The KitschenSink Journal

What's going on?

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 11:18:00 +0000

Hey! It's been a while.

I'm currently taking a planned leave of absence and will be back in the summer time. After that, things will change - for the better, Kitschen Sink will become a more exclusive brand.

What's happening?

I'm studying two nights a week at the moment and that means other evenings I need to read and work on assignments or revise, and my other time I am hanging out with friends and family.

What's going to change?

Having a busy lifestyle - working full time and doing Kitschen Sink on the side, making time for the many important people in my life, at the moment I don't have time to keep up on the paperwork required to have shops selling my work. When a shop sells your work they can either buy lots off you at once for a really cheap price per piece (but lots of money in my bank account at once!) - this is called 'wholesale', or I can hand it over to them and when they sell something they take a percentage of the price it sold for. At the moment, most shops want to do the latter, and that means I have to keep track of what stock each shop has, what they have sold, how much they owe me, if they have paid me, how much more to send them. ore and more they expect the maker to do this, and I just don't have time on top of working - heck, that means there's no time to design new things, or to tell you about it!

So from now on, I will mostly be selling to you direct. At events, and online. So it'll be more exclusive. Some shops will still stock my work if they choose to buy wholesale.

When will I be back?

Well, I plan to sell at the Easter Reetsweet at the Corn Exchange (Leeds) event, but otherwise I will be making a return after June - that's when I hand in a bunch of coursework and have the summer off studying.

Can we keep in touch somehow?

Yes! I am not disappearing. I will still be pinning on Pinterest, Facebooking, and Tweeting. You can keep up to date with what I am being inspired by for fresh new collections on my return.

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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Kitschen Sink Christmas Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 20:08:00 +0000

If you'd like to check out the goods before you buy - here's where I will be on the lead up to Christmas...

November:

Saturday 17 November: Albion Place Market, Leeds (between WH Smith and Urban Outfitters)

Tuesday 20th November: Leeds University Fair Trade and Craft Fair, Parkinson Building

Saturday 24th November: Albion Place Market, Leeds (between WH Smith and Urban Outfitters)

December:

Saturday 1st December: Reetsweet's Christmas Fair, Corn Exchange, Leeds

Thursday 6th and Friday 7th December: Leeds University Union Christmas Fair - Student Union Foyer, Leeds

Saturday 8th December: Albion Place Market, Leeds (between WH Smith and Urban Outfitters)

Sunday 9th December: TBC

Saturday 15th December: Albion Place Market, Leeds (between WH Smith and Urban Outfitters)

Sunday 16th December: Bust Christmas Craftacular, York Hall, Bethnal Green

Saturday 22nd December: Albion Place Market, Leeds (between WH Smith and Urban Outfitters)

Sunday 23rd December: TBC

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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FAQs: 7 Tips for Outdoor Craft Fair Survival (Winter edition)

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Craft fairs, markets and shopping events are a great way of promoting your brand on a budget, getting feedback from your customers and, of course, selling your product face to face. But outdoor markets and fairs bring their own challenges - some you might not even think of before the event. Here's my seven top tips for getting to the end of the day without a drama or frost bite:

Acrylic cardigan, pegged down products and cling-filmed pitch sides are just a few of my Winter market survival tips

♥ Wear wool not cotton, and layer up
This goes for socks, hats, scarves and your cardigan. It's going to be cold, and cotton keeps you cool, so make sure your knitwear is either wool or acrylic. Even if it looks thickly knit, cotton won't keep you warm when the temperatures plummet!

♥ Take your door mat
Yeah, you heard right. A scrap of carpet to stand on will help to keep your feet warmer behind your pitch!

♥ Get a money belt
The outdoor market I sell at is in Leeds City Centre on a busy shopping street where shoppers have access behind the pitches. Don't leave a cash tin unattended, get yourself a money belt that constantly strapped to you.

♥ Bring a big Thermos flask
I just upgraded from 0.5l to a full litre. I'm a tea fiend anyway but hot drinks will help keep you warm and satisfied. Buying lots of coffee from the shops adds up.

♥ Get some battery operated lights
It's starts falling dark shortly after 3pm now. I am the envy of the market traders with my rechargable LED bar lights from Clas Olsen. You saw them here first...

♥ Build a den with cling film
Don't forget if you have a metal frame pitch to take some cling film to wrap around the sides to create a wind and rain break.

♥ ...then pin or peg stuff down
Even when the wides of your pitch has been wrapped up wind might still take off your lighter things! I use pins to hold things down, and something tie elastic to my table then use clothes pegs to hold them. To stop your table cloth taking off, get some of these super strong spring clamps.

♥ Bring as much stock as you can manage
Keep surplus stock under your table. Certainly at the city centre you go through lots, so keep topping up your display as you sell.

So there's 7 tips for winter fair survival - let me know how it goes!

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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That was October...

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:41:00 +0000

Apologies for the prolonged leave of absence! I've been up to all sorts - this was October:

♥ I kicked off the month with a photo shoot with Leeds Roller Dolls to promote our new collaboration. See the full set!

♥ One of my customers wore her name necklace on the local news - here is Lizzie promoting her underwater exhibition. Her necklace says 'Lawless'. You can buy your own in the online shop - they make great Christmas gifts!

♥ I found out I was accepted to sell at BUST London Craftacular on 16th December at York Hall in Bethnal Green. It's freakin awesome and the hippest craft fair that exisits in the actual world, so you should come along if you can make it.

♥ I took part in Leeds Digital Fashion Week by writing a few blog posts: read a post about me by Hebe writer Stacey.

♥ I spent three days in Edinburgh for my best pal's hen weekend. My vintage dress went down a real treat!

♥ I visited Amsterdam for a weekend - it's a beautiful city. We went to a huge flea market then realised we had no cash, so sadly I couldn't buy these lovely dolls!

♥ I went for a delicious burger at Brooklyn bar in Leeds - including several cocktails! Also a delicious Persian kebab and ordered far too much food!

♥ We launched the Leeds Roller Dolls collaborative collection, and I also had a stall at their last home bout of the season.

♥ I saw my favourite band live, Everything Everything. They were awesome, you can watch their latest video here.

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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New collection: Sugary Skullduggery

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 18:30:00 +0000

sug·ar·y : adj: Excessively or cloyingly sweet
skull·dug·ger·y : n. pl. : Crafty deception or trickery

Sugary Skullduggery Friendship Bracelets £8

Sugary Skullduggery Mini Pin Badges £8

Sugary Skullduggery Necklace £15

And this just wouldn't be a Kitschen Sink 2012 blog without a mention of a certain Mr Russell Kane now, would it? Here he is sporting his Skullduggery pin

Hope you love!

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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Look what I picked up from my postie!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:44:00 +0000

A divine handbag from Love From Hetty and Dave!

It also came with a very lovely handmade R brooch! Bonus!

Have a look at Love From Hetty and Dave

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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What's in a name? Custom name necklaces now available!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:30:00 +0000

I've been beavering away for weeks, but I am pleased to announce that personalised name necklaces are here, loud and proud!

If you are fans of me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter on Instagram, you'll already know about the custom cut name necklace and how they are selling like hot cakes!

How to order:

1) Email me (hello@kitschensink.com) with the following info:
✔ your choice of word/ name/ nickname/ roller derby name/ burlesque name etc
✔ your choice of colour for writing and outline:

Black and white £19
If you wish to include red, orange, yellow, green, blue or pink £21
If you want to include gold sparkle £23

✔ please don’t make an order unless you intend to pay :) if you’re thinking about ordering in the future, please wait and order when you’re ready.

2) I will send you a proof of the design, confirmation of the date of cutting and a Paypal email so you can pay. If you order within 10 days of the cutting date you will be sent a Paypal instruction for the full amount. If you are ordering ahead, you need only pay 50% until the necklace is ready to post.

✔ payment must be made to confirm your order - no payment, no cutting, no necklace!
✔ your order will be posted to the address on your Paypal account - make sure it’s up to date!
✔ you don’t need a Paypal account to pay - just a debit or credit card. Follow the instructions in the email.
✔ if you paid a 50% deposit you will be reminded to pay the balance before it is posted out.

3) Your super necklace will be on its way in a jiffy - with a free surprise too!

Got questions? Email me! hello@kitschensink.com

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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A double Kitschen Sink TV appearance as Britain Unzipped trends worldwide!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Kitschen Sink made a double appearance last night on the last episode in the series of Britain Unzipped!

During the main part of the show, Russell wore his Kitschen Sink Love Lego ring in red.

In the VT he was wearing the classic Kitschen Sink skull mini-pin - from the brand new collection!

And best of all - Britain Unzipped was trending worldwide by the end of the show. Awesome and deserved!

Good work team! #britainunzipped 'trending worldwide'. Not that that actually means anything. I once saw #bieberhasnoballs trending...
— Greg James (@gregjames) June 5, 2012

Roll on Live at the Electric!

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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Hey, Russell, can I get a RT?

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:57:00 +0000

So me and my adventure-homie Andrew just went to a book signing by Russell Kane. If you didn't already know, Russell has been rocking his POW pin on all the TV shows. Graham Norton Christmas Special, Georgie Shore and Britain Unzipped, to mention a few.

Russell gave a talk on the book (it's not an auto-biography, it's a novel) and answered questions. Ooh he is a funny lad!! Then he signed all the books and had a quick chat. As a thank you for giving the POW some love, I know Russell loves a curry, so I gave him a jar of Aagrah sauce. I deliberated of Achari and Hydrabadi - I should have got both but I was playing it cool... so I went for Achari as it seemed like a hotter choice? Hmm.

Anyway he was very pleased (not that you'd tell from the photo...) and he totes loved the jewelz. And I got a retweet!

Don't think I've ever talked as much guff as I just did at @russell_kane giving him a curry. Yes, I gave him Bradford curry.
— Rowan | KitschenSink (@KitschenSink) May 16, 2012

POW!

P.S the shop is shut for a few days whilst I jet off somewhere cool (but warm, hopefully). In a bit!

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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Kitschen Sink on... Britain Unzipped with Russell Kane

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:22:00 +0000

That's right, the Pow mini-pin has made another TV appearance, this time on the new TV show Britain Unzipped, presented by Russell Kane.

I heart Russell and Russell hearts Kitschen Sink, but will Russell heart Rowan when she meets him next month? Eek!

I'm so pleased he loves his pin so much!

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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That was March...

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:29:00 +0000

I tried to take it easy this month...

♥ I restored an old picture frame

♥ I debuted in Sheffield, at the Reetsweet shopping event at the Millennium Gallery. I loved it there and need to go back for a proper look around soon.

♥ An article I wrote was published in a local magazine, Brand Yorkshire

♥ I had my first solo go on a laser cutter - the motherfrickinlaser at Duke Studios in Leeds - a very cool place to work

♥ I launched my Lovely Jubilee collection

♥ My Measuring Tape Bracelet design appeared on t'telly!

♥ Russell Kane wore his POW! pin on a super snappy suit whilst presenting Geordie Shore (love ya, Russell!)

♥ I sold at an International Women's Day event at the Queen's Hotel in Leeds, which was fun!

♥ I bought a gorgeous new one-piece swimsuit that I am yet to debut!

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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Awesome London!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:54:00 +0000

On Friday I made my way to London Town - it's only 2h15m to get a direct train from Leeds to London, it's a totally underrated trip. The trip was for business and pleasure: Saturday for selling, Sunday Funday at Lady Fest East!

Gold London Jubilee Bus at London Pride Design Festival

'The Queen's Beasts'

Me and the stall - I felt disgusting and I'm not looking much better here. My stall however, does!

Sunday: Lady Fest East London! What a lotta fun!

Samantha had booked a 'lady gardner'. I expected an older Charlie Dimmock type, but Helen turned up all fresh and young and with a decorative basket of plants. She's written a book, which I bought.

Helen's promotional things.

The planting workshop was very popular. I am very proud of Samantha, she did a microphone announcement and everything. I don't think I could do that!

Time for home - quick tea in Leon! Fresh fast food!

More fun London times soon, I hope!

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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POW! On Russell Kane on Geordie Shore

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:30:00 +0000

I just can't get enough of Russell Kane, and seemingly he can;t get enough of his Kitschen Sink POW! Pin.

We last saw Russell wearing his Pow! pin in December when he tweeted a picture of himself having a cuddle with his new Pug Captain Colin, then on his spot on the Graham Norton Christmas Special. But last night he presented the whole Geordie Shore Reunion show on MTV wearing his Pow! Pin on his snappy suit. Holla!

Holla! Love ya Russell!

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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As seen on TV! Tape measure bracelet on 'Baking Mad'

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Yes! I've just been catching up on Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard which is a daytime TV show on Channel 4 (I've been watching it on 4OD) - spotting that the lovely Zoe Biscombe who runs the awesome Iron Cupcake contest in Leeds was a contestant. She's sporting none other than a Kitschen Sink Measure Of My Dreams bracelet!

♥ Zoe and fellow contestant working against the clock...

♥ Measuring ingredients...

♥ Filling the profiterole...

♥ And her winning masterpiece - a choux pastry "religious"....

Yum! Feeling a bit peckish now....!

Well done, Zoe!

♥ Read more about Iron Cupcake or follow Zoe on Twitter!

♥ Buy a tape measure bracelet.

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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NEW COLLECTION: Lovely Jubilee!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:30:00 +0000

To celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this year, I have designed three limited edition pieces available as brooches and necklaces, inspired by her ladiship's blingin' crown jewels. Perfect for kitsch queens, proud to be British princesses and design-loving duchesses! Some gold sparkle, some jewelly translucent royal blue lucite and regal red - who would want the Queen's crown jewels?!

Lovely Jubilee Orb Necklace and Brooch

Those who hold the Kitschen Sink Orb hold the honorary title "Defender of Kitsch"!

Lovely Jubilee Kitsch Medal Necklace and Brooch

Become a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the Kitschen Sink Empire!!

Lovely Jubilee Crown Brooch

Crown yourself "Queen of Kitsch" this Diamond Jubilee 2012!

Rumour has it that the queens have been after something more fun for a while...

If you don't understand my play on words 'Lovely Jubilee', watch this short video :)

These designs are super limited edition - snap one up now!

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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Playing with the #motherfrickinlaser at Duke Studios, Leeds

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:35:00 +0000

Good evening! I just got back from lasering fun at Duke Studios in Leeds.

Bzzzz (yes, a sneak peek!)

After an hour and half or so of practice, I think I understand how to work it! By the last half hour I was zipping about preparing files before the laser had even finished cutting its current job.

The #motherfrickinlaser at Duke Studios

What a magnificent piece of kit! If I had one of my own I'd be cutting out new designs every five minutes, I'd be the market leader in amazing designs in no time!

Still have a load of designs to finish so I'll be back again soon - can't wait!

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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Feature in Brand Yorkshire Magazine - Social Media Bootcamp!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:40:00 +0000

The latest issue of Brand Yorkshire magazine has been published and features an article written by me on using social media to build a brand personality.

Photography by Lucy Ray

The article coincides with Social Media Bootcamp, run by Abi Manifold (SewYou) and myself, releasing the next round of dates for our workshops for small businesses and the self-employed.

We have a couple of extra sessions this time around including 'Blogging: structured writing and inspiration' and 'Social Media Visuals: entice and engage'.

For further info email me

Read the article in Brand Yorkshire on page 55.

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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Reet Sweet and weekend round-up in pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:07:00 +0000

I spent yesterday selling at my favourite event Reet Sweet, but in the different location of Sheffield! I had such a great day - browse in pictures!

"You got to go forward to go back, better press on" [Willy Wonka]

This place has everything!!

A happy lucky dipper!

"Don't be a darn fool, Wonka, that's the way we came in!"

Foxes is underparts (obv!) by The Darnit! Collective


Amazing stitchin' by Born Restless

Laser-cut mixed media by Hello Sunshine

Sunday was spent making jewels to replenish stock bought on Saturday, tidying (found my favourite squirrel brooch by LLROK!) and I also purchased this amazing retro swimsuit I couldn't stop thinking about all week...

This squirrel was hiding under the sofa!

A bargain at £12.99!

What have you been up to all weekend?

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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Weekend project: Frame restoration

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 19:23:00 +0000

I had an urge to do-up some big frames. Off I went to the charity shops today - and I picked up a bargain!

Just a tenner! I know if I'd have gone to Saltaire to look in their vintage shops I'd have been expected to pay in excess of £30 for something like this!

I decided to go for bright, bold colours. The paint I have used is super glossy.

I also started on the big old frame I used as my shop sign last year

Can't wait til they're completely finished - these are for my stall but I want to do loads for my home too, they'd be perfect!

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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This was February...

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:48:00 +0000

Another mad busy but awesome month...

♥ I was accepted to sell at London Pride Design Festival - an event by appointment of the Queen!

♥ I met lots of inspirational digital-type and creative ladies ready to start a movement to put Leeds back on the map of ultra cool again. Leeds is one of my favourite places and it should be on everyone else's list too!

♥ I learnt how to use a laser cutter

♥ I booked my holiday to New York, New York!

♥ I co-facilitated a workshop on effective use of Twitter for a small business. It's had some amazing feedback and we are looking forward to leading the next session on social media strategy

♥ I was offered a position teaching resin jewellery making at a local college

♥ I went to Sheffield to meet the people behind Folksy to give feedback on their selling platform.

♥ TestSpace: Store opened for another fortnight at the Corn Exchange and I went along to the launch party

♥ I went to the opera for the first time and fell in love with Madame Butterfly

♥ I took a few days off work and had a treat in a gorgeous spa at the Bridge Inn in Wetherby. The outdoor hot tub, steam room, sauna and Japanese foot baths were just wonderful!

♥ I met my friends new baby Zachary. Congratulations to Jemma and Ian!

♥ I had a stall at ReetSweet Shopping Fair - great fun as always!

What have you been up to?

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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ASOS steal Memo design 'Cube Chap'

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:56:00 +0000

Copying (or intellectual property theft, if we're being posh) is a hot topic right now. We've recently seen high street retailer Claire's Accessories rip off a multitude of Tatty Devine's designs. Just days later, illustrator Helen Entwisle (Memo), discovers her work has been stolen by online retail giant ASOS.

Meet Cube Chap!

Cube Chap is Helen's little character she has doodled and sewed since 2006.

Cube Chap: Hello Hi Hi Hai Hiya Hello Hey How-Do

Meet Cube Chap's Ugly Twin - "Cube Man" from ASOS!!

"Cube Man" A title as original as the design!

Read Helen's post.

What do you think? If you think it's a royal rip-off, email ASOS and tell them what you think.

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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FAQs: 8 Ways to make your craft stall a sales success

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Craft fairs, markets and shopping events are a great way of promoting your brand on a budget, getting feedback from your customers and, of course, selling your product face to face. But sometimes after the event you may feel as though your time as been wasted if you don't have much dollar in your tin. Here are 8 ways to have a successful day of sales:

ReetSweet at the Corn Exchange - photo credit

♥ Cater for a range of budgets
It's good to have a couple of things that are like little treat, impulse buys for people. Unfortunately 'craft fair' means to a lot of people 'tat' and certainly not 'contemporary' and definitely not 'fashionable', so more often than not people go along for a gander and don't expect to see anything they'll want. So they might have some change in their pocket - cater for those because there's a lot of them (note: this does not mean sell all your work cheap!).

♥ Engage with everyone who engages with your stall
Some stall holders have a rule that they won't chat to people who don't start to chat with them, in case it makes the customer uncomfortable and a bit 'hard sell-ish'. Most people who have bothered to attend the event will value handmade and have an interest in the individual behind the work. All you need to say is 'hello', look them in the eye, and just say that if they need anything they can just ask!

♥ Talk about your work
Once I shared a stall with a girl who lost out on so many sales. It was painful seeing people interested in her work but walk away whilst my imaginary till was consistently ringing. The trick is, when a customer pauses over an item for a couple of seconds, to tell them about it. A perfect example is my Manga necklaces. As people look at them I tell them that each one is one-of-a-kind. How it's made. I ask who they are thinking of buying it for. I reassure them it will be perfect.

♥ Offer gift boxes or pretty presentation
A lot of purchases made at these events are as gifts and a suitable box or wrapping for the items sweetens the deal as it makes life a lot more convenient for the customer. In the very least have a nice tag so when the gift is given it looks professional.

♥ Get yer press out!
If you have been featured in any press, show it off! Your customers will feel more confident in you and your work, and feel like they want to show off what they buy!

♥ Make an eye catching display
There's likely to be a lot of stalls at these events, so you're going to need yours to stand out. Don't just think about what looks good, but think about what looks different. I've seen loads of stalls look really great in pastel shades, shabby chic/Cath Kidston style. But that's just it, there's loads. Think about your style and how you can make your stall stand out amongst the rest in your theme.

♥ Stand up
It works! If you are sitting down, it does look as though your not particularly busy and customers will lose their confidence in buying from you. Obviously if it's really quiet, take the weight off your feet!

♥ Smile!
I went to Renegade last year for a looksee. There was a trader there that I'd been thinking about buying from for sometime. The trader had a helper that day. She was the scariest person (to look at) that I had ever seen. She sat down, bolt upright, didn't smile, and stared at everyone walking by. *Not* inviting!

So there's 8 of my ways to make your stall a sales success. I'd love to know your tips for a successful day of sales!

Next week: Tips for choosing the right fair...

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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By Royal Appointment: London Pride Design Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:06:00 +0000

It is with pleasure, excitement, and happy disbelief I am announcing...

I have been accepted to exhibit and sell at 'London Pride' Design Festival at the Valentine Mansion and Gardens in Ilford, Essex (London, baby!) - an event by royal appointment of The Queen of England!

The design festival will be the first leg of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Tour, and will include paintings and small sculptures from the Tate Gallery; Design icons from The Design Museum; Classic vehicles and memorabilia from the London; and loads more. The Queen will visit on Thursday 29th March.

Credit

The festival runs from the 29th March to 1st April. I will be there to sell and exhibit and swan about on Saturday 31st March, 11-5 with some special limited edition pieces for the Jubilee Tour and my usual classic designs.

I am honoured to be involved in an event with such high profile guests and exhibitors and talent.

Save the date: Saturday 31st March, 11am-5pm, Valentine Mansion and Gardens, Ilford, Essex.

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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FAQs: Seven essentials first-time craft fair survival

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:51:00 +0000

Craft fairs, markets and shopping events are a great way of promoting your brand on a budget, getting feedback from your customers and, of course, selling your product face to face. But getting ready to do it for the first time can be nerve-wracking, worrying if you've forgotten something. Here are my essentials for a day that runs smoothly.

Knitting and Stitching Show, 2010 (not my first!).

♥ An internet presence
If you don't have some sort of internet presence in advance of the fair you'll really regret it. Shoppers are very savvy and although there's a great impulse buying aspect to short events, some people will go away and want to buy later. There's lots of cheap ways to get a presence online, using a platform like Etsy or Folksy your customers can buy later too without the massive price tag of having a website designed.

♥ Drink!
Water, water, water!! If you're anything like me you'll be chatting away all day, if not to customers then to other traders. You'll have a mouth as dry as a camel's flip flop in no time. I also like to take a flask of tea because I love it, and at many events even with a traders discount you can end up paying ££ for just hot drinks!

♥ Snacks
Treats and nibbles are also good, as you won't want to leave your stall to go find food once you're on a roll and you will need to eat to keep your energy up!

♥ A notepad
Make a note of all your sales. The boring bit: you should do to make sure that you're declaring your takings to the tax man. Less boring bit: It is interesting to see what sells well, at what time of year, at what sorts of events, etc. Fun bit: people love to give you tips! I have found out about the best stockists from customers telling me my work would suit particular shops I would never know about - make sure you make a note!

♥ Plenty of stock
This is the trickiest thing when first starting out. How much is enough? How much is too much? You need enough to fill your table - using various props to make it visually interesting. I've seen people go for a minimalist look when it comes to their work and it really doesn't work. It's an event for buying and selling, to an exhibition for looking and thinking. And if you walked into a shop on the high street that was half full you'd wonder what was going on. Don't make that mistake. How much surplus stock depends on how much you can transport - as long as it's not perishable, anything unsold will go to your next market!

♥ Business cards, fliers or both?
Who attends craft fairs and markets? Shoppers. Stockists. Other arty types looking to network. I started out with just business cards that had my logo and web address on, and used them for everything. The size works as they can slip into a wallet and I recommend them over something more A6 size. But if you want something to give to another maker or a stockist, maybe something with your name, number and email address would be a good idea too.

♥ Change
Make sure you have plenty of change and somewhere safe to keep it. I find having something to tie round my waist really convenient.

♥ Layers
If you have ever met me at a fair you notice I always have a hoody or cardigan. You just never know if the venue is going to be freezing or red hot, so best to wear clothes you can peel off or pile on!

So there's seven of my essentials for market survival. I'd love to know how your first market went - or if you have any market essentials you can't live without.

Next week: Tips for craft fair success!

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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I'm booked! NYC here I come...!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowan Grant) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:11:00 +0000

I finally stopped procrastinating and booked my big holiday of the year - to NYC! I've always wanted to go, since I did a research project on the place in secondary school.

I'm excited about:

♥ Trailer Park Lounge

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♥ Friedsam Memorial Carousel

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♥ Retro Candy

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♥ The Harlem Apollo

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And loads more!

Argh - will I fit everything in? There's so much!

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

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