The West End Fair - Edinburgh 2018
Earlier this month I had the great pleasure of presenting my very first Morvenna pop up shop at the famous West End Fair in the grounds of St John's Church at the bottom of Lothian Road.
I took over my very own area in the Westbank Marquee, where I hoped to bring a little bit of Morvenna magic to a small space in the middle of Edinburgh.
I have to say the venue of St John's itself was very magical. Situated in the grounds of St John's church with the beautiful Edinburgh Castle looming above, it really is a beautiful place to present your work and mingle with like minded artists. I was situated down nearer the graveyard which, I have to admit, suited some of my work nicely!
I just loved seeing what everyone had done with their stalls and I think everyone did a fantastic job! To view the full list of exhibitors click here.
With over 120 artists and designers from all over the UK, there was a very eclectic mix of shops. However no one stall was alike. In the Westbank Marquee alone, there was a mix ranging from ceramic artists, jewellery designers, doll makers, war memorabilia and gifts to interior designers and myself to name but a few!
To say that it took months of preparation would be an understatement but it was worth every single minute of it! I learned a lot from the experience and even though there are things I would change slightly for next time, I think for my first attempt I couldn't have asked for better!
I think anyone would be nervous about putting their work 'out there', so to speak for the very first time. Especially as, even though I have had wonderful feedback from friends, family and online buyers, I wasn't too sure how my mix of Scottish, Gothic, Fairytale and Mythical Creatures would go down in person. However my stall was super busy the whole event and it was so encouraging to receive such positive feedback from people 'off the street'.
It has given me such a confidence boost to continue pursuing what I love and enjoy. I think the fact I have a bit of an alternative edge has hopefully helped me stand out too.
I received lots of ideas for new product ranges and have lots of things to think about going forward.
My latest selection of greeting cards went down a treat, in particular the multipacks of cards now available on my website. I had 'witchy' card collections on display, 'fairy' ranges, 'sea creatures', 'Chinese' and 'Scottish' designs which all proved delightfully popular! I liked the wee twinkly tree I managed to fit into the stall area too!
My smaller framed prints almost sold out, in particular the mini fairy frames, which will be back online shortly.
The small A6 and 10.5x10.5cm frames proved very popular as they are easily transportable.
I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who came along and supported me throughout the weekend, and those who have given me help and guidance and encouragement along the way.
My next stop is to continue stocking up my store online in the run up to Halloween and Christmas and looking to expand into other avenues, particular into local independent retailers...
I look forward to sharing the next part of the Morvenna adventure with you soon!
Lots of love,
Morvenna.
