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Blog: View from a Stall

"Thick and fast they came at last!" or "Out with the old, in with the new."

21.2.12

This week has been all about coasters, charms and clock pot photographs.  The Dragonfly Gallery, Watton, Norfolk, have asked me if I have any dragonfly images for their up-and-coming exhibition on this theme.  So I have been adding images of flying critters to the Innocent Collection of practical items with a 'wow' factor.

The thing about photography of all things natural is I keep being challenged to learn more about my subject matter.  For instance, is this flying critter a dragonfly, a damsel fly, a skimmer or a darter? And do they all come under the umbrella of 'dragonfly'? All this because we were trying to get a good angle on a heron beside a river, and found these gloriously coloured critters raining down on us! (Could have done with that umbrella!)

That was some time ago, now, and the photos have been languishing on our computers for a while, until the Gallery asked if we had any. So that's 'in with the new'.

I have also been using some of the time off craft fairs to rationalize the coaster collection, which was getting out of hand.  So say goodbye to Great Yarmouth, some water fowl, shots of Lowestoft fountains, a flower or two, sheep, sunsets over Oulton Broad and at Wrentham, paracutists etc.  And say hello to stained glass windows, churches at Walberswick and around Suffolk and Norfolk, and new pigs.

        

"Recently, a customer called me 'remarkable'!"

13.2.12

I must say that is the best thing I've been called for a while! I hope he remarks about me to all his friends and associates; word of mouth is the best recommendation. On which subject, if you like this site, spread the word!

The customer was referring to my photographic skills. It has to be said that I do aim to make people's jaws drop when they see my photographs. One lady, on purchasing a couple of coasters, clapped eyes on a framed image of a sunset and was so entranced she nearly forgot to pay!

But it is encaustic art (painting with heated wax) that really moves me. I can get quite evangelical about the art form. I'm working on a YouTube video involving this little guy;

Introducing Cyan Wax-Block, who believes in striking while the iron is hot!

He will be helping me show you the basic techniques of encaustic art. The iron is not very cheap, it's true. But if it melts your heart, it's worth every penny. You don't need artistic ability. Just let the wax do the work. In minutes, you can be producing paintings with which you can make unique cards or bookmarks to impress your loved ones.

If you are local to me, here in Lowestoft, Suffolk, I offer one-to-one lessons in encaustic art. I can also supply nearly everything you need to get started; all in an attractive box. Because I'm remarkable!!

"So, this is your first fair as a stallholder?"

7.2.12

More tips for newbie stallholders at craft fairs;

On the subject of comfort, even indoor venues can be very cold. Wrap up well. And a carpet square underfoot can be a protection from getting chilly feet. Some people swear by thermals or those electric powered, heated vests/jackets. Others use those hand warmer packs you boil up before the fair, and activate the heat by pressing the button inside the pad.

Get insurance ahead of time. Public and product liability is demanded more and more by organizers, and is advisable in case of accidents at fairs. Organizers are not responsible for your stall. You are. Also, if you can afford it, all risks policies cover your goods.

I find there is quite a debate about whether to demonstrate your craft. Does it encourage sales by generating interest? Or does it put people off buying because they don't want to interrupt you? Personally, I'd hold off demonstrations till you are more experienced, rather than jumping in with both feet. (Even if those feet are standing on a carpet square!)

Don't forget a float.  I find £20 of change (maybe including a £5 note) is usually sufficient. And take a note pad to list all your wonderful sales! My first sale was quite a buzz!! Don't expect to earn a living. There is a recession on and sales are harder to come by, week by week. We're talking pin money, for many of us.

I find offering a variety of crafts and practical items of quality, not found in the shops, helps sales. If people think they can buy a coaster that looks like it cost far more than it did, they can hold their heads up a little higher. Their belts feel a little less tightened if they have an original encaustic art painting, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous photograph on their wall, or a card worth giving to a discerning 'arty' person.

There is so much more I could write, but this should give you a start. There's a lot to learn, but it can be fun. It gets you out among friendly people; your work gets seen and admired. However, if you don't enjoy it at least 70% of the time, don't do it.

"Where do I start?"

30.1.12

I'm often asked by new crafters for tips on finding craft fairs and running stalls.  Here's just a few ideas; FINDING CRAFT FAIRS: Check the local press. In my area, the 'What's On' and small ads can be productive.

The internet e.g.stallfinder.com I have found useful. You can go on craft forums and try asking where venues are, but there you are reliant on the presence of a crafter with knowledge of your local area.

Once you have found a venue, it is worth visiting a fair there and talking to the organizer. Chances are they organize other fairs, too. If it's a regular affair, you get a feel for the place by being there.  Obvious point, but often missed. Do they know of other organizers, too?  Ask stallholders; we're a friendly lot.

CONTACTING ORGANIZERS: Ask the size of the stall (table space, or size of table if they provide them). Many are 6 foot, but it can vary a lot. Are tables and chairs provided? I once assumed if the table was laid on, there would be chairs. There weren't! (I avoid the obvious joke about laying on tables).

Is electricity provided? Now, I've never needed this, but some crafters use spotlights on their stalls. Beware regulations about electrical equipment you provide.
What does a stall cost? I've been to fairs where fees were £0.00, £3.50, £9.00 or £25.00 a day! Mind you, the big dos at places like Sandringham and the Norfolk Showground can be well over £100.00 a day. I know of one fair that cost £350.00. So ask!!!
Check where and what advertizing the organizer is doing. The biggest complaint crafters have when the footfall is low (people don't show up to see your finery!) is the advertizing must have been poor.
When to set up stall? Allow yourself at least an hour, organizer permitting. It takes far more time than you think.
Forgive me for sounding like my mother (you're never forgotten, Mum!), but find out where the venue's toilets are. Knowing this can help you decide whether to accept offers from loved ones to help on the stall. A long hike with your stall unattended can be an anxious experience, even if the crafter next door keeps an eye on your stock. And you know what happens when you're anxious....
More ideas next week. Watch this spot. (Or rather, that spot up there, above this entry!)

"When I am ill, my finger nails are the neatest they have ever been."

23.1.12

A week of illness has passed more or less unseen. I was hoping to add to the blog a piece on help for novice crafters. Next week, I hope. Newbie crafters, please hang on to your cards, images, beads, paintings, flannel bunnies, light pulls, door wedges, glass etchings, wooden toys, hollyhocks or whatever, till then. For now, here’s an expansion on last week’s offering.

One day, Science and Philosophy, Art and Craft, and matching socks may live together in perfect harmony. Then housewives worldwide may breathe a sigh of relief, as odd socks no longer exit the washing machine, when pairs went in. Then we may understand that an embroideress can express herself as creatively and meaningfully as a watercolour painter. And then we may have to kick a Hadron Collider to prove it exists.

Meanwhile, I content myself with this question; where have all the spectacles gone?

You see, I find it a fascinating fact that so many people visit craft fairs and say they are sorry, they don’t have their spectacles with them. I mean, I don’t see the point of tumbling over our threshold without your glasses. And I wear varifocals, so I should see the point, shouldn’t I?

Other notable offerings from the behaviours of craft fair visitors;

“Everywhere you go you buy marmalade and stuff but never eat them – have cupboards full of them – but they are nice, aren’t they?”

If she never eats them, how does she know they’re nice? No, Claire, leave your logic at home, along with the odd socks and the spectacles.

Then there was the woman who (talking to another crafter) suddenly announced:

“It’s amazing what you can do with a flannel!”

What you do in the privacy of your own home is your business, Madam!

And on the subject of reasons for not buying in the grip of a recession; “I won’t buy any more, I can’t carry it home.”

Finally, on purchasing two coasters with photographs of animals in them, a lady said with mischief and satisfaction; “I don’t know which is naughtier, the squirrel or the cat!”

My money is on the lady….>

"There's Nought As Strange As Folk" or:
"Where Have All the Spectacles Gone, Long Time Passing..?" and other issues at craft fairs.

15.1.12

For instance, if I had a penny for every exhibition goer or craft fair visitor who said to me: "I've left my specs at home/somewhere." my bank manager and I would be laughing.  But then, I am often at least smiling, as the weirdest things get said at craft fairs.  Here's a few examples:

E mail:sales@claire-innocent-artandcrafts.co.uk  or  claire.innocent@yahoo.co.uk

Tel: 07712520007

Claire Innocent Art and Crafts, Hill Crest, Colville Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 9QT