Stow on the Wold May 19th 2007

[Apple Tree Crafts]

We are almost fully booked now, with 2 spaces left.....but going quickly!

Roll up! Roll up! Book your space now!

We do have our full quota of jewellers already (they are SO keen!) I'd really love some soap makers or candlemakers though.....full quota of interiors too!

Roll up! Roll up!

Jules

[Apple Tree Crafts]

Just bumping...not long now until May 19th!

Jules

[Apple Tree Crafts]

...I hope people will still want to come!

We could really do with some soapmakers, candlemakers, knitters etc.

Jules

[Snow angel]

Im soooooooooo thinking about this one but i just cant make my mind up

[Apple Tree Crafts]

...we had a cancellation.

I hate when that happens, but it's not the crafter's fault.

Six places left then!

Jules

[Katianne]

What crafts do you have so far Jules?

[BeyondBeads]

That cancellation didn't happen to be jewellery did it......?!!! :confused:

[Apple Tree Crafts]

...um...jewellers (all diff types), three mixed stalls, homewares, artists, photographers, cardmaker...cripes..I'm forgetting, and I only read the list about an hour ago. Even forgot if Kate's coming...jings!;)

Laura, if you're really keen, I'll squeeze you in, but it does 'up the ante' where competition is concerned...that would be 6 jewellers.

Jules

[BeyondBeads]

I do already have something booked that day but i'm feeling it will be rubbish (it was last time!!!)

I'm really keen but will have to discuss with my OH as i will make him accompany me!!!

[Katianne]

I'm really keen but will have to discuss with my OH as i will make him accompany me!!!

Tell him to bring more lemon cake!!! :)

[Snow angel]

My p c is playing up could you post me the booking form for this one i think i can do it and this is 1 i want to do

[Katianne]

Yey - another forum member to meet!!!! :jippie:

[BeyondBeads]

Oh my god! That lemon cake!! He ate the whole thing, honest to god, finished it up when we got home! Piggy! :o

[Snow angel]

Yesssssssssssssssss i can and want to do this one please please can i have an order form but by post please if thats ok

[Apple Tree Crafts]

My p c is playing up could you post me the booking form for this one i think i can do it and this is 1 i want to do

Posted it 5 minutes ago!

I really hope you come - I've never seen nappy cakes, I'm intrigued!

Jules

[Katianne]

Can you explain what Nappy Cakes are? Sorry, I can't figure it out!!!!

[Snow angel]

Right i will do my best lol

Nappy cakes are designed to look like a tiered cake. Each tier is made using disposable nappies and “iced” in a baby item such as a blanket, baby grow, muslin or bib. Useful items for baby are then used to “decorate“each tier, including bodysuits, soothers, bottles,blankets, bodysuits, socks and much more


Each Nappy Cake comes on a cake board and is beautifully wrapped in cellophane, topped with a coordinating bow

[Snow angel]

Oh yes i will be there b/f as just come home and i asked if its ok and he said yes i have to ask him as i dont drive and he as to take me where ever

[willowmax]

:D Wot's this about Lemon Cake - did I miss it at Cheddar!!

I hope Laura is not talking about the same event as I am down for on the 19th - its in the same sort of location as the one she is organising on the 7th July without dropping anyone in it???? Please tell me it is somewhere different.

[Katianne]

:D Wot's this about Lemon Cake - did I miss it at Cheddar!!


No this was at Grittleton. No need for it at Chedder - Jules made sure with had a every type of cake we could desire. Yum yum yum!!!!!

[Apple Tree Crafts]

...I didn't do my lemon cake though! I make a great lemon cake, really lemony.

Sam & I fight over it. You all met Sam at Cheddar - he's my little bodyfinder...

I heard he'd been doing the rounds complimenting everyone on their crafts and then, later, thanking everyone for coming! He's an eccentric little bod, but sweet with it ;)

Jules

[Katianne]

He was lovely! He told me he really liked my mosaics - seemed to like the coasters - think he was working out what games he could play on the squares!!! And he was so sweet thanking us. Did he do that off his own back then? I thought he'd been told to go round!!!

[Apple Tree Crafts]

...that Sam had thanked everyone until the last crafter to leave told me. I have to say I was very proud of him!

He's a very shy, sweet boy and mixing with a lot of people is hard work for him, but he's gaining confidence it seems!

He also wrote about the craft fair at school yesterday. He was very taken with Maxine's glass and really fancies being a dichroic glassmaker now...astronaut just went out the window!

Jules

[BeyondBeads]

Awww bless! He was brill! Kept taking me mints though ;)

He told the woman behind me (Jo) that her items were "beautifully hand crafted"! Bless him!

Umm... Willowmax i'm thinking it's the same.....fingers crossed it's better than before.....! They seem to be out for money rather than anything else and don't care how we get on! there were 65% jewellers last time most mass produced and we were all ahoved in the same corner! Needless to say i wasn't impressed. But who knows, it might be brill this time....:confused:

He ate all your cakes at cheddar too Jules (i think he particulary enjoyed the carott cake!!!) :D

[Katianne]

He ate all your cakes at cheddar too Jules (i think he particulary enjoyed the carott cake!!!) :D

My vote goes to the carrot cake too!!!

[Apple Tree Crafts]

...tell him not to next time!;)

The carrot cake was a US recipe...it's lush.

We aren't going to have cakes on sale to the public at Stow, as there's no serving hatch, so it's a bit dicey. However, it will be free tea & coffee for crafters and I'll be baking more goodies!

Jules

[willowmax]

Umm... Willowmax i'm thinking it's the same.....fingers crossed it's better than before.....! They seem to be out for money rather than anything else and don't care how we get on! there were 65% jewellers last time most mass produced and we were all ahoved in the same corner! Needless to say i wasn't impressed. But who knows, it might be brill this time....:confused:



I thought it would be from what you said. Someone else told me at Cheddar that they allow anyone through the door no matter what they are selling. I know with the cards I will be up against Phoneix Trading - I usually and positioned at the table next door so that should be interesting.:o

Never mind - someone told me last year when I did my first fair that you should not take each individual fair but the year as a whole as things even out throughout the year - not sure if that makes sense or not but does make the figures look at bit better sometimes.

[Apple Tree Crafts]

.......a red carpet. Anyone got one that's going spare?

Saturday is going to be rife with celebities......not only is Mr M's brother, Ben, coming BUT Mr M himself!!!!!! ;)

Girls, make sure you've booked the hairdresser etc, full make up, the works!;)

I've just bought new shoes.........(any excuse)


Jules

[Snow angel]

Julie i got my form and it will be in the post on monday but i wont be doing my insurance till after i posted the form back to you so what i will do is bring all the details with me on the day or e-mail them to you

[Snow angel]

Oh i cant wait :D how many days to go now lol

[Apple Tree Crafts]

Oh i cant wait :D how many days to go now lol


Not nearly enough days for the sewing I've got planned...got loads of stock thanks to the generous people of Cheddar....but I keep having ideas for more! And those ideas form other ideas...you know how it goes..

It's going to be a real Forum get together!

Jules

[Snow angel]

I have just done a Wedding towel cake. Its made with towels to look like a wedding cake 2 bath towels 2 hand towels and 2 face cloths is it ok to bring it with me

[Snow angel]

Sorry me again how wide are the tables as i used to using 2 pasting tables and if the tables we are using are not as wide i will have 2 have a play around thsi week to see how to set my table up

[Apple Tree Crafts]

Sorry me again how wide are the tables as i used to using 2 pasting tables and if the tables we are using are not as wide i will have 2 have a play around thsi week to see how to set my table up

6ft6" by 2ft6", and as it's quite a small venue, there's only space for one each.

Jules

[Katianne]

It's going to be a real Forum get together!

Hands up, who will be there???!!!
:pile:

[Apple Tree Crafts]

Hands up, who will be there???!!!
:pile:


Me!

I think most people going to Stow are Forum'ers. As usual the complete list is downstairs in the filing cabinet....

Felling a lot more relaxed about this one...I know where the tables & sockets are. I know who's going to be where.

But what about this bloomin' weather? It's going to the extremes now - brilliant sunshine for Cheddar and persisting rain at Stow. Forecast is set to stay the same all week too!! :jaw:

Jules

[JBJB]

I shall be there too - you'll know who I am because I'll be the one sneakily pulling down all of Jules's bunting..... :p

[Apple Tree Crafts]

I shall be there too - you'll know who I am because I'll be the one sneakily pulling down all of Jules's bunting..... :p


Am I going to certain death on Thursday? Is she going to push me under a bus?

Tune in on Friday to find out........:behindsofa: :behindsofa: .......whoddunit??

[0103media]

Is it easier to ask who is not coming now ?

[JBJB]

Am I going to certain death on Thursday? Is she going to push me under a bus?

Tune in on Friday to find out........:behindsofa: :behindsofa: .......whoddunit??

Oh Jules...............


Look behind you.........



http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g120/jellybelly_jellybrain/bus.jpg

:fencing:

[Snow angel]

Jules, As my cheque got to you yet there was no post code so im keeping my fingers crossed it will be ok. Aslo i was in such a rush doing it not sure if i did it right i will need a table please

[Apple Tree Crafts]

....we got it! About 10 minutes ago...

Put you down for a table too, no worries.

Jules

[Snow angel]

Thank you cant wait now till sat how many days to go now :mf:

[mjbelkin]

Jules, if you decide to do them anywhere in my neck of the woods, can you let me know - I'm jewellery :D

[Apple Tree Crafts]

......no, I'm not being rude.

If you're booked for Stow, please bring a mug(s). Apparently there isn't any crockery provided.

We'll bring coffee, tea, milk & sugar, and as there's no serving hatch, crafters & helpers can just go into the kitchen and help themselves whenever they feel the need for a brew.

I'm having a bake-athon on Friday, so plenty of calorie-loaded goodies will be on offer too!

Jules

[Apple Tree Crafts]

Jules, if you decide to do them anywhere in my neck of the woods, can you let me know - I'm jewellery :D

My parents live in Northamptonshire, so it's not too far away from you. Once their well settled, they're going to scout for venues!

Jules

[0103media]

Jules you got flyers?

On the day Stow is easy to flyer.. Need someone walking up and down the main street telling everyone the fair is on.. This advertising is the best as its the day of the event.. Many people forget about flyers for future events but on the day its bound to bring in the buyers :D

[Katianne]

Need someone walking up and down the main street telling everyone the fair is on.. This advertising is the best as its the day of the event.. :D

I agree completely, would be great if someone could do this. I am on my own this time though, otherwise would volunteer :)

[Apple Tree Crafts]

Jules you got flyers?

On the day Stow is easy to flyer.. Need someone walking up and down the main street telling everyone the fair is on.. This advertising is the best as its the day of the event.. Many people forget about flyers for future events but on the day its bound to bring in the buyers :D


The kids aren't coming with us, so no spare bodies this time.....Himself can't walk too far.

Mr M are you volunteering? Can I bribe you with free muffins?;)

Jules

[0103media]

Mr M are you volunteering? Can I bribe you with free muffins?;)

Jules


I'll do some of course... But its well worth paying any young kids to do it to ;)

Muffin's can go a long way with kids (furture than with me) hehehe

[Snow angel]

Jules you got flyers?

On the day Stow is easy to flyer.. Need someone walking up and down the main street telling everyone the fair is on.. This advertising is the best as its the day of the event.. Many people forget about flyers for future events but on the day its bound to bring in the buyers :D

Could we not take it in turns and as we are doing it take something off are stalls so they can see what sort of stuff we have. So if i was to take some flyers out i could carry a nappy cake with me. Many times when i have been asked to deliver a nappy cake i walk aroung town for a bit 1st and you wouldnt belive how many people stop me and ask me what it is i even made more sales from it.

[Apple Tree Crafts]

.......have roped the daughter into doing it!:p

I'll get some printing done on Friday....I reckon A6 should do it.

Jules

[JBJB]

My mum went to Leicester at the weekend and said she saw the adverts when she passed Stow!

I think walking round with a nappy cake is a fab idea - don't know that people would spot my jewellery or bunting!

Perhaps instead of giving the muffins to Mr M you should state "free muffins" for punters instead ;)

:)

[Apple Tree Crafts]

My mum went to Leicester at the weekend and said she saw the adverts when she passed Stow!

I think walking round with a nappy cake is a fab idea - don't know that people would spot my jewellery or bunting!

Perhaps instead of giving the muffins to Mr M you should state "free muffins" for punters instead ;)

:)


Really? How cool is that! The other girl selling interiors' mum had a load of laminated posters to put in her B&B.....I think she must have been busy putting them up for us! I must get her a gift.....wonderful woman! We've put half a dozen in shops though. I'm really chuffed that they are being seen!:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Jules

[micwillcox]

This will be her first craft fair, bless her - I'll be chauffeur and tea maker. She's had some flutters this week, panicking that she doesn't have enough cards (at least she's optimistic about sales!) . The trouble with cards is that they don't look very much when packed in a box.

This will be a great end to her week - she's doing her SATs tests at school, and she said that the fair is going to be a "treat for all her hard work"!

We're really looking forward to meeting you all!

Michelle

[Apple Tree Crafts]

......I do hope we get the customers in then. I'd hate for her to be disappointed.

Fingers crossed for her SATs...my 10 yr old has his too this week, and although his Dad & I aren't worried about his abilities, he's panicking. I think thatkind of pressure on one so young is wrong.

I do have very high hopes for Stow - I've been sewing like a demon all week and will be glad of my day away from the sewing machine tomorrow!

Jules

[willowmax]

:mf:
Hiya

Just wanted to wish you all a really fabo day at Stow - really miffed that I can't come but I had already booked another one.

Hope it goes well and you all make load of dosh!!

See ya:jump:

[Katianne]

I hope your goes well too, for both you and Miss BB :)

[willowmax]

I hope your goes well too, for both you and Miss BB :)

Cheers - not holding out much hope in making my fortune tomorrow cos I think everyone will be at Stow!!!!

See ya

[Annette]

You just never know how it will go Willomax. I hope its not like last weekend for any of you - you want it sunny, but not too sunny that everyone goes to the beach, definitely NO Rain!!:fencing:

Good Luck to all of you.

[BeyondBeads]

Good luck at Stow everyone!

I'm gutted too :mad: , soooo wanna be there! I shall expect a full report later though! :D

O woe is me...... :nopity:

Thanks for the good luck wish (i'm asuming i'm miss BB!!!) Kate. I shall make my fortune i'm sure..........

Laura:)

[Apple Tree Crafts]

Just gone 6am, and we're just leaving for Stow now.....I SO want to go back to my bed!

See you all later!

Thanks for the good wishes! Fingers crossed it's a good one!

Jules

[kipper workshops]

Good luck today Jules, and everyone else.

I hope you all have a great day.

Awaiting a full report of your success!!

Steve :):):)

[willowmax]

Somebody from this event must be back home by now........ How did it go? Are you all filthy rich:mf:

Have to say the event I was at today was pretty disappointing - but I have to say I was prepared for that. Heres hoping for the next event

[kipper workshops]

Yep, where are they all?? We need to know how it went!!!

Surely someone is home by now!!!

MAybe they have had to wait for the extra hired vans to arrive to bring home thier piles of schweet cash!!

Let's hope so!

Steve:):)

[micwillcox]

Hi there all,

It was great to meet you all today, Charis had a lovely time. We certainly didn't make a million but we had a nice relaxing afternoon sitting in the sunshine through the stained glass, drinking tea, and trying out the fabulous cakes!! She also managed to make some more cards so she was happy!

We saw some beautiful crafts from you all, and we're really looking forward to joining you for another fair soon! Hopefully somewhere where the customers dig a bit deeper!!;)

Michelle

[swirlyarts]

I'll bet Mr Media has taken them all out for a drink! ;)

[Peter]

I'll bet Mr Media has taken them all out for a drink! ;)
On minimum wage? :nopity:

[Apple Tree Crafts]

...but we aren't millionaires..boo...

But what a day.....the Star of the Day has to be Emma (Jelly Belly Jelly Brain) who gave us all a crash course on 'cold calling'.

The hall had quite a lot of people coming up to visit, but they weren't spending much (skinflints) so in a quiet moment Emma went shopping....but not to buy things. Emma's version of shopping is the reverse of my shopping. Emma gets the shops to buy her stuff, and while she's at it, she tells the shop people about everyone else's stuff!

As a result quite a few people have large potential orders from the surrounding high end shops! It's easier than you'd think to just walk into a shop and ask if they are interested in your craft.

One lady, who was at Cheddar too, sold 11 handsmocked dresses to one shop owner, then a further four after that to another lady, and virtually cleared her table. The shop owner had sold three by the end of the afternoon! Weird how people will buy from the shop at twice the price, but were reluctant to spend money at the craft fair where they would have saved about £90.....

When we left at 6.30pm, the Philippino lady, who was also at Cheddar, was still touring the shops selling her jewellery & handbags, as her husband had taken a leaf out of Emma's book and had been cold calling too!

I've got a potential order for £300+ from the same shop owner as the smocking lady, and a smaller potential sale at a posh gardening shop - neither of which I would have had if it wasn't for Emma! Thanks Emma!

I know some crafters made very paltry sales, and I'm trying to figure out why. I'm also trying to understand why the extra hour between 4 - 5pm was busier than the rest of the day......I think we had a good location, and the weather was about right, as was the advertising. Lots more people came through the door at Stow than at Cheddar, they just didn't spend. Maybe it's the 'snob factor'? Very wealthy people have to buy hugely expensive things because otherwise it's too cheap for their egos?

I don't know....I really don't.

Jules

PS No Mr M didn't take us out for a drink, although it was great meeting him...I can put a face to his name now!

[Snow angel]

Morning, Well i had a great time yesterday nice to meet everyone. I did sell some bits made my table money and some more on top so i was happy ;)

[icecreamgirl]

It sounds like you all had a good day, even if some didn't make lots of money, i suppose thats the way it goes.....
And fancy that abut the shops!!!! That's got to have given everyone a boost, i'm not sure i'd have the guts to do something like that but well done Emma!!!!
The after 4pm thing is funny as that is the time the shop gets busy, you can be sitting about lonely all day then at 4pm the world and his wife all want ice cream and cream teas!!!!
So this one was better than the last one by the sounds of it.... it's getting better and better for you...... you'll have a great one at the next one!!!

[Katianne]

Thank you to Mrs media, I sold one mirror! Horrah! I really do mean thank you, I'm not being sarcastic! :) I don't know what it is about my mosaics - nobody seems to want to buy them. A lot of people say they like them but then just walk on - some don't even glance at my stall - 'hello, fabulous bright colours, come and look at me!!!'.

I did a recky of the shops after, but they were all closed so I put leaflets through the doors. Was slightly annoyed when the lady buying up everyone else's stuff walked passed my stall without even a glance, but there you go.
It's Moreton this afternoon and the sun is shining! :mf:

[Snow angel]

I did a recky of the shops after, but they were all closed so I put leaflets through the doors. Was slightly annoyed when the lady buying up everyone else's stuff walked passed my stall without even a glance, but there you go.
It's Moreton this afternoon and the sun is shining! :mf:

Awww your not on your own she didnt look at mine either hope you have better luky today

[0103media]

Was great to meet you all...

FA cup final days can be odd..

Stow is a great place and in one way perfect for a craft fair but the fact that shop owners bought/order crafts shout out that the shop in stow sell similar stuff so you have competition from the shops themselves but the best thing about that is networking with the shop owners which many people did..


Was up for a drink but as with many fairs its quite dynamic when people finish...

katian_krafts hope the fair goes well today and your bf us helping you hehehe

Hope to come to another one with you guys again soon..

[Katianne]

katian_krafts hope the fair goes well today and your bf us helping you hehehe


I he will be! He got in at 2am, leaving the other guys still in the club, refusing to go home and completely paraletic. Luckily my BF had the sense to rotate beer with water, so wasn't all that bad when he got back. He's still in bed at the mo though..... ;)

[craftdancer]

Glad to hear you all had an enjoyable even if it wasn't particularly profitable.

My day was much the same - I think I just about covered costs; it was very quiet.

[Nonnie]

I was at Stow too. It was my first ever fair so I didn't really know what to expect. Although in terms of money taken it was a little disappointing, I did cover my costs plus a bit extra and I really enjoyed the day. Everyone was really friendly and it did give me confidence in the things I'm making and lots of things to think about for next time. I haven't signed up for any more fairs yet but really want to do so.
:)

[JBJB]

I think it must have been just me that didn't cover my costs :nopity:

I only sold 2 pairs of earrings and one of my pebble shopping bags.

Maybe I should charge a "finder's fee" for helping you all with your sales to shop-owners :mf:

Emma

[Katianne]

No. it wasn't just you - I didn't get anywhere near to covering my costs. That's just the way it goes. Besides, from what you said you did well with the shops!!!!

[Sommerwood]

. A lot of people say they like them but then just walk on - some don't even glance at my stall - 'hello, fabulous bright colours, come and look at me!!!'.

I did a recky of the shops after, but they were all closed so I put leaflets through the doors. Was slightly annoyed when the lady buying up everyone else's stuff walked passed my stall without even a glance, but there you go.
It's Moreton this afternoon and the sun is shining! :mf:

So frustrating isn't it, the amount of tims that happens to me, they just sort of burhs their eyes over the stall or ignore it compltely and I sort of sit and hmph to myself thinking 'How can you ignore these lovely colours'!! Then they go to a really boring stall and buy loads!!! LOL.

Glad everyone had a good time and you got to meet each other. My hubby is always telling me to go into shops and sell my 'wares' but I never have the guts, too scared of rejection, silly huh!!

If you ever organise any in the Essex/Suffolk area let me know!!:D

[JBJB]

So frustrating isn't it, the amount of tims that happens to me, they just sort of burhs their eyes over the stall or ignore it compltely and I sort of sit and hmph to myself thinking 'How can you ignore these lovely colours'!! Then they go to a really boring stall and buy loads!!! LOL.

Glad everyone had a good time and you got to meet each other. My hubby is always telling me to go into shops and sell my 'wares' but I never have the guts, too scared of rejection, silly huh!!

If you ever organise any in the Essex/Suffolk area let me know!!:D

I find shop-people are very open to being approached - and it's no worse than being rejected by people who only glance at your stall and walk on! Even if they're not interested in what you make, they usually tell you about another shop that might be!

[micwillcox]

No Charis didn't make her costs either, but she didn't lose out as I ended up paying the table cost, and she kept the cash from her cards - what's that phrase?...............


........................... mmm "Bank of Mum and Dad" I think it is!

:)