The last few weeks, actually, the last few months, have been absolutely hectic (all the good kind of hectic). Lots of planning, lots of making & honestly lots & lots of everything.

Small business owners (or perhaps any business owner) will know that the Christmas clocks start ticking MONTHS in advance. This year began with a little discovery of Haddon Hall, more specifically, their Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market.

The research began, I booked my place & before you know it, November rolled around. It was a real learning experience. Preparing for this market helped me plan a large event, something I hadn’t done on this scale before for F&E. From measuring shelves & ordering new snazzy signs to spending hours in the workshop, every little detail counted.

Now, one thing I will say, no amount of research, crossing fingers or gloves with 37 layers can prepare you for the cold!

Specifically, five days outside, at the start of winter! By day two, I had a lucky delivery of a heated gillet (top tip for future outdoor markets - get one of these!), & using a “porta-loo village” for a week was even less glamorous than it sounds!

The setting, however, was magical; it felt like a real Christmas wonderland from the big picture thinking to the finer details - a firm favourite of mine was the baubles in the tree over the bridge!

My chalet felt more like a pop-up shop than just a stand, & I absolutely loved it - it felt like a real home for F&E.

I got the chance to meet so many new, wonderful people, received the kindest feedback on my jewellery & even took lots of commissions for after Christmas - so exciting!

I also loved connecting with other traders - fellow jewellers (so inspiring!), woodwork artists & felters. I learnt so much just by chatting & seeing their work.

Then came another festive favourite: the Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair. Having been before, I knew it would be special, but this year it felt even more exciting, one reason was that Chowee Cookie Company was there, I became Bailey's hot chocolate connoisseur & a proper eggnog sampler… I may have indulged a little too much!

One thing I’d really taken from my experience at Haddon Hall was how big a difference lighting makes - the colour, the warmth, & the way it reflects on the jewellery can completely change the display. I made sure to put that learning into practice at the Food & Gift Fair & it made the stall feel brighter, more inviting & really showcased the pieces.

To everyone who came to visit me at these events, whether you’re a new customer or you’ve been here from the very beginning, thank you.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

Watch this space for some exciting events coming next year.

All my love,

Lou X