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Handmade business

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Spring Equinox and Handmade for Easter

Easter is the main festival we celebrate in England that I feel most uncomfortable about because I am not Christian. I feel that Christmas has evolved to mean something different to people – often it’s about celebrating time with family; however Easter is purely and simply about Jesus. For the last fifteen years or so I’ve done a mini easter egg hunt for my kids at Ostara, the spring equinox, which this year falls today. The Pagan religion interests me and resonates with me, although if pushed to label myself I’d say I was agnostic, bordering atheist with leanings towards Paganism, Buddhism and Christianity! So anyway, whatever your beliefs, I’ve put together a selection of handmade items that would be lovely as gifts at this time of year….

craft fair advice

To craft fair or not to craft fair (Part 2)

February 28, 2014

So, if you’re thinking about selling at craft fairs, there is a lot to consider first. Think about the time you will spend on this – planning your stall, travelling to the fair and the setting up and packing up time, as well as the actual time of the fair….

To craft fair or not to craft fair? (Part 1)

February 21, 2014

This is a question I have been pondering for a couple of years now. The problem is about craft fairs: they are full of lots of lovely wonderful things that no-one needs….

Craft Fair checklist

December 9, 2012

I’m by no means an expert, but this year was my fourth doing Christmas craft fairs, and I think I’ve pretty much sussed it as to what you need to take with you. So I hope any other stallholders will find this useful…

Crafty Castle Cary

January 13, 2012

So, it was craft fair time just before Christmas. Kilver Court in Shepton Mallet didn’t run one this year, so I was hoping to do the 2 fairs nearest Christmas at Frome’s Cheese and Grain. Unfortunately the lady running it, after about 5 weeks of me asking her, finally told me there wasn’t space. So a few weeks ago I did a stall at Caryford Hall in Castle Cary. Having seen the type of shops in Castle Cary High Street (lovely little shops that I love, but quite expensive) I decided to risk the £25 pitch fee. I’m glad I did – I did very well and was my most successful craft fair yet. From a buyer’s point of view I’d recommend it too – there was a really nice variety of crafts and lots of choice for Christmas gifts. To be honest, several of the stalls were selling higher priced items, so were out of a lot of visitors’ budget, and they didn’t do so well. Perhaps the local rich people were busy shopping in the High Street! However, the fact that the hall is a bit out of town, meant that people had made an effort to go there, and were therefore ready to spend their money if they saw things they liked.

Fathers’ Day present ideas

It’s not far till Fathers’ Day, but you’ve still got time to order something original. I can personalise many different gifts with a message or name of your choice. Please have a look at my Etsy shop for ideas, but let me know if there’s anything else you have in mind. Here’s a few things your Dad might like…

Whenever I’ve done a gift stall at a school fair, commissions for name plaques for a child’s bedroom door is always the most popular. Every kid wants their name on their door!

My extra special log basket

Have you ever had something made especially commissioned for you? An item of clothing made to your measurements perhaps? A portrait of your child or pet? Well, I never ever had, until recently. I asked friend and willow crafter Amanda Rayner to make me a log basket.

Being on telly.

Ok, so I’m not likely to be on telly, but I am one of probably thousands of crafters who have applied to be on Kirstie Allsopp’s next programme. These are the pictures I sent in with the form as examples of my pyrography.

Christmas Craft Fair at Kilver Court

I did a stall at this craft fair in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, with my pyrography and this is my review for the benefit of other crafters and also visitors.

The Hens are OUT!

February 17, 2011

I’ve had my first international commission for a pyrography sign. I’m very excited!

Hearts of Glass

November 28, 2004

An internet shop selling lovely Christmas decorations and presents.