Being a stall holder at a big market like Boho Luxe is both super exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time.
There are so many things to think about. From how I’m going to set up my stall, to ‘have I got enough stock’, to what will I wear that’s in keeping with the theme of the market.
This will be my first big market for nearly 9 years, so I’m a bit rusty but I’m so happy to be a part of this great event.
So, what goes into preparing for a big craft market?
Firstly, the stock.
For a 3 day event such as this one, stock levels need to be very high and preparation begins long before the actual market. Because I cast my own Tealight holders and meditation stones, I started 3 months ago. Once cast, the plaster has to sit for at least a week to dry out and can then be base coated. The base coat then sits for 24 hours to dry, before painting can begin.
For mandalas painted onto MDF there is also a long preparation process. I cut my own circles of MDF and usually cut these in bulk. I then sand the edges to have everything nice and smooth and then base coat. Again, once base coated, the paint must dry for 24 hours before the actual mandala can be painted.
Incense holder are a very similar process. The holders which are hand cast, also have a resin finish which is very time consuming but the end result is well worth it. The resin is both durable and gives the piece a beautiful shine.
Depending on the size, Mandalas can take anywhere up to 15 hours to produce from start to finish.
So, as you can see, producing the stock for a large craft market is a long process!
The actual market stall layout is also something that I like to prepare for prior to the day. The theme of the stall has to be inkeeping with the theme of the market, and how to best display the products takes time to perfect. Then there are props and stands to think about, not to mention point of sale, a wrapping station for purchases. The list goes on.
I like to have a Packing List and a To Do list so that I don’t forget anything in the lead up to the market and even worse, so that I don’t forget to pack something.
There are lots a printable downloads for helpful forms online, and I use these to organise myself.
Keeping an inventory of stock taken to the market is also important. This makes it so easy to calculate sales and profit at the end of the market. And also to see what items are most popular.
I love doing what I do ❤️ and I love the buzz and anticipation that happens when a huge market comes up.
All that I can say is that every moment spent preparing is done with love 💕
