I'm back from three days at the Spring Pop Up at the Palm House & thought I'd write a bit of a blog post about the event. This was my 7th time at the Palm House & I think every time I attend one of these events, I learn a bit more!
It is always a little nerve wracking though, as it's a big outlay to attend - I prefer to be outside in a gazebo, simply because my prints are large & need a decent amount of display room, as well as room to store stock - table top displays are always tricky for me, so obviously the weather is a HUGE factor in the success (or not!) of the weekend.
This time, the Spring event was much earlier than previously - April rather than mid May, so we had the end of the Easter school holidays but it was also Grand National weekend, which was an added 'unknown'!
Weatherwise, Friday was great - sunny, dry but a bit gusty! Saturday was showery and windy at times but we had a HUGE downpour at around 5pm, the gazebo couldn't really take it, so it was a pack up early before frames got wet! Sunday - we had allsorts going on! Warm sunshine, gusty winds, grey skies but it stayed dry! The only down side was that the warm sun and strong winds meant a LOT of dust blowing about. (see, there's always something!)
Despite all this, it was a great & busy event, so a big thanks to Robyn, security staff and all the Palm House team. Of course, thanks to everyone I spoke to over the three days & it still amazes me that so many of my prints hang on people's walls all over the world! This weekend, I know prints are flying off to Australia, France, Germany and Vietnam!
In case anyone wonders, I gave myself about 2 hours to set up (nothing worse than having a rushed set up!) - which allowed time before opening to go & have a natter with friends & to look at all the lovely stuff for sale!
Pack down takes about 40 minutes if we are organised! Massive thanks to my hubby for all the help & support for doing these events! He is a star!
I had different set ups for the three days to combat the weather. This was for slightly soggy Saturday, pulling the table back & here you can also see my ultimate top tip for being outside - a cardboard box carpet!
Today is Monday & I am in the process of checking all my stock back - making sure all the numbers add up (which they do - phew!) and also cleaning and checking all the frames that were out on display.
As all my prints are limited print runs and individually numbered, I also have to log what numbers have sold & see if anything needs ordering before my next event on Sunday at the Bombed Out Church!
One of the best things about the Palm House event is seeing so many other traders that are now like friends - it really is a lovely and supportive gang!
Till next time!