behind the scenes (BTS)
I thought you might appreciate a quick peek at how I prepare my stall. Feel free to skip to the next section if you’re not interested…
Firstly, I rescue my upstands from their storage in the garage, clean off the dust and cobwebs and then touch up the paintwork. I check the fabric tablecloth isn’t moulding and then measure out the width of the stall, twice, so that I know I’m working in the right space.
Next, I glued down bits of vinyl lettering that had lifted and switched out the card payment options for updated versions. Then it was a matter of dusting down the shelves and popping them into position. The raised shelves also allow things like the cash box and bags to be stored underneath to be accessible from the back. They’re draped with another length of fabric.
These are my price tags. Originally, I intended that the blackboard bit to wipe clean after using chalk pens, but that didn’t quite work out. I now use the chisel tip black paint pen to blot out the previous pricing and rewrite the new price when it’s dry.
Up to now, I have used hooks on the back upright to hang my ornaments/baubles. This time, with there being taller products on the shelf, I didn’t have room.
After significant thought went into how to gain extra height whilst still being able to deconstruct for storage, I decided to see what I had stashed in the garage.
Hidden away were two long-forgotten wire frames from Ikea (Udden) that worked out really well once I’d popped to B&Q for some coach bolts and washers. The ornaments are hung from what appear to be plastic hooks blended with a carabiner clip, possibly some form of curtain hook. Perfect. And found those stashed away in the junk drawer.
Finally – justification for not throwing out stuff…
Then it’s time to lay everything out. I have rough sections planned out, keeping the centre area clear height-wise so that I can reach across to see and serve customers. There are rough sections to the layout, grouping similar products. I also bear in mind what will move and be replaced as items sell.
After it’s laid out, it’s time to price up. And then disassemble everything before the next Studio session, packing ready to take.
The whole process takes a couple of days and is well worth doing to check everything is in place, enough stock is made for sale and it all looks professionally put together. First impressions count!
What’s on sale?
Everything on my stand is handcrafted by me. Some items are from others’ designs, but most are designed, prototyped and made by me from scratch. For the Countesthorpe craft market, I have to stick to laser-cut or engraved items due to the curated nature of the fair. There will be some more diverse items added for the church Christmas fair in December.
On the left of the stall, there are various serving boards and coasters. I’ve tried to find amusing/meaningful quotes to engrave onto either the wood or slate stock. There are also etched slate signs suitable for outdoor use.
I’ve also updated a popular design – the Isaiah passage is now available in 4mm walnut or beech veneer versions.
Amongst other items, the middle section features a selection of wooden gift tags, hand-decorated wooden signs, layered wood wreaths and two variations of hexagonal displays.
To the right, there are two styles of advent calendar boxes. The red Scandi-style box has a reduced price from last year. The tall ‘house’ style advent box features a back-lit layered nativity scene and is a classic black and gold combo.
Also for your consideration are repurposed lanterns, decorative wooden bauble trees and a couple more signs.
There are some new ornaments to choose from this year, including a 3D spoked nativity scene, a set of six with a ‘carols’ theme and some with an on-trend rattan background.
The log-slice ornaments are a pre-COVID design and were very popular then, so they have made a return. Let’s hope it’s a welcome one!
There are also wooden three-panel hanging signs, nativity sets – both are layered, and one style is backlit, more bauble tree designs and a gorgeous dual-wood design featuring Mary, Joseph and the baby Christ.
If anything runs out at Countesthorpe, I can take orders for collection at the church Christmas fair (excepting serving boards and slate items). Unfortunately, unless you’re prepared to pay the extortionate postage charges, items are not available for mail order.
I hope this small exposé encourages you to attend either of the fairs and support my endeavours and those of other stall holders. If you’d like any further details or to perhaps place an order for items that you’re going to collect, please get in touch.