My First Christmas Fair - The Preparation...
This whole story starts in December last year when a few conversations with my family started me on a journey of creativity, and the tiny seeds of an idea that this might become a little business. January began with the usual New Year’s resolutions which get forgotten by February, but one stuck in my head and kept coming into my mind periodically. I had written down that I would like to be prepared for a Christmas fair in December 2024 (notice I didn’t commit to actually doing one - only that I would be prepared 😂)
Fast forward to September, and being a novice, knowing nothing about Christmas fair booking, I thought it was a good time to reach out to local markets and book my place. I was truly shocked to realise I should have registered in January, and all the markets were fully booked! I felt a real sense of disappointment but, honestly, a rather huge amount of relief!
As November rolled around and Christmas markets started to advertise, I did feel a bit gutted that I wouldn’t be participating in one this year… then a random post on Instagram led me to take a chance and apply last minute for a Christmas fair at Watts Gallery. Imagine my surprise, delight and sightly nauseated response to finding out I was successful 🙂
With only three weeks to prepare, no back stock, no table (let alone the decorations for said table), and no real idea what I was doing, I went into panic mode. How can something you really want to do send you into a flight response one moment and joyous happiness the next?
After a few hours of muttering 'what have I done' over and over, I pulled myself together and made a plan. All painting to be done week 1, printing week 2, and packaging, signage etc... week 3. Crocheting projects in the evenings and weekends. My social media experts (sons) suggested posting daily to keep up the momentum and garner interest in my process and the fair. The plan was a good one, and only derailed a couple of times, and I have thoroughly enjoyed creating different cards and presents for, hopefully, some happy customers.
In these past 3 weeks I have realised a few things; 1) To succeed in any new endeavour when you are doubting your ability, a supportive network of family and friends who will cheerlead and help practically is amazing. 2) Keep going even when you want to give up and think you won't be ready. 3) People who do fairs put so much time and effort into their creations - I have a new respect for them all!
With the Christmas Market cancelled the day before, then resurrected and postponed by 2 weeks, I am excited and nervous for the day to arrive, but mostly happy that, for once, I can tick off a New Years resolution!
Go to instagram to see all the prep :) embrace.the.slow
