Another Evergreen Artisan Market

It's always good to relax after all the work that goes into a craft show like the Evergreen. It is a big event and I put a lot into making a nice display of my work. Not to mention all the work that goes into making the items.

I am always surprised what sells and what doesn't. What does well one year may not do well the next.  I was very happy to see that everyone seemed to love my owls as much as I do. All the owls that sold went to good homes. I could see that they would be loved. I will be putting the pattern on my Etsy Shop later this week if anyone is interested in making one yourself. I do have a few owls left that will go into the shop as well and will take orders. If interested, contact me through my Etsy shop or at bettysusanneATgmailDOTcom.

Another surprise was that I sold ALL of my handwoven tea towels. Since weaving is still new to me I was quite flattered that they were so well received. I am already making plans to weave up some more. I forgot to save one for myself! I really thought there would be some left over for me. 

A big thank you to all who came out to support me and all the other artisans this past weekend. 

HANDSPUN

It's time again for the Evergreen Artisan Market here in Prince Albert, SK. I've been busy gathering up my crafts and setting them up in my craft room. I'm very surprised that I have lots to fill a table. This year I have been doing my share of spinning but I didn't think it was amounting to much until I gathered it all up.

Doesn't it look nice? And this isn't all of it. And what about those colours? All hand dyed by me. Some were even dyed with plant material that I gathered locally. I have been enjoying this process immensely. For most of October I haven't had time to spin and feel I miss it a lot. As soon as I feel organized enough for the Market I will reward myself with some spinning.

I love the look of a nice wool braid so I tried my hand at dyeing up a few for the sale. I just love green and think these turned out beautifully. And if no one buys them I'll have more fibre to spin. It's a win-win. I also tried some pink and purples. What do you think? What colour would you want?

I've been enjoying the fibre community on Instagram lately so if you're there look me up, @bettysusanne.

Old Books

One of the many benefits of my attending the Evergreen Artisan Market was meeting some wonderful people. It was amazing meeting so many kind, creative people.

One of these ladies by the name of Annette, has given me the most wonderful gift. She has had these old textbooks taking up space at her place for some time but didn't have the heart to just pitch them. I feel so lucky to be in possession of such wonderful books. Over the winter I hope to slowly turn these unused and out of date textbooks into beautiful works of art to be enjoyed again.

I have been saving all of the hardcovers from the books I have used in the hopes of turning them into useful objects such as purses and notebooks.  One of the textbooks in the pile that I have received has caught my eye.  It is the most beautiful little economics book in the most wonderful shade of blue. I have hopes of turning this little treasure into a cute little clutch purse.

As I slowly clean up all my crafting mess, I think I will take a wee break from paper for a bit and try a bit of sewing.

Recovering

Wow, what a busy time the last two months have been! It's hard to believe that the Evergreen Artisan Market has come and gone. It's time to reflect on what worked and what changes to make for next year.  Yes, I'm going to do it again!

Here is a picture of me at my booth. Unfortunately I didn't have the forethought to have someone take one at the beginning of the show, when I was all fresh and bright-eyed.  This picture was taken by my daughter at the end of the two days, all tired and ready to go home.

The biggest thing I learnt from my experience is that Prince Albert is not the place to sell my wreaths. So to rectify this, I'm busy trying to set up an Etsy Shop. I have been hesitating doing this for a while. I'm not sure why I've been hesitating, just scared I guess.  I just have to figure out the shipping and then my shop will be open for business.  I'll let you know when I get the courage to click that final OPEN button. 

Overall the Market was a great experience. I met some amazing people and made a little money. It's neat to think that some of my ornaments will be hanging in homes around town this holiday season. 

Evergreen Artisan Market

The Evergreen Artisan Market is only a week away! I have been extremely busy designing and building my display, and making product to fill it.  Since this is to be my first time selling my crafts I have little idea of what will sell. So I am trying to have a variety of things at different price points.  One of the hard things for me is to know when to stop. I have lots of ideas in my head but there is definitely no time to make all of them.  

My crafts have taken over my house.  Things are very messy but with the show getting closer I hope to shift my focus to finishing projects and cleaning up.  Everything needs to be packed up so it can be taken to the Rawlinson Center to set up next Friday.  Wow, November 7th is coming fast. 

Here are a few pictures of more products and a peek at the display I have set-up in my dining room.  This is not how things will be at the show but it gives you an idea of what I've been working on. If you are on FaceBook and/or Instagram follow me there for updates from the Evergreen Artisan Market.