Good news (whoop whoop)

I am the bearer of good news...

First up, I'm very pleased to announce that Maple Designs is now stocked in a local gift shop - The Ice House on Campo Lane, Sheffield.  The Ice House are working with a number of local crafts people and artists to promote local talent and it's been an absolute pleasure working with them.  A range of Maple Designs bibs are now available to purchase both in the shop and also on their online store.

In the coming weeks I'll be updating this with a new range of fabric bibs and some new completed items from the prototypes I've been working on over the past few weeks.

If you get the chance to pop into the shop, let me know if you spot my bibs - I really am chuffed to bits to be in stocked in my first shop, it's a great feeling :o)


Secondly, I've been accepted back to the next Vintage and Craft Market at St Mary's Church, Sheffield, being held on Saturday 5 May 2012 between 10am and 5pm.

I'll be back with my stall selling a range of baby clothes and accessories - more bibs, baby grows and some new additions for this market.

Is anyone else attending the market either as a stall holder or just coming down to have a look round?

I had such a great time at the last market that I'm eager to spread the work of Maple Designs!


The only sad news is to report the sale of my original craft cupboard, sold on ebay this week for a meager £22.00 (someone has got a bargain).  Whilst the cupboard was never officially named, it will forever hold a special place in my heart.  Hand crafted by my other half as a Christmas present a few years ago, it was the starting point for Maple Designs when we lived in a flat and space was tight.  The shelves had all the room for my craft books, the pull out shelf was great for the sewing machine...even the pinboards were full up.

But, unfortunately, after moving home last year to a house with an attic studio, the cupboard was made redundant and was just sitting in a corner collecting dust.  I hope the new owners take good care....or else there'll be trouble.

Goodbye sweet craft cupboard...

...you'll be missed

Happy crafting,

x

Oh sweet St Mary's

Last Saturday was the St Mary's Vintage Market & Craft Fair and the first ever craft fair for Maple Designs.  Here's a diary of the day:

06:30 - Alarm goes off, an early start for the day (after a late night babysitting!).  Nerves are kicking in.

07:30 - Arrive at St Mary's, car parked up and greeted cheerily by team and shown to the pitch

07:31 - Handed a voucher for a free coffee - result as it still feels early

08:00 - Putting the finishing touches to the stall....I think it's looking good even by my standards, I'm a happy girl!

Setting up the stall...

09:30 - Get chatting to my lovely stall neighbour for the day, the incredibly talented Plain Jane Dawson.  Amazing to have such a great companion for the day, also attending their first craft fair (check out her blog)

10:00 - Doors open, Maple Designs is open for business...I'm a little nervous, but so proud of what's been achieved over the past few months.

Maple Designs....open for business!

The stall, stocked and ready to go

10:00 - Doors open, we're off...

10:45 - After a quiet start I sell my first items....a bib and a babysuit!!  A very, very happy moment....the relief is pretty immense (to be honest!)

11:00 - 17:00 - Things are a blur to be honest, there were busy times and quiet times....lots of cups of tea and lots of chatting to lovely customers and equally lovely people just perusing.  Lots of friends and family made the effort to come down which was just amazing and so appreciated.

17:00 - All over, I'm absolutely shattered but so pleased with how the day has gone.  Next please!!

19:00 - Mmmmm, wine!!


It was a brilliant day, I learnt so much and gained inspiration from the day - I've got lots of ideas for new products to take to  my next fair....bring it on.

A big thank you to everyone who purchased something, St Mary's, friends and family for their support and to Plain Jane Dawson for making it such an amazing day.

Happy crafting,

Lyndsey x