Thanks, I can’t believe she was panicking that she’d have to resit the year. The joys of following in your brainy brother’s footsteps…I know exactly how she feels, always doubting.
Just got my latest copy of Leisure Painter magazine, I see Tessa has a two page spread, very interesting too! Well done! 
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Sounds good Margaret. I don’t subscribe to that one, what’s the artlicle about?
I’m debating whether to add colour or not to this one. I think maybe a very light wash of yellow and red inktense blocks…
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Good morning all
That is an amazing sketch Stephie I think it looks good as is …
I have painted this miniature Sweet Pea and framed it ready for an event I am hoping to do in October …
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I agree the deer looks great as it is. The article is about what to take with you for painting outside. Putting together a kit for taking out with you.
Hazel that looks gorgeous!
Oh I agree with Margaret, that one is stunning Hazel. Are you planning to attend a mini fair?
I have listed another ballerina today
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I am pondering doing one Stephie …
It has been suggested by several people that I should show my work more in the miniature world - some of this had come from contacts after I did the magazine article and a couple of people have phoned me as they have heard about me but don’t do online!!!
We have been to three fairs over the past year, buying things for my 1:12 Art Gallery so know the sort of thing that goes on, there is to be one about 15 miles away in October and it’s one of the largest in Essex so if I’m going to do it this is the one to do !!! That said I’m not going to commit until I know I have enough pictures, the organiser is keen to have me as I’ll be a new and different exhibitor and they have said I don’t have to commit until nearer the time 
I have never done any type of fair before, any tips welcome
I’ve only done church and the dance school fairs before but I guess the principle’s the same. Off the top of my head…
Number one - get insurance! The SAA do one that will cover you and is good value - it also covers you for teaching should you ever decide to go that way.
Next, find out how big the table is, get a cloth to cover it, and make yourself some sort of banner. I’m sure you’ll have the logo side sorted, you’re good at that kind of thing!
Work out how much each item is going to be and label them, either grouped or individually. Not everyone is brave enough to ask.
People like to rifle through a bargain bucket.
Take LOTS of business cards. And be prepared to offer paypal payments. If you think you’ll sell a lot, hire or buy a card reader for the day.
Take tissue and/or bags to wrap your sales in.
The hardest thing is to smile all day and be interested in every single visitor to your stall without be overbearing and frightening them off!
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WOW Stephie that is all great advice thank you …
I have made a start on preparation having bought a fake silk table cloth at The Range the other day, it’s black and chic looking and a bargain lol I have also ordered some candy stripe paper bags in yellow to coordinate with my logo and will make some leaflets to put in with them like I do with any sale - hubby mentioned an app we can get for paypal but I might leave that to him lol he’s going to come as support and I have a friend who has also offer to come and cover for essential breaks if you know what I mean - it will be a long day and yes smiling could be a challenge if I don’t sell anything lol
Ok good idea about labelling each piece, will need to think about that - thanks 
What about stock - how much to take?
I’ve set myself the challenge of painting 100 minis … I’m at about 70 at the moment …
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Take as much stock as you can fit on your table lol! And maybe some non-framed minis in an album that shoppers can leaf through. Are you allowed to take non mini stuff like greetings cards?
I’m taking a lot of non framed pieces Stephie, in fact the framed ones will be in the minority the frames are very expensive so I’m aiming to do about 25 framed
Not sure if there are policy on what you can take but I’m thinking of taking ACEO and some postcard size ones too - I have sold both those sizes to dolls house owners in the past.
As I say I haven’t committed yet but I think it will be a good experience, if only to see what reaction I get I’m hopeful but it’s a case of wait and see if they sell - it could go either way !!!
I’ll let you all know what happens nearer the time - it’s a busy time for me as I’m entering 4 larger pieces in the Southend Art Club Exhibition next month although they are now ready
Sounds very exciting Hazel
Thanks Margaret, as I say it could go one way or another … lol
Just sold two miniatures via Facebook / etsy so thats very encouraging 
Hope you are having a good day
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Hazel …you will need lots change, which included £5 notes …buyers often go to bank machine before they come …I find that fivers are in short supply, at fairs. also don’t price items with a 99p ending as this means lots of small change…I always even my prices up, no odd pence, so no pennies of 5p pieces too much to fiddle with.
I have done craft fairs and markets for over 30 years now, and do enjoy the social side as much as the selling!
I have never been to a miniature fair yet!! none in our area…shame! love to see one… Keep us up to date! Jeanie x
Has anyone tried these new Daler Rowney water mixable oil colours? I read about them in Leisure Painter and wondered if they’re any good?
Hi all. Sound like good tips Stephie. If it’s outside take some pebbles to weigh down any fliers and a little bowl of sweets.
Had a busy week working on some new silk paintings and gave a workshop today for an art group so is collapsed in a chair now.
Thanks Margaret for your comment about my article, my Leisure Painter hasn’t come yet. There will be part 2 of it next month.
Oh yes, that’s a very good point about the change. Both Kathe and I wore bun bags stuffed with fivers and coins.
Tessa that’s a wonderful idea to take sweets. I probvided a free colouring table for the kids but you might not have room or as many as kids as I did.
Margaret I’ve never used water mixables. Do you know Polly on fb? She did an excellent version of the fighting timaraire (or however it’s spelt) using them.
I’ve been to the Southport flower show this afternoon, it was very enjoyable but there are a lot more stalls and a lot less flowers than there used to be.
Glad you enjoyed the Southport flower show, I was a bit disappointed in the Tatton one, and these events aren’t cheap to go to!
This is my experiment with ink and inktense blocks for the United by Art tree challenge. Bit nervous about this but it was lots of fun and I really was making it up as I went along!
!
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Wow that is lovely Margaret - great colours
Thank you everyone for the tips I have made a list - much appreciated
Hope you all have a good Saturday
Hazel
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That is very bright and effective Margaret, I love it. And a completely different style for you too, it suits you.
We went for late entry to the flower show, which was £9 each from 3pm, that gave us 3 hours which was plenty. I’d have been upset if I’d paid the full £22 each.
I had a break from dancers and got my brusho out yesterday. First time painting all week!
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