August's Craft Fair

Our August craft fair was a great event at Culzean Castle

We had nice weather and lots of lovely customers, local and from further afield. We could have done without the little wasps that annoyed us every now and then but they didn't spoil a great weekend.

We had beautiful Vintage style bags from Sherrie Stewart Designs, natural soaps and skincare from Miss Polly, gorgeous jams from Wendy, brilliant wood carvings from Chainsaw Art (yes, Ross really craves them with a chainsaw, they are amazing), Louise Nelson and her lovely glass beads, Rona and her glass work, jewellery from Susan and Marie, the cutest knitted baby hats and jackets from Janette (cute enough to make me broody again, but thankfully it was just a passing notion), handmade cards from Susan H and soaps and Toiletries from The Hidden Garden. All beautiful and all handmade.

We also had a visit from a former long standing Acorn crafter Pat, from Pat's Paraphernalia. It was lovely to see her again and she spent a lot of time chatting to her old friends.

Our next craft weekend in October 15th and 16th - it would be lovely to see you there.

Our Next Fair - August 13th & 14th

With our craft fair only a few days away, i though I would tell you about one of our long-standing member, Pearl.

Pearl McGibbon has owned a company called 'The Hidden Garden' since the 1980s. As often happens when people start making soaps and skincare for themselves, they soon find that they have many willing testers, and then requests for orders and this leads to selling at craft fairs, which is what happened to Pearl. As well as selling at craft fairs, Pearl also supplies various hotels and guest houses with toiletries for their guests - a lovely local handmade touch which guests love.

She also makes and sells Jams, Preserves and Chutneys, and they are delish!

Pearl told me:

My products are now on sale at various locations throughout Sothwest Scotland. EG Craigiemains Garden Centre Ballantrae..Kirkland farm shop Leswalt. I also have a stall at the weekly market in Wigtown, and myself and two partners have recently taken a lease on shop(Called Curiosity) In main street Wigtown. The shop sells my products as well as Antiques and hand made Jewllery. I also have a regular stall at the Portpatrick and Stoneykirk farmer's markets.

I like selling at Acorn fairs - they  are always well organised, the people are extremely friendly and helpful and the venues are always excellent.

I enjoy the making of products as well as the meeting of people at the various locations where I sell and promote my products. Hope that this gives you a small insight into my business.

Thank you Pearl for taking the time to tell us about your business.