Market Day Adventures: A Day with Artisans in East Preston
My second event was an artisan market held in East Preston’s charming Village Hall. This time the market expanded across two halls and I was fortunate to share a space with an inspiring group of skilled crafters and artists.
A Promising Start—Rain or Shine
The event ran from 10am to 4pm, and while the morning began with a light drizzle, the weather soon turned around. By the time we opened the skies had cleared, letting in beautiful sunshine that seemed to draw the community out. The morning was busy with a flow of visitors; locals who made a special trip to support the market and some who were out on a casual dog walk and decided to pop in for a look.
Setting Up for Success
Determined to make a strong impression this time around, I’d invested in more display essentials: an additional stand to hold my greeting cards and some eye-catching table signage. These small changes made a world of difference! The layout looked so much better and reflected my branding in a cohesive, inviting way. I even remembered to iron my tablecloth this time! Seeing the response from the visitors, I think the setup really helped to draw more people to my table.
Popular Picks: Bookmarks
In addition to my range of greeting cards, I introduced bookmarks at this market which turned out to be a popular choice. There’s something nice about a small, unique item that appeals to visitors—they make for thoughtful, affordable gifts. It was great to see (and hear) one lady cackle at the bookmark ‘My Romance Era’ when she picked it up.
Afternoon Lull and Friendly Conversations
As the afternoon wore on, foot traffic slowed down. After chatting with some of the other stallholders we realised that most people were probably taking advantage of the beautiful weather and heading out to the nearby beaches. While it quieted down, the slower pace allowed me to chat with other stallholders, exchanging stories, tips, and laughs. It is great to connect with other makers especially if you are on your own at an event.
Next Stop: Christmas in Boxgrove!
Now that East Preston is wrapped up I’m eagerly looking forward to my next market—Christmas in Boxgrove on 10th November 2024. With the festive season fast approaching I’ll be busy creating a fresh lineup of Christmas cards to spread some seasonal cheer.
Please come back and read more as I continue this journey, exploring new markets, refining my products, and connecting with incredible people along the way.
A quick photo taken of the other stallholders just before they opened the doors.
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