Christmas Markets

Yesterday valeasc had its first appearance in the Christmas Markets world and it was absolutely fantastic!

I took the afternoon off to make sure I'd be ready for the fair. I tried the table set-up at home and made a couple of changes until I was 100% satisfied with it. And then I burned my advent candle and left everything on the table as I wasn't sure the fair was indeed going to happen. It had been snowing for hours and there was no sign it would cease anytime soon. Both Rob and I called the organisers and the school where it was going to be held many times and every time we got the same response: Yes, of course! So, I patiently packed all my goodies in my lovely, big, white basket and booked a taxi.

We arrived at St. John's School in Highbury around 5.00; the market would start at 6.30, so we were quite early. That was the only time we could find a taxi available, the snow really paralises this city! When we got there, there were already a couple of other stallers and we started getting organised. We picked our table next to the heater, which turned out to be a very wise choice! The tables were much much smaller than I thought but I used the basket as an extension, so it wasn't a big problem, really.

Rob and I didn't expect anybody to turn up, instead, despite the weather, people started gathering around the school as soon as the doors opened and people kept coming and going all night long. I sold several things and had a lot of fun! My best sellers of the night were the little white crocheted doilies, hardened and tied with red and white polka-dots ribbons and the felt decorations. Definitely a lovely night!

Now, I look forward to my next fair on Saturday the 11th at Christ Church, Highbury. See you there!

Not successful, but fun!

As some of you have been asking about last Saturday fair, I figured I would write a little post about it to sum up the events of the day.

As you all know, I was VERY VERY excited to be at this We Make London fair. It was my first experience and didn't really know what to expect.

Well, we booked a taxi to pick us up at 9.15am. The fair was held at Chelsea Old Town Hall, in King's Road and we live in the London Bridge area. It only took us 10 minutes to get there, so we decided to have breakfast, well our second breakfast, in a cafe' nearby. At 10.00 on the dot we are heading to the Hall. Lots of girls with big boxes and bags are all around, it's a sign that we are in the right place.

Chelsea Old Town Hall looks beautiful and there are so many crafters around, I am overwhelmed! And scared...I look around and all the stalls look so professionally set up, you can tell it's my first time! My supporters, Rob, Ilaria, Elena and Amy, keep telling me that my stall looks great but I can see the others, and they are better, much better! Lots of inspiration for next time :)

The weather was just glorious and as we feared, there were not many people around. I bet all Londoners were at the park! I would have gone to Regent's Park myself if I didn't have to be there! My good friends Mike and Natalie came by too, which was super nice, and it was very good to have a chat with them.

Despite the paucity of visitors and activity, the day went by very fast and I had lots of fun! I was very lucky to be surrounded by best friends and to have two lovely girls as neighbours, both stalls looked amazing. I met very talented artists and brilliant people. Didn't sell much but it was wonderful to be in such an inspiring place surrounded by beautiful handmade stuff.

I am now looking forward to the next one...

valeasc summer fair

Hi everyone!

I am delighted to invite you all to my first stall sale! My hobby is about to become more public! valeasc is taking part to the "We Make London" fair this June, in London. Details on the invite. If you are in London, please come by to say hello and show your support! If you are not in town, I would really appreciate if you could spread the word!

Many thanks,
Vale