A Tiny Little Bloggers Conference.

I'm sure you've all heard - there was a 'bloggers conference' in the weekend. What you didn't hear was that there was actually TWO meet-ups of cool NZ bloggers.
One group had 60+ people, fancy dinners, workshops, craft fairs, name tags etc.
The other had just two bloggers, but also 8 kids, 2 husbands, delicious lunch, and lovely chit-chit. Just as cool, right?

Us Larsens were in Hamilton last weekend, for Mol's BFF's 1st birthday party, so Dee and I decided we'd have our own wee meet-up. We've hung out before, so things weren't awkward and there were no major nerves as we drove up the drive, just excitement. I didn't panic about what to wear, and (I hope) Dee didn't panic and spend all morning tidying her house (though it was lovely and tidy..)

Dee is pretty much the hostess with the mostess. She plays by 'country rules' and not only is her home incredibly welcoming, but she puts on a wonderful spread. We had home baked rolls (I might need that recipe, actually!), a massive big chocolate cake, a pie that looked like something straight out a Jamie Oliver cookbook.. the woman is amazing!

It was so neat to see our kids hanging out together - I barely saw Otto (hence the lack of photos) and Aesop had the time of his life shooting wooden guns and demolishing the old treehouse. (Perhaps he IS an outdoorsy child afterall?) Mollie and, the very delicious, Sawyer played alongside each other nicely and the menfolk chatted about music and jobs, and other things that menfolk chat about. Dee loaded me up with fabric, fruit from the garden and vintage utensils (goodie bags at this conference, too! Well, for me..).
It was a truly pleasant afternoon.

I left the Rolston home feeling so inspired, and so thankful for our friendship.
It's weird this old blogging business - it has allowed me to form strong friendships with so many wonderful ladies around the country, friendships that are real and true (often more so than those I have in 'real life'!) and offer so much support and comfort to me. I know, gush, but seriously - I love me some blogging ladies. I might even attend the 'real' conference next time.. we'll see!

Craft Country Part Two.

Phew! Got a bit distracted by the wee sale I had/am having over on my Facebook page. It has been crazy bananas over here, packing orders and sending invoices etc. I'm loving it though, and very so blessed to have so many people interested in what I'm doing! Think I might need to host a few more of these sales.

Anywho, the market was pretty much full of amazing crafters. I didn't get a chance to speak to everyone, or even photograph all the stalls I loved, but I did snap a few.

Directly across from me, was the lovely Michelle from Leaf. She makes very, very cute clothing, accessories and toys from natural materials (organic cotton. merino, leather..). I didn't manage a chance to nosy through her rack, but I did snaffle up a very smart, dusky pink sunhat for Mollie.

Emma from Emmamakes was pretty much the main motivation for me going to the market. It might be a little stalkerish, but Emma is one of my biggest craft heroes. This woman comes up with the most brilliant ideas, manages time like nobodies business and makes a CRAZY amount of stuff. I aim to be more like her!
Craftiness aside, Emma is also a very cool person. She has the most fabulous, dry, sense of humour. She says it like it is, and I like that in a person. Mhmm. Quite fond of Emma, can you tell?





Also very fond of Emma's kittens. We had ourselves a wee swap, and Mollie got to take home the cutest purple kitten. She's quite taken with it.

You might have already spotted her in the photo above, but another person I was really stoked to meet was Rebekah from Bliss in a teacup.
We've had a bit to do with each other online (as you do..) and it was so nice to have a wee chat in the flesh. Rebekah even came bearing soy sweetened condensed milk! Amazing!
I didn't get much of a chance to have a really good look around their stall, but I do have my eye on one of their fabulous wooden rings (and I think Abraham has his eye on one too..) might need to treat myself in the New Year.

Another stall I only looked at briefly, and didn't get a chance to buy from - Millicent Crow. These prints were even more amazing in the flesh than they look online. I've been oogling these on the net for awhile now, wish I had snapped up one of the prints of the chocolate box lady!

I was so, so pleased when I saw that Hikkepik was going to be at the market. Pleased, and incredibly nervous. Hikkepik is, without a doubt, my favourite childrens label. If I had my way, Mollie would be head to toe in Joke's amazing gears. My felt wishlist is always full of her items, and I'm so pleased that I'm starting to be able to purchase some of them.

(Picture taken from Hikkepik Felt shop as it doesn't do it justice on a hanger!)

Joke and I did a bit of a swap too - I got the most beautiful wool coat, that I've been eyeing up for ages. Oh it's so good, I can hardly wait until Mollie can fit it.

The other notable person I met, was Mike from Dusty&lulu.
Holy schmoley, what a cool business they are running. I discovered them when the seller list came out for the market, and promptly went and checked out their website - so good.
The brilliant idea I mentioned in my last post, belongs to them.

On their site, they  have a page called 'Swapsies'.
On it, as you might be able to imagine, you can swap your craftwork, for other craftwork that is offered up.
An artist, or crafter, submits a run of 3 or more of an item they have made, and you can submit your offer of a swap. If they accept - it's a done deal! How cool is that?
I have big plans in the New Year of getting my swap on. You should too!

A backyard barbeque.

A few of our goals this Summer include spending more time outdoors, and nourishing friendships with certain people we really enjoy. Hosting backyard bbqs are pretty much the perfect way to do both, so we're starting early!

Bunting, gazebo, flowers in a Agee jar, music, cute new blackboard table, smoochy couple shot - check.

Food - including sausages, meat patties, crash hot potatoes, roast pumpkin and chickpea salad, lamb chops, coleslaw, bread, green salad, chocolate ghana peppermint cupcakes and strawbery cloud cake.

The kids played touch, hung out in the tent and watched a Dvd. The brazier was roaring, the music was playing and I hear, while I was putting Mol to bed, there were even sparklers!
The company was perfect, the feijoa cider was delicious and all was lovely.

Such a brilliant evening. Here's to many more like it!

More mail love (and Mollie modelling quilts.)

How adorable is this quilt Mollie is lying on? Seriously?
A wee while ago, the lovely Deb emailled me asking if perhaps I might want to do a bit of a swap with her - some Summer clothes for her Annie, in return for a quilt for my Mollie. I don't think I even took a breath before hitting 'reply' and typing in YES. Yes, please!
We set a date for the end of October, but I'm lagging a bit on my half (broken sewing machine = delays!) so I wasn't expecting to get the quilt until I was done.
Deb messaged me and said 'It's done! I want to sent it!' and send it she did!
I was very, very excited to get home a few days later and find a big parcel on my front step. But, even more exciting (and slightly confusing), was that there were TWO big parcels there, both from Deb?! I wondered for a quick minute if perhaps she had accidentally sent me someone elses parcel too? (Sounds like something I would do..)
I took them inside and tore into the smaller one - it was Mollie's quilt and it was even more beautiful than it looked in the pictures I had seen. The colours, the fabric.. so lovely!
I opened the second postbag and out fell the most stunning (queen size!) quilt. I had seen it on Deb's blog, where she had said she was gifting it to a friend.. and I realised that friend was little ole ME! I still cannot believe the generosity. It is the most perfect quilt ever.

It is the exact colour of my new curtains, the blues match the vintage dresses on my wall and we even have a stag on our fireguard to match the deer fabric she used! These photos really don't do it justice at all. ( I recommend going to look at it over on Deb's page.. everything she makes is lovely.)

Deb, thank you so much. I ADORE both of them. Thanks for being amazing.

(and the fabric you sent too.. ohhh yes. That is another blog post!)

Mail love, and recent additions.

A very short while ago, I recieved a message from a lady through my Toast FB page. She said she liked my blog and, very kindly, offered to send me some fabric that she no longer needed. I said 'yes, please!' and gave her my postal address. I smiled a lot that afternoon. What a kind thought!

Abraham called this afternoon to say that a big parcel had arrived for me, and would I come and get it?
Exciting!
I picked it up, rushed home, plonked Mollie on the floor (nicely, of course..) and tore into the brown paper that the goodies were wrapped in.




(My favourites - the cats are going to become a dress for Mol verrrry soon!)



The fabric was amaaaazing. I don't even exaggerate. You know how it can be a bit hit and miss when people gift you things, (especially relative strangers!) well there was not a single piece in the pile that I would not have snaffled up had I been buying it myself!



As if the fabric and wee haberdashery bits weren't enough - in the very middle was something wrapped carefully in cardboard and tissue paper. I opened it up to find two, very delicate, deer for my collection.

(They had broken limbs and I worried that perhaps I had not been careful enough in my excitement to open the parcel - but the note inside explained that they had just been so excited to come live with us that they had jumped out of the cupboard! Phew. Heh.)

I am more than blown away by this parcel.
I have been lucky enough to receive a few wee gifts from readers since I started blogging, but I will never ever stop being surprised by the incredible generosity people have.
Thank you SO much.

***



As well as amazing mail love, I have a new (second hand) camera lens. Uh-huh, this camera thing could get addictive. I might now need to learn how to use it properly though, so I can justify buying some fancy lenses too!

And, finally, this is my only thrift find in the past few weeks. It has been a bit of a dry spell!
I do love the older metal tonka trucks, and this one is a bit different to the ones I normally see. It has a cracked windscreen, but for $3 I couldn't resist.
Otto seems to like it too, the trailer is perfect for transporting stormtroopers.. upside down.

To market, to market: Part three.

I have high hopes of having a few stalls at one of our local markets this Summer.

I have done a few markets in the past, both big and small. I have done a few Craft2.0 fairs, the Mapua fair in Nelson and, many moons ago, Craftwerk in Wellington. But I've always felt like I haven't quite mastered the art of market-ing. (Not to mention it has been some time..!)
I have asked a few of my crafty friends, who I consider to be very successful at market selling, to answer a wee questionnaire and offer me some advice. I though that you lovelies might also like to benefit from their knowledge.
Todays interviewee is the lovely Jannelle from Heartfelt:

1. Tell us a little about who you are, and what it is you make and sell.
I'm Jannelle and I live in a very small rural town in the
Wairarapa.  In the morning I work as a librarian at our local library
and my husband Ian is a chef at one of the local pubs.  We have three
children, Charlie (6) Sadie (nearly 5) and Oscar (2).
Heart Felt is mostly about recycling wool clothing for children
whether it be revamping hand knits or restyling adults wool jerseys
into children tunics and pixie hats.  I also make play crowns and
headbands from felt.

2. How long have you been doing markets, and how often do you do them?I have only been doing markets for just over a year.   I have done
3 Martinborough Fairs and a few Craft 2.0 markets.  We also have a
regular local market called the New Rags Market which run every two
months.   I try to attend all of the New Rags Markets to support the
local handmade movement in our area.



3. I know that you also sell online, which is your preferred way of selling? Why?
I don't think I 'prefer' one from the other because they are so
different.  Selling online is good because you can list things in your
own time and it the online shop pretty much looks after it self.
Markets you have a
deadline...the build up can be quite stressful but the end result is
that you meet your customers and other stall holders.

4. What are your top tips for the layout of the stall? How important is the look of your table?
.I like my stall to reflect my product.  A covered table is a must.
I use a large vintage sheet and then over top I use my mothers vintage
crochet bed spread ~ always looks super pretty.  Height is important
and I always like to display photographs of my children wearing Heart
Felt.   The little things are important too ~ a mirror is always
useful and I like to have a vase of flowers to make my stall extra
pretty.  I have everything priced and where possible use recycled
packaging and labels.  Always have business cards accessible, there is
always one or two people who like to contact you later on.



5. Is it good to have as much stock as possible, or is less more? If you have a lot of stock, do you display it all?
I always take lots of stock, but don't display it all.  I will
restock the table each time a sale is made.
6. How about pricing - do you have different prices for markets? Do you have an specific way of pricing that seems to work I.e even numbers, odd numbers, all under a certain price etc
.I do have 'market specials' and always advertise that they are on
special for that day.  I'm always willing to give a discount on a
multiple purchase too.  I'm terrible at maths and have everything in
5's.  $15, $25, $30, $35....that way I know I'm not going to get
flustered and it's easy to know what kind of change I will need in my
cash box.



7. Are you very chatty with people browsing your stall? Or do you prefer to step back and let them look?
I have tried both approaches....the chatty approach and the stand
back and let them look approach.  Being friendly and chatty always
wins hands down!
8. Any other advice you'd like to share?Advertise your product.  I always wear one of my headbands at my
stall, I always sell more when people see them worn.  One time my
husband bought Oscar in to visit me wearing a pixie hat (smart
husband)  I sold three within the 20 minutes Oscar was there.  Be
positive, be yourself and believe in your product.  If you are
passionate about what you do ~ show it.



Thanks heaps, Jannelle!

You can find Jannelle and Heartfelt on Facebook HERE, Felt HERE and on her blog HERE.

To market, to market: Part 2

I have high hopes of having a few stalls at one of our local markets this Summer.

I have done a few markets in the past, both big and small. I have done a few Craft2.0 fairs, the Mapua fair in Nelson and, many moons ago, Craftwerk in Wellington. But I've always felt like I haven't quite mastered the art of market-ing. (Not to mention it has been some time..!)I have asked a few of my crafty friends, who I consider to be very successful at market selling, to answer a wee questionnaire and offer me some advice. I though that you lovelies might also like to benefit from their knowledge.

Nearly all of the markets I have sold at, this lovely lady has also sold at. She is a delightful person to have around, and well, she's done so many markets I'm pretty sure we could call her a seasoned market expert.
Without further ado, I present you with Melissa of Tiny Happy fame:

Craft 2.0  (many moons ago)

1. Tell us a little about who you are, and what it is you make and sell.

I'm Melissa, and my 'label' is tiny happy. I make all sorts of things- clothes and toys for kids, small embroidered items, bags, purses and cushion covers. In the past, I've also sold prints of my artwork, cards, and illustrated ceramics.

2. How long have you been doing markets, and how often do you do them?

I've been doing them for years now- I first started selling my work at the Saturday market in Nelson, back in 2006. Since then I've had stalls at Craftwerk, the Mapua Easter Fair, Craft 2.0, Handmade, and the Auckland Art and Craft Fair.

3. I know that you also sell online, which is your preferred way of selling? Why?
I prefer online, I have a shop on etsy and I find this is a bit easier as I can be a bit shy and awkward in 'real life'. But having said that, I do enjoy meeting people face to face at markets.

4. What are your top tips for the layout of the stall? How important is the look of your table?

I think it's important not to have too many things crowding up your table. So keep extra stock in a suitcase or something behind the table. Try and make your display look coherent, and easy for people to look through.

5. Is it good to have as much stock as possible, or is less more? If you have a lot of stock, do you display it all?

Yes, I do try and have extra stuff behind the table to replenish the stock. But then again, there's nothing wrong with having just a limited amount of special things- it gives your work more value, I think, and people are more likely to buy something if you only have a few of them.

6. How about pricing - do you have different prices for markets? Do you have an specific way of pricing that seems to work I.e even numbers, odd numbers, all under a certain price etc

Yes, I do try and keep my market prices down a little but I try not to make things too cheap (though I aim for 'affordable' prices in general.) At markets, I try and make all my prices divisible by 5, because it's easier to arrange change in 5s.

Nelson Markets (also many moons ago!)

7. Are you very chatty with people browsing your stall? Or do you prefer to step back and let them look?

I am chatty, but I do try and step back and let them look at stuff- noone likes a pushy salesperson! I like it when customers want to have a chat, it's the best part about doing markets.

8. Any other advice you'd like to share?

It's a good idea to keep a little stack of business cards for people to take.

Bring plenty of change.

Don't forget a bottle of water and some snacks.

Thanks heaps, M!

You can find Melissa on Facebook HERE, on Typepad HERE and on Etsy HERE

To market, to market: Part One.

I have high hopes of having a few stalls at one of our local markets this Summer.

I have done a few markets in the past, both big and small. I have done a few Craft2.0 fairs, the Mapua fair in Nelson and, many moons ago, Craftwerk in Wellington. But I've always felt like I haven't quite mastered the art of market-ing. (Not to mention it has been some time..!)

I have asked a few of my crafty friends, who I consider to be very successful at market selling, to answer a wee questionnaire and offer me some advice. I though that you lovelies might also like to benefit from their knowledge.

First up is the very talented Emma of Emma Makes fame:

1. Tell us a little about who you are, and what it is you make and sell.

My name is Emma Makes. I design and sew my own range of bags, zipper purses and soft toys using small runs of vintage and new textiles. I also make a line of notebooks and design witty pencils.

2. How long have you been doing markets, and how often do you do them?

I started selling at markets at the same time I started selling - about five years ago. I don't do heaps of markets - probably anywhere from between two to five a year. 

3. I know that you also sell online, which is your preferred way of selling? Why?

I prefer a combination of selling online and selling through stockists to selling at markets. By selling online and having a presence on Facebook and my blog I feel I can really tell the story of Emma Makes and what I'm about a whole lot better than going to a range of markets. If you know my website/blog/Facebook then you know what I'm about, you appreciate craft and handmade and you like New Zealand made. Same with stockists - I like developing long-term relationships with people who can represent me and my work. I find markets really hit and miss.

A fair in Palmerston North

4. What are your top tips for the layout of the stall? How important is the look of your table?

My layout is really important and it's different each time. Here's my top tips:

• Take a tablecloth that goes to the ground. It looks neater and will also allow you to hide extra stock underneath.
• Take some props that give you height - it makes it easier for people to see what you're selling and is more visually interesting if things are at different heights.
• Create clear, large signage - sometimes people don't want to ask how much things are.
• ALWAYS take a business card or some way for people to contact you after the fair - if the punters are the kind of people to buy craft and design then give them out liberally. I have Emma Makes postcards and have made many sales after fairs from people who've taken my card. I once did a fair with the sole purpose of giving everyone that visited my table an Emma Makes branded pencil - I recently met a bunch of woman that remembered that probably three years later - branding and marketing is really important to me.
• You don't need to stand but if you sit then do something - hand sewing is a good thing to do because then customers can talk to you about what you're making. It also means you don't get into the habit of staring, which can be intimidating to shoppers.

5. Is it good to have as much stock as possible, or is less more? If you have a lot of stock, do you display it all?

I always take lots of stock but don't put it all out. I keep multiples in reserve and refresh stock throughout the day. I also don't take everything I make - for example, I make some really niche items like ukulele covers and iPad covers and these always sell better online. 

Alt. Shift. Craft fair

6. How about pricing - do you have different prices for markets? Do you have an specific way of pricing that seems to work I.e even numbers, odd numbers, all under a certain price etc

I have the same price at markets as I do online. I price based on a pretty standard model, which is worked out on how much something cost me + how much tax I'll have to pay on it + how much profit I want to make. I like to keep my products affordable too but not cheap. I don't think people who price their work really cheaply are doing anybody any favours. 

7. Are you very chatty with people browsing your stall? Or do you prefer to step back and let them look?

I judge my level of chattiness with each customer - I have a really low tolerance for inane retail conversation so don't want to bore the pants of people by wittering on about the weather. I say hello to almost everyone that comes to my stall and then take it from there - some people don't want to chat, others introduce themselves as Facebook fans/blog readers (which I love).

A market at a winery

8. Any other advice you'd like to share?

• Be choosy about the markets you attend - often time I think people get caught up by the hype of a "market" and the outcome (cold hard cash) can be disappointing if the right people don't come or it hasn't been marketed well. Also be really honest with yourself about what the fair is going to cost you and what kind of money you want to make. There's a couple of no-brainers - in Auckland the Auckland Craft Fair is a really professional well-run event and in Wellington Craft 2.0 is generally good (October is the best fair to sell at) although both are quite pricey in terms of stall fees. The fairs run in Palmerston North by Alt. Shift. Craft are fantastic with a craft-loving audience and heaps of brilliant promotion. I run a fair in Greytown in December called Craft Country, which is always good - and I've also found that sometimes community events can be worthwhile. I tend to avoid anything marketed to families as a fun day out because people go to those looking for a bargain and entertainment.
• Don't leave the promotion of the fair you're selling at up to the organisers. I always write a blog post about the fairs I'm going to, let my Facebook fans know ahead of time and take a photo of my stall from the fair and post it on Facebook - just this weekend a customer told me she hadn't heard about the fair but saw it on my Facebook page and came down.
• If you go to a fair as a seller be nice to others - you'd be surprised how many fairs I've turned up to where other sellers have been in a bad mood or people have tried to take over the space I've paid to put my rack in and it really makes for a stink start to the day.
• Find some honest friends who also do markets and will tell you how much money they made - after a fair there's often a lot of "that was the best fair EVER" conversation on social media sites and being able to compare your day with others who have a grip on reality is invaluable.
• When you're applying for a fair always send good photos. Always.

 Craft 2.0Thanks so much for sharing with us, Emma!

You can find Emma on Facebook HERE, on Felt HERE and on Wordpress HERE.