Thursday, December 30, 2010

Nelson Market this Saturday

After a busy few weeks leading up to Christmas, I have spent the last week relaxing in the Nelson sunshine with family. I always enjoy coming up here in the summer, and am feeling much more refreshed and relaxed now.

This Saturday, the 1st January, I will be at the Nelson Saturday Market, from 8am till 1pm in the Montgomery Square carpark. As a well known market in my home town, it's one I've been wanting to do for a longtime, so I'm looking forward to it. If you're also in Nelson at the moment, do pop down and say hi, it's always nice to meet blog readers.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

2010 – What a ride!

The past year has been rather event-filled, to say the least! At the beginning of the year, I was hoping that 2010 would be an improvement on 2009. I'm not so sure that it was an improvement, but it has definitely been action packed. Things have had quite a shake up, both figuratively and literally.

Firstly, I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease in February. This wasn't so bad, as it provided answers to why I kept getting sick last year, and I had known for a couple of months that a positive diagnosis was highly likely. I have got into the swing of things now, and am loving the fact there are so many gluten free options available in Christchurch. I have added some great recipes to my repertoire, including anzac biscuits and bread. There is also a scone recipe still to come.

Two weeks later I was made redundant from my graphic design job. This wasn't much fun, as I had got quite attached the regular income it provided. I still miss it a lot. Within the following few weeks, I realised finding another (similar) job was going to be very difficult, as the economy had given the entire industry quite a knock. I had thought about going out on my own, and after talking to a life coach about it, decided to dive in head first.

This was quite scary, and it has had it's ups and downs. I got some regular work from Felt, doing support and administration work, as well as the odd graphic design job, and I sold a few candles. I had my first Tea Party, and attended a few markets, including A Craft Affair, and the inaugural Auckland Art and Craft Fair. It was nice to meet some of the other sellers who I felt I already knew from having regularly read their blogs.

Then, early on Saturday the 4th of September, us Cantabrians were rudely awoken by a 7.1 earthquake. I was beginning to wonder what else was going to be thrown at me this year, I had thought losing my job was enough drama for one year! We had lots and lots of aftershocks, and I almost started to get used to them. They have eased off a lot in the last few weeks now, and it feels like things are getting back to normal. We were very fortunate to suffer very little damage, when only blocks away, there was somevery severe damage. Some of these houses still have portaloos now.

In October I travelled to Palmerston North, and then on to Wellington for my debut at Craft 2.0. I had another Tea Party in November, and then some great markets in December, including the Craft Collective's A Craft Christmas Market, and a fun road trip to Hokitika with Srey to the Kiwi Christmas Market. I think I might be due for a holiday now! I will be heading to Nelson on the 23rd December, so my shop will be in holiday mode. As I will be attending the Nelson Market on the 1st January, I will have some stock with me, so may be able to fill some orders.

I would like to thank everyone for all the support and encouragement I have received this year. From the shoppers and retailers who have bought candles, businesses who have offered me work, to the market organisers, attendees and other stallholders, the blog/facebook/twitter readers/followers, all those who have shared lovely encouraging comments, and to my husband, family and friends for all their support.

Next year I hope to build on what I have achieved this year, and grow my business into a sustainable source of income for myself. I would like to wish all my readers a Merry Christmas, and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

A Craft Christmas Market

I had a great day at the first Craft Christmas Market. It was a great venue, with a fabulous selection of handmade items, and attended by lots of lovely people.

Two of the lovely ladies behind the event – Jo and Juliet


If you're reading this, and lamenting the fact you missed it, don't worry, it's on again this Saturday, the 18th December! Same time – 10am-4pm, and same place – Goodbye Blue Monday, Poplar Lane. There will be a slightly different mix of stallholders this time. They include The Wardrobe, Relique Vintage Jewellery, Freedom Creative, Black Swan designs, PixelBrid, Mudbird NZ, Emilie Berri Switchblade, and many more. It's great opportunity to do some last minute Christmas shopping, or if you're one of those organised people that has already finished, come along and treat yourself to something nice.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Road trip to the West Coast

On Wednesday I will be setting off on a road trip to Hokitika with Srey from Podflower. We will be taking our wares to sell at the inaugural Kiwi Christmas market in Hokitika, which has been organised by Christine of My 2 Monsters. Markets like A Craft Affair and Craft 2.0 inspired her to create something similar in her home town, so she set about organising the Kiwi Christmas Market. I like that kind of initiative, so thought it would be a good opportunity to introduce my candles to the West Coast.

The market will be held at this magnificent venue, the Carnegie Library Building in Hamilton Street. It is on Wednesday the 15th December, and will run from 5pm – 9pm. I'd love to meet any blog readers/facebook followers, so do say hi if you come along!

Also, there will be a donation box in the foyer for people to donate to the Pike River Relief fund. I watched the events unfold with great sadness, and my thoughts go out to the family and friends of all those involved. It made the earthquake here earlier in the year seem rather insignificant in comparison. Although I'm not from the Coast, I grew up in the Tasman district, which is 'next door' to the Coast, so it did feel close to home. I've been there a few times, and remember visiting the memorial to the miners that died in the Brunner Mine disaster. Once I've covered my costs, I am going to donate a portion of my sales to the fund.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Rolleston Community Christmas Market

I will be at the Rolleston Community Christmas Market this Sunday, and it will be the last Rolleston market for the year. It will be at a later time this week, running from 2pm – 6pm.

I will have my usual range of products, and I am going to make some Christmas Spice scented soy tins today to give my range a more Christmassy flavour. I have some great deals on some of my older candles which I won't be making any more of once they're gone, so get in quick before you miss out. Most of these specials are also available in my Felt store.

I have four markets on next week, so I apologise in advance if there aren't as many blog posts as usual!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

A Craft Christmas Market this Saturday

On Saturday the first of two Craft Christmas Markets will held by the Craft Collective. Outside Goodbye Blue Monday, in the Poplar Lane precinct, it's central city shopping at it's craftiest! Once you have perused all the great stalls, you can relax with a well deserved drink at the bar.

It runs from 10am – 4pm on the 4th and 18th of December. I will be at both of them, and I hope to see you there!