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June 29, 2010

Phew, what a weekend!

The Castle Ashby craft fair in the walled garden last weekend was brilliant, and I don’t think I could have faulted anything about the event. A huge thank you to the 2 Ann’s of Pennine Fairs for putting on such an excellent show.

I had 2 tables displayed in my usual ‘L’ shape, and was given a corner space especially for this. My banner was positioned just to the side of the tables, which acted as a door 🙂


The venue was by far one of the best craft fairs I have ever been to, with 4 huge marquees joined together, forming one vast space so that we were all in the same ‘room’, and nobody had a bad spot. I took this photograph below on the Sunday morning just before the show opened.


As always, the work for sale was top quality, genuine handmade crafts. There were so many things I wanted to buy for myself! There were also stalls outside including plants, garden sculptures, wrought ironwork, hand built water features and lots more.


As you can see from the photos, the weather was absolutely gorgeous all weekend, and all sides to the marquees were opened up so it was nice and breezy for those of us inside with our stalls.


There were some stunning features to the surrounding area of Castle Ashby House, such as these old bee hives which were built many years ago to make honey for the people living in the house. I liked the shadows from the bee hive that were cast on the lawn.


The gardens were also breath taking, and it was a lovely gesture for visitors to be able to make use of the stunning views as well as buy some handmade products. My next post will be full of photos from the Castle Ashby Gardens that me & Dave took over the weekend, so be sure to look out for that!


I was very pleased with the sales I made over the weekend, despite the quiet spell on Sunday afternoon due to the continuous sport being shown on TV. I sold a range of different products, including a few large pieces, so I’m busy with lots more stock to make now! I sold this ‘Lily Pond Platter’ below, which is one of my newest pieces. I was pleased to make the sale of course, but there was also a part of me that felt a little bit sad to part with it. I often get this feeling, especially because my items are all unique one-offs, but I guess I’ll just have to make more similar.


I did expect more people to come to this fair, but this was the first year that this show had been held, and I believe it could improve for next year.


Here’s a peek at what you missed if you couldn’t make it this time…

Maria of Creative Bumble Bee below is indeed a very creative lady. Her stall is always so bright and colourful, you just can’t walk by without letting your eyes get stuck in to her wonderful felt creations. Maria is currently busy preparing for an exhibition, good luck Maria!

Handmade walking sticks;

Other views throughout the marquees;


Here’s another one of my favourite stalls below, Karen of Angelic Folk, designer and maker of the most gorgeous children’s clothing and accessories. But not just for children as I found out at the weekend, because Karen is going to make me a top using the same design as one of her dress designs for little girls. It’s the brown, red & blue floral design at the right edge of this photo hanging on the rail, with red and white polka dot fabric at the top and bottom. I fell in love with it and wished I had a little girl to dress in it! But for now, I think I’ll just stick to wearing it myself. Karen is currently working on some big orders for customers on Etsy, so my top should follow soon. Thanks Karen, I’m so excited to see it!


It was great to catch up with old friends and meet new faces from the UK Crafts Forum. I think it must have been the record for so many forum members to be at the same craft fair. We decided to take a group photo of us all on the Sunday morning before the show opened, and here we are!


From left to right:


Claire of Lady Luck Jewellery, Just Soaps, Claire of Created and Felted, Ann of Pennine Fairs, Kate of Cuckoo’s Nest Pottery, Maria of Creative Bumble Bee, Lisa of Dreamstar, Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics (me!). Standing at the front: Mr & Mrs TopParker of The Worcester Pen Co. On the ground: CJ of Curious Cat Creative & Karen of Angelic Folk.

About Charlotte
5 Comments
  1. littlewrenpottery.co.uk June 29, 2010 at 1:56 pm Reply

    Looks like you had a great weekend, lovely weather for it!

  2. Thank you very much for your kind words sweetie. It was lovely to see you and the other forum members.
    There was a great bunch of people there and the quality of the work was fantastic.
    Both Ann's and there crew definatley did a wonderful job.
    My mother-in-law was very pleased with her purchases from you….. I imagine she'll be back!

  3. Cinnamon Jewellery June 29, 2010 at 5:41 pm Reply

    It looks like a fantastic craft fair! Well done on your sales 😀 Your tables looks fab too.

  4. Red Bird Jewellery June 29, 2010 at 8:17 pm Reply

    Wow what a brilliant event. And a great blog post, as ever.

  5. Chrissy Ann Ceramics June 30, 2010 at 11:36 pm Reply

    Looks like an amazing venue Charlotte! Congrats on all the sales!!! I know what you mean about selling one of a kinds.. that is why I don't. haha.. all of my sculptural pieces I keep. I get so attached!
    Best of luck with production! I'm on the same boat!
    Cheers, Chrissy

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