Well it's almost a
month since The Contemporary Craft Festival at Bovey Tracey and I think it has
taken me most of this time to reflect on what taking part meant to me.
It is one of the most
prestigious Craft events and the one I had aspired to ever since my first visit
four years ago.
I applied last
September, I think, and just after Christmas found out I was on the reserve
list. The weeks ticked by and not wishing to tempt fate, I decided this was not
my year.
Last year I was lucky
to attend running a taster workshop for the fabulous Make at Monteray, http://www.make-at-monteray.co.uk/ it was a
good experience and gave me the chance to marvel at the wonderful work on
display.
She was brilliant, told me to
make lists of what I could achieve in the time and prioritise.
And so I agreed sent
off my stand fee and stitched like a thing possessed.
For those ten days I
worked 12 to 14 hour days, in between caring for my Mum and general life stuff.
I neglect my husband who one night, as I came out of the workroom at 11o'clock,
declared 'I wish I was a moth!'.
I didn't have much
time to think about my stand so I decided to let the work speak for itself and
keep it simple.
The set up day came
and with it torrential rain, the mud outside the marquees was moderate
Glastonbury level, everyone was friendly though nerves were jingling.
My wonderful husband
helped me set up and remained patient when I kept changing my mind over the
display.
So before the four
o'clock deadline everything was set , Mr E and I retreated to the Devon Guild
cafe for a sandwich.
I was surrounded by
fantastically supportive and amazingly talented people. My immediate neighbour
was Jane Sedgwick who creates beautiful striking jewellery. I treated myself to
a couple of her gorgeous pieces.
In retrospect I was
in awe of the whole event, constantly questioning whether I should really be
there. I received amazing comments and so much positivity, sales were good and
I had a couple of commissions and exciting leads.
I did enjoy the
event; I wish my silly head could have let me enjoy it more at the time, take
more photos and speak to more people.
I was also so
fortunate to be able to stay with my lovely friend Linda aka Liberty Linda Lou
and her husband who were just brilliant and so kind.
So there we go my
first big Craft event, I learnt so much and in the words of T.S.Elliot
'Only those who risk
going too far can possibly find out how far they can go'
