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Craft fair day

Today is the first of an annual Craft Fair Day on The Spike. 

I get a lot of emails from Spikers who run small businesses selling or making things, asking if I will post about them on The Spike.

This is a tricky one as if I do one, I kind of have to do them all and without getting a sample in, using it and photographing it, (which is hugely time-consuming and means I will neglect my children and husband even more than I already do), it’s just sort of a meaningless free plug. Which I really try hard to avoid. A meaningless paid-for plug, okay. A free, meaningful plug, fine. 

So this is my digital version of a craft fair. Think of The Spike as a cheerful church hall, decked out festively and smelling sweetly of homemade beeswax candles  – the tables for selling are the comments section and what you do is leave a comment pitching yourself and advertise your product to fellow Spikers. 

You can obviously do what you like, but for maximum impact I reckon you ought to start with what you’re selling: ***PERSONALISED BROWNIES*** then a short thing about what they are, your website and a deadline for Christmas orders. Just for a laugh see if you can keep the whole thing to 100 words. 

I DECLARE THE SPIKE CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR… OPEN!!! 20p entry, thanks. 

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Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    December 17, 2018 at 7:39 am

    *PERSONALISED SCRABBLE ART*
    Not the mini basic ones where you get a line across and a line down with a few interconnecting words like ‘love’ ‘mum’ ‘dad’ etc. I make the big motherfuckers. About 1000mm tall x 650mm wife. Framed. With museum grade non reflective art glass. Pretty sped home. Packed full of around 1500 tiles featuring hidden meaningful words phrases and swear words if you like. Priced from £270. Delivery extra. Half sizes version possible. Done these for weddings. Anniversaries Even Gordon Ramsay. Oh, and sir richard Curtis. .*clang*

    Reply
    • Sharon Spencer says

      December 17, 2018 at 8:55 am

      Do you have a link to your website or where we can see these?

      Reply
    • Madeleine Mortimer says

      December 17, 2018 at 9:27 am

      website please?

      Reply
  2. Victoria Wren says

    December 17, 2018 at 7:43 am

    http://WWW.CRAFTYWRENS.CO.UK
    Toys & Games for children aged 2-12
    We will wrap and send direct with a hand written message so no wrapping at home or post office queues for you.
    Thanks Esther, Happy Christmas Spikers xx

    Reply
  3. Katie says

    December 17, 2018 at 8:23 am

    This is a brilliant idea Ester! Thanks!! – Hi fellow Spikers, my names Katie and I found & run Kate Barnét. Our mission is to bring colour, print and luxe back into your nighttime wardrobe without breaking the bank.

    http://www.katebarnet.com

    Our printed satin kimonos are a particularly good buy for mother-in-laws who ‘have everything’, particularly if yours is a ‘glam’ matriarch.

    Last shipping day is tomorrow for free shipping – 20th for £3.95 shipping. And as you’re lovely readers of the Spike, if you use code DONTBEBORING you’ll receive 15% off! xx Merry Christmas! xx

    Reply
    • Sophie says

      December 17, 2018 at 12:19 pm

      These are SO MUCH TOO NICE for my mother-in-law! They look more like a ‘I got through another Christmas’ present to MEEEEE.

      Reply
  4. Nora says

    December 17, 2018 at 8:35 am

    @hadleyceramics @theoldsurgery
    I have a batch of freshly kiln fired ceramic matchstrikers.
    Flecked stoneware with a gorgeous wasabi glaze.
    Only £15 (free p&p) Contact via Instagram.

    Reply
    • Flopsy says

      December 17, 2018 at 1:03 pm

      These are gorgeous.

      Reply
      • Nora says

        December 17, 2018 at 3:43 pm

        Thank you!!

        Reply
  5. Fi says

    December 17, 2018 at 8:57 am

    This is a brilliant idea Ester!

    I started a company with my friend a year ago that delivers boxes to kids teaching them about different countries around the world.

    Please check us out http://www.ourlittleglobe.co.uk

    We offer a monthly subscription or 6/12 month options. Currently have 1 day left to order for Xmas delivery.

    Thanks x

    Reply
    • Louise says

      December 17, 2018 at 3:02 pm

      This is a wonderful idea, I absolutely love it…! My daughter is only 1 at the moment but am now following you on Instagram in case you ever do a younger package, or once she reaches 5, whichever is sooner 😀

      Reply
  6. Sophie Valentine Author says

    December 17, 2018 at 10:09 am

    *Children’s Picture Book*
    ‘Believe in Pixie Hart’ is my first self published children’s picture book…What if ALL your wishes could come true? Well Pixie Hart’s wishes always do…every single one, every single time!

    Pixie isn’t like the other children in her town, which leads them into thinking she is a little strange but she has no plans to change ❤ It isn’t until a school trip goes wrong that the children in her class discover that Pixie Hart is actually, one of a kind 💫

    “An inspiring tale” about a little girl who demonstrates how anything is possible if you truly believe…🌈

    Available for £6.99 or 2 for £10 (including postage) available on my website sophie-valentine.com or Amazon! ⭐️

    Reply
  7. Tina says

    December 17, 2018 at 10:12 am

    ***CURATED GIFT BOXES, WRAPPED & DELIVERED***
    Inaugural Digital Craft fair! Not exactly craft but we support many small and artisan businesses (largely UK made) in what we use inside our gift boxes.
    A wonderful selection for Christmas, Birthdays, New Baby and Thinking of You. We also do large scale corporate, launch and event gifting.
    Run by me, Tina, in London

    http://www.twinkleboxco.com
    @twinkleboxco

    Last Orders currently 10am on 20th December for delivery via Royal Mail.
    x

    Reply
  8. Lizzie says

    December 17, 2018 at 11:04 am

    HANDMADE CHILDREN’S CLOTHES
    Fun and colourful children’s clothes, all handmade by me. I have an exclusive Christmas print at the moment (Christmas Dinos!) as well as lots of others to choose from. I make leggings, dungarees, shirts, baby clothing sets (great for gifts!) and more! You can find me on Etsy at http://www.lizziebugclothing.etsy.com or instagram via lizziebugclothing. It’s getting tight for Christmas turnaround now but, if you see something you like, drop me a message and I’ll see what I can do!
    Lizzie x

    Reply
    • H says

      December 17, 2018 at 3:09 pm

      You had me at ‘Christmas dinos’ 😍

      Reply
  9. catherineingleby says

    December 17, 2018 at 11:53 am

    http://www.catherineingleby.com @inglebyart (FB, Inst, Twitter)
    Bespoke portraits, wildlife, equine paintings and prints. It’s a bit late to order online for xmas, but I have some prints in stock in the studio that I can post.
    Lovely idea Esther x

    Reply
  10. Lololala says

    December 17, 2018 at 12:12 pm

    MID CENTURY MODERNCERAMICS
    https://www.sallymcgill.com

    Made by my extremely talented mother-in-law at her pottery studio in Highbury. The hand painted ceramics are very Mid Century Modern/ Scandinavian is style. I especially love the cups which are made out of fine china but are tall so hold the volume of a builder’s mug of tea/coffee without feeling chunky. Also beautiful plates, vases, bowls, brooches etc.

    Reply
    • Jayne says

      December 17, 2018 at 1:25 pm

      Fantastic idea Esther – and now made a purchase Lola.
      Merry Christmas all Spikers.

      Reply
      • Lololala says

        December 18, 2018 at 8:45 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
  11. Jill says

    December 17, 2018 at 12:25 pm

    **SCIENCE SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR CURIOUS KIDS**
    Check us out at http://www.curiosity-box.com or on Facebook/ Instagram
    What a great idea Esther! We do flexible monthly science subscription boxes for curious kids between 4-11 years. Our January box is themed “Code Breakers”. All hands-on and curriculum-linked, we’re a small business based in Oxfordshire with a big vision to get kids into science and engineering from a young age!

    Reply
    • Flopsy says

      December 17, 2018 at 2:29 pm

      Good lord. Jill this looks totally amazing. I have just totally spoilt my daughter by getting her a subscription.

      Reply
    • Flopsy says

      January 11, 2019 at 10:59 am

      I have come all the way back on here some months later to give an update as I was so impressed by these: my daughter has now received two Curiousity Boxes and absolutely loves them. They are really well thought out and an excellent present spread out through the year to avoid “present overwhelm” at a birthday or Christmas. Thanks again Jill!

      Reply
  12. Camille Bramall says

    December 17, 2018 at 12:28 pm

    https://www.facebook.com/danthescribbler/photos/a.178213592287976/1790158394426813/?type=3&theater
    On behalf of my husband (AKA The Scribbler): Unicorn and Robot height charts on sale now! They are giclée prints on strong lustre paper. Standard – £12, Personalised – £18 and a very limited number of deluxe hangers are available for an additional £10. Email dan@thescribbler.co.uk to order one before the big man pops down your chimney.

    Reply
  13. Flopsy says

    December 17, 2018 at 12:47 pm

    *****ORIGINAL OIL PORTRAITS*****
    My husband is a full time artist based in Archway, North London and has specialised in oil painting his entire career. Children and family portraits are particularly popular. He can work from either photos or real life and does gift vouchers. http://www.nickofferportraits.com. (His non-portrait work is at http://www.nickoffer.com)
    Any commissions would make me feel way less guilty about my ongoing Spike-inspired capsule wardrobe investment plan..

    Reply
    • Lesley Somerville says

      December 17, 2018 at 4:33 pm

      Just had a quick look. The non-portraits are different and I like them and the concept. But prices? Is it a case of if you have to ask you can’t afford it? The idea of a portrait really appeals to me but again, assuming it costs shed loads and I’m not in that bracket. He’s very handsome btw!

      Reply
      • Flopsy says

        December 18, 2018 at 11:11 am

        Haha, thank you Lesley. Yes for pricing you need to ping Nick an email (he’s also on instagram at @nick_offer / @londonportraitartist). Portrait prices vary a lot depending on size and number of figures. For example, at the moment he’s completing a portrait of five people and three elephants (long story!); that is significantly more expensive than a small head and shoulders would be. He can’t put pricing on his figurative painting because many in the art world, namely galleries and curators, are snobby about artists doing that (really, it’s ridiculous). Any original painting has many hours of work in it, so they aren’t going to be as affordable as prints or sketches. That said, Nick loves getting emails and feedback of any kind and sadly he’s not loaded himself – being an artist and all – so he totally gets it if the prices are outside of someone’s budget. He’s not exactly off buying paintings himself! Although as for me.. I’ve already bought two things and counting as a result of this post – eek! – just love craft stuff. Your comment is really useful thank you, as it’s hard “working in a vacuum” without external input. He’s thought about putting pricing information online and I totally take your point.. perhaps he should reconsider.
        This turned out to be a long response! HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.

        Reply
        • Lesley Somerville says

          December 20, 2018 at 11:35 am

          Thanks for the very informative reply. I will follow on Insta and who knows. I totally understand how hard it must be to earn any kind of living as an artist. The price thing with galleries is so fraught. What a shame if it stops people being able to afford ‘proper’ art. You know what I mean lol.

          Reply
  14. Kate Brazier says

    December 17, 2018 at 1:57 pm

    ** CONTEMPORARY WATERCOLOURS & UNIQUE HANDMADE GIFTS **
    http://www.katebrazier.com or etsy.com/shop/KateBrazierArtist
    I have a colourful selection of contemporary layered watercolours, statement Christmas decorations and brooches. Something to suit everyone!
    Also available cards and prints.
    My last shipping day for First Class post is Wednesday 19th December and Friday 21st for Royal Mail Special Delivery.
    Fantastic idea Esther, and thank you!

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      December 17, 2018 at 5:15 pm

      Kate, your art is lovely, I think I’ve found a present for myself

      Reply
      • Kate says

        December 17, 2018 at 6:09 pm

        Thank you very much! K

        Reply
        • Cindy says

          December 17, 2018 at 9:36 pm

          No thank you – got a gift for someone else sorted too. Merry Christmas!

          Reply
  15. Kate Brazier says

    December 17, 2018 at 2:02 pm

    PS. Happy Christmas Spikers!

    Reply
  16. H says

    December 17, 2018 at 3:09 pm

    I love this so much! Great idea Esther. Can you do one of these posts a few times a year? Christmas is most obvious gift-giving time but I’m always on the look out for nice things to squirrel away. (And then forget about.)

    Reply
  17. Dex says

    December 17, 2018 at 4:02 pm

    In April, I will be starting a family history business. Like Who Do You Think You Are, but without the effort.

    I don’t have a website or anything set up yet, so would you run an Easter fair so I can come and shill my wares properly???

    Reply
  18. tessamary79 says

    December 17, 2018 at 4:13 pm

    CURTAIN FABRIC, CUSHIONS, LAMPSHADES, TEA TOWELS

    Beautiful fabric designed by my talented little sister and inspired by the Gloucestershire countryside she lives in.

    http://www.susiehetherington.co.uk

    Reply
    • Kate says

      December 17, 2018 at 6:11 pm

      I have one of Susie’s lampshades! They are beautiful and very well made 👌

      Reply
    • Rachel says

      December 18, 2018 at 1:11 am

      How beautiful. I want everything! Do you ship to Australia? x

      Reply
      • tessamary79 says

        December 18, 2018 at 4:03 pm

        It’s my sister’s business but I’m sure she would ship to Oz – her email is info@susiehetherington.co.uk. Glad you like the stuff! x

        Reply
  19. Louise says

    December 17, 2018 at 6:26 pm

    ORIGINAL PHOTO PRINTS TO BEAUTIFY YOUR WALLS
    We found it super hard to find original, beautiful and reasonable prints for our house so have set this site up.
    https://www.collectprinthouse.com

    They start from £25 and we have 15% off at the mo, plus still time to order before Christmas

    (Thanks for doing this Esther :-))

    Reply
  20. Martin Tomsky says

    December 17, 2018 at 8:07 pm

    ART AND JEWELLERY MADE WITH LASERS!
    Intricate artworks and jewellery made from laser cut coloured wood, particularly suitable for lovers of nature, skeletons and fantasy. UK deadline for Christmas jewellery orders is 20th December. I do custom designs and commissions too but it’s too late for Christmas now. (Special thanks to my wife for showing me this page)

    Reply
  21. Melody says

    December 17, 2018 at 9:45 pm

    Such a great idea, Esther, hope this becomes a regular feature!

    Reply
  22. Rebecca says

    December 17, 2018 at 10:53 pm

    Thank you Esther – I’m another “it’s not me it’s my other half”. http://www.chrisceaser.co.uk. Beautiful landscape photography prints for sale (internet sales by 19 December 2018 please) and he can teach you how to do it, lend you the kit (OMG graduated filters will change your life) and help you see the light & the composition, on a residential course. So good for the soul, to be knee deep in a lake, looking for the light. Vouchers for workshops available by email right up to Christmas Eve.

    Reply
  23. Rebecca Shepard says

    December 18, 2018 at 8:04 am

    Fantastic idea, Esther! Another “on behalf of my” – check out http://www.chrisceaser.co.uk for beautiful FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY PRINTS and, for the DSLR owner in your life LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS. Last orders for UK delivery of prints is Thursday 20 December – but vouchers for workshops & residentials can be sent by email, so are a great last minute option. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Shepard says

      December 19, 2018 at 10:35 am

      Argh – I did this twice – sorry – didn’t see the first one when I woke up the day after, so resubmitted. Hope he got some clicks – Merry Christmas, all!

      Reply
  24. Flopsy says

    December 18, 2018 at 11:17 am

    **** AWESOME CRAFTING WORKSHOPS ***
    Also a massive shout-out to my friend Jane who runs the best craft workshops ever. @teaandcrafting / https://www.teaandcrafting.co.uk/ . Based in Covent Garden, London. She does gift vouchers, which would be excellent if you have a crafty family member / someone you can’t think what on earth to buy for. Some of the classes coming up are here: https://www.teaandcrafting.co.uk/pages/calendar-of-craft-classes

    Reply

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