1 Day To Go!!!

The big day is nearly upon us! Remember to join us tomorrow from 10.30am at Patcham Methodist Church, Ladies Mile Road, Patcham, Brighton, BN1 8TA.

There will be over 35 local craft and vintage stalls, a craft workshop room, charity raffle for The Martlets, vintage tearoom, face painting and much more!

Don’t forget to join our Facebook event here, and invite all your friends!

Patcham Youth Silver Band outside the venue

Click here for full location details. Buses 5 and 5A run every 10 minutes from central town and stop just seconds around the corner- ask for Patcham Clock Tower stop. FREE parking too!

Look forward to seeing you all tomorrow! If you are bringing little ones remember they are welcome to dress up in their most sparkly fairy themed attire!

Say Hello To…ANIMAGICAL : by Bex illustration

Today we are excited to welcome a newbie to the Fairy Tale Fair, Bex of Bex Illustration, who hand draws wonderful shrink plastic animal themed jewellery, which fit perfectly with our fair! We can’t wait to welcome her at her first craft fair!

Tell us/ remind us a bit about you and what you do/ make….

I graduated from University of Portsmouth in 2012 and found myself stuck. I didn’t want a job, I wanted to be my own boss, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Just over a year later, I found my niche and started illustrating animal characters. After holding my first solo exhibition, I learnt how much people liked my characters. The jewellery making began when I shopped for jewellery I dreamt up, which didn’t exist, and decided I would have to make my own!

My main material of choice is Shrink plastic. It is a way for me to illustrate many different types of characters, in detail, and using bright and bold colours, as well as trial new techniques. I have also recently been experimenting with silver and resin, but I am quite in love with my plastic characters at the moment so the rest is a hobby for now. Perhaps you will see some posh pieces in the near future. Follow my blog to be the first to see 

How long have you been making your craft items?

Around 6 months, although I only recently took the plunge and opened my shop on Etsy, just after Christmas.

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?

It is a draw at the moment between my guinea pig stud earrings and a cheeky gingerbread man riding a piñata (stripy rainbow horse). He was created initially as a novelty one off as I love both ginger bread men and piñatas, but the requests kept coming so I made more hehe.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

Bringing characters to life. I like to create pieces with personality, charisma and charm. I mainly create animals but give them human qualities. Watching them come to life is great but watching the effect they have on people that see them, wear them and share them is what making jewellery is all about for me. I have characters which are cheeky, shy, proud, angry, happy, mischievous and serious. I make jewellery we can all relate to.

Will you have some special Spring time Easter creations for sale?

I will indeed. I have some sporty lambs, some musical chickens and even a special surprise creation!

Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?

Not yet, this is my very first, please come and say hello.

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

I would love to keep making jewellery, possibly get a few creations into shops and boutiques. I would also love to do more fairs and meet people who love, make and buy jewellery as well as people who love animals and there crazy ways.

The first step is to be able to illustrate full time. I am currently working in a pet shop part time, and although I love my little animals, I want to try and live my dreams. Who doesn’t right? Then I can get a house by the seaside and have lots of pets and my own art studio. But now I am dreaming.

Describe what Easter means to you in 5 words or less

Treasure-hunts, hope, bunnies, great food

Any other comments you wish to make:

I like to think that when people where my jewellery, It makes them feel a certain way.

To create an initial talking point on a first date, at school or work or could it be the fact that the cheeky sloth necklace they are wearing represents them in some way. To send a message to the world that says hey… I am me and I am fab. I have designed characters which are cheeky, shy, proud, angry, happy, mischievous and serious. I make jewellery we can all relate to.

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:

https://www.facebook.com/bexIllustration

https://twitter.com/BexIllustration

http://bexillustration.blogspot.co.uk/

Say Hello To…Jessie Jumbles

We look forward to welcoming back the lovely Jude of Jessie Jumbles to our fair on April 12th. We love her vintage fabric covered buttons, which are full of colour and fun!

Tell us/ remind us a bit about you and what you do/ make….

I create covered button accessories with a nostalgic feel. Inspired by Enid Blyton, days gone by, great British seaside holidays,childhood,the nature & cities of our little island.

How long have you been making your craft items?

Since summer 2011 although my business became official in January 2012.

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?

In the summer months (or anytime we have a bit if good weather) my Beach Hut Row brooch. This year my French Bulldog Badge is selling really well.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

Seeing large patterns or fabrics and picking out tiny sections for buttons. The satisfaction of seeing the original idea work. I constantly think in 39mm dimensions, the size of the buttons I use for badges.

Will you have some special Spring time Easter creations for sale?

We will have some little bunny rabbit badges and hair bobbles as well as spring florals. Launching teapot brooch with teacup earrings soon.

Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?

I sell at fairs across Sussex and Surrey but am a regular at Pop Up Vintage in Hassocks. I exhibit in The Cake House,Milton House and this May The Glooblah House. I also run my own markets, the next being Jessie Jumbles Marvellous Spring market on March 15th.

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

I am starting a surface pattern design course this month with the view to designing my own fabrics but who knows where that may lead. I recently pitched to Liberty so going to push myself to do more scary stuff like that!

Describe what Easter means to you in 5 words or less:

Hot cross buns, daffodils,chocolate!

Find out more:
www.jessiejumbles.com

Say Hello To…The Silver Hut

Tell us/ remind us a bit about you and what you do/ make….

Hello I’m Chloe, owner and designer at The Silver Hut, I make 925 Silver and Gemstone Jewelry which is inspired by my natural surroundings, especially our famous seafront and beaches here in Brighton.
I also have a ‘custom’ wedding and occasion jewelry service which is full of very sparkly Swarovski Crystals and pearls.

How long have you been making your craft items?

I have been making jewelry ever since I can remember but managed to turn my passion in to a small business back in 2010 by attending small craft and school fairs, I then took the plunge into online selling with my shop on Etsy.co.uk and also Facebook.

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?

My best sellers are my lovely cluster earrings which I make in all colours and sizes, I can never seem to make enough of them and also any item from my Sea Life Collection; I find that my customers love to be able to take a bit of Brighton with them where ever they go!

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I love it when you sell a piece that you have put a lot of hard work in to and have really enjoyed making to a customer and they love it just as much as you do, it is one of the most satisfying feelings ever.

Will you have some special Spring time Easter creations for sale?

This Easter my £1 lucky dips will be back with a re-stock for my younger customers with some little wearable Easter treats in, as well as some new pieces in my Fairy Tale Collection with some summery colours, silver flowers and insects.

Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?

Yes I do! You can find me at all sorts of fairs and craft markets in Brighton. I put all my up coming events up on my Facebook page and my website.

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

I would like to find some fairs or markets slightly further afield of Brighton and also to have a big re-stock for my stall with some new collections and some larger more intricate pieces.
I would also like to build more awareness in my wedding collection and see if I can get to more wedding fairs, as well as I would love to get some wedding boutiques to stock my designs.

Describe what Easter means to you in 5 words or less:

Fun, Family, Reflection, Chocolate, Spring

You have previously taken part in The Fairy Tale Fair. Did you enjoy the day?

I always enjoy my day with The Fairy Tale Fair! It is the most vibrant, exciting fair that I attend. It is always stuffed full of very talented designers and makers, the workshops are great and both kids and adults can enjoy them, the tea room has the most amazing cakes and savoury snacks I have ever seen and there is always a good buzz about the room!

Any other comments you wish to make:

Can’t wait to be back!

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:
www.thesilverhut.co.uk
www.facebook.com/thesilverhut

The Fairy Tale Fair at Bartie’s Boutique

Just one week to go until our collaboration with Bartie’s Boutique next Saturday the 7th December! Join us for nearly 40 stalls of local designers & makers selling their wonderful wares- not to be missed!

 

A great opportunity to get your Christmas gifts unique and handmade this year, and avoid the stress and hustle and bustle of the high street chains.

Here are the sellers that will be joining us as part of the 10 stalls representing The Fairy Tale fair. Look out for their blogs on here over the next few days too!

Polka Dot Cloud

Cat-a-Cake Creations

Georgie Arts

The Silver Hut

Jelly Roos

The Chintzy Teacup

Luluapin

 

Crowns from Ashes

Love from Lilla

Stitching in the Kitchen

Also in case you haven’t heard Saturday the 7th December is Small Business Saturday! So Whatever you do on 7 December 2013, make sure you come and see us to support Small Business Saturday #SmallBizSatUK.

Join our facebook event for all the latest.

Say a Festive Hello To…Kirstin Stride Designs

Tell us a bit about you and what you do/ make….

Hello! I’m Kirstin, I make shrink plastic jewelery. I’m a little obsessed with birds and all things vintage so I tend to draw these things and make them into brooches, rings, necklaces etc

How long have you been making your craft items?

I’ve been using shrink plastic for about 2 years now, I’m a trained silversmith but at the moment I prefer drawing and painting so this material is the perfect thing for me!

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it? And do you have some
special festive items planned to sell?

My best sellers are my hand painted bird earrings. I’m very excited about christmas, I’ve never made any specifically festive items so this year I’m trying a few new pieces. Basically I’ve drawn Santa hats on everything!

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I love creating things and it makes me very happy when someone’s face lights up because of something I’ve created.

Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?

I’m a full-time maker so yes I take part in many fairs and events. I’ll be at Craftaganza and Craftyfox market in December and at the Powder Christmas fair later this month.

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already
achieved them?

Well my plan was to do this full-time and luckily I’ve achieved that, now I just want to keep growing as a business and keep enjoying it!

Sum up what Christmas is to you in 5 words or less!:

Mulled wine, fairy lights, christmas music, food, loved ones.

Any other comments you wish to make:

I love christmas!

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kirstin-stride-designs/125020474236644?ref=hl
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/kirstinstride?ref=si_shop
http://kirstinstride.com

Say a Festive Hello To…Show Me Shiny Things

Today we are pleased to welcome back fliss of Show Me Shiny Things, who you can find in our workshop room, surrounded by lots of lovely beads!! Find out more…

Tell us a bit about you and what you do/ make….

Hi, I’m Fliss. I live in Hove and I work in mental health services. I’m studying to hopefully be a psychotherapist one day. I like to entertain myself with yoga, skating by the sea, and making jewellery and accessories… it gives me a great excuse to collect lots and lots of shiny things!

How long have you been making your craft items?

I’ve been making jewellery for just over a year now.  I was inspired to have a go after a friend made me a memory wire bracelet.  It was a great way to make use of my half forgotten collection of beads!

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it? And do you have some special festive items planned to sell?

Necklaces are my best sellers; the silver chain with the little ‘two birds on a branch’ pendant and my newer range of coloured glass pendants on black lace.  For Christmas I’ve been making some special festive earrings and giant pins, with snowflakes, holly and candy cane silver charms. I’m also adding a collection of shiny things for boys, so perfect stocking fillers for everybody!

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I love seeing my range of jewellery getting bigger and better, and designing the craft fair displays. It’s great fun to set it up and show lots of people what I’ve been making.

Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?

Yes, during this past year I’ve attended a few craft fairs in Brighton & Hove (Brighton Craft Fair, Brighton Craft Alliance), Worthing (Bartie’s Boutique) & London (Brighton Belle’s at Old Spitalfields Market). I’ve also had jewellery on display at the lovely ‘Sunshine Books, Art & Coffee’ cafe on Hove Street since the May Open Houses. This will be my third Fairy Tale Fair, very excited!

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

I’m planning to do some work on photography and online sales in 2014. I want to set up my etsy shop, keep working on my facebook page and I would love to get some items on ‘not on the high street’. As well as continuing to get to craft fairs and markets!

Sum up what Christmas is to you in 5 words or less!:

Lots of new shiny things!!

Any other comments you wish to make:

It’s always excellent fun being part of the Fairy Tale Fair, and especially running the jewellery workshop making bracelets with kids. None of this would be possible without Claire’s hard work, so a big thank you! Here’s to a magical fairy tale Christmas fair!!

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:
www.facebook.com/showmeshinythings

Say a Festive Hello To…Cheap Frills

Tell us a bit about you and what you do/ make….

I am a total magpie, so anything sparkly or pretty gets my attention. I used to love rooting through my Grandma’s jewellery box for charms and trinkets and the cameos always really appealed to me. So much of what I do now is cameo related. I have always had a fascination with faces and the stories they tell.

How would you describe your style?

Eclectic and nostalgic. My jewels seem to range from classic vintage inspired cameos to ultra modern neon skulls. I just create a mishmash of everything I love.

How long have you been making your craft items?

I started in October 2011, with one mission: To make a Queen Elizabeth I cameo ring. I always wanted one! I got a little side tracked, made other things and built up a bit of a collection. When I did eventually make the ring, she was a sell out.

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?

The animals always seem to go down really well. My other top selling items are probably The Henry VIII charm bracelet, Lord Pug Necklace and the feather bracelets.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

It’s exciting when I have a brain wave and I’m inspired to make something new. I love rooting around for findings. Meeting new people is fantastic too! I made a very close friend through the craft fairs.

Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?

I’ll be at Johnny Loves June, in Shoreham on the 8th Of December and
Jessie Jumbles Marvellous Marketon the 15th December

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

We’ll have to wait and see.

You have previously taken part in The Fairy Tale Fair. Did you enjoy the day?

Yes, it was fabulous!

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:
www.cheap-frills.co.uk
Facebook
Twitter

A Festive Welcome Back to… The Silver Hut

Today we welcome back Chloe of The Silver Hut, who has been with us since the start of our fairs! We can’t wait to welcome her and her wonderful silver creations back!…

Remind us about about you and what you create?

The Silver Hut is a small company based in Brighton that specializes in 925 gemstone jewellery.

I love to take my inspiration from the beaches and rock pools of Brighton as well as the natural world around me.

Will you be selling some special festive creations?

This year I have a new wintery collection planned, with snowy whites, Swarovski crystals and silver snowflakes. This collection is due to be released in November at the Fairy Tale Fair!

Will you be taking part in any other fairs over the Christmas period?

I have a few other fairs planned, including the collaboration Christmas fair between The Fairy Tale Fair and Barties Boutique held in Worthing! You can check out all the details of my up coming events on my website!

You have previously taken part in The Fairy Tale Fair. Did you enjoy the day?

I have attended all of The Fairy Tale Fairs since it launched just over a year ago and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. This fair is my favourite to attend, it is always stuffed full of hand made treasures, activities, entertainment and of course the most spectacular cakes I’ve ever seen! The whole fair has a wonderful buzz about it which the stall holders and the customers seem to get energized from. If you weren’t in the Christmas spirit before you arrived then you will be by the time you leave this fair!

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

I recently released my ‘Wedding and Occasion collection’. I now have some beautiful designs for special days, all available to order in your custom colours and sizes. I’m hoping to attend lot’s of wedding fairs next year and expand this business more, so watch this space!

Sum up what Christmas is to you in 5 words or less!:

Love, Thank’s, Family, Excitement!

Any other comments you wish to make:

Miss this fair and you’ve missed out!

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:

www.thesilverhut.co.uk

www.facebook.com/thesilverhut

A Festive Welcome Back to Fairy Letters

We can’t wait to welcome back Fairy Letters once again to our fair, they joined us in the summer and last Christmas and customers fell in love with their super cute and detailed fairy letters! They couldn’t be more suited for our fair, and they make the perfect stocking fillers or gifts- personalised hand written letters from the fairies with lots of love!

Remind us about you and what you create?

I pop down to Brighton from London with bundles of handmade Fairy things. These included miniature, personalized fairy and elf letters, feather headbands, magic wands writing sets, wish jars, heart garlands and jewelry.

If you would like anything personalized in advance please send me an e-mail (fairyletters@strawbug.com) and will have them ready for you to pick up on the day. Can hide in a paper bag so little ones don’t guess what is inside!

Will you be selling some special festive creations?

We have limited edition stocking fillers including unicorn and fairy bracelets, thank you letter sets (1^st place they will be sold!) and of course our Christmas special elf letters.

Will you be taking part in any other fairs over the Christmas period?

The Fairy Tale Fair is the only fair we are going to but we do take custom orders and sell through etsy.

You have previously taken part in The Fairy Tale Fair. Did you enjoy the day?

I love coming to the Fairy Tale Fair, the atmosphere is brilliant and the face painting is second to none.

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

In ‘real life!’ I work as a designer and design researcher which I love but am hoping the fairy business will continue to expand.

Sum up what Christmas is to you in 5 words or less!:

Family, Friendship, Love, Laughter and Sparkles.

Any other comments you wish to make:

We can’t wait to see you all!

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:

Twitter: @fairyletters

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Strawbug

A Festive Welcome Back to….. Ilona’s Kitschen

Remind us about about you and what you create?

I work part time as a teacher of Science in a pupil referral unit in the city and make polymer clay charms. I have now added some resin charms to my collection.

Will you be selling some special festive creations?

I have some limited edition festive charms available, some resin Christmas decorations and some festive earrings. As it is the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who I will also have some Doctor Who pieces.

Will you be taking part in any other fairs over the Christmas period?

No. The Fairy Tale Fair is my craft fair of choice.

You have previously taken part in The Fairy Tale Fair. Did you enjoy the day?

I love doing the Fairy tale Fair, the atmosphere is always great and I have met some lovely people.

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

I went part time this September, which allows me to spend more time making things. So far on my day off I have been making festive bits and pieces and I have to say it is a great way to spend a day. It would be lovely to do this full-time but at the moment I really enjoy teaching Science, especially in such a challenging environment.

Sum up what Christmas is to you in 5 words or less!:

Doctor Who Christmas special! Whoop!

Any other comments you wish to make:

I am really looking forward to the Fairy Tale Fair at Christmas. I had such a lovely time last year, met some really great people and enjoyed the festive atmosphere. See you there!

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:
www.facebook.com/IlonasKitschen
Twitter: @ilona_dioxide

3 Days to go! Join us and Take Part in a Workshop!

Reason 3 to visit our fair this Saturday the 10th August: Take part in one of our workshops!

We will have a craft workshop room full of delights to take part in, suitable for all ages!

Joining us in the workshop room we have:

Show Me Shiny things– beaded jewellery workshop. Make your own jewellery to take away, lots of fun to be had with big selection of wonderful beads!

Karen Rao Felt Artist– wet felt workshop- create a 2D cute animal character, gift a felted rock or make a felt ice lolly- the possibilities are endless and this workshop is always popular with all ages!

Mini Patissierre– Polymer clay jewellery workshop. Learn the art of making miniture creations from polymer clay, then take home to bake youself. Make a mini clay cake, or doughnut or anything you wish!

AnneMarie Hughes: Fused Glass workshop. Learn the art of how fused glass jewellery and creations are made. Annie is bringing a mini kiln to show you the process from start to finish. Demonstrations throughout the day.

Emily Makes– Make a wonderful sweetie butterfly. One for the kids to enjoy making the cute and colourful character to store a few yummy sweeties!

Also in the workshop room will be I Do Brighton Beauty who will be providing a range of beauty treatments at special prices for the fair. Including manicures, pedicures, massage and more. Find out more in her interview post here.

Can’t wait to see you all take part in a workshop on Saturday! It’s going to be magical!!

Say Hello To…The Silver Hut

Today we welcome back Chloe, of The Silver Hut, who we have been lucky enough to have at all our fairs! She will be back again this Saturday to help us celebrate our 1st Birthday! Find out more about her lovely jewellery…

“It is very satisfying when a design makes it from paper into an actual finished piece; even better when you sell it to a customer who loves it just as much as you do!” – Chloe, The Silver Hut

Tell us a bit about you and what you do/ make….

Hello, I’m Chloe, owner and designer of The Silver Hut. I make 925 and Karen Hill Silver, gemstone jewellery which I sell at lot’s of local fairs and markets as well as in my online shop on Etsy.com.

How would you describe your style?

I like to use inspiration from the natural world around me. I have a large collection which is focused on the beach and sea life, living in Brighton there is always something about which helps me spur off a new design!

I also have a collection which focuses on plants and flowers and combines mythical and magical creatures like fairies and unicorns.

I guess you could call my style very ‘Boho’ and ‘Classy Beach Babe!’

How long have you been making your craft items?

The Silver Hut has been up and running for nearly 3 years now, but I have always made my own jewellery. I made my very first pair of earrings when I was just 7 years old!

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?

At the moment I have been selling lots of my gemstone cluster earrings, they make great presents and have so many different colours in them that they suit most outfits. They are also both casual and smart enough to wear whenever you like!

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

The making of course!
I have really enjoyed experimenting with different techniques and materials over the years. I love exploring all the different colours and textures of the gemstones and I especially love all the little packets of Swarovski crystals! It is very satisfying when a design makes it from paper into an actual finished piece; even better when you sell it to a customer who loves it just as much as you do!

Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?

You can find The Silver Hut stall at lot’s of Sussex fairs and markets, keep an eye on my website for up coming listings.

The Silver Hut also has a large wedding collection which is about to be launched as part of a collaboration with some other talented Brighton designers! Further details will also be posted on my website shortly!

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

My future ambitions are to finalise my new wedding collection and to open the new website.
Together with some other designers, we hope to create a new ‘handmade wedding shop’ where you can find beautiful, bespoke wedding accessories, with everything from Jewellery, Tiara’s and haircombs to wedding photographers, cakes and wedding favours, all with that personally designed touch.

You have previously taken part in The Fairy Tale Fair. Did you enjoy the day?

I have attended every Fairy Tale Fair since it started! It is my favourite fair to attend and wouldn’t miss it for the world! I love the happy vibe that you get from both the sellers and customers, there is always a great combination of crafts and with each fair it gets better every time!

Any other comments you wish to make:
Yes! Miss this fair and you’ve definitely missed out!

Find out more:
www.thesilverhut.co.uk
www.facebook.com/thesilverhut

Say Hello To…Cat a Cake Creations

Today we say hello to Claire of Cat-a-Cake Creations, who is also our fair organsier! Claire creates whimsical themed laser cut jewellery, greeting cards and accessories which fit perfectly with the fairs theme…

“Visitors to our fair seem to stay for hours, looking at the wonderful crafts, eating yummy cake, listening to our vintage singers, helping their children take part in a workshop, getting their faces painted and much more- it really was a magical day!”– Claire

Remind us a bit about you and what you do/ make….

As well as organising this fair and working full time at a design studio, I also regularly sell at craft markets across Sussex. I sell a range of whimsical & animal themed laser cut jewellery, greetings cards, pocket mirrors, badges, cotton bags and more! All of my work is hand designed by myself. I started designing the laser cut jewellery just over a year ago and since then it has had great feedback and features!

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?

My ‘Buddy the Cat’ necklace is always popular. He is based on my own pet Buddy the cat, who is a big fluffy black cat who likes lots of cuddles! The best thing about having him as a necklace is he can be any colour I want him to be! Other than Buddy then my earrings are always popular- at two pairs for £8 they are very good value and come in various cute animals, colours and all have silver plated findings and come in a little pouch to keep them warm! During the summer my ice cream necklaces from my new Carousel collection have also been popular- The Fairy Tale Fair will be my last fair of the summer months so get one quick before they melt!

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I enjoy translating a design that starts in my head, to a sketch, then to a visual, then to a piece of jewellery, then selling it, seeing peoples reactions and hearing their feedback on it is always good. It’s a great feeling to see someone wearing a piece of your jewellery- its nice to know that it is appreciated. I recently sold an item from my Etsy shop to a lady in America, so Dot the Dalmatian necklace was wrapped up and sent off to sunny Florida- alright for some! I think Etsy is great to get your work known further afield and its a great feeling knowing a little item you had an idea about is now sitting as a lovely necklace in a house half way around the world! Dot the dalmatian will also be available at the fair!

Do you take part in other craft events and exhibitions?

Yes, lots! As well as The Fairy Tale Fair I also take part in Brighton Craftaganza, Makers Boutique and two Artists Open Houses as part of Brighton Festival in May and December each year.

Excitingly my jewellery was also part of the catwalk collection at High Street Fashion Week in London in April this year which got great feedback and lots of features on fashion blogs. I also managed to speak to Charlotte Church at Brighton fashion week, and she wore my silver bird earrings for the event, which she was photographed in the Daily Mail the next day.

 

I also have lots of events booked for Autumn and Christmas already- including Belle’s Vintage wedding fair- which will be my first wedding fair which I am very much looking forward to, Pop Up Vintage in Hassocks- again this will be my first vintage fair so looking forward to that too, and starting to book up for Christmas fairs too! Better get my festive hat on!

What items and summer creations will you be selling at The Fairy Tale Fair?

I will be selling pieces from my new Carousel collection- including ice creams, doughnuts, seagulls, cake, teddy bears, carousel horses and more- all hand designed and laser cut locally. As well as my usual favorites- Buddy the cat, Nigel the sausage dog, my earrings in various animals, badges, pocket mirrors and more! Lots of little bits for kids and nice gifts for presents or just a treat for yourself!

You took part in the last Fairy Tale Fair, did you enjoy it?

Yes I took part, and organised it!  It was great to see it all come together on the day and see the happy faces of the children and customers who visited! It takes a lot of work to get the crowd in we did- thousands of flyers through doors, adverts, lots of posts on this blog, keeping up with social accounts, sending emails, contacting press and much more- but I think it is all worth it in the end. Visitors seem to stay for hours, looking at the wonderful crafts, eating yummy cake, listening to our vintage singers, helping their children take part in a workshop, getting their faces painted and much more- it really was a magical day! I hope this Summer fair that marks our first Birthday will be just as magical, we have so much to offer and come such a long way in a year, so please don’t miss it!

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

I hope to continue to organise The Fairy Tale Fair, and help it grow. I have plans to make it bigger and expand, but I’d always like to keep its local roots as it has a real community feel! I’d also like to organise more events, such as charity events, weddings and other fairs/ markets across Sussex.

I’d also like to continue to develop my design career and one day aim to have my own greeting card range and exhibit at a big trade show in London. I also have a keen interest in Children’s books. For my final project when I was at university I created a book of nursery rhymes- I’d like to continue to develop this and one day write my own children’s book too! Oh and I’d like to own a cute little cake and craft shop in Brighton by the seaside- everything would sparkle and be lovely!

Any other comments you wish to make:

I am really looking forward to this Saturday the 10th August, and hope lots of you can visit our lovely fair on the day. We are open from 10.30am, and you can see full location details here. It’s a great day out for all the family and there really is something for everyone.

Find out more:
Web: www.catacakecreations.co.uk
Facebook : www.facebook.com/catacakecreations
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/CataCakeCreations

Say Hello to…Retro Violet

Today we welcome Emily, of Retro Violet, who makes the most beautiful vintage inspired jewellery. This is her first Fairy Tale Fair and we look forward to welcoming her!

“I’m really looking forward to the Fairytale Fair – I’ve heard so many good things about it from lots of diverse sources. It sounds like something different with craft workshops so everyone can get involved.”– Emily, Retro Violet

Tell us a bit about you and what you do/ make….

At University I studied Fine Art then went into Photography and Digital Design. I’m fascinated by the world in miniature and I’ve always wondered how I could turn my photos into jewellery. This gave me the idea to turn my digital collages into jewellery. I am keen to create something unique and make it affordable for everyone. I love images from different eras and digitally layer old postcards, textures and other ephemera to make my designs. I also have a penchant for France and all things French so this creeps in too!

How would you describe your style?

My style is best described as modern vintage inspired, I guess!

How long have you been making your craft items?

I had the idea for Retro Violet in 2010 but only really started selling in Spring 2012.

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?

I would say my best seller is the lovely little dove brooch.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

Most of all I enjoy the design stage – it’s fun coming up with new ideas. I also love doing the stalls: meeting interesting and talented people and soaking up the atmosphere.

Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?

Yes. Pop Up Vintage, Hassocks / Vintage and Very Nice, Chichester / Big Brighton Fringe Fair / Johnny Loves June Vintage Fair, Shoreham-by-Sea / Floral Fringe Fair, Knepp Castle. I’m always looking for new fairs to try out.

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

I would love to expand my range to include textiles and cards. I’m a very creative person and would love to have more time to put into the business (currently I juggle it around a full-time job). I’ve also been taking part in the Etsy Mentor Month (the Brighton Sellers Team are fabulous!) This will hopefully boost my online sales – it’s been very worthwhile and have a brilliant mentor.

Any other comments you wish to make:

I’m really looking forward to the Fairytale Fair – I’ve heard so many good things about it from lots of diverse sources. It sounds like something different with craft workshops so everyone can get involved. I already have some cute things for little ones but I’m excited to create some fairy inspired items too.

Link to website & social accounts:

Website: www.retroviolet.co.uk

Etsy: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RetroVioletDesign

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RetroViolet

Twitter: twitter.com/_RetroViolet