NI Craft Fairs 2011

someprettybags

Thanks fi99. This is what thought. I will maybe do the odd fair but I really wish the economy would pick up.

smokiewater

someprettybags wrote: »

I don't usually do fairs at this time of the year but how are people finding them at the mo? I decided not to do mt Stewart this year, as I feel that it hasn't been great for me last 2 years and isn't really cost effective for me. I think a year break will be good. So that leaves me pondering about doing a few smaller ones. Any thoughts out there?

Was I near you in Downpatrick, do you sell bags and skirts? If so your stuff is fab - I love it, wish I was about 10 years younger and 3 stone lighter though, the skirts were class!!

Shows very hit and miss at the minute, even the ones that are good year on year can be a bit down at the minute.

We have had good ones, very good ones, bad ones and very bad ones - you just need to try as many as you can and see what works for you!

Display is soooo important - but yours was great! Keep smiling, don't get too serious about it and be prepared to give anything a bash - you could be suprised at where you sell loads!

MADuffin

smokiewater wrote: »

Was I near you in Downpatrick, do you sell bags and skirts? If so your stuff is fab - I love it, wish I was about 10 years younger and 3 stone lighter though, the skirts were class!!

Shows very hit and miss at the minute, even the ones that are good year on year can be a bit down at the minute.

We have had good ones, very good ones, bad ones and very bad ones - you just need to try as many as you can and see what works for you!

Display is soooo important - but yours was great! Keep smiling, don't get too serious about it and be prepared to give anything a bash - you could be suprised at where you sell loads!

So true on the craft fairs and there ups and downs and yes great advice display is very important, I always look at my display to see how I can improve on the layout to draw the customer in. If a craft fair the sells were low I try to think I'm promoting myself so yes they did not buy on the day but hopefully there may buy from me in the future.

SmallprintAntrim

MADuffin wrote: »

So true on the craft fairs and there ups and downs and yes great advice display is very important, I always look at my display to see how I can improve on the layout to draw the customer in. If a craft fair the sells were low I try to think I'm promoting myself so yes they did not buy on the day but hopefully there may buy from me in the future.

So true. Make sure they know who you are, show your brand name and hand out a card when they are showing interest and let them know how to access you after the event. I have been to fairs and seen things I like and realised after that that would have made a great present for someone but because they did not have any marketing materials I had no idea who they were or how to purchase in the future!!!!

Jewellerybydi

fi99 wrote: »

our private facebook page has been set up for a (very small) group of crafters that actually share dates with each other and where we can have a chat/gossip and let off steam without people making complaints.
you can request to join the group but you will only be accepted into the group if we all (or majority) agree to allowing you to join and we would only agree if we have meet you and know you

Hiya ladies!! Been ages since I've been on here due to family illness & berevement I've just about managed to keep up with orders coming in. Now that I'm back in saddle thought I'd pop on & say hi!!! Am so sad to see that there has been some hassle on what is always such a friendly site!!!! Its craft, not competition, we should all be embracing & sharing as has always been case here.
If I can please be considered for this facebook page, can someone please inbox me with details? Or let me know if i cannot?
xx

Creativecrafter

Hey everyone!
I'm really new to crafting but love every part of it so much that I would love to make some sort of business out of it (or maybe I'm just dreaming). I'm taking the first step and getting a stall at a show in 3 weeks times but would love it if you could all give me some advice as what to do and what not to do. I'm nervous but really excited!

Thanks everyone x

someprettybags

Hi Smokiewater, it wasn't me at downpatrick. I sell bags with metal frames. I'm sure our paths may well have crossed over the last 2 or 3 years.

smokiewater

someprettybags wrote: »

Hi Smokiewater, it wasn't me at downpatrick. I sell bags with metal frames. I'm sure our paths may well have crossed over the last 2 or 3 years.

Yes I am sure they have - good luck with the bags, hopefully the shows will start to pick up for you soon!

Balmoral was very busy today!

someprettybags

As I was looking for this myself, I thought I would bring it forward a couple of pages.

May

The Style Fair - Tullyglass Hotel
Start date: Sunday 15th May 2011
End date: Sunday 15th May 2011
The Style Fair is a fashion event primarily promoting the concept of fashion recycling. We welcome sellers of previously owned quality, premium brand fashion garments and accessories, including design... more info

There is fair on the 21st may at Hillsborough presbyterianchurch, contact
Carson Mullen you will need to google church for phone number or email.

Garden Fair Hillsborough 20th - 22nd May Contact [EMAIL="info@gardenshowireland.com"]info@gardenshowireland.com[/EMAIL]

Spring fair Sat 21st may 2-5pm at Ballance house £25 (greeting cards and jewellery max 3) contact Anne Gould 028 92 650913
Garden & Craft Fair Sat 21st & Sun 22nd May Mount Stewart


June


NICHS Annual Volunteer Event on the 1st June 2011 at the Dunsilly. Two sessions on the day the first is at 12.30pm-4.00pm and the next one is from 6.00pm-9.00pm. We are hoping to have a number of stall holders present for the day. It's free. If interested contact RHughes@NICHS.org.uk

sat 4th june lurgan show, £50 stall Contact: 07732172214 (this was good for me last year)

sat 4th june 9am-12mid day, mount stewart car boot sale (phoned up and they said can sell anything expect alcohol) £5 per car and you just turn up, first come bases!

Saturday 4th June, Ballymacash Primary school, times to be confirmed. £15 per table. Email [EMAIL="sjkirkham@hotmail.co.uk"]sjkirkham@hotmail.co.uk[/EMAIL] for details and application form


Sunday 5th June Stormont Hotel Craft & Jewellery Fair. Jewellery now fully booked. Still spaces for other lovely crafty bits though. Contact Jen - [EMAIL="jen@jennimac-handmade-cards-and-crafts.co.uk"]jen@jennimac-handmade-cards-and-crafts.co.uk[/EMAIL]

The Causeway Bazaar - Vintage & Handmade Fair

Lodge Hotel Coleraine, Sat 11th June 2011. 10am - 4pm. Tables cost £30. Must be handmade.

Contact Kim McAfee for more details 028 2766 7775

Thursday 16 June 6.30pm - 9pm. Contact [EMAIL="info@tlm-ni.org"]info@tlm-ni.org[/EMAIL] for more information


Pamper day Saturday 18th June 11 - 4pm at Millbrook Community Centre, Larne (this event is almost fully booked but I do have two tables left to fill, I have people selling Handmade jewellery, cards, baked items, soaps and personalised frames/jars so I'm looking for something different hope that makes sense), please pm MADuffin for more info


Saintfield Show Sat 18th June £25 table email [EMAIL="secretary@saintfieldshow.co.uk"]secretary@saintfieldshow.co.uk[/EMAIL] no time yet

Vehicles of Yesteryear ( Craft accepted on this theme) Sun 19th June, Mount Stewart

The Style Fair - Armagh City Hotel
Start date: Sunday 19th June 2011
End date: Sunday 19th June 2011
The Style Fair is a fashion event primarily promoting the concept of fashion recycling. We welcome sellers of previously owned quality, premium brand fashion garments and accessories including designe... more info

25th June, IKEA craft event - contact Smokiewater via forum for details

Mid summer fair being held on 25th June to raise funds for breast,ovarian and cervical cancer.Venue is the hall and grounds of St Patricks Church of Ireland, Ballymena town centre. Cookery demo, hot food stands etc.If any exhibitors of local crafts,collectables,food producers etc would be interested in wxhibiting at this event please contact me via e-mail:isobelbell2000@yahoo.co.uk or Billy B on this forum.

July

sat 2nd july MENCAP Family fun day and Craft Fair, Clough £15 a table (electric extra £5) 12-6 set up from 10 tea/coffee and sandwiches for stall holders Contact: Michelle (belle87 on here) [EMAIL="shellemurre2003@hotmail.com"]shellemurre2003@hotmail.com[/EMAIL]/ 07821557159

sat 2nd july 9am-12mid day, mount stewart car boot sale (phoned up and they said can sell anything expect alcohol) £5 per car and you just turn up, first come bases!

16 July- Castlewellan Show £35 in tent. Contact Violet Bell 028 40630536

19 July - Vehicles of Yesteryear at Mount Stewart - Father's day event. Cost £50 indoors in tent and £30 outdoors. Contact: [EMAIL="sarah.sharp@nationaltrust.org.uk"]sarah.sharp@nationaltrust.org.uk[/EMAIL]

Raspberry tea Sat 23rd July 2-5pm at Ballance house £25 (greeting cards and jewellery max 3) contact Anne Gould 028 92 650913

August

sat 6th aug 9am-12mid day, mount stewart car boot sale (phoned up and they said can sell anything expect alcohol) £5 per car and you just turn up, first come bases!

fri 12th aug 1-5:30pm, sat 13th and sun 14th 10:30am-5.30pm, castle ward craftfest

September

sat 3rd sep 9am-12mid day, mount stewart car boot sale (phoned up and they said can sell anything expect alcohol) £5 per car and you just turn up, first come bases!


Pamper day Saturday 24th September 11 - 4pm at Roddensvale School, Larne (bigger space to fill but my aim is to show case a wide range of crafts, so spaces will be limited to each type of craft again I hope that makes sense), please pm MADuffin for more info

October

Food Fair 8th and 9th October, Mount Stewart

Apple day Sat 15th Oct 2-5pm at Ballance house £25 (greeting cards and jewellery max 3) contact Anne Gould 028 92 650913

November

Girlguiding Ulster, Lorne House, 028 9042 5212 contact Claire Flowers. Saturday 12 November 10am - 4PM £25.00

December

Victorian Christmas market Sat 3rd dec 11.30- 4pm at Ballance house £25 (greeting cards and jewellery max 3) contact Anne Gould 028 92 650913

Xmas Craft Fair Argory 3rd-4th Dec Contact Mary Ashford as above £90 for two days

fi99

a friend is organsing this event and she has asked me to organise the stalls, if you would be interested in a table please pm me, £20 per table

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=159536817439686