Could I do a craft fair?

[incywincy]

I would love to start doing some fairs, have even got some contact details but just one question... as my stuff is all personalised would a fair work for me. I mean people would have to place orders, and to me that seems a bit off putting as people go to craft fairs to come away with lovely crafty things!
Obviously I would have a show of examples, but I’m really not sure whether it would work?
Maybe I need to add a few 'buy it now', not personalised items to my listings!
Or take my embroidery machine with me and do it there while they wait... but I think they could be waiting for some time!!

Any thoughts from all you experienced craft fairers (sp?)?

[Buttonberry]

Hey,

Firstly i just want to say i love your site, it is beautiful - nice and crisp! I love the idea too...

We are novices at this too, but we am booked to attend the november quilt show in Chilford - we just went for it. We figured if you have enough time in advance you can get a nice sample set together.

I was thinking for your type of craft couldn't you do the same? Maybe make up a couple of items in really popular names (are there some you get requests for frequently?) That way people would be able to see the end result and get a feel for it and would probably want to place orders!! Taking orders is great because it is a sale you wouldn't have otherwise - maybe you could say you will post them on / offer a gift service to post them to the person they are buying for? You could even take your machine with you like you mentioned and maybe take a max of ten orders on the day, it will bring interest to the stand if people see you at work i expect!

Hope that helps - from one newbie to another!!

[Apple Tree Crafts]

What About...

Doing applique shapes instead?

Simplified shapes with lovely fabrics, like flowers or teddies, or trains? Shapes to suit the designs on the fabrics? Stars fabric in star shapes...if you see what I'm getting at.

And take those things to craft fairs as well as examples of the personalised togs & pods for orders? I do think you'd get orders. You could take a deposit, say 25% of the total price, and then ask for the rest before you post out.

Any help?

Jules

[Katianne]

Go for it!

I'd say go for it. Your work is lovely and I'm sure it would go down well and you would get lots of orders. I agree it would be a good idea to do some samples. Could you also do anything without names, maybe use other 'baby' words or pictures, so that you can make some sales on the day, as well as taking orders? To find craft fairs, use the forum but also try www.craft-fair.co.uk You could also try www.artsandcraftsinthevillage.co.uk - they organise craft fairs in Leicestershire. Hope this helps!

[swirlyarts]

Good ideas - I think it must be quite tricky with personalised items. I like Jules ideas of using general baby items - trains teddies etc. I'm sure when people see the quality of your work they will place orders! You will have to let us know how it goes if you do a craft fair.

[incywincy]

Thanks guys! great help x
Its the 'crafts in the village' that i've been looking at, know it does really well around here.
Lovely idea about shapes.. flowers, trains etc x

Would do some more baby related words also... like angel, monster etc.

What do you think about ...
'I am new', 'I am 1', 'I am 2' etc?? thought they might sell well on t-shirts?

X

[Katianne]

Sounds good!

How about 'Princess', 'Angel' etc - I see T shirts on children with words like that. Or 'The Boss' !!!!! I think just pictures would be nice too - flowers, hearts, trains, cars...

[swirlyarts]

When I was helping Anya (3 and a half) get dressed this morning I thought about pictures on vests - she has a Snow White one (transfer printed) but a princess picture on a vest would be great. They would make great presents too - also have a think about matching knickers?

[incywincy]

When I was helping Anya (3 and a half) get dressed this morning I thought about pictures on vests - she has a Snow White one (transfer printed) but a princess picture on a vest would be great. They would make great presents too - also have a think about matching knickers?

I'm doing an Anya bodysuit atm, lovely name x

Not thought about knickers!

[swirlyarts]

Matching sets are very popular as presents - well they are round here anyway cos everyone needs knickers and vests!!

[incywincy]

Reminds me of a pair of Y-fronts my brother had when he was little, with his initials on!! (Was about 1978 though) hehe, how funny... i will have to remind him about those next time I see him!

Making me think now! Knickers with names across the bum (very cool!)… Would only be able to do small names though!

[Apple Tree Crafts]

Soft Threads...

.....nothing scratchy for little bottoms!

What about cotton bloomers for under babies dresses, those ones that cover up nappies? They wouldn't be next to babies delicate skin.

Jules