Surviving the Aviemore Trade Show

Thistle panel in oak plinth

I'm pleased to say that I survived the Trade Show and have to say it was tiring. You wouldn't believe how difficult it is to stand on your feet (constantly) for 8 hours, without breaks. You are quite static, so it is tiring on the joints. Every now and then, I had to walk around the hall, so I wouldn't cease up. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt it was a huge success.

The first day, I ran on adrenalin and that it kept me going until 11.30pm. I would drive each day to Aviemore, come home at 7pm, start work in my room to load the kiln and finish about 11pm. So at the end of day one, I felt like a zombie in a trance come bed time, but slept like a log.

I met some lovely people from all over Scotland. I had an existing customer place an order and the other 11 orders were new retail outlets. Hopefully I will be able to build a relationship with these outlets and get repeat business.

I had good positive feedback regarding my stand - it wasn't cluttered, and it was nicely displayed. I was lucky in that I had an end stand, so didn't feel boxed in. I had a good spot.
The majority of orders were for my driftwood fish, lazy bones hangers, thistles and Under the Sea panels. It just goes to show that what you think would sell, turns out to be completely different, as I thought my dichroic glass jewellery would be more popular. These photos show my most popular items that sold:

Drifting By

Spey & Burns Glass Art

Fish Panel

Now's the time to stand back, take it all in and get stuck into my orders. I have some busy days ahead, but will enjoy making the orders.

I have to say I was so impressed with the new businesses that launched themselves at the Trade Show and met some lovely traders. The last day is when traders do their own shopping. I, of course, couldn't resist some buys - I bought a Julia Cunningham bag and heart hanging. Her textile creations are fab, made with a mixture of tweed and floral fabrics:

You can see why I love this bag!

I also bought a porcelain heart and matching necklace from Margaret MacDonald Ceramics. Margaret was my trading neighbour and she was great company and very helpful.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Exhibiting at Aviemore Trade Show

Preparations are in full swing this week for the Aviemore Trade Show. I will be exhibiting at the trade only show which gives buyers the opportunity to meet Scottish makers in the art, craft and gift sectors. I will be setting the stance on Saturday ready for business on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The show has proved that it is ideally timed to place orders for the summer season. In the current economic climate we are all aware that it makes sense to leave ordering till the last minute, having the show at the end of April means that buyers know what they need to stock up on after the Easter holiday rush. This means that, at the Shows which take place at the start of the year, there is no need to guess too far ahead - that's the theory anyway.

I have designed a new glass piece for the show called Homecoming - Tartan Wave. It is to commemorate Homecoming 2009, welcoming clans from all over the world to Scotland as they trace their ancestral roots. There are events taking place all over Scotland for Homecoming from galleries showcasing traditional Scottish art to operatic performances.

I sent a press release to the local papers last week and was pleased that the Press and Journal contacted me and sent a photographer to my house for a photo shoot. I had a good write up about my piece for the trade show:

I initially made the Tartan Wave in blues (inspiration from the Scottish flag), but thought I would try another colour, so came up with this one too:

The Tartan Wave can be stood on end or used like a decorative dish.

If you are visiting the Trade Show, please come and say hello.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx