For a time TSL sold books at markets as part of our attempt to get a fair deal for readers and authors. Sadly, we no longer do as few cater to our model of working.
In my experience, for shoppers markets are either exciting with innovative and varied items or ‘more of the same’ where multiple stall-holders are competing to sell the same thing. For the stall-holder it’s a sometimes rushed off your feet experience but more likely sitting and waiting trying not to look bored.
It’s also an opportunity to get to meet other people, shoppers and stall-holders alike, and that can be absolutely fascinating.
Here are some of the stallholders and others we’ve met along our journey:
Delicious Dauntsey (https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DeliciousDauntsey) – lovely homemade jams and chutneys
Izipikili – (izipikili.com) – an innovative nail painting resource
Blue Amber Crystals – (www.blueambercrystals.co.uk) – beautiful stone lamps amongst other stones
Natural Quilts – www.naturalquilts.com – quilts that fold into pillows when not needed.
Joanne Shaw designs – www.joanneshawdesigns.co.ulk – gifts and cards which definitely caught my eye
Bernadine’s creations – www.bernadines-creations.co.uk – handmade jewellery
Natural Fragrance Company – www.naturalfragrancecompany.co.uk
The Harrow Marquetry Group (the craft and art of making pictures, decorative designs and patters using woods) – in Hatch End, HA5 4DZ
Sarah’s Scentsations – www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SarahsScentsations
Serenity Sciences semi precious stone bead earings – www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SerenitySciences and www.facebook.com/SerentitySciencesJewellery
Made by Hels – unique hand knit and hand crotchet designs – www.etsy.com/shop/madebyhels, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (madebyhels)
Little Prints – making little moments into memories that will last – www.littleprintskeepsakes.com
A pity some didn’t have websites but if you happen to see them at a market, their tables are worth exploring for a little gem:
Crescent Cards at Boxmoor – handmade quality cards (something a little different in my view)
Pillows at Northwood, thanks for the photo (it – the pillow – now adorns my reading corner)
Bags at Northwood and Beaconsfield – specially made bags for books – what more could a book buyer ask for?
A Bead Bookmark – made from recycled beads (I’ve put one to the test and it rates amongst the most practical yet)
Keep an eye on our calendar to see where we’ll be.
Markets to date include:
Northwood Craft Market
Fishery Wharf Sunday Market, Boxmoor
And as TSL works in partnership, you are likely to meet at least one author helping to look after the stall or popping by to support.
Although TSL no longer does markets, we still meet incredible people in so many different places.
