Craft fairs and selling events- where are they?!

**HannahJewelleryDesigns** · 20-04-2010, 04:26 PM

Evening all!
I'm trying to sort out some craft fairs and selling shows for this year (and next if early booking is required!) but I never seem to find out about them until its too late. To all those who do this type of event- where do you find out about craft fairs in time to prepare enough stock and how do you know if the organiser is reputable if you havent done one before?

Its my first proper foray into selling events and funds are a bit limited so I dont want to get stuck in one thats not right or badly marketed (I dont suppose anyone does though!). I just dont know where to look.

Ta very much!

**HannahJewelleryDesigns** · 20-04-2010, 04:27 PM

Oops cant spell- I want CRAFT fairs not CARFT fairs!!!! Sorry!

**ps_bond** · 20-04-2010, 06:47 PM

What spelling?

**caroleallen** · 20-04-2010, 08:29 PM

The Craft and Design Magazine is a really good place to start. It used to be called Craftsman Magazine. Craft Fairs and Crafts Events in the UK
In fact, I'd thoroughly recommend the magazine as it's a really interesting read and shows all the top end crafts and is a good source of inspiration.

**stu_clouds** · 20-04-2010, 09:03 PM

Hannah,

are you looking for small village type craft fairs or big national shows? we stand at a lot of large agricultural shows & airshows. For two day events in a craft tent with an 8ft stall we pay from £300 upto £700 the smaller craft events are widely priced from £10-£100. You best bet is to search online also look for the events book (unsure of exact name) its a book that gives details of all events in the UK for the year. We used it a couple of years ago and it has given us enough contacts for a long time. Sorry i cannot be of more help, i cant really give you details of each show i trade at, that would not be very good business practice.

Stu

**HannahJewelleryDesigns** · 26-04-2010, 09:13 AM

Oh the spelling fairy has been!

Thanks Carole, I have been umming and ahhing as to whether a subscription to Craft and Design was really needed- now i can justify it!

I had been thinking about applying for 'Desire' probably in Richmond and wondered if anyone had done it before? Any good or bad experiences to share?
Ta very much

**ps_bond** · 26-04-2010, 09:35 AM

Who're you calling a fairy?

I've not exhibited at Desire, but it's a target. Have you been along to one? Some very, very impressive work to be seen there.

**caroleallen** · 26-04-2010, 05:28 PM

I did Desire the first year and it was reasonably good but not fantastic. I expect it's much better now. I'd consider doing it again. I'm doing Henley with Crafts in Focus for the second time in May and that's a very popular show. It's always difficult though to get in with the top shows if you're a jeweller. Even if you decide not to do it this year, it's a good idea to apply as you may get in next year.

**HannahJewelleryDesigns** · 26-04-2010, 07:38 PM

Sorry Peter, that didnt come out quite right!!

I went to Desire in Richmond last year and was a bit blown away by the work on show, its definately a target for me too. But it was smaller than I had imagined and not very easy to find, but there seemed to be quite a lot of trade happening which must mean that Im just rubbish with directions if all the other customers found it ok!

I havent been to a Crafts in Focus event yet, but if its that good I will have a better look at them. I suppose with the sheer amount of jewellers applying for these events I will probably have to apply a few times before being accepted.

Thanks very much, really useful advice as always