Category Archives: Shopping

To Market, To Market…

..probably not to buy a fat pig, though. I seem to have had this little nursery rhyme running through my head for the last two days while I’ve been dashing about sorting out the last minute things for the big day tomorrow.

I’m feeling a little embarrassed about my lack of ‘cool’ about the whole thing, compared to all those seasoned craft marketers out there, but maybe reading about my exploits might be helpful to other market ‘virgins’ out there – and probably amuse the professionals!

I wanted my stall to BE Planet Penny, which requires grass, and sky or rather green and blue felt. And although a table is provided, I needed something to give some height, and a third dimension. So the thinking cap went on and PING! Dog food cartons! Higgins is now set up with food for the next few weeks…

Stall for Pick’n’Mix Makers Market

…and I spent a sticky afternoon covering the cartons with felt…

…and I’m pretty pleased with the result! The sheep look very happy too.

I must dash off and carry on with the preparations, not least getting Higgins ready for a sleep-over with Auntie Lizzie. I’m still debating about bathing him…maybe some doggy Febreze?

So if you are in North Norfolk tomorrow, please call in at the Pick ‘n’ Mix Makers Market and say hello, and if not, well I’ll be back to tell you all about it next week!

Buying! and SELLING!

Despite the foggy weather it’s been pretty jolly here on Planet Penny this weekend. I hope yours is being just as much fun.
Yesterday morning we set off to Holt in North Norfolk to the third Pick n’Mix Makers Market organised by Teena of Kitschen Pink, and Lisa of Bobo Bun. The Church Hall was filled with not only beautiful things but with lovely people I have been gradually getting to know through the blogging world.

It was funny to be greeted by cries of ‘Planet Penny? You must be Higgins’ Mummy!’ There were a lot of people disappointed he didn’t put in an appearance, but I think he would have cramped our style a little. Emma from Silver Pebble was there, with a gorgeous display of her jewelry, and since she had asked me take along one of my Robins to buy, a little bargaining and bartering meant that she could go home with the Robin of her choice, and I had these wonderful earings.

I had gone with Christmas shopping in mind, but it’s going to be hard to part with this set of little notebooks from The Lapwing Printworks

– I actually need to write down my Cunning Plans – and this soap from Perfect Scents is heavenly.

Later on in the town we visited Verandah, a shop run by a co-operative of artists ( where I always want to spend too much money), and where I found these pottery Christmas decorations.

See how focused I am? Well there are only 34 days to go!

But I didn’t just spend money yesterday, I MADE some! How amazing is that? I actually sold FIVE Robins! Why I have so little confidence in what I do that I have taken so long to get to grips with marketing it I don’t know. I think it’s the curse of working alone, in a vacuum. And although I’ve been gaining confidence thanks to all you lovely people and your positive feedback, I really needed to be shoved off that diving board so I could start swimming. Special mention must go to Emma, and to Celia of Purple Podded Peas, and my fellow procrastinators!

And that wasn’t the end of it. I got home to a request to buy one of my cushions!!

Kerching!

For the first time in a long time I ended the day richer than when I started!

So here I am, thinking positive. I hope I can spread it around, there are lots of talented people in blogland hiding their lights under the proverbial bushel, you can do it too!

P.S. This post took a little longer than intended. Half way through, Higgins’ magic nose detected the sweetie Tim dropped down the side of the reclining armchair. Have you ever tried to remove a dachshund from the inside of an armchair? In another life, I’d have Truffle Hound… In reality, a Jelly Bean Hound. Probably just right for Planet Penny…

Tuppence…

…well, two Pennys anyway! Our trip to the south coast meant I could catch up with a new friend, one made in blogland and another Penny.

We met here, at the De la Warr Pavillion…

Which is a lovely place to sit on the balcony, drink tea and have a natter while gazing at the sea. Penny’s blog is L is for Love and as we have been following each others musings for a while now we knew we had lots in common. Do pop over and have a look, and also to see the beautiful teacosy that Penny has made because she kindly gave me the pattern. And no, Penny, you didn’t talk too much at all!!

I have taken SO many pictures of the sea, the sky, the view along the coast I could fill several posts so I am going to be a little selective (you will be relieved to hear!) We were really fortunate to have glorious weather, if a little chilly, in contrast to what was going on back home. I made myself quite unpopular with my boastful phone calls about sipping coffee by the sea while everyone in Norfolk was enduring hailstorms…Sorry!

I think I was overwhelmed by how clean it all felt. After the muddiness of our little lanes the washed pebbles and glittering sea was wonderful, especially as the sun was coming up…

As usual I found a lovely shop selling gorgeous sewing bits and pieces. This one is The Owl and Sewing Cat, tucked away in Bexhill-on-Sea but with another branch opening in Eastbourne very soon. Do look out for it if you are in the area, it’s really worth a visit, and I’ve just discovered, they have an online shop too, so I don’t have to wait until my next visit…Woopee!

I bought some ric rac and pompom braiding…

Yes, more pompoms! And a card of assorted braids…

Which has a distinctly Christmassy feel don’t you think? It must be nearly time to be allowed to think about it now, surely?

This being so, I’d better step away from the computer and get on with being creative while it’s quiet. It is very quiet too, as Higgins is STILL sleeping off the effects of being on the go non-stop with two little boys for a week. He was scared to take a nap in case he missed something!

Actually, while he is asleep and can’t be embarrassed, want to see some cute baby pictures?

All together now…Aaaaaah!