Busy! Busy!

Well, have we been busy the last few weeks?! The Diamond Jubilee gave us lots to celebrate and inspire our creativity, and many of our makers produced something special to mark the occassion.

Kath made all sorts of patriotic little mementoes, such as this Union Jack Heart. We made the most of them with a stand at the special Jubilee Market that the Mall organised in the Regency Arcade.

This had an added benefit - many of our fans seemed to have 'lost' us when we moved from the old toy shop, by Butlers cafe, and you rediscovered us through the stall, which is lovely! Welcome back, friends!

We were able to give people a good 'appetiser' of samples from nearly all our exhibitors, and it was interesting how the smaller expanse of stock gave people a chance to actually *see* more of what we have to offer - I think sometimes it is possible to have too much of a good thing, you can't take it all in!

This baby hat, by Amanda hawkins, sold out in no time! But you can still commission one for your 'Made in England' treasure!

We have been without soaps & bathtime treats for a while, but we are about to remedy this, Kate Burgess, of Cotswold Naturals will be joining us soon.  You can see more at http://www.cotswoldnaturals.co.uk/ But in the meantime here's some more examples of her temptations.

Kate is due to set out her goodies on Sunday 24th June (next Sunday) I have a suspicion they will also sell like hot cakes, so don't hang about!

This is a gift pack of several bath treats, want to buy yourself a present? Oh, go on, let us lead you astray!  Finally, the best of good news, Jackie Hawkins, who fell and suffered a nasty leg break, is back on the rota - today! The brave woman is coming in on her crutches, such is the way we makers feel about the By Local community, so please pop in and admire her charming glass.

Eunice Makes!

This week's post is from the delightful Eunice, who recycles much of her materials, which makes her creations all the more pleasing.

Why I love ByLocal?

Well the answer is friendship and common goals. 
I first moved to Cheltenham six years ago and only knew my fiance and his family.  It was a big shock to move to a small town after living in a busy city like Edinburgh. Three years ago, I was made redundant from my teaching post after government cuts - Yes the Labour government made cuts too! -  I decided to become self-employed and sell my wares. I design and make Soft Toys (plushies), Accessories and Home Decor all from recycled leather and unloved textiles.
 www.eunicemakes.com  (Not for the first time as I have had a previous life as a dressmaker and upholsterer). 

I soon found that it was harder to be self-employed in Cheltenham, as I didn't know anybody. I didn't know where to sell, which markets to attend etc., etc.  I joined up to the ByLocal shop and soon found that everyone was very helpful and shared lots of information about Cheltenham and the surrounding area, art courses, markets... the list is endless. 
As time went on I became a supervisor and  enjoyed the ByLocal experience even more.  I get to meet lots of lovely, like-minded people who have become good friends and also quiz them about their artist techniques, marketing and promotions.

We even have a Swap Box where artists can leave unwanted resources or books for others to use.  All of us have had a good clear out and donated our "rubbish" to the swap box, there's always someone that will need it.  Any leftovers go to the nearest charity shop, so it's a win-win situation.

If it wasn't for ByLocal I wouldn't have started my new online business www.airmailrepublic.com which is an online gallery shop where artists can sell their work and post it directly to your doorstep. 
I realised that a lot of the ByLocalites did not have a web presence and I wanted to change that.  I have sold my creations on Etsy for years and thought I could set up a website where the artists could promote themselves and sell their Art.  Each week my site is growing with more and more artists wanting to join so I can only thank ByLocal for helping spread my wings in Cheltenham's creative community. 
It has helped me a great deal!

Eunice Wilson
Me    -                   www.eunicemakes.com
New gallery    -   www.airmailrepublic.com
Blog                      www.airmailrepublic.weebly.com