Epic Fair or Epic Fail?

 

I was really excited about the spring fair; the Christmas fair was very successful. I made quite a few sales and had a lot of interest. On Saturday we arrived at the hall for the Spring Fair I noticed the size had decreased. In November the fair took up the main hall and both smaller side rooms. This time everyone was cramped into the main hall. The organizer told me there were more vendors which is unbelievable. In the winter we were placed by one of the entrances so we got a lot of foot traffic. This time we were in the corner between the Baptist Church stall and the hand-woven woolen items. You’d think that since both those stalls were heaving with people we’d still get a lot of traffic, but no. Funny enough everyone walked by looking up to the ceiling as they passed our stall.

I’d hoped that some of the happy customers from Christmas would come back looking for more treasure. The only recognizable face was our neighbor, who did mention that she loves her ‘Jacqueline Frosts’ and she still wears them.

As posted on FB and Twitter, I had a lucky dip on the day. Prizes included not only earrings but chocolate and stationary. The Lucky Dip did bring a bit of interest, especially from the older gentleman who luckily drew a bar of Cadbury’s chocolate. A few youngsters took a dip to get earrings for their moms for Mother’s Day which is in the end of March here in the UK. But no one made any purchases.

Needless to say Saturday afternoon I was crushed. I guess I shouldn’t have been though. I should explain that Wraysbury is a small hateful town which masquerades as a lovely quaint village. I would say racist but they weren’t particularly nice to Neil’s mother when she moved here 60 years ago because she was from Germany (and Jewish). There aren’t many minorities here, and the town is run by a few self-absorbed, close-minded, bossy people. If I had my way I wouldn’t live here; I hate it! And when I get to leave I’m going to post a seething rant on the “village” fb page to tell these people how I really feel.

I shouldn’t be upset that they weren’t interested in my earrings, although I am. What upsets me more is that they didn’t bother to look at the product because of who was sitting at the table. Unfortunately my circumstances will not let me travel to other places to do fairs and shows. So I’ll have to stick with the blog and social media for product exposure. And I’d really appreciate it if my loyal followers would share posts with their friends to expand my reach. Don’t share this one though, I don’t want people to think this is what it’s always like!

MacMillan Spring Fair and Coffee Morning

 

This Saturday is another MacMillan Fair and Coffee Morning in Wraysbury and once again we will be there selling our earrings. The morning really is a lot of fun! Local vendors, made up of local small businesses and non-profits, will be selling new and used merchandise. There will also be delicious cakes (biscuits, cupcakes, fruit cake and chocolate cake in December, both were yummy!) as well as coffee and tea.

The set-up is nice; there are tables and chairs set up so you can grab a cake and coffee and sit and chat with friends. In December the vendors' stalls lined the room and the tables were in the center. I didn’t go around personally and look at all the vendors but I could see another jewelry vendor, ladies accessories, plants,  stationary, baked goods, nutritional supplements and hand knit woolen items. There is also a raffle, the winners are announced at the end.

Like last time I’ll have some surprises on the day. Plus our prices are lower at the stall (no shipping!), so if you are local and have seen anything you like come along and check out our stock. I’ve also made a few pieces especially for the fair; they haven’t been featured on the blog.

 

 

First is this pair in Onyx, they are the same as the Garnet Queen which was released in February, in addition to onyx beads they feature a crystal chambala bead. Next there is this lovely wooden pair. These Retro earrings feature an oblong and a round wooden bead with bronze colored bead spacers.

 

 

 



I made this pair with the remaining crystal hearts from Love Hearts. Each earring has only one heart.

 

Finally this is the first pair I've made that feature Jasper and hematite beads. I will be using jasper beads in the future but I wanted to have something to show at the fair. Jasper is a very earthy stone, not necessarily beautiful like garnet or sapphire but it has it's own charm. I love trinkets made of this type of stone. My mother has a lovely box made of this stone.

 

 

 

 

MacMillan Fairs and Coffee Mornings really are a great way to spend the morning. And all the proceeds go to MacMillan Cancer Support. So please come down and support us on Saturday between 10am and noon.

 

Wraysbury Village Halls The Green, Staines-upon-Thames, Wraysbury, Staines TW19 5NA

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/''/wraysbury+village+hall/@51.4582091,-0.6256265,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x4876709a5765227d:0x8fed39e7851187cc!2m2!1d-0.555587!2d51.45823

 

Jingle Bells

Silver Bells

 

1 PAIR REMAINING

This is another design I’ve wanted to do since last year. It isn’t artsy like the things I did last year but it’s fun. There is no better way to celebrate the holidays than to jingle your way through them. And there are three designs to choose from.

2 PAIR REMAINING

 

Last week I mentioned that these were for the UK only. That is only because I cannot guarantee they won’t get damaged in shipping. And what’s the point of wearing bells if they don’t jungle? But not to worry these aren’t irritating bells. They are very subtle yet absolutely adorable.

2 PAIR REMAINING

 

They are for the UK only and if you make it down the Christmas bazaar in Wraysbury you can pick them up for just £1.00. That’s right only £1!

 Will ship to the US as an add on item only (not on their own) $2.00 + shipping (approx. $5.00 for shipping depending on the size of your order)

Thank you so much for making this The Dangling Journey’s best year so far! Now #TDJ will be taking the rest of the year off to celebrate the holidays and to prepare for the coming year. I already have few ideas lined up for next year. I am going to try to do a few fancy things. But don’t let that stop you from stopping by the blog, the Facebook page or twitter to see what we’ve done this year and possibly a few previews for next year.

 

In the meantime I hope to see many of you at the Wraysbury Village Hall this Saturday November 26^th from 10am to noon.  Here are some directions to the Village hall:

From M25 take junction 13 (Staines), take third exit on the roundabout to B376. At the mini roundabout take the third exit to Wraysbury Rd. At the “T” junction (at the Chemist) turn left. Make the first right at the end of the village green. The village hall will be 160 meters on your left in. There is a dead end after the hall so you can’t miss it. There is a parking lot across from the hall and street parking on the street.