Wooo Hoooo!!!!

Just a quick post to say Top Drawer was a phenomenal success!!! I'm so excited and super happy! After all the determination, frustration, hard work and (many) tears - it's all paid off and I can finally make a living doing something I absolutely love.

I had tons of orders (actually quite overwhelming now) and more than 50 leads to other great retailers and developments. Some included John Lewis, Mamas and Papa's, Amazon and many many more. There's so much to get my teeth into.

People were so lovely and lots of people complimented the stand (pics coming soon) and said my cards were really different and stood out which is a relief because the greetings card market is HUGE so that's really important.

I was so tired after the show, standing around with a now rather large bump was a bit tough but I ran on adrenaline and had a great time. I'm still walking around with a smile, I'm a very happy bunny.

I've got a new website too so have a look if you want to see my new designs:


www.designrocks.co.uk

Happy Harrogate!

My God, people in the greetings card industry are SO lovely. I went to check out Harrogate Home and Gift to get an idea of trade fair set ups and a fresh feel for the market, before I take the plunge in Jan at Top Drawer. I chatted to a few of my competitors and I couldn't believe how friendly they were.

My two best show pals were: Iain from Hello! Lucky, here's their stuff. I've always loved the Letterpress stylie and these guys are definately one of the best so there was much scribbling and chin stroking whilst talking to my mini mentor Iain.

My other mini mentor/verbal sponsor is the lovely Alison from Aliroo. Not only is she always so generous with her time and knowledge, she does all this with a 10 week old baby in tow!

I think what I like the most is that these great people have the same outlook as me. I love helping people and sharing what I've learnt, I'm not guarded or defensive (or naive!). Supporting people on the way up is a two way street.

I believe there's a market out there big enough to support all these diverse companies so the best thing we can do is to support each other to make British design the strongest in the global marketplace. And I believe it is. Right. I'll get down off my soap box now.

Keeping your accounts in order...

...is very important. For all of you guys who are rubbish with the whole numbers/tax/receipts thing. I wanted to share my husband's system with you...

1. Keep all your receipts on the car floor/glove box (handy for the kids to draw on and rip up on long journeys)

2. Collect up and put in a shopper:


3. Now you're ready to iron. If it's a nice day you can do it in the garden.



4. Now call your accountant with an undertone of panic in your voice.

There. Never feel bad again - If any of you are worse than this I want to hear about it??!!

A bit of chin stroking

I've done an intensive month of craft fairs and been observing a lot of what works and doesn't work. After much thought and deliberation (ok, and a little wine). I think there is a magi formula to successful selling as a designer maker.

A. The product - must be of quality and a good price, be original - do what you do best and concentrate on that. Don't try and do what someone else is doing because they're making sales. The only way to be totally unique is to develope your unique skills to the max. Don't go all craft ADHD (very common problem). Stay FOCUSED dude.

b. Your market - get the right venue with the right buyers - old biddies - forget it. What you need is middle class guardian readers with muchos deniros and an appreciation of your hard work. Look out for craft fairs in trendy city 'burbs with a little cool subculture of their own. Think about who buys your stuff and imagine what they do and where they live - that should narrow it down. If there isn't anything there then set up your own - it's not that hard, just start small and invite friends.

c. Your sales technique - you are your brand! You need to be an extension of your product. I sell cards featuring vintage patterns and I love pattern. So, I wear my best vintage frock, a huge smile, and I engage and chat to as many people as possible. I tell them about the designs, where the patterns come from, the process, my inspiration - I sell the cool image. It sounds cheesy but people are buying in to you as well as your products. Your nice personality should come into it's own here, just be your self and enjoy the time you have with people. This is also a time to get feedback on your customers faves and what sells best - that way you can develop your range in the right direction.

Ok, enough waffle. just want to try and work out how I seem to have made a success of this and share the wealth with you good crafting people out there. Hope it helps.

If you want more great info the ETSY sellers handbook is a real help.