Christmas Pop Up Shop - 2 years on...

Foxy Lady and her Eco Christmas Products

Well, we've completed our first week at the Pop Up Shop, and what a successful week it was. Just to remind you this is the first time the team have embarked on something this scale and it has not been without hard work, particularly for Gillian organising the venue and stall holders, and the constant promotion of it on social media.

Welcome to the Pop Up Shop

Day one we had about 15 sales, and for a venue which is out of the way, and really only accessible (to most) by car, I think this was great. I spent most of my day chatting to customers, meeting other stall holders, and titivating my display, I have been learning from Sue and Gillian (the other organisers) who are much more experienced at selling at craft fairs than me, on how I can enhance the visual look of my goods. I realise early on that this is going to be a great experience for me, hanging around with other crafters, sharing ideas, and eating cake.

I did my first ever Vlog, which is something I plan to evolve into in the New Year, apparantly 'How To...' films are where its at. So I will definitely have to do a 'How to operate a Tilley Iron' at some point for YouTube, among other things. I am posting it here for you, but I will say, it was not planned or rehearsed or even thought about in any way. I just did it.

My First Vlog

The next day I am working with Sue, her business is called Honey and Rose, and she does a make your own bath bomb bauble, workshop. I join in with this one, thinking it would make a nice stocking filler gift. I met Sue a few years ago now, when our children were babies, and we would go to the same toddler groups. Sue has created a thriving business over the last couple making and selling natural skin care products.

Bath Bomb Bauble with Honey & Rose

The rest of the day goes quickly, with a steady flow of people coming through the shop. Sue and I are both chatty, and have fun conversing with the customers, and we consumed lots of tea, whilst trying to keep warm (it has been the coldest two days of the year).
Friday, I did half my day with Sue, then Gillian, and I was happy that the weather has warmed up slightly so I didn't need gloves on.
In the morning I meet the wonderful Sophie, from A Boat Full of Wool. She is a bubbly young woman, that I instantly have a great rapport with (not too difficult if you're both boaters and into crafts). It was interesting that another woman present in Sophies workshop, stated that we sounded like we were talking a different language, things like 'Whats your usual stretch?', which means between which two places do you mostly live. Sophie is about to embark on her second winter on board, and she was as keen to meet me as I was her. I invited her to our Christmas Boat Women's night out, and we shared recommendations on where to get supplies for up-cycling.
Before leaving, Sophie politely asked me how old the other women (Boat) were, I mumbled the number 40 (ish) and tried to make it sound more appealing by saying "and thirty.. thirty something". "Why, how old are you Sophie?" I ask. "21", she says. Crikey, its not often you meet such a young person that has taken the plunge to have the alternative life style that we lead (unless they have been brought up in that environment). I assure her that we are all good fun and young at heart.

A crochet lesson with Sophie from A boat Full of Wool

Friday afternoon, I got to spend with Gillian (her business is called Dragons Hoard), Gillian is very creative and makes an array of beautiful crafts, specialising in jewelry. Gillian is preparing for her workshop for the following morning, how to make a beaded snowflake decoration. I got to help Gillian sort her beads out, I was like a kid in a sweet shop. Then she showed me how to make one, and I produced this beautiful decoration. The photo doesn't do the colours of the beads justice (2019 - this is my favourite ever Christmas decoration)

Beaded Snow Flake

Another crafter selling and doing workshops is the lovely Anne Moon from Moon Beam Gift Art. I was instantly attracted to Anne's work, because its wood, and its pyrography, something I have experimented with myself, but clearly Anne has got it off to an art (excuse the pun).

Anne has a portfolio with her and can create any design you like (shes even got some examples of canal scenes she has done). I will leave you with an example of Anne's work that I took a shine to, I can't think why??? ha ha

oooh ar me'hearties - Moon Beam Gift Art product

December 2019

I thought I would give you an update as to whats happening now.
Well firstly I am pleased to say that the issue of the climate crisis is being taken seriously, though still not with the urgency that is required. Thanks to David Attenborough, Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion, this last year has been particularly enlightening for many.
Now there is more knowledge, and products available for people to make environmental conscious decisions about how they will conduct their Christmas, than 2 years ago.

Whats happened to our crafters?

Many of us are selling in Pandora's Box Emporium, Newbury, including Anne, Gillian and myself. Anne is still doing her pyrography, and Gillian is still organising events and learning new crafts.
Sue from Honey & Rose has grown the business and sells online or at larger shows.
Young Sophie from A Boat Full of Wool, has done incredibly well for herself. She packed in her day job, and is making a full time living out of running craft workshops, privately and in schools. Her name is all over West Berkshire.
Myself, well I am now focusing on my clothing range and am making a modest living from doing alterations. I am involved with a local sustainable group and we do regular markets.
Have yourself a great conscientious Christmas