SANDS charity raffle

We are raising money for the charity SANDS at this Boutique Market. Through a raffle full of wonderful items donated by our stall holders we hope to raise a whole lot of money and raise awareness of a shockingly common phenomenon . Here is more information on the charity:

 

 Each year in the UK over 6,500 babies die just before, during or soon after birth.  That’s 17 babies every day.

“The question about why your baby died never really goes away. For some parents there’s a definite cause but for many there isn’t and it can be source of deep sadness and anxiety. We are working at Sands to help promote both prevention strategies and a set of research priorities that’ll answer the questions so many parents are left with.”  Janet Scott, Head of Research and Prevention


The charity has 3 core aims:

We support anyone affected by the death of a baby
Bereavement support is at the core of everything we do. Some of the services that we offer include:
Helpline for parents, families, carers and health professionals
UK-wide network of support groups with trained befrienders
Online forum and message boards enabling bereaved families to connect with others
Website and a wide range of leaflets, books and other resources.

We work in partnership with health professionals to try to ensure that bereaved parents and families receive the best possible care
We undertake a comprehensive programme of training, workshops and talks for health professionals based on the Sands Guidelines which give practical guidance on how to meet parents’ needs and provide good bereavement care.

We promote and fund research that could help to reduce the loss of babies’ lives
In spite of medical advances, the shocking reality is that each day in the UK 11 babies are stillborn and six die within the first 28 days of life. Our Why17? campaign, is raising vital funds for research, whilst working in partnership with Government and key stakeholders to address these individual tragedies as a matter of urgency and priority.


I'd like to personally thank every one that has donated to our raffle, and thank you to everyone in advance for buying a ticket! Please see our  Facebook raffle albumn for the full list of brilliant prizes. If you'd like to buy a ticket but can't make it on the day, please email me! theboutiquemarket@outlook.com Thank you x x

Fizz Bugs Photography

 Liz of Fizz Bugs Photography will be displaying her lomographic style prints and Christmas cards at the Boutique Christmas Market on December 1st! I love her colourful pictures and think they would make a great contemporary yet retro present to brighten up anyone home

She has also donated a large A3 print to our sands raffle!:

Rachel Pritchard Ceramics

Rachel Pritchard makes these beautiful snake skin ceramic vessels! In a small range of beautiful colours everyone can find an affordable piece of art at Rachels table.
I have a soft spot for small ceramics, I've had one of her items sat on my shelf for a few years and I still love it. She also makes lovely ostrich egg style vases, come and see her work on December 1st, Monmouth Shire Hall!

Chipper Designs

Another wonderful confirmed illustrator! Liz is the imaginator behind Chipper Designs. Her quirky drawings will adorn note books, cards and giclee prints. She has also donated a selection of beautiful note books (pictured) to our SANDS raffle, tickets only £1. Really looking forward to browsing Chipper designs stall, which she will be sharing with 'Made by Lillbet'.

Display Ideas

 The Vintage Table

• Below you can see how shelves make a great back drop to a table. You can use lots more space with a set of shelves and paint them to suit your products, many charity shops (or more expensive vintage shops) have small shelves or dresser tops like this.
• Also there is the use of pin boards to display bunting which can look flat laid out on a table.
• I use artist tripods to hold up boards too, they can be set up behind or on your table and used to display a big logo if not more art work.
• Small suit cases are great on table tops to display prints, cards and other things because of the rim of the suit case holds items upright, also looks lovely with this vintage themed table!
• The table cloth is also beautiful and adds to the over all old world feel!

   Display by >Garden Studios Crafts Photo by Lisa Marie Halliday Photography

Shabby Chic Table

Photo of Wedding Creations table, Photo by Viktoria Kuti photography

• Here the table has been replaced by a lovely dresser with handy draws for more storage!
• Crates are turned on there sides to created a shelf like display unit, making use of every level of the display to show poducts. people tend not to think below the table top, but there is alot of room to be had if you are able to cleverly show items at there best just ubove the floor. (don't make a pile of extra stock visible!)
• The table isn't ramed full of products, each item is carfully selected, there's even room for flowers which add to the theme.
• Trelis in the background is another great way to make more height and more display space. Any textiles you might have can be hung up behind your table.

No Table, Table..

Picture of Made by Marie Display 

• You can always get rid of the table all together! Here step ladders have been used to create height, different levels and ultimately more display room.
• I've seen another person use ladders facing the other way with polls instead of boards between the steps to hang children's cloths. 
• This display would fold up nicely at the end of your day too!

 The Small Table

• Sometimes you may not have much room, or much stock! A suitcase all set up and ready togo could be perfect.
• You can make compartments and shelves and pretty signs. 
• Why not line and old suit case with nice paper and paint the outside if its a bit worse for wear.
• You could also translate this to a bigger suit case or chest! Try the same ideas of compartments and built in shelves...
• Large chests are great to show piles of cushions or soft toys in, so people could have a good rummage around finding that special item.  

 Lots to See Table

• Getting rid of the table all together again, this person has used crates to make loads of display space, levels and interest.
• Using the same tones and textures of wood helps keep the display concise.
• The gap in the middle helps make the display not too over whelming. Also leaves room for the important logo!
• Each type of item has been given it's own space and a display background to suit. Small items hang from string in one box, long necklaces hand from a barrel in another spot.
• Theres an actual manikin to help demonstrate the product, and I'm sure the owner would be wearing the items beautifully too.
• There's also a bit of a shop space made by the boxes stick out creating a wall to the edge of this 'boutique' market stall.

Displays are personal, and should show of your items to there best. Don't be afraid to spend a bit on display units and items to get it right, and keep going until you do! It may be alot of hard work carrying units from car to stall space but markets are the best way to present yourself to the public, so it's worth it!

See more ideas here: Presentation Ideas  

Have fun displaying  x

The Boutique Christmas Market

This is the latest poster, which you will start to see in and around Monmouthshire. The poster features a handful of our exhibitors including:

Georgina Fowler - ceramicist.
Alison Barter - Artist
Cake and Jam Designs- baker
Sarah Edmonds - illustrator
Hand stands in the garden - textile artist
Nicole Iredale designs - silversmith
Helen Taylor - Print artist
The Catkin Boutique - Silkscreen printer and jeweler
Jan Knibbs - Textile artist and designer
Rosie and Peter Williams - silversmiths
Lush Lampwork - glass bead maker and jeweler

And this still doesn't cover the range of artisans, designers, makers and sellers we will be having on December 1st at The Boutique Market Monmouth, Shire Hall! Keep an eye on our pages, as there are more people due to confirm their places by the end of the week.

Alison Barter

Alison Barter of A and S Studios is a Herefordshire based artist who works in many mediums including egg tempera, water colour and silkscreen printing. She'll be bringing a selection of quality giclee prints of her work as well as christmas cards.

 

The Catkin Boutique

The Catkin Boutique will be at our Boutique Christmas Market in Monmouth Shire Hall! Bringing with her a range of silkscreen printed bags, cushions and cards as well as jewellery, handmade using her own illustrations. Perfect items for small budgets as well as special gifts.

"I love drawing, especially animals, capturing personalities as well as intricate patterns found within feathers, scales, and fur. I transfer these drawings onto silkscreens which I then use to decorate tote bags, cushions and cards with. I like to make beautiful items at an affordable price, so everyone can have a unique and/or bespoke item."

Graffik Heart & Luxe Lox

Amanda is the talented Chepstow based designer and jewellery maker behind Graffik Heart prints and illustrations and Luxe Lox retro styled Jewellery. I'm looking forward to seeing Amanda's full range of prints, and the whole set up of her stall which I'm sure will have a lovely 60's feel to it.

 This is my favorite illustration by Amanda featuring out host town, and the place I grew up, Monmouth! Also Abergavenny and Chepstow which she has had illustrated as fantastical landscapes. Below pictures her rings and hair clips, which combine vintage buttons, beads and jewels!

"I have been a Graphic Designer for 20 years and counting but I've always had illustrative leanings, with a bold graphic theme. Hopefully my work will appeal to both children and adults alike.
I live and work in the historic border town of Chepstow, in the county of Monmouthshire, South Wales"

Andi's Candi Trees

I love the idea of these gorgeous candy trees lining a table over the Christmas holidays! Andi will be bringing a selection of these sweet treats to our Boutique Market in Monmouth! See more on her Facebook page.

Tracey Anne Stitch

Tracey Anne Stitch is a local artist based in Usk, Monmouthshire. She paints the wildlife around her in beautiful detail and vivd colours. She'll be selling a collection of prints, card and her own illustrated book at The Boutique Christmas Market, in Monmouth Shire Hall on Dec 1st. See here website for more of her work.

"Originally from London, she gained a degree in zoology at Nottingham University in the 1980’s and worked subsequently as a commercial artist and illustrator, and a freelance paint-and-trace artist in the animation industry.  During this time she continued to exhibit paintings in London and Hampshire.

Tracey-Anne moved to Wales with her husband and family in 1999, and after a career break to raise two sons to school age, has resumed painting, and, increasingly finding inspiration in the wildlife and landscapes of the beautiful Usk Valley, is currently exhibiting at a number of local galleries."

Simply Created

Denise Sims the Herefordshire based designer behind Simply Created will be joining us for The Boutique Christmas Market on Dec 1st in Monmouth Shire Hall! She has a collection of beautiful bespoke cushions as well as children's dresses. Perfect for finding something special this Christmas. Have a peek at her website or Facebook for more.

"Simply Created has been setup by Denise Sims who has been in the business for over 20 years. Denise loves making and creating new ideas and hopes you enjoy them too"

Cake and Jam Designs

We have Cake and Jam Designs coming to our Boutique Christmas Market on Dec 1st! Based in Abergavenny she cooks up cupcakes, cake pops and more! Have a look at her Facebook for an idea of the cakes she'll be bringing to the event in Monmouth Shire Hall.

"I've been baking since forever. I keep coming back to creating cakes so need to listen to my heart. Married & have 2 great teenagers who are my inspiration. Cupcakes and so much more............."

Helen Taylor Prints

Helen Taylor a print artist based in cwm-bran has confirmed a place at out Monmouthshire Boutique Market! Helen uses bold colours and simple shape to create striking images. They'd make a great gift for any one. See more of her designs in her Etsy Shop or her website.

"I am enthusiastic and I am always looking for new experiences to help broaden my knowledge and skill base. My main interests in design are in typography and different printmaking techniques. I believe that design should push the boundaries of my comfort zone to find new techniques to work with and find out what I’m capable of doing"

Nicole Iredale

We have Nicole Iredlae, a silver smith based in Cindeford, with us on Dec 1st! She has a wonderful range of silver items, including quirky animal jewellery and delicate yet colorful pendants. Have a look at her shop now and pre order items you want to buy in a colour of your choice to avoid disappointment on the day. (She can be contacted through Facebook or her Etsy Shop )

"I studied at Birmingham’s School of Jewellery for four years, during which time I developed a love for creating whimsical items of jewellery and metalwork. I enjoyed seeing the expressions on people’s faces as they looked at my jewellery and the reactions that it caused; giggles, squeals of delight and looks of slight confusion have been among my favorites! I decided that designing and making traditional style jewellery was never going to be something that I’d really get a kick out of, so I came up with my brand, Nicole Iredale Designs, so that I could create jewellery to make people smile."

Georgina Fowler

Georgina Fowler has confirmed a space at The Boutique Christmas Market! I've loved Georgians work since seeing it at the prestigious Herefordshire Craft Fair. I'll start dropping hints now for people to buy me one of her cat decorated items...She'll be bringing a range of handmade jewellery, vases and other ceramic items to the event. See her Facebook for more info.

 "I am inspired by fairy tales, imagination and the surreal. Through drawing I electronically manipulate images to create a surface pattern that influences the imagination. With the use of bright colours this then explores a dream like existence. The patterns are then applied to ceramic vessels that have also been manipulated to have a subtle twisted shape"

Jan Knibbs

Jan Knibbs is an award winning textile artist based in Whitchurch. She'll be showcasing her beautiful embroidered cloths and accessories with us on December 1st in Monmouth. See her Facebook page for more designs. I'm really looking forward to seeing her latest work!

"I am a fashion and textile designer specialising in couture embroidery. I make bespoke embroidered garments and accessories especially jewellery often incorporating antique lace and other vintage finds."

Sarah Edmond Illustration

We also have Sarah Edmonds, a wonderful illustrator and print maker from Monmouth coming to our Christmas Market on December 1st. Fresh from a artist residency in Sweden, she'll be bringing colourful patterns and folk inspired imagery. See her Facebook to keep up with her newest illustrations and events. She'll be selling silkscreen prints, cards poster and much more.

"Sarah is an illustrator, print maker and book artist currently based in Cardiff. She screen prints, cuts paper, paints, draws and scribbles all sorts of designs for herself and other people. Runs workshops. Always travels with a sketchbook."

Peter and Rosemary Williams

We have Peter and Rosemary Williams confirmed for the Boutique Christmas Market this December. They have a stunning range of delicate silver jewellery and art. They live and work in monmouth and their pieces can be found in many local galleries. I'm really looking forward to seeing their display and making a few Christmas purchase!

"We have lived and worked together for over 40 years, and in that time we have come not only to an understanding of each other, but also of each others work.

It is through our constant collaboration that we have honed our skills, and learned to compliment one anothers craft."

Lush Lampwork

Julie creator behind Lush Lampwork has a wide range of beautiful handmade glass beads and jewellery. You can keep up to date with her on Facebook and see more of her designs in her Etsy shop. I especially love her cute little glass studs and ocean beads!

"I discovered lampwork beads when I was designing and making my own jewellery, so I originally started out making beads for use in my own creations.  Although the major part of my business is now making beads for jewellery makers to use in their own designs, I also really love to make jewellery too.  I am very lucky to have some amazingly talented metalsmith friends and enjoy combining their creations with my glass."

Presentation ideas

 I've done a few markets in my time, and I'd like to share some of the best tips I've found and display ideas that you can use with your stalls. Please add any more helpful points that you can think of in the comments section. I'll write more posts about packaging and other tips in the future:

Keep standards high! Have ironed clean table cloths. Make sure everything works and won't fall apart on you (or a customer!) Practice your table display before you go, ideally a few days before so you can buy anything /clean anything you need to.

Create different levels. Items are more eye-catching when presented at different levels. You can create varying heights without the clutter on your table top by placing odd sized boxes under the table cloth. You can also collect boxes, shelves, cases etc that match each other in some way to have around your stall.If they match they won't distract form the products.

 Keep your display concise. You should bring lots of stock with you to your market, (if you can!) but it doesn't all need to be on the table at once, wait until things have sold them replace them. Or see what people are more interested in and change for items that are not so popular. If you talk to your customers you'll find out what they need and you can say, 'ah-ha...I have that! Let me just get it...'

Have a theme. The same as above really, but a table that hits you with a visual meassage rather than a blurry idea will draw people in. Maybe it's a certain set of colours you use or materials or decade you like. Are you selling vintage styled items? Go with it and use vintage suitcase, photos, props and more. People are more likely to leave remembering you if the can put your business 'on-a-peg' ("oh yes...Sussie, with the lace")


Packaging is important. Think about how each one of your items looks to a customer. Make all your items look as specail as they are. Put jewellery on backs or in boxes. Don't have fabric bags, cushion covers or scarfs slumped over the surface of your table. Brand them and make them into gifts ready to go!


Layout. Putting items in a logical order will help customers navigate there way around your table.
try having expensive items higher up your stall and cheeper things lower down. Or big items at either end working to little items in the centre.

Price everything clearly. People will not ask how much something is more than once, if at all. You can lable things individually or have a sign "Bags all £10" If you do write on a jewellery back do it in pencil so the customer can rub it of before gifting it!

Don't over clutter. In regards to some of the above points. You want to create a display that's interesting but don't go over board with the items you use. You don't want to confuses people with what you're selling and whats just display. Be aware that curios will distract from your product.


Other sites to look at:

Take a look at these pinterest pages; here , here , here and here which have some innovative set up ideas. Why not do a general search for 'market stall' or 'craft stalls' too for lots of photos andexamples.

This site had some really good advice and pictures too! The Finders Keepers 10 top tips Also how to dress a knockout craft stall

Hand Stands In The Garden

Another brilliant designer maker joining us for The Boutique Market on December 1st! Handstands in the garden is full of nostalgic creatures born of colourful floral fabrics and the imagination of Amanda. I'm in love with her plush cats, but there will be something for everyone at her table. Why not say 'hello!' via Twitter.

"Each design has its own personality and is made from a mix of vintage and retro fabrics."

Evellies

Another confirmed exhibitor: Amy is the talented maker behind Evellies. These handmade toys are so cute and beautiful! Amy's busy making now, so I can't wait to see what will be displayed at The Boutique Marketon December 1st.

"Hi my name is Amy I have a lot of fabric a big imagination and now an online shop. These furry friends are inspired by the imagination of childhood tales, innocence and love. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed creating them and bringing them to life. My background is in Theatrical costume which I enjoyed so much and was a wonderful experience but I have now left those days behind and am focusing my attention and skills on my new venture. I hope that you enjoy my shop and feel free to come on over to my blog, thank you. http:/evellie.blogspot.co.uk/"

The Welsh Gift Shop

The Welsh Gift Shop are confirmed for our Christmas Market! Have a look at their full range of welsh language and locally made products Here You can also follow them on Facebook.
 

I'm looking forward to the Welsh language Christmas cards you can't find anywhere! And the Christmas decorations of course, I'll be in full tinsel mode by Dec 1st ;)

"We are a small family-run online shop based in the ancient market town of Trefynwy (Monmouth)
We will always go the extra mile to ensure you are happy with your purchase. Think of us as your own personal shoppers!
Through [our] website, we aim to preserve, celebrate and support the wonderful traditions and crafts of our country - and make them available worldwide.
All of our products have been sourced by us and are of the highest quality. Enjoy the very best of Wales!"