Behind the Scenes Spring Fair NEC

This was my first time exhibiting at Spring Fair, one of the biggest trade fairs in the UK. I thought it would be interesting to show you all a little of the behind the scenes of setting up a trade show. We arrived in Birmingham about 11.00 ish and had to get the car emptied as soon as possible. Stand spaces are very small so its tricky when your first getting your stand together!

Once you've found your stand and emptied the car its time to unpack and start the display!



Last thing to do is cut away the protective cover and your stand is complete, the gangways get carpeted later in the evening.

Image of finished stand at Spring Fair.

When the displays are done everyone needs to leave the buildings. I had to get to my accommodation and then had a little time to explore. This was the eve when the snow came, it was pretty much gone by the next day.

The show opened to buyers on Sunday 5th Feb until Thursday 9th Feb, a long show but I did enjoy it.

My next show is the British Craft Trade Fair in April.

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Knitting and Stitching Show - Harrogate 2011

Well this was a great opportunity, I was selected by Craft Guerrilla to exhibit at the Harrogate Knitting and Stitching show. The idea was to allow a group of contemporary craft makers from a variety of disciplines to platform their work at the show.

We had a 2mx2m stand each, down in the basement, Hall E along with a variety of guilds and college stands. We were also situated at the end where all the workshops took place which all looked very interesting. At the opposite end was the foody section which actually worked really well as there was a lovely rush of people who wandered past after having lunch.

I was amazed at how well we were received and I met so many lovely people, as most of the visitors were crafters themselves they were very appreciative of the work that goes into the pieces we make as well as being interested in how we make the work. I also launched buttons for the first time and they went really well so will be getting them onto the website very soon....watch this space!!

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An Inspiring Trip

Well the last weekend in October saw Jessica Jewellery Design take a break. Weekend away with 9 others and 2 babies, it was a full house!! Way out in little remote cottage near Cargill, with its beautiful surroundings. No phone reception and although access to WI Fi managed to resist the urge to check the work e-mails! I had hurt my back a few days before, so walking far wasn't really an option but think we made the most of our trip and enjoyed group meals at the local pub/ or round the big dining room table. Just taking it easy really, such peaceful surroundings (although windy and drizzly) , managed to get a few ideas down in the sketchbook and took lots of pics.

Views from the Cottage

Trip to a waterfall nearby that was just hidden away, was great view and you could go right behind the water!


With it being Halloween weekend we obviously had to get into the spirit of things!

The drive home.......



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