I'm Back !!

My goodness, time has just flown since my last blog at the end of November.  There has been much to sort out for the Market and things have been a little hectic.  Plus it took me a while to recover from the awful weather we had at the December Market - I know that we promise RAIN, HAIL (SNOW) OR SHINE there will be a market - it was though a very tough day from putting up the gazebos to taking them down again we had every element of weather imaginable.  The wonderful Makers (see the photo below) did stick it out until the very end and again created a warm welcoming atmosphere for all our amazing customers who braved the chill, the rain, the hail etc. to bring us a little bit of sunshine on a torrential day.

It is really lovely to think that in just three months we have built a little community of gifted local makers and that together with really strong local support, the atmosphere at the Markets is exciting and welcoming.  So a really BIG THANK YOU TO ALL!

If any of our Customers are out and about on 4th January, please come and see us at the Market and call at my stall and say hello as I will have some lovely give-aways as a thank you for your support over the last three markets and for continuing it into 2015.

SEE YOU ALL IN 2015 (where did 2014 go - in a blink ha ha xx)

Suzanne xx

We are at Winterfest!!

Can you believe it is almost the end of November - no skip that - it's almost the end of the year!

This year has gone so quickly - but November has just flashed by so fast I cannot believe I have not blogged for over 2 weeks.  I'm not sure what I have been doing as I have made nothing new for tomorrow!

What's Tomorrow?!

Winterfest - in the Market Place Macclesfield

We have been invited to provide an Artisan Market for the Switch on of the Christmas Lights and 9 of us (so far) will be in our gazebos ready with some amazing items for you to purchase as Christmas Gifts - or a little bonus for yourself - go on you know you deserve it.

There is so much going on tomorrow in Macclesfield that it is hard to put it all down here - so have attached the link instead.




http://www.winterfestmacclesfield.com/site/whats-on/the-big-light-switch-on/

Hope to see you tomorrow - please come by and say hello to us all - there is so much to see and join in with.

I'm off now to make some pretty things.

Have a lovely Winterfest

Suze xx

To self-doubt or not to self-doubt - how do you avoid it?

Has it been a really weird start to November for you too?!

We had a really good market – again!  Debra and I are on a high because we have so many wonderful Artisans to share the market with; there was such huge support from the local area – beyond our hopes. And we have many more Artisans waiting to get space.  Feeling blessed!

Yet!  I’m not sure if it is the cold and damp weather or putting the clocks back or what?  I have been having conversations this week with Artisans who are beginning to let doubt set in – when they are so brilliantly creative and doing well at the market and in other outlets.

Other than the usual platitudes on not giving up; you are so creative; your work is so lovely; keep going and show your doubting self how you don’t give up etc ……  What do you say?!?  Please let me know how you cope at times of self-doubt xx

I found this quote below and hope it resonates well with my lovely self-doubters xx

I’ve had a really lazy week too, when I should have been creating for my next events and organising the next Artisan Market on 7^th December.  When searching for a “Don’t Give Up Quote” on Pinterest (yes I know – stop pinning and create something! Ha Ha !) I found the following quote which sums me up perfectly:

On a more cheerful note - if any of you are out and about on Saturday, why not pop in and say hello – I am at Tytherington High School Christmas Fair from 1pm to 3pm – Debra can’t make it but I would love to catch up with you xx

Have a happy wintery sunny day – thank goodness the rain has stopped for a while.

Suze xx

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH XX

Feeling full of gratitude today ....

• It is a lovely sunny Wednesday and that fills me with joy!
• That our Second Happy Valley Artisan Market was a huge success and we really want to thank everyone for getting behind us with so much support.
• That Debra and I (with some lovely friends and family) survived putting up and taking down 9 Gazebos on Sunday.  And picking them up from and taking them back to their rightful homes.
• To the Poachers for allowing us to have 2 gazebos on permanent loan - how do you say thank you to such generosity ... if you are in Bollington please pop in, buy a drink and make a toast to their generosity xx
• To everyone else who has been generous in organising gazebos for us.
• To our lovely Artisans for continuing support and to all the new applicants waiting for space
• To Julie and Staff at the Cafe Waterside for the hot mulled wine and hot dogs!!
• To everyone liking us on Facebook - please keep liking us so that Debra hits that magical 200 and then on to 300 and on and on xx
• That we have hit 1,500 pageviews on this BLOG!!!  Chuffed to bits .. 

It's Market Eve!

Well we had amazing fun at October's Market and here we are again on the eve of our Happy Valley Artisan Market at Clarence Mill.

Thank you to everyone who has either bought or borrowed their own gazebo this month; to everyone who has leant us a gazebo – the Poachers Pub and George Cann for organising for us to have the loan of two again – huge thank you guys.

We have some familiar faces from last month and some new Artisans all with some spectacular items for sale.  Why not come along and pick up some extra special gifts for Christmas Presents. 

Just so you can tick off items on your Christmas List to Santa – below is a list of Artisans at the Market this month:

• Shiela Cunningham – local Artist with samples of her artwork – why not buy and original painting for the special Christmas gift.
• Ann Fogg – Shabby Chic furniture restorer with some amazing small gifts too!
• Jane Ewington – with her beautiful porcelain and ceramics including the famous White Nancy pots
• Anna Barker – you really have to see her driftwood Christmas Trees and pebble santas.  I have my Santas – now just need one of the Trees.
• Helen Dewhurst – Textile Artist, I love that you can have art made out of items of clothing too precious to throw out, but that clutter your wardrobe.
• Fiona Reynolds – Exquisite items of polymer clay jewellery – just waiting to be added to that Christmas List
• Marie Robinson – Quirky science prints on cushions and other items – including clothing – so different and unique.
• Lisa Kirk – Sweet little baby quilts and other items for the nursery and older children.  My Granddaughter spent her pocket money at Lisa’s stall.  I expect she will be there again seeing what she can buy.
• Susan Kay – why not come along and watch Susan and her group spinning and whilst there check out her lovely handmade woollen items made from their own wool – the weather is getting colder.
• Claudia Tann – amazing textile woven and sewn items – just right for that extra special gift.
• Sophie Molyneux – Unique crochet jewellery, artwork and other items just waiting to be added to the gifts under the Christmas Tree.
• Alex will be there with the Balloons again – loved the octopus some of the children were waving around last month.
• Then of course there is Debra with some amazing framed fused glass White Nancy just ready for filling that space on your wall.  And of course her special Mosaics. 
• And Me! I’ve some new glassware for that Christmas Toast and some newly designed and handmade jewellery.

 Come along and check us out – see if I got everyone right with the correct items.  There is a free raffle again – last month it was an item of my fused glass jewellery – this month is still to be donated, but it will be amazing.

If you do come along to the market, please find me and say hello xxx

60 HOURS TO KICK OFF FOR MARKET NUMBER 2 !!

I've just been to watch the Fire Walk at the East Cheshire Hospice.  It's a long time since I've done one and it is just as exciting watching it as doing it.  Hopefully they have raised lots 'n' lots of money for the Hospice.  Well done to everyone who did it.  Here's a little picci!!

I think waiting to see if our next market is as well attended as the first one is a little bit like waiting to do the Fire Walk!  I've checked the weather, it's cloudy with a possible shower - praying the wind stays away!  We have done the same advertising - Local People Macclesfield; The Thread and Canalside Radio.  We are also in Bollington Live and the Macclesfield Express this time.  The Banners are going up first thing in the morning - bigger than last time!  We have some new traders - so fingers and toes are crossed that the day is as good as the 7th October was!!  Please come along and join in the fun!

We are still in need of more gazebos so that we can grow and grow.  If anyone has one we could borrow - we will take great care of it and make sure you get it back in the same condition.  We are hoping to buy some more to add to our small collection as soon as we can, in the meantime it is beg, steal and borrow!

The list of traders will be out tomorrow - we have had some new requests and if we can get a gazebo they will be able to join us.

Catch you tomorrow

Suze xx

NEXT MARKET - SUNDAY 2ND NOVEMBER

Phew!  It’s been a rush but we've done it and Market Number 2 is on its way this Sunday.

Gazebos are sorted (although we have been offered the loan of two from the Poachers Pub we still unfortunately don’t have enough to accommodate everyone) – so sorry if you didn't get space this time, we intend to invest in some new ones for the Market asap!!  The December Market will be the biggest yet and will with luck spread along the canalside under the tunnel!!

We have advertised in Local People Macclesfield again – unfortunately this is more for the December Market as it won’t hit most households until early next week.

We are in Bollington Live

We are in the What’s On pages of The Thread

Debra and I were given a small slot on the Canalside Radio – 102.8 last Sunday and Monday – if anyone heard us please let us know what it sounded like as we both missed the broadcasts.  But it should have helped get us on the MAP.

We have even been given a small mention in this week’s Macclesfield Express with a promise that if we send in photos again they will be printed next week – fingers crossed!  Mike will be out with his Camera again – so big smiles please.  If you don’t want your photo in the Macclesfield Express or any other media please let us know on the day!

Debra and I have been asked to take the Artisan Market to other venues over November and December, so catch us at:

• Winterfest in the Market Place, Macclesfield on 29^th November 

• Bollington Pre-School Christmas Fair, Water Street Centre on 13^th December 

Other events to put in your diary are:

Handforth Craft Fair – 8^th November

Tytherington High School Christmas Fair – 15^th November
Makers Day at the Heritage Centre Macclesfield - 22nd November

Treacle Market – 30^th November

Happy Valley Artisan Market – 7^th December (Yes US!)

Treacle Market – 21^st December

AND!!!

A BRAND NEW VENTURE – A Produce Market (an extravaganza – with amusements etc) at Adelphi Mill on 21^st December.  See Poster Below - this is the advert in Local People Macclesfield this month. This does clash with Treacle now that they have moved from the last Sunday in December to 21^st December.  But the area is big enough for both!!  

More on the extravaganza next week.

IF ANYONE HAS ANY CHRISTMAS FAIRS OR OTHER EVENTS THEY WOULD LIKE PUTTING ON THE LIST PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

See you all Sunday - I will put a list of expected Traders on here tomorrow xx

TWO WEEKS TO NEXT MARKET - 2ND NOVEMBER

HAPPY SUNDAY XX

TWO WEEKS TODAY AND IT'S OUR SECOND MARKET - PLEASE GET YOUR BOOKING FORM IN VERY QUICKLY.

Debra and I need to know who wants to attend from the first market so that we can invite new traders - we have hopefully secured more gazebos!!

I think it would be brilliant if we could have two rows of these instead of gazebos - with a big trailer for Shabby Chic Revive and Reuse (ha ha ):



Debra thinks it would be great to have wooden huts - especially for the December Market:



Let me know what you think would be good to use as an alternative to Gazebos xx

We are hoping to have a very large gazebo this time that will hold around 4/5 tables and I think it will make for a really good atmosphere.

There will be additional bunting which we hope to have all the way up Clarence Road.  If anyone has any bunting of their own they would prefer to use inside or outside their gazebo - please let me know that way I can utilise the gazebo bunting on the road.  Thank you xx

And money permitting we will have 2 huge banners instead of the small ones.  Look out for them - one at the Silk Road Roundabout and the other one at the bottom of Clarence Road itself.  We will reuse the small ones as well.

Debra and I are thinking twinkly lights for the next market to create a Christmasy feel - so get making some Christmas gifts to sell.

We are having a raffle again - so if anyone would like to offer a prize please contact me as soon as possible so that we can advertise it.

Oh and watch out for an article in the Macclesfield Express and also one in Local People Macclesfield.

Take Care

Suze xxxx

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, 

FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT 

WE ARE CELEBRATING TONIGHT!!

OUR LITTLE ACORN IS ALMOST A TREE - HA HA!!!!

WE COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU - PLEASE KEEP LIKING US XX

Just finished baking a lemon drizzle cake for work tomorrow and thought I would just tune in to say hello and remind everyone looking for a stall to get their forms in quickly and I have just checked and we are just

49 “likes” away from 1000.

Wow … it’s so exciting and a big thank you to everyone for liking the blog. You know what is coming next I’m sure ha ha xx  - this is a plea to share the blog as much as possible with all your family and friends - and anyone you can think of and tell them to “like” it and better still why not follow us.  Thank you. 

I think when we reach the 1000 we should have a celebration, only not sure how to do it as the blog does not show who has liked.  And I know some of the “likes” have come from America, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Ireland and Austria so not sure how I could celebrate with those lovely people.  I will think of something though.  SO WATCH THIS SPACE! ☺☺ Any ideas - comment me back please xx

Also, if you have anything you want me to put on the blog, other than my ramblings and pushing for you all to get a stall on the market, please let me know.

As soon as Debra and I have everyone’s forms and we know who is coming, I will start putting pictures of the items for sale on here. Xx

I’ve just had a thought that I would offer a piece of my seaglass jewellery (I don’t usually give that away –so it would be special) to the first person to follow the blog – you will have to comment on the blog to let me know you have followed and the first person identified gets the jewellery.  Get following and commenting! – Let’s start a string of topics around Artists, Artisans and Crafters etc.

Take Care

Suze xx

I know I keep saying it, but the support of local people was overwhelming at our First Market and we didn’t want it going unnoticed so … with fingers crossed we should be on the Bollington Community Page of the Macclesfield Express in the next couple of weeks.  Debra and I sent our notice in last night, after receiving a wonderful quote from David Rutley MP.  We included some pictures too!!  Apologies that not all our wonderful Artisans could get a picture on the page.  At the next market we will take a Group Photo.  I have put some of the photos below and Debra has put quite a few on the Facebook Page.  If anyone has any photos they would like to share please send them in xx

The 2^nd November Happy Valley Artisan Market is going to be bigger and better – just can’t promise the weather … but I am working on it.

We are happy to report that some of our regulars are buying their own gazebos.  This leaves us space for more Artisans in the gazebos we have already begged and borrowed.  Plus we have been offered a much larger party size gazebo (at a cost of course) – if it fits in our space.  AND we are looking to buy two more.  AND we may be able to borrow two more …WOW, I haven’t counted the spaces available – but it’s a lot ha ha !! 

We are also thinking fairy lights and more bunting around the gazebos and up the road and on the bridge.  I’ll save the Christmas Tree until December’s Market though!

May I ask all the lovely Artisans who were with us on the First Market to let me know if they are going to be with us this time around please?  We have had a huge amount of requests from local crafters for a stall and we would like to start thinking about the mix as soon as possible.  THANK YOU xx

Who can apply:

• Traders from the 1^st Market

• New Traders Welcome!!  Please email with details and photos of items

• Please apply again if you were unsuccessful with our First Market

So when is our SECOND Artisan Market at Clarence Mill? It is Sunday, 2^nd November 2014 – 10:00 am to 3:00 pm..  Please remember though, that all items must be handmade by the trader – or if you represent a group – that group members made them.

Again, it will be bring your own table and the cost will be the special price of £15 per table in a shared Gazebo.  Anyone wanting to have sole use of one of our Gazebos will have to pay £30.  We may have one or two tables to hire out if anyone is stuck and this will be at a prior arrangement and a nominal cost.

Any Trader from the 1^st Market, who has bought, stolen or borrowed a Gazebo can have a space on the 2nd November Market.  Sole Occupancy is £25 for the pitch; willing to share and it’s only £10 for the pitch.

Enjoy your Wednesday, take care

Suze x

WE DID IT – TOGETHER WE DID IT!!!!!  NOW LET’S DO IT AGAIN XX

When we started thinking about the Artisan Market, it was always about bringing together local artisans and showcasing the amazing local talent in and around the wonderful Bollington and other East Cheshire Areas.  How amazing was our first Market and all the wonderful support given to us by local people, visitors and the management and tenants/residents at Clarence Mill.

Well it was more that we could have dreamed of – the support was amazing, the traders were amazing and the weather was amazing.  We were encouraged to keep it going, so …. here we go again ….

We are on our way to our SECOND Artisan Market at Clarence Mill – 2^nd November 2014 – 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. and attached is the Trader Booking Form. Please get this back as soon as possible so that Debra and I can sort out the mix.  We want it to be just as successful as the first – but bigger and hopefully better.  Please remember though, that all items must be handmade by the trader.

Who can apply:

• Traders from the 1^st Market

• New Traders Welcome!!  Please email with details and photos of items

• Please apply again if you were unsuccessful with our First Market

We had a lack of Gazebos so had to turn people down.  We still have a lack of Gazebos, but are working on it!  And this is why we cannot guarantee places to anyone – maybe one day when we have managed to get enough Gazebos to fill the whole space.

If anyone has a Gazebo they can lend us – it has to be sturdy, pop-up and have sides … we would be so grateful and it means we can give more Traders a chance.

Again, it will be bring your own table and the cost will be the special price of £15 per table in a shared Gazebo.  Anyone wanting to have sole use of one of our Gazebos will have to pay £30.

Any Trader from the 1^st Market, who has bought, stolen or borrowed a Gazebo can have a space on the 2nd November Market.  Sole Occupancy is £25 for the pitch; willing to share and it’s only £10 for the pitch.

We will be heavily advertising again.  Debra already has the poster ready and I will be sorting out banners and notices soon.

Please hurry up with your applications and let’s get together to make the SECOND Market bigger and better than the first.

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL FROM DEBRA AND ME.

Well didn’t we have a wonderful day weather-wise?  And didn’t we have a wonderful day on the Market?

Sunday was just amazing and we cannot say a big enough Thank You to Traders and people who came to support our enterprise. Debra and I knew that local people would support our local enterprise, the extent of that support just absolutely was out of this world and we are still in awe.  How do you say Thank You? 

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you …. ad infinitum (as they say).  We are just so grateful for all the support given to us both.

Our Promise now is to get better and better each market.  With more and more choice from our wonderful local Artisans – we were approached by so many people wanting stalls – you are all amazing.

The Market is never going to be a money maker as we pay high amounts for advertising and want to invest in our own Market Stalls.  We started the concept on a very small shoestring and had to beg, steal and borrow Gazebos to start the Market – well we didn’t really steal any, people were very generous.  To grow the market we need to get more gazebos – so if anyone knows anyone who has any to kindly lend or donate please email us on happyvalleyartisans@gmail.com.

The Artisans at the first market were:

Shiela Cunningham	Framed Fine Art Paintings
Ann Fogg	Shabby Chic Furniture and Candles
Anna Barker	Walking Sticks; Driftwood and beaded Jewellery
Suzanne Gill	Sea Glass Jewellery; hand painted Glassware; Fused Glass
Jane Ewington	Porcelain White Nancy Pots and other gifts
Helen Dewhurst	Textile Artist
Fiona Reynolds	Polymer Clay Jewellery
Lisa Kirk	Handmade Quilts and Bunting with other gifts
Claire Whittingham	Handmade Goods by the Guides
Debra Tracey	Mosaics and Fused Glass
Helen Wright	Pottery animals and other gifts
Chris Connick	Framed Fine Art Paintings, cards and other items
Sandy Milsom	Hand Painted Silk items and cards

And not forgetting Alex from Bollington Balloons who came along and supported us in the morning.  I didn’t get chance to see him making the balloons but I did see a very large yellow octopus being floated on high.

All the items were of impeccable quality, original and unique. 

We would like to thank all the Traders for taking a deep breath and supporting us on our very first market – which was hugely successful, but could just as easily have not been. THANK YOU!!! XXX

Debra and I have decided to have a Star Trader at each Market.  The first Star Trader (yes I know it sounds like I stole it from the Great British Bake Off – but it does sound good ha ha xx) is Sheila Cunningham.  Sheila wins a bottle of wine for all the extras she did for us both at the Market.  Sheila and her husband turned up almost at the same time as me, to help put up all the Gazebos and then stayed on to help us take them down and tidy up.  I know that all our Traders went that extra bit on Sunday helping to make it very very special.  But Sheila almost beat me there in the morning and I turned up at 7:30 am.

The winner of the raffle prize of Jewellery was Lin and coincidently (we did pick blindly you have my word on that) lives at Clarence Mill.

The winner of the raffle prize of a Loom Band Kit was a young girl (we think it best not to put young people’s names on our blog) who belongs to the same pack as Claire and the Guides who had our Charity Stall and who came along to support them and the Market with her parents.

We have still to work through the Feedback Forms and I will get back to you on this asap.  Thank you for taking the time to fill in a form.

Our next step is to try and get some funding so that we can build and build on what we have started.

THANK YOU ALL

XXXXX

 Watch this space later in the week for more photos and more of our NEWS !

Well here we are on the penultimate day in the pouring rain and yes I have succumbed to looking at the weather forecast.  The Met Office say it is going to be cloudy tomorrow with a precipitation of <5% - I think that means there may be a little drizzle – not the heavy down pour we have today – I have had a discussion with the rain clouds and told them to stay away until after 5pm.  It does say though that it may be chilly so although we are in gazebos with shelter, it will pay to have many, many layers to wrap up warm with.  Rain or Shine, if you are visiting our market tomorrow, please do come into the Gazebos and shelter from whatever the weather throws at us.  We traders love to chat xx  

It is going to be all rush, rush, rush today for the traders and I have to admit to last minute panic of actually making something for my stall instead of last minute preparation for the market (I promise it will all be done – phew – skates are on). I have glass cooking in the oven; glass cooking in the microwave and yes you have guessed it … glass cooking in the kiln.  It is a hot house of glass here today.  And if that’s not enough glass cooking, Debra has offered me her kiln later … I’m really cooking on glass now!

Debra has made some really pretty fused glass pictures for her stall and is still busy making today, as I am sure are the other traders:

TRADERS –

We have a wonderful mix of Artisans for our first market and I have listed some of the items below.  Next week I am going to put together a little potted history and details of all our Traders, including the ones on the waiting list and others who are waiting to join our waiting list.  Thank you so much to all you Traders for your interest in our Market – I could have filled the stalls 3 times over and it was only lack of Gazebos that stopped us … so if anyone has a gazebo they no longer need or are happy to loan for future markets – please do get in touch (either comment on this blog or email happyvalleyartisans@gmail.com ).  Also get in touch if you wish to be added to our waiting list – we are changing the mix every month, so you will get a chance.  Forms for November will be out next week and places are on a first come, first serve basis.  The special rate of £15 per stall will continue over the next few months.  (A stall is half a gazebo, so allowing for browsers to actually come in and see your items for sale, the space allotted is 1 metre x 3 metres – you can of course book a whole gazebo to yourself for £30.00).

IF YOU ARE COMING ALONG TO BROWSE – YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE -

• Textile Art – beautifully embroidered framed “pictures” and other very clever items.
• Clay Art Jewellery – unusual and exclusive items for the discerning jewellery lover.
• Hand carved wooden items – these are amazing, I have my eye on a few pieces for Christmas Presents … oops now people know what they are getting off Santa.
• Have you ever had a piece of furniture that need a face lift (my whole house) – come and see some very loved items given a new lease of life.
• Two of Bollington’s finest artists are exhibiting with us tomorrow and you are able to purchase at the same time too! 
• I love patchwork and one of our traders creates some beautiful baby quilts, pillows and bunting for the Nursery and other areas of the home.
• There is some beautiful and quirky pottery and porcelain (just like the ladies who make them).
• Silk, Silk everywhere – hand painted silk items for you to wear and adorn your home.
• We will have a charity stall at every market.
• Then of course we must not forget Balloons – in all shapes and sizes
• And Debra and me!  Lots of glass in all shapes, sizes and forms – two artists in the same material, producing such varied items.

I personally cannot wait to see all the amazing items on sale and have a go at some of the crafts - yes some of our traders are demonstrating tomorrow.

Please do come along and browse in support of our Traders, Debra and me in our new venture, we cannot make it a success without you.  Don't forget our Raffle !!  

Market opens for Traders from 8:00 am (please come early and help set up Gazebos).

Market opens for Browsers from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm - don't forget parking will be limited at the back of the Mill, as all Gazebos will be at the front of the Mill.

I think this Mosaic from Debra (she doesn't know I have this photo - perhaps she will sue me for the copyright - ha ha!!) sums up our hope for the Market tomorrow and every month ....

Took Annual Leave from Work Today! 

Have a long list of jobs to do for the Market before Sunday – yes it’s nearly here … our first Happy Valley Artisan Market!!

Not for me the luxury of making items to sell – please come and see me at the market for a chat and to see my lovely decorated EMPTY stall!  Well I will have a hand-painted vase; a really pretty slumped pink dish and some other bits ‘n’ pieces and I do have Friday and Saturday still to make some items.  You will have to come and check to see if I managed to achieve all my plans! xx

BUT … I still have the bunting to finish for all the gazebos – and talking about gazebos I have finally found a home for 3 of them from Friday to Sunday morning – thanks to the wonderful George of the Lions.  He really has been a tower of strength and the king of the Gazebos.  Big Thank You to George.

AND … once the Banners arrive I will have to go out and hang them – Vistaprint let me down on delivery as they should have been here last week, then it was Tuesday and now it is … fingers crossed … TODAY!

We have been advertised widely within Bollington, Macclesfield and surrounding areas .. so hopefully we will have a big turnout to celebrate Bollington’s own Artisan Market.

Make sure you bring your brollies though as everyone keeps telling me it is going to rain. I am not going to check the weather forecast, I am just going to wait and see.  Ever the optimist I am praying for dry at least!

The Market opens to the public at 10:00 am and closes at 3:00 pm.  We have a wonderful mix of products and some traders will even let you have a go.  There will be lots to see and do!  And we are in gazebos - so if it does rain, come in and shelter and talk to the Traders.

I will give you an update on how things are going tomorrow and on Saturday I will list the Traders and some of their items.

Have a lovely Thursday xx

Good Morning on this wonderful sunny Sunday - the last one before our first ever Happy Valley Artisan Market at Clarence Mill!!

Phew … well what a few weeks!  It’s been a rush, but we have the makings of a fantastic market on Sunday, 5^th October. 

Adding to the advertising listed in previous blogs, we are now on the Bollington Town Council web-site.  Banners and new posters will be going up this week and I am still busy making the bunting, blowing up balloons and running around like the mad hatter at Alice’s Tea Party.  Good Idea … Hang on whilst I make a cuppa and grab one of my new addictions – a CurlyWurly ha ha!

  

We have 15 traders (small I know, but it is a lack of space … not a lack of interest from local Artisans, Artists and Craftspeople – we could have filled the space at least 3 times – the traders not successful this time will pop up at future markets – so that we keep the mix alive and interesting for everyone). Thank you to all traders who have contacted me for a stall - I am so sorry I couldn't fit you all in ....

This Market on 5^th October will have a wonderful mix of:

Textiles; mosaics; ceramics; pottery; clay jewellery; fine art; wood; paper and glass (something for every age group and such a varied choice of items … the quality is of a very high level).  

All the Traders are local and all items are handmade locally too!  Debra and I have been very strict with the profile for trading on the Market as we want it to showcase the amazing people of Bollington and surrounding areas.

We are also making a provision at the Market for you to give Debra and I your feedback … what you liked; didn’t like and also what you would like to see.  Come and see me in my Gazebo and pick up a Feedback Form and have a chat.  Also, don’t forget to pick up your free raffle ticket; balloon and other info.

It is now up to the successful Traders to make it a memorable day .. with pretty stalls, high class items and fun and laughter ... no pressure then!!

PLEASE TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY ABOUT OUR MARKET – THANK YOU 

PLEASE SEE OUR NEW POSTER ... IF YOU CAN GET IT OUT THERE WE WOULD BE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL .. THANK YOU

I’m a bit woolly headed today – no, I’m not sat here in a tea cosy, just still feeling the need for plenty of Lemsips and a hot toddy – ha ha.  So today’s blog is a short one – sorry - back to normal next week - fingers crossed.

Had a busy weekend though with Debra and we’ve sorted out advertising, logos and posters .. oh and so much more:

·         I have placed an Advertisement in the Local People Macclesfield magazine and it will be circulated to 22,500 homes before 4th October.  See Link Below

·         I have contacted Inside Magazine - Bollington and we have missed the deadline for October but hoping to get space in November mag.

·         I have contacted Bollington Live and we are getting a write up on the market should be in the November issue

·         I have contacted Macc Express to hopefully get an item on their 5 Minutes of Fame community page - this will be sent in to them after Debra and I get our photos taken tomorrow.  Not sure when it will be printed.  Had to get my hair cut for this one – got to look your best for the Macc Express - never know who may read it ha ha x

·         We will be going live with an advert and a listing on Canalside Radio and the Thread 102.8. – so be sure to listen in and comment me when you hear it!  See Link Below

Debra has created the following Logo – I’m loving it .. but tell us what you think?  (use the comment tab)  the background is white - not sure why it is showing as black on here something to do with GMAIL (I am seriously hating GMAIL today ... make that most days!!) - that's a shame because you won't get to see it properly other than on future advertising etc.  But you can get the general idea.  I will play around and see if I can change it for the next blog xx

AND … IT'S A MYSTERY, IT'S A MYSTERY ...... Debra may have been able to get us a mystery guest to open the first Market on 5^th October .. so make sure you come along to find out who it is and join in the fun xx

I NEED VOLUNTEERS !!!

Anyone out there who is good at writing on balloons please email me on happyvalleyartisans@gmail.com .  Need to get a couple of hundred balloons written on before we then -  YES - get them blown up ready to hand out on the Market.  Balloons and pens supplied!!

I’m not going to do a list of traders – I thought as they are all amazing people, I would ask them to let me have their story of how they became traders and a bit about the unique items they make and sell.  So starting Tuesday, I will be introducing you to the traders themselves – watch this space.  Hopefully, I will get through them all before the market day itself – which is ????? ........................come on you should know by now --- FIRST MARKET IS ON SUNDAY, 5^th OCTOBER – should be fun and can’t wait to meet you there.

Hope you had a lovely Sunday – Suzanne xx

 www.thethread.org.uk/

 localpeoplemacclesfield.co.uk/

Hi Mags

Thank you so much - Please come and say hello at the market.  It will be lovely to meet you. xxx

Hi Fran

We will start putting gazebos up at 8:00 am and the traders will then be able to set up stall.  We are open for trading from 10:00am until 3:00pm.

Please come and find me and say hello - and don't forget to pick up your free raffle ticket from my Granddaughter - the prize is a piece of my handcrafted jewellery.  We hope to get one of the traders to offer a prize each market.

Look forward to meeting you xx

Hi Roland

Thank you for commenting - you are my first - really exciting.

The list of Artisans will be out shortly, I am still getting requests for a stall - Debra and I are going to make sure there is a really good mix of products.  We may be shouting out for the loan of a gazebo soon to make sure we can fit as many as possible in.  We are hoping to find space for 14+ Artisans.

We're Ready Promotions (sung as Spongebob) - well getting there!!

Hello - is it Thursday already?

I must apologise for the delay in updating the Blog.  I need everyone to send me sympathy comments because I have been off work with Bronchial Asthma – never had it before and never want it again – it’s vile.

To anyone who suffers from this regularly, you have my deep heartfelt empathy and respect.  

I promise to get better prepared for times like this by having information ready at the push of a button – but it will take some practice for me to get to a point where I know what I’m doing – really if anyone has any useful tips on making blogging easier please comment me.  This weekend I need to get better at attaching tabs and pages etc. as they are there on the Blog just not showing – HELP!!! For those of you who know me well – Where’s KIEREN?!

Luckily I had put some time in during the past few weeks on organising media promotions for the FIRST MARKET – soon be here – hope you have put the date firmly on your calendars, in your phone diary and imprinted it on your foreheads so that you can see the date every time you pass a mirror, window or shiny object – really!!

I have set up:

• a Facebook Page – HappyValleyArtisans – please like it and share it to everyone you know and ask them to like it and share it too please.
• a Twitter Account – HValleyArtisans – please follow (Twitter wouldn’t let me use our full title – meanies!)

AND - Please watch out for posts so you can like, share and follow those too - thank you so muchXX

 I have also signed us up for the following adverts:

• Local People Macclesfield is running a half page advert – ready for printing on Sunday and will be distributed to 22,500 homes before 4^th October!!
• Canalside Community Radio / The Thread – are running an audio advert for us (that’s really exciting) and will be done at least daily.  AND there will be a listing in The Thread too!!
• INSIDE (Bollington & Tytherington) - For November (too late for October unfortunately) I have discussed a write up with pictures of our first market – so that should be fun.  Please come along to the market on 5^th October and get in our photo! (if you come to the market and don’t want your photo taking please just let me know – thank you).

They have all been really lovely and offered me lots of advice – so a very Special Mention for them and please like and follow where you can, and of course - A Very Special Thank You

When I feel better next week – yes I am relying on the pills working very soon – I am getting cabin fever as well now – so are Tilly and Spike!!  Dog Walkers Welcome!!

Anyway next week I am going to chase:

• Bollington Live to see if I can get a listing on their event page – left a message but they haven’t got back to me yet.  My message is probably up there in the cosmos! 
• The Macclesfield Express – I sent them an email as requested to get my 5 Minutes of Fame on their community page for the Market and had no response yet – again I may not have done it correctly.

Think I may need to get a book and read up on all this - ha ha ha - seriously where is Kieren?!

 If anyone can think of any FREE listings please let me know asap.

Well I’m off now to have a Lemsip and a nap. 

Have a lovely evening xxxx

Happy Valley Artisan Market: Happy Valley Artisan Market @ Clarence Mill Bollin...

Happy Valley Artisan Market: Happy Valley Artisan Market @ Clarence Mill Bollin...: THE BLOG A big Hello from Me – Suzanne x Wow! This is my first ever Blog!  I am so excited! I find blogging fascinating and lov...

Happy Valley Artisan Market @ Clarence Mill Bollington

THE BLOG

A big Hello from Me – Suzanne x

Wow! This is my first ever Blog!  I am so excited!

I find blogging fascinating and love reading about shared experiences and other bloggers’ days.

With this blog I am hoping to create a shared space for Crafters, Artists, Artisans and Hobbyists to share thoughts, products and events.

Mostly though, I am hoping to reach like-minded people who would like a stall on the new Happy Valley Artisan Market at Clarence Mill in Bollington, or would like to browse our market looking for unique, interesting ideas and products for gifts.

I will be blogging around four days per week and welcome comments and any bits ‘n’ pieces you think may be of interest to arty, crafty people. (Hang on though …. I’ve been warned by veteran bloggers that I may get a lot of SPAM, so I am holding the right to change or delete comments I deem to be unsuitable for this Blog).  If you have any ideas on how to stop SPAM please let me know xx

THE MARKET

My friend (and now business partner) Debra had a dream and I listened, took it on board and ran with it and we now have only THREE Sundays to lift off and our first market.

Before I go into a huge PANIC!!! I’m going to grab a cuppa and tell you the story so far…

Debra has The Creative Space studio at Clarence Mill.  The studio has an amazing outlook onto the picturesque canal with its colourful barges.  The Dream was to have an artisan market with the canal as a backdrop – As she told me about it, I could see it … it’s a nice bright day for our First Market on 5^th October – gazebos standing proud in a slight breeze, tables all decorated and adorned with fantastic items (all hand made by the stall holders). Bunting and Balloons blowing around and happy smiling faces.  Oh! and don’t forget Julie in the Waterside Café at the ready with tea, coffee, cake and lots more for you to buy, all with a warm welcome xx  ….. and there is free parking!

From that vision, I built a business plan and took it to the Management Team for Clarence Mill and …. YES!  Jason from the Team - he said YES!  So between us we have developed the Market with a lot of hard work and a little help from friends.

The Market will be formed by Gazebos against the backdrop of the Canal and the impressive Clarence Mill itself and we hope to create a warm welcome to all.

This picture isn’t the real market of course as the first one is in October, but you can get the general idea

So come along on Sunday, 5^th October to join in the fun, have a cuppa and maybe pick up a gift or two – the mix of products is just amazing and all locally made by local artisans and crafters.  We’d love to meet you and have a chat.  And you could be in our First Real Photo for The Blog and other advertising media. (If you wish to not have your photo in the media, may I ask you to find me on the market and I will give you a badge so that the photographer will not take your photo – thank you so much). There is also a free raffle with the prize being a piece of my unique Seaglass Jewellery – made exclusively with you in mind.

Can’t wait to hear from you … or meet you at the Market … Suzanne xx

WATCH THIS SPACE AS MORE WILL BE ADDED x