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May. 3rd, 2022 12:10 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
turpsMikey has been spoiling us lately, first posting a pic with Pete and now, with Frank and Ray. I mean, come on. My little Mikey/Frank shipping heart about grew two sizes. Saved and posted here because the one with Ray was in stories so I'd lose the link eventually, also, because I can.
Now how about one with your bro MWay, just putting that out there.
The craft fair went much better than I expected yesterday, especially as the advertising was pretty non-existent. It was held on the grounds of a local pub which has changed hands repeatedly in the last few years. These new owners are trying a lot of things to get people there, but keep falling down on the actual telling people part. Like yesterday, they could have easily put a sign up on the fence of the pub as a lot of people didn't know the fair was on. Then when they did a Facebook post later in the day talking about the fair, they used two photos obviously taken from the steps of the pub, and which only showed about two of the stalls.
But anyway, it went well. We were there before nine and got a nice spot. The pub owner lent us two tables and a huge parasol, which was good as it started drizzling. Thankfully the rain stopped though it stayed really cold all day.
I hung out in the car mostly and James talked to customers and he sold more than either of us expected with a few people taking cards to think about getting something personalised done. I won't post the photos here, but you can see our set-up on Insta here.
We also got talking to some stallholders who mentioned another local fair that happens monthly, so I sent off a message asking about that and after seeing photos of James' work the organiser said he was welcome to have a spot. Problem is, for that one, it's a £20 cover to have a table, plus you need public liability insurance. We looked into that and while it's not that expensive it feels like it would be taking a step toward something that would be an ongoing commitment, especially as the next fair is in two weeks and more stuff would have to be made, rather than something James does for fun.
So for now I think we'll be passing on that next fair, but maybe rethinking a bit later.
Also, let it be known we were set up directly opposite a wax melt stall and I bought nothing.
We eventually left about 3, hauled boxes and bags back home and then had a few hours to rest before James had to go meet someone to pick up some deer antlers. It's yet another new thing, he wants to attempt making walking sticks with horn tops so has been asking around about antlers.
About five minutes drive from where we live is Down at the Farm and they have a herd of red deer. James sent an email asking if you could buy antlers and the head farm guy replied saying he had some and James could have them for nothing. So we drove there yesterday and the things are huge. Like, fully formed antlers, three sets of the things. How they're going to be cut I don't know, but that's not my problem to worry about.
Now how about one with your bro MWay, just putting that out there.
The craft fair went much better than I expected yesterday, especially as the advertising was pretty non-existent. It was held on the grounds of a local pub which has changed hands repeatedly in the last few years. These new owners are trying a lot of things to get people there, but keep falling down on the actual telling people part. Like yesterday, they could have easily put a sign up on the fence of the pub as a lot of people didn't know the fair was on. Then when they did a Facebook post later in the day talking about the fair, they used two photos obviously taken from the steps of the pub, and which only showed about two of the stalls.
But anyway, it went well. We were there before nine and got a nice spot. The pub owner lent us two tables and a huge parasol, which was good as it started drizzling. Thankfully the rain stopped though it stayed really cold all day.
I hung out in the car mostly and James talked to customers and he sold more than either of us expected with a few people taking cards to think about getting something personalised done. I won't post the photos here, but you can see our set-up on Insta here.
We also got talking to some stallholders who mentioned another local fair that happens monthly, so I sent off a message asking about that and after seeing photos of James' work the organiser said he was welcome to have a spot. Problem is, for that one, it's a £20 cover to have a table, plus you need public liability insurance. We looked into that and while it's not that expensive it feels like it would be taking a step toward something that would be an ongoing commitment, especially as the next fair is in two weeks and more stuff would have to be made, rather than something James does for fun.
So for now I think we'll be passing on that next fair, but maybe rethinking a bit later.
Also, let it be known we were set up directly opposite a wax melt stall and I bought nothing.
We eventually left about 3, hauled boxes and bags back home and then had a few hours to rest before James had to go meet someone to pick up some deer antlers. It's yet another new thing, he wants to attempt making walking sticks with horn tops so has been asking around about antlers.
About five minutes drive from where we live is Down at the Farm and they have a herd of red deer. James sent an email asking if you could buy antlers and the head farm guy replied saying he had some and James could have them for nothing. So we drove there yesterday and the things are huge. Like, fully formed antlers, three sets of the things. How they're going to be cut I don't know, but that's not my problem to worry about.
no subject
Date: 2022-05-03 12:55 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-05-03 01:04 pm (UTC)I hope the new owners do sort out the advertising issues. The pub could be fantastic as it has big grounds complete with a play area for kids and loads of outside seating. Now people just need to be reminded that it's there.
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Date: 2022-05-03 01:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-05-03 01:10 pm (UTC)No wonder the male deers cause each other damage when they clash, the things are huge and really solid.
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Date: 2022-05-03 05:02 pm (UTC)It's very weird that the pub didn't do more advertising for the fair, especially as they want to get more people to come to the pub itself.
I can't see the photos, but I'm sure they're lovely.
I like the idea of the walking sticks! I hope James figures out how to cut the antlers.
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Date: 2022-05-03 05:13 pm (UTC)I really don't get what the pub is thinking with the lack of advertising. They apparently tried to do a sale two weeks ago but no one turned up, sellers or buyers, and that has to be because no one knew about it. This one was successful, but mostly because the sellers were doing their own advertising. They need to get a grip on selling themselves or they just won't get the customers.
I have no idea why Instagram won't show the photos sometimes. I've got a public account so they should be linkable. Anyway, here's two so I'm not spamming your comment.
I was chuffed at how I managed to display the dragons, I thought they looked quite effective climbing up the pole.
I'm sure much swearing will be going on when he starts to cut the antlers *g*
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Date: 2022-05-03 05:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-05-04 06:50 am (UTC)It is. A Marvel design was actually one of the first boxes he designed and made, then branched off in a million different directions.
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Date: 2022-05-03 06:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-05-04 06:44 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-05-03 09:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-05-04 06:46 am (UTC)The person in charge got in touch to say they're running another fair on June 2nd, hopefully, they'll learn from this one and actually advertise.
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Date: 2022-05-04 04:25 am (UTC)And James's work is terrific. I saw your comment upthread and I have to agree, the display of the dragons on the pole truly brings them out to best advantage.
And I admire your restraint as a (non)purchaser. :P
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Date: 2022-05-04 06:48 am (UTC)I was pleased with my idea to display the dragons :D
It was hard! But I didn't actually need more wax melts, despite them being in my eyeline taunting me!
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Date: 2022-05-06 06:38 pm (UTC)So good to hear the fair went well. James' stall looks awesome, he's made so many fun and cool things! I'm looking forward to seeing what he will do with the enormous antlers!
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Date: 2022-05-13 08:59 am (UTC)The enormous antlers are now upstairs waiting until he's got time to tackle them. He's still determined to make a walking stick, but I suspect it'll be something that takes a long time.
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Date: 2022-05-07 08:24 pm (UTC)I'm glad to hear the stall did well! :))
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Date: 2022-05-13 09:00 am (UTC)They really are!
The stall went nicely, though i hope the next fair happens in warmer weather.
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Date: 2022-05-08 05:40 am (UTC)thanks for saving and posting these. <3 idk if i ever told you, but i was on a fucking HUNT for something about mikey's myspace from back in the day and i ended up finding it specifically because you saved it and posted it on lj. the true bandom historian: turps.
also i very much love your table from the craft fair!! it looks like you had so much cool stuff. <3
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Date: 2022-05-13 02:38 pm (UTC)thanks for saving and posting these. <3 idk if i ever told you, but i was on a fucking HUNT for something about mikey's myspace from back in the day and i ended up finding it specifically because you saved it and posted it on lj. the true bandom historian: turps.
You don't even know how happy this comment made me. I do like saving and posting stuff, it's just a shame Photobucket did the dirty on us because I lost so much stuff I'd posted over the years.
Thank you!