I'm feeling nervous!

I'm really hoping that unlike me you can see a new banner at the top of the page featuring this pink rose, and that it looks ok! I can't seem to be able to see it despite the fact I've refreshed the page and turned the computer off and on. Anyway, if you can see it please let me know and hopefully it will appear to me soon! Isn't the rose a gorgeous colour. I took George out for dinner on Saturday night as it was his Birthday last Thursday, and I was given this as by the restaurant as we left. We decided that Saturday was his 'official Birthday' as he had a fairly horrid day at work on Thursday followed by a Council meeting in the evening. So on Saturday we had a day out together followed by a delicious Indian meal in the evening. I think it made up for Thursday.

I'm starting to feel a bit nervous now as my first craft fair looms on Saturday. My main worry is whether I have enough stock, or rather if the stock I have is all a bit to much the same. I can see myself up late tomorrow and Thursday making a few more things I think even though I told myself I wasn't going to as I wanted to clear some of my current stock before making more things. I have cushions, collages, painted coat hangers and handmade cards. I've also made the little felt napkin rings and lots of felt and fabric lavender bags, as well as a small amount of bunting, a couple of bags and a 'one off' pinny and some 'one off' cushions. Does that sound like enough? The problem is that I already have more stock than I can really store at home and would like to clear some of it. If the fair is a success then obviously I'll have more space to make more, but if it's a disaster, I don't want even more things taking up space. Not to mention the financial aspect of having money tied up in lots of cushions! But then perhaps I'll sell more if I have more of a selection? I would really appreciate any advise you seasoned fair goers could give. Not just on the stock issue, but anything else you think I should know. I've hired a table, have cloths to cover it, smart carrier bags, containers to display my products and a Mum and Dad who are going to help out during the day. I feel sure there is more I should be thinking about.

Sorry to go on. I'm sure I'm in a worry unnecessarily. It will probably fine, and if it's a disaster it's only one day so doesn't really matter. If any of you are in the area and feel like coming I would love to see you. It's on Saturday, from 10-4 in Stow-on-the-Wold in the heart of the Cotswolds. The hall is right in the very centre of the Market square so hopefully will be un-misable. I'm really hoping for a bit of sunshine to bring all those tourists and locals out and about. Wish me luck?

Comments

[carolyn]

Just wanted to pop by and wish you the best of luck for the big event. Good luck Fiona!
Carolyn x

[Beata]

Your banner looks lovely! Good luck at your fair -- the location sounds wonderful!! I'm looking forward to hearing about it...I wish I could pop by!

[Rebecca (living sustainably and felting in rural Ireland)]

Best of luck. I find completely unpredictable creatures ... one day sell loads of one thing ... stay up all night making more or drive for 2 hours to collect more from home ... next day sell none of those and lots of something else ... or nothing at all! I'm sure you'll do great, and every fair is also a great learning experience. Even if you don't sell much, you never know what commissions/sales you get even a year down the line from it, or what great contacts you may meet. x

[Angel jem]

Oh, yes! Loads and loads of it!

[Suzie Sews]

Good luck with your fair, they always make me so nervous, one can go so well and another not so, sometimes its just the type of people through the door. Your work is lovely, professional and I am sure it will be a great experience.
Go get em!
Suzie Sews

[charlotte@hopeandfaith]

Hi Fi, Many good luck wishes being sent your way!
I haven't read all the other advice but here's some of mine! ~
Its the smaller items that you sell a lot of. Take a book to take orders in if you are willing to do that ~ there's bound to be someone who wants something in a different colourway to what you've made. Keep smiling! Just say 'hello' to everyone. Its amazing how that one word can trigger a conversation! And finally ~ be yourself.
Looking forward to hearing how it goes. Take some pics of the stall so we can see and most importantly for you as a visual reminder of your first CRAFT FAIR!
Love Charlotte x

[Jo]

The new banner is great, the rose is such a vibrant colour. I think you've got soem good advice re what to take (float, food,a positive attitude) but would add 'a bottle of wine in the fridge for when it's over'!
Hope it goes well for you

[niki]

I see your lovely banner too!

Good luck at the crafy fair Fiona - don't forget to take a float for giving change to all those excited customers!
And don't forget to tell them all to read your blog!
Niki x

[charlotte]

I can see the rose header - yes! Oooh how exciting to be doing a craft show.

It's great you've got good 'ol mum and dad to help you. A bit of company will be very reassuring. I'm sure you'll do brilliantly though! And as you say, what's the worst that can happen :)
I bet it will be better than you dared to think !!

[Baby Tease]

OMG, Good luck, Fiona! Your "get up and go" attitude is so great. I love it. Your items are all so great. Stick by them. I wish I had some advice for you, but I know nothing about it. But from the bottom of my heart, I wish you the best day. Kim.

[Aina]

I think it looks great! The rose is beautiful and the colours, well, my favourite :)
And i have to tell you something about your last post, about your favourite corner. Of course it is, it looks soooooo lovely! I immediately got a lot of inspirations. The colours, and of course those pictures! Did you make them yourself? What a great idea with fabric and hearts sewed onto it. If i see it correctly..
Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Love from Aina :)

[Jane]

I think you'll be fine though I perfectly understand your nerves. I would be the same! I wish I lived nearer as I would come a buy..alas..can't thtink of any place nicer than Stow.
Your banner is great, I love it!

[shabbyinthecity]

Yes good luck! You're going to do great! And Mom and Dad to back you up :) How nice.

[Alison]

Your rose banner is just lovely.
Good luck for Saturday, I really hope things go well knowing how gorgeous your things are they will fly off your stall:-)
Take care and have FUN.
Alison x

[Annie]

Hi,

Can't see the new banner yet - will keep looking out for it though!

If I wasn't doing a fair myself at Moreton Morrell I would come to Stow to see you. I did a big fair on the south coast last week and it was very quiet - lots of browsers rather than purchasers so don't be despondent if it's not as busy as you would like. I second the "lots of change" advice as I am always running short! All the best - hope it's a sell-out!!

Annie x

[Rosemary]

The rose is beautiful. How nice that they gave that to you.
I'm sure everything will be fine for you on Saturday. Don't worry.
Things always have a way of working out better, than you think they will
Rosemary

[Caroline]

I can see the rose banner, no problem. Good luck with the craft fair, hope you sell lots of stuff.

[Isobel]

Dear Nonnie,
The layout looks lovely and I can see everything very well. I'm sure you will have great success at the fair and I wish I was any closer so I could come and visit you. But I will be here thinking of you and wishing you lots and lots of luck.
x

[carolyn]

New banner looks great! Sounds like you've got everything pretty much organized but you didn't mention your Moo cards. Weren't you going to use them as business cards. Take something like that so that people can contact you after the event, sometimes you have to look at these events like trade fairs. Will be thinking of you and wishing you lots of luck.
Carolyn x

[Kim]

I'd love to see photos of the craft fair! Best of luck!

[Yvonne]

It's so cheesy giving a rose to the ladies in a restaurant but I so love it!! I always get one at our favorite curry restaurant but never looks so good as the one you were given. Oh and I can see your new banner, so cute! I'm sure the show will be a blast and that you will kick ass. Good luck and have a lovely day!

[Tracy]

Yikes!!!!
The rose has just appeared on my screen and I LOVE IT!!

[Tracy]

No rose to be seen!
Good luck with your fair - here is my usual checklist -
Calculator
Lots of change
Notebook and pen for any orders
Buisness cards
Food and drink (lots of both!)
Tissue paper and bubble wrap if needed
A good book, magazine or sewing in case the fair is a disaster ( i have done quite a few of these!)
But whatever happens - enjoy and keep making new things!
Tracy x

[Gemma]

Good luck! I haven't ever "done" a fair so I am no help in that area I am afraid. I imagine though it is only natural to be nervous. It will go splendidly though I am sure!

[Gemma]

There it is! Off to read the post properly now! :-)