Thursday saw me have my first stall at the Sussex Country Brocante and as I said in my other post, I was a little apprehensive. Well I don't know why I had been so worried, I had a fantastic day!
After packing the car up and several nervous wee's later, Mark and I set off in the Sussex sunshine to the gorgeous village of Wisborough Green. Once we got there we parked up, I found Lucy and procured my spot and got to work unloading. I like to say that I take on a supervisory role in these situations, Mark would say that I am just downright bossy and I heard a few mutterings from him as we unpacked. The thing is, I like things to be just so and I like other people (I mean Mark) to do them just how I like them. If they don't do it my way then I feel a gentle nudge in the right direction is all that is needed. Mark feels that I should just do it myself in that case ;)
After unpacking, my stall was ready. I was really pleased with the way it looked but you look around and see how everyone has done theirs and wonder if yours is good enough. The thing to remember is that everyone has their own style and the best thing you can do is stick to your own way of displaying things. It will look much more natural and appealing to people because you have put some of your personality into the look. I really should listen to my own advice sometimes.
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| My stall |
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| My stall |
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| Oh look, my stall again! |
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| Klumpe doll packed and ready for the off! |
So once I was happy with the way it looked and I'd got Mark to man the stall, I went off to have a look round and to take photos. I think Mark was about to send out a search party as I was gone for ages! I was having a lovely time chatting to people, looking at their wares and taking photos. I am shy by nature and I always stick to who and what I know so whilst I had met some of the stallholders before, others I was meeting for the first time. This really pushes me out of my comfort zone BUT everyone really is so friendly and welcoming that you feel like you've met up with old friends. Its also brilliant to finally meet people whose page you follow on Facebook and see whether they really are as nice as they come across. I can say with my hand on my heart that the answer is a resounding yes! Everyone is there for the same reason, because they love what they do. They are all very encouraging of each other and it feels like there is a real community spirit.
Below are the photos that took me so long to take!
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| Harriett's Attic a place of Vintage Treasures |
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| Harriett's Attic a place of Vintage Treasures |
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| Harriett's Attic a place of Vintage Treasures |
Just on the other side of us was Caroline from
Harriett's Attic a place of Vintage Treasures. She has just lovely things although like me she was worried she had bought the wrong things. She needn't have worried as she has a very good eye and some lovely treasures. I especially heart the elephant!
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| Gazehound Vintage |
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| Gazehound Vintage |
Next to meet was Julia from
Gazehound Vintage. Her stall had a distinct autumnal air and she had a great selection of goodies. I shall look forward to seeing Julia again at the Village-Vintage and following her posts on Facebook.
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| Cake Angel Sussex |
Now this was just downright cruel, putting our table next to Sara's from
Cake Angel Sussex. The temptation was enormous as I loooooove cake! My lovely husband decided he couldn't resist and purchased two. I didn't see either of them, I literally turned around and they were gone, he did kindly put the rubbish in my bag though! I am informed that they were delicious, I think I need to be quicker next time :)
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| Faded Charm |
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| Faded Charm |
Next I said hello to Louise from
Faded Charm. She had just come back from a buying trip in France and her stall was again very autumnal, warm and inviting. Louise owns Faded Charm in Steyning, it is a beautiful shop and well worth a visit if you are in the area.
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| At Little Susie |
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| At Little Susie |
I met Susie who sells the most gorgeous vintage linens. They really are beautiful and real heirloom pieces. Check out her handmade linen bags
At Little Susie
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| Mimi's Vintage |
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| Mimi's Vintage |
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| Mimi's Vintage |
Now I didn't actually get to speak to Michelle from
Mimi's Vintage but I did linger by her stall for longer than was strictly necessary taking in all the feminine prettiness. So soft and pretty!
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| Rosiebud Designs |
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| Rosiebud Designs |
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| Rosiebud Designs |
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| Rosiebud Designs |
Next was Jill from Rosiebud Designs. I have seen Jill at several fairs and her stall always delivers. This time she had some gorgeous handmade advent calenders that she makes herself, something that will last year after year. You can see a great pic of the advent calender on her Facebook page
Rosiebud Decorative Vintage also take a look at her lovely blog
www.nicedayatrosies.blogspot.co.uk/
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| Found Country Antiques |
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| Found Country Antiques |
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| Found Country Antiques |
The last photos I took are of Michelle's stall from
Found Country Antiques. She had crockery, dollies. cosy woollen socks and lovely old chippy bits of furniture. I wanted a bit of everything.
After I'd taken the photos I returned to my stall to do what I had actually gone there to do, sell. I had a few customers and sold some smaller items so I was happy. I only bought a couple of things whilst I was there so I actually made a bit of profit too, bonus! I also had a gorgeous lady on the stall next to me called Lee who sells china and makes bunting. She really made my day and I was so lucky to have a stand next to her. I especially loved it when her mum, who had been looking after her 6 month old baby, brought him in to say hello. He was so cute and made me a little broody!
It really is a lovely day out for stallholders and shoppers alike. The stalls are varied and there were many more than I've added here. Some include:
Gil Fox Hat designs, Catherine from
Catherine's Country Cottage selling her fascinators, the lovely Debbie and Victoria from
Theo & Bernice,
Ayres & Grace with their gorgeous handmade vintage style horses and terriers. There was even a flower stand and of course the tea room selling homemade cakes and serving tea and coffee.
At 4pm it was time to pack up and say goodbye, I'm really looking forward to the next one which I will be doing on my own this time. It doesn't matter though as I feel so relaxed in these ladies company that I am more than happy for Mark to get back to his day job, I'll just make sure I bring him home a cupcake!
