Wednesday 14 April 2010

BCTF 2010

Hello,I have returned from sunny Harrogate.

A lot of prep was involved for the BCTF (British Craft Trade Fair) and it started just before Christmas. There were endless lists of things to buy, things to make, things to do and think about. And as the weeks crept closer the more and more nervous I was getting......

Well there was no need to be!! I've had a ball these last 4 days, there were a few people exhibiting that I already knew, some of them I knew were going to be there, others were just a lovely surprise to see when I arrived.

I was really lucky as I had one of the end stands which had an open end. Perfect!! This is a photo of the stand before I dressed it with my samples. At long last I can show you the ANTLERS!!! Don't they look fab (don't worry there were NO Deers hurt in the process of me acquiring them, Deers shed their antlers every year). A lovely plain white unit and some vinyl stickers for the wall and top of the unit. I am so so grateful for Chris's help with my stand, he did an amazing job on it. (Big love's to you C)

It didn't take me long to dress it.....I already knew in my head where it was all going. These are my new design bags that are not even on the website yet. Will be getting round to that this weekend.

I was so pleased with the way the stand turned out and I received lots of lovely comments, not only on the exhibition space but on my standard of sewing skills. Which really was a huge boost for me. If anything the show has reassured me that I actually can make quality items that could potentially make me a living :D very happy girl indeed.

OK down to the nitty gritty and exciting part!!! I am now officially stocking 3 shops!!!!! I know exciting. Cant reveal just where yet but in due course I will let you know.

While I was there I popped over to one of the stands that I knew a fellow blogger was exhibiting at Area thrifty one, hello Net **wave**. It was lovely to put a face to the name, your stand looked fab...I am now a big fan of the kitten (as well as the dino) :D hope you had a great time.

I also made so many new contacts, fellow crafters and buyers. And hope that 2010 has lots to offer bagladee, we are most definitely looking forward to the next chapter. Speaking of chapters I took the first editions of my book along to the show, it was fantastic to talk about it and some buyers even took the details to order some. So a fab show all round. I will take some photos of the book this weekend and give you a sneak peek.

And just in case you were interested this was the scaled model that Chris made whilst designing my exhibition stand....isn't he soooooo clever?! I'm keeping it in my studio as a reminder. He's already working on the design for next year, yes I loved it that much that I signed up for next year on the last day. And if there are any crafters out there that are thinking I'd love to do it but dare not, go on give it a go, I did and it was great fun. I was so nervous the first day but as soon as I'd spoken to the first buyer I just relaxed and enjoyed it.

9 comments:

  1. So pleased Harrogate was so successful for you Emma, good luck in the future! x

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  2. Wow Emma the stand looks fab on your blog so proud of you , you have done really well xx

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  3. wow your stand looked great, so clear and uncluttered and I am loving the new designs too!

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  4. I am so pleased it all went so well for you & congrats on your three orders! The stand looks fab -love the antlers! You made really good use of such a tiny space, so well done to Chris & his design skills! Can't wait to see the new bags in more detail, and the book too of course!
    hugs
    Rxxx

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  5. Fantastic stand and the new bags look great.
    Best of luck.

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  6. Emma, this all is so exciting and also encourging I must add! Your booth look amazing! I love that clean design that leave the stage for your colorful bags. And Wow! These antlers!
    It is so good to hear one can make it with talent and creativity. Wish you all the luck in the world with new shops!

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  7. You stand looks great! I'm glad it went well for you
    x

    (I'm having a giveaway on my blog if you would like to try and win one of my new necklaces!)

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  8. wow, well done. Looks like this could be the start of something great.

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Hi, thanks for taking the time to read my blog and leave me a comment. I love hearing your thoughts and comments.... Emma xx