Essays & General Comments 07-11-15 CHRISTMAS BEGINS!! (November 15, 2007)
Last night saw the start of the Christmas Fair Season. Hubby had a table booked, and paid for, in the local school (where princelet goes), so I tagged along with my cards.
Have you ever launched your work out there - to the general public? It is so scary. I put my heart and soul into my craft, I design and plan, and spend HOURS practising my calligraphy . . . . . Then I have to put it front of strangers and hope someone shares my taste and ideas, and likes it enough to buy something.
My prices are cheap. I know that they are, but prices generally are cheap (I am still paying the same for a bottle of wine that I was paying 20 years ago). Most calligraphers would be appalled at my price scale, but I do it for love: I really do. I love to spend the time at my desk and if I cover my costs I am happy, and if it's for charity: I give it away, for a thank you.
But I am still out there standing by my stall - on the front line with people touching my stuff - handling my ideas - picking over my emotions. And have to you smile and say 'All the albums are just £2 - fell free to have a look through'.
Princelet is just learning and he cleared the chair that I use to keep my stock sheet / cash box / bags / (junk) so he could sit down. Sorry mate, you have to stand and chat to
people and be generally welcoming and friendly. Bless him - he'll learn.
We had quite a good evening really. Hubby was mobbed as usual, and we had a few visitors to chat to. It was quote a nice, gentle start to the season because there were a couple of mums I know, and princelet had friends to call out to: so we jogged along. I took a little money and I was very pleased with the comments that people made in general. It was nice to be able to explain to folks how I REALLY make the cards.
Several people stopped to chat and were interested in my work. Some other crafters wanted to compare notes, unlike some I am always happy to tell people how an effect was done. That sounds really bitchy - but it's not meant too, just I have come across folk who will NOT tell you (unless you book a class with them - ha ha) . Hell, I will tell anyone, anything - do with it what you will (and if you get better than me - teach me how!).
'Comment Of The Evening' has to go to the lady who was looking at the Christmas Collage wreaths and said 'Well of course - you run it through the computer before you start!", You should have seen her face when I said I did everything by hand - still not entirely sure she believed me! Second place has to go to the dear Lady that thought I must have loads of stamps to do all the lettering. She was so sweet when I told her I was a calligrapher and did it all by hand.
'Surprise Best Seller Of The Evening' has to go to the albums. I took a couple of ones that I had already done of The Palace Guard Dog (doing his stuff on the agility course!) and once folk could see what to do with an 'album', they sold really well. Must carry on and do more bookmaking (like that's a chore!).
I am not brave enough to take my inks and work in front of people - that would be asking for a disaster, but I am grateful for a very pleasant evening.
Morecambe Sea Front next! Do drop by and say 'HI' - if you are in the area - will be appreciated.
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