We arrived at a dark, rainy Brentwood Leisure Centre at 8am, unloaded the stock, chairs and other bits and pieces and went to the hall. We found our table - a great space along the outer wall of the hall, which looked right down one of the inner aisles. Next to us on our left was a lovely man and lady selling homemade Christmas crackers, and on our right were another couple selling pretty jewellery.
This is how we set up the stall, that's my Mum in the background lol
I am ashamed to admit I got really stressed and moody whilst setting the stall up. I was like that at Laindon too. I don't know why. After I'd calmed down and everything was done we had to wait around for about an hour before the hall was opened to the public. So I took the opportunity to have a look round at the other vendors. There were some lovely crafts and gifts available.
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When the hall opened at about 10:15am I was really nervous, and didn't think I'd sell anything. But I got my first sale after about 30mins; a lady bought a scarf and a pink Monstie (the pink Monstie that was guarding my money at the last fair!). After about an hour my Dad turned up to see how we were doing.
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A fire alarm went off at about 1pm, and we all had to evacuate. It was bloody cold outside! My Mum and I spotted my Nan, cousin Clair and her daughter Katie standing round waiting to get in. We went and talked to them, and when the hall was opened up again they came over to my stall. They insisted on buying some stuff, although I said they didn't have to pay!
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By the end of the day I'd sold 45 items, including 30 members of my Amigurumi Army! They have now been dispatched all around Essex, I hope they'll do me proud! I'd cleared over half of my stock, so I was well pleased with how the day had gone. I think the highlight was a little boy that bought a teddy bear ami. He was so sweet, and really seemed to love the bear! It makes all the time I spent making them ami's well worth it when you get reactions like that!
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I'd love to do the show again next year. I may book it up soon, so I know I'll definitely get a place. It's been a great experience, and has kept me busy all year round. I'd definitely recommend doing a craft fair to anyone that makes their own items, it's great to see people's faces when they see your work. The money is a plus point, but not the main reason I did it.
Oh, and when I turned on my computer about 30mins ago I found an email from a lady offering me a shop of my own in Wickford! A SHOP! I was so stunned and happy that someone thought that much of my work that they'd offer me a whole shop! I'd so take her up on the offer, but unfortunately I can't afford the rent at the moment, and I couldn't make up and maintain a stock big enough for a shop. But it's so great to be asked!
This week I have some custom orders I need to work on - I'm really busy at the moment, it's great! I don't know if I'll get time to do Best Of tomorrow so I may do it Wednesday instead.
