Wood Green Tag

Hey ho guys! I hope you’re all doing well despite the freezing cold weather, which I’m currently loving at the moment (sarcasm here). I though I’d write up a quick post about last week’s Blue House Yard Saturday Market as it turned out really well.

So I was there early-ish to set up- it always takes longer than I always expect it to. TBF, I spent the first 10 minutes faffing around and trying to keep warm! Even though it was really cold (that wind had a proper bite to it) the market was still really busy; it was lovely to see locals passing by the area. I met Sonia Bienek who runs ‘Sonia B Textiles’ as I had a stall right next to hers, so we were mostly chatting away about what we do, paper (standard convo I think with most designers), and generally just sharing our own experiences of selling work. I think when you do markets you always end up meeting people either from different or similar background and you’re all in it together for the day- sharing that moral support/exchange of knowledge with one another is such a humbling experience.

I really enjoyed it and it’s been such a long time since I last did any kind of craft market! It does take a lot of time to prep but it’s definitely pays of in the end.

If you’re planning on doing a market I have a ‘to do list’ on Google Keep as it keeps me focused on what I need to do. Plus it’s easy to tick off things as you’re going along.

Here are some things to keep in mind (btw, the advice below are all my own opinions based on personal experiences from past shows and craft markets):

A Short (& Concise) Guide for Craft Markets:

The first rule of thumb is: don’t leave it to the last minute! I can’t stress that enough as you want to allow yourself time for displays to arrive etc. Panicking and stress is the last thing you want!

Stock

  • First up, organise your stock. Always bring more than you need as it’s always better to be over-prepared. I will normally go through what I have and plan to have a range of items starting from £1.50 to upwards of £25.00. Of course, this is dependable on what you make! I also look at who is selling on that day as it gives me a ball-park figure of pricing and selecting stock that sort of doesn’t clash with other sellers.
  • Get your cards/prints etc. packaged and labelled up. So if it means buying extra cellophane bags or ordering more stickers online then aim to do that a few weeks before the market starts. Have your prints backed up using sturdy heavy-weight card or paper.
  • Bring paper bags or boxes with you so that when people buy a couple of items they can take their wares away safely. Some customers will say no to a bag if it’s a small item.
  • Have a price list ready as well as price tags for all your items. I printed everything out and then clipped them to the actual products using small bulldog clips as it was super windy on Saturday. Thanks Sonia for the handy tip!

Presentation and Setting Up

  • I did spend sometime looking online on Pinterest and other craft fairs for some inspiration. I liked the look of simple wire frames to hold my cards and prints, which I bought from Flying Tiger. You can also try Ikea or your local charity shop for something slightly different e.g. wooden boxes can double up as an extra stand. I’m not super handy when it comes to DIY (I wish), but you could make your own table stands or magazine rack to save on costs as well as having something unique. I also went on Renegade Craft Fairs Tips and Tricks section for more ideas about layout and presentation.
  • I bought a white sheet from my local fabric shop on Turnpike Lane (£8.00 for 4 meters of fabric. Not bad, like). Tables are often grotty so having a nice clean sheet to make your products look nice is important.
  • I said previously I didn’t do a mock up as I already had in mind how I was going to display my wares. If you have the time and the room I would do it anyway and take a couple of photos so you have something to refer to.
  • I went on eBay and ordered a cardboard card rack to display my greeting cards. It was worth the money as it gave that extra height and appeal to my stand.
  • Get your promo things printed and done such as business cards, promotional postcards/stickers.
  • Have an eye-catching banner that represents your work and business on display!

Other Things

  • Check the weather. Yes, check the weather! I wasn’t prepared on how cold it was going to be. Layer up as the days get colder and bring a cardboard box or a rug to stand on. I have a fold-away camping stool which fits nicely in my suitcase, although I didn’t sit down as I was standing and moving around just to keep warm!
  • Have pens, pins, clips, paper ready on you.
  • Compile a stock list so you know what you have on the day.
  • I don’t have a card reader, not like it was a hindrance, but perhaps it’s something worth considering if you do craft markets on a regular basis.
  • Have water and snacks on you to keep you going throughout the day.
  • Keep float money on you. £10 in change is max for me.
  • Most importantly, have fun!

 

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this and if you have any tips you’d like to share then please leave a comment below. I’ll be back at Blue House Yard for their Christmas Market this coming Saturday (more info here) so do make sure you pop along if you’re in the area.

 

By
Illustration, London

I’m really happy to announce that I’ll be taking part in this year’s Blue House Yard Markets on Saturday 25th November and Saturday 2nd December- get those dates in your diaries folks!

 

The Blue House Yard is based in Wood Green and it’s a new initiative set up by High Street Works Ltd (in conjunction with the council and Meanwhile Space CIC), which promotes and provides opportunities for local businesses who are looking for affordable spaces (see here for more details about the project). With the redevelopment of an old disused space, the whole area itself has been transformed drastically in a positive way that benefits the locals. I hope that Blue House Yard is here for good as Wood Green was in need of something different and unique.

See you there! (And bring your friends and families!).

Location:

For more information about Blue House Yard:

Website: www.bluehouseyard.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/bluehouseyard/

Twitter: @BHYnightmarket

 

By
London

Last night I was busy making signages for my stall for Noel Park’s first Jumble Trail and I’m really happy with the way they turned out too- nice and simple. I don’t really do hand painted signs that often either so it was quite refreshing to be able to do something slightly new.

I was going to bake a cake for my stall too, but then I decided I was being way too ambitious with the idea so left it at that. Plus, the last time I baked was a distant memory and baking a cake which I’ve never tried out before was probably not a good idea as well.

Some quick ink doodles for my stall.

The finished sign!

I then spent about 30 minutes faffing around with some pom pom and bunting decorations for the outside of the house. When all that was done it started to rain! The weather was a bit rubbish for the first hour or so; I kept on bringing my prints in and out of the house due to the rain, fortunately though, my neighbour from across the road let me borrow her umbrella which was super sweet of her! You can never really trust Google with the weather…

What a lovely way to spend the day meeting my neighbours and generally having a right good old chit chat, as you do! The event for me was more about community spirit, getting to know people from the area, and knowing that your items are going to a good home rather ending up in the bin. The day also prompted some locals who hadn’t signed up for it had spontaneously got out whatever was in their house and made a day of it, which is what I loved about the Jumble Trail.

I’m hoping there’ll be another Jumble Trail in the near future as many of the locals have expressed their interest in another one. Here’s to the kind spirits of Noel Park folks and bring on the jumbley goodness! (Note: for the next one I will have perfected a carrot cake and a Victoria sponge cake).

 

By
Illustration, London

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