At last I’ve taken the time to write down 'the plan' I have been thinking about for sometime now. It’s still a baby and I’m not sure on what scale it’s going to be yet. I really need other crafts help to make it happen so if you can recommend any good craft fairs/markets at any locations around the world please post a comment below.
THE PLAN: Last year I quit my job and life in England and moved to the other side of the world. In four months my travel visa runs out and I’m starting to think about my trip from New Zealand back to my home in England. I want my journey to be an adventure so I have decided to take my time and travel via interesting craft fairs/markets on route, in fact the route will be determined in part by the markets I can find along the way. I will make my living from Etsy, Felt, wholesale and from selling at these events, which is scary and inspiring in equal measures. I’m going to start in Australia and end in London but everything in between is still up for grabs.
As I travel I will keep this blog as a record of the locations, markets and other sellers and of course take lots of photos to share. You could call it a kind of ‘around the world in 80 craft fairs’. I really do need your help so if you know useful links or contacts then please post or pass this link on.
*As a side note Dear Colleen will soon have a staff member, who will be taking very good care of business on this side of the world.
Wow - what an awesome adventure to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteKnew I had seen a blogpost with a few links & I finally found it (I am extremely procrastinating), hopefully some helpful ones. Some happening super soon, but sure there will be more dates later on...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/craftybastards/
http://www.bust.com/craftacular/craftacular-home.html
http://www.ice-atlanta.com/
http://www.rockandshopmarket.com/
http://www.indiecraftshows.com/
Stitch Rock indie craft fair & bazaar is this October in South Florida!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rockthestitch.com
It's just about a mile from my apartment. If you need a place to stay, I've got a futon in the spare bedroom that's all yours. :)
Holy crap that's brave! And exciting! I look forward to reading about all your adventures, you're going to have an absolute blast!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great adventure you are going to have Colleen.
ReplyDeleteSoWa in Boston is incredible, as is anything happening in Providence Rhode Island. Craftland is now a permanent store that has grown out of craft shows in Providence. My cousin works for them and could give you more info. Just email me and I can pass on sarah.ffox@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteAnd more importantly, I can't believe you are moving on. I didn't realise you just had a visa to be in NZ. What amazing things you have done in that time, I am in awe. Coming from Edinburgh, I would say go back there! You have an incredibly bright future! By the way, I got my first Belle and Boo print at Red Door too, and was similarly hooked, and now have ahem...a few more! Mandy is a lovely person who I have spent much time with online and interviewed her last year.
Good luck and keep us posted. To say I love your work is an understatement.
Wow, this sounds like an amazing adventure! I really like your work, and I wish you the best of luck!!
ReplyDelete