CRAP?

The ACA Christmas Craft Fair in Perth Concert Hall last Sunday attracted more than three and a half thousand customers to over fifty stalls. Brisk trading was evident throughout and everyone was happy. Can't ask for much more than that then can we? These two splendid Elves enticed the public into the hall with fliers, a certain je ne sais quoi, and a fine pair of tights. It was good of Santa to allow them out for the day at what must be a busy time for him.
PS It is unfortunate Steve that you cropped the photo and left half the sign in. I think your eye must have been too much on the Elves. The Elves have now left the building.

'Aye, it's a cold day.'

Was it ever light today? Energy levels were also low in the old stable block. Eleven brave souls ventured up to the HoD CofA Emporium and two purchased. Walter will be well pleased and Janet just a little. So it was worthwhile to while away part of my life at the counter of potential delight. Visits from Morag and Ian brightened the day and Bernard popped in to say he was moving his shop into town. Good luck to Bernard with his venture. I did enjoy Cafe Dun's soup which was delivered on a tray. I really needed something to heat me up. I mentioned to one customer how cold it felt. 'Well, it is November,' he replied brusquely. What's happened to the art of weather conversation?

So, how did things go in Perth crafterchums?

Does anyone read this?

Good wishes to all who are participating in the Christmas Craft Fair at Perth Concert Hall later to'mo'. On the eve of this grand event I feel a little sad that I have opted out. Nevermind I shall man the shop at House of Dun and sparkle for the few who will visit. If it's a day like today I'll be on my ownsome.
It was good to see a mention for us on STV on Friday. I agree Joan that it was 'fleeting' but hey, as they say, it was 'quality' fleeting.

Tonight's soundtrack has been the Foo Fighters.

Does anyone read this?

Bah humbug the next Fair is........

The ACA's next Christmas Craft Fair is at Perth Concert Hall this Sunday, 22 November, between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm, when over fifty crafters from all over the UK will be in attendance. Sad to say I will not be there for the fun. I will be manning the shop at House of Dun, which is open every weekend up until Christmas. Furthermore, there will be no Christmas music playing in the shop this Sunday! Maybe one of the Irregulars and followers of this Blog will post a report on the Perth 'gig'.

Kingennie Reflection

I used to define success as scoring from a corner.
Nowadays, I'm a little more circumspect although still slightly confused about most things. On Friday, I thought that the point of having a stall at a Craft Fair was to make a few bob and gleefully count the takings at the end of the day. It's now Sunday and I think I'm a wiser man. The 'takings' at Kingennie over the two days would just about cover a Tikka Massala, Korma, Lamb Bhuna and a coupla Nans from the Indian Cottage, so no sign of a yacht on the horizon there. However, I am a richer man for the time spent with some special people in a superb setting(the light over the 'dub' was stunning). The vibe from working alongside the ACA Irregulars is priceless and it's a pleasure to spend time among them. They know who they are so no naming names but I will mention some new crafterchums who added to the mix. There was Mandy from 'Snugglefluff Angels' Snugglefluff Angels Diana with her stylish silver jewellery diana king jewellery Roy and Pat of 'Gallowglass'Gallowglass and the good folks from Roslin and 'Heatherbelle'.
Now at this point, the wonderful Agnes will be wondering why she hasn't had a mention. Well here it is. Agnes and Mo of 'Cobweb Crafts' were our neighbours over the two days and finer neighbours would be hard to find. It's amazing how well you can get to know folk very quickly. I reckon it's the 'Blink' factor..... you just know. Agnes and Mo were great fun and easy to hang out with and we hope to see them again sometime. It was good to meet Mo's Mum and Dad too! Behind me, Linda kept me in order and was good company on the Saturday despite her queasiness. Her substitute, Kirsty, did a sterling job on the Sunday and I enjoyed our session of 'blue sky thinking' and our mutual dislike of Christmas music.

Hopefully these new crafterchums will continue their association with ACA and soon become fully fledged 'ACA Irregulars'. My apologies again to Bertie for describing her Saturday dress sense as 'drab' but compared to the blast of colour which was the Fabulous Ms Tessa Mendes, it was. Now, Sunday was a different matter........ and a different outfit. Young Bertie Girl was all shimmering and sparkling and I post a photo to prove it. I think everyone benefited from your Sunday effort Bert.

Many thanks to all!

Spirited Women

What an enjoyable day! A sprinkling of new faces joined the ACA Irregulars among the ranks of crafting tables at Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort with hope....... and a smile for the prospective customers who had made the effort to cross-country it to Kingennie. Ok, so the crowds did not push and elbow to view the goods, and crush barriers were held in reserve, but my humble evaluation would contend that trade was 'steady'.
I was met in the car park with Sue at 8.00 am which was a pleasant surprise. Interestingly, the early arrivals had already set up the evening before! Bertie Girl was cutting it fine with a 9.30 arrival for a ten o'clock start. She said she had to move the rabbit hutch out of the car before she could load up.
Seemed reasonable and believable. Bertie Girl also won the prize for assembling the tallest stall.
Have I mentioned spirited women before? Well, there were a few there today. Maybe the SFA should appoint a female National Football coach.
Back for more tomorrow.

Too old for capers.

So are we set up nicely for Kingennie tomorrow? I think so. It's a wonderful venue and a fine place to spend time in. Steve had organised the tables and labelled them when I arrived earlier. A few crafters had chosen to set-up Friday rather than have a very early start tomorrow. The atmosphere was of a lull before a hoped for storm. Saying that, the weather forecast is not good over the week-end. Good job we have Joan to brighten our spirits. I hope to be there for 8.00 am tomorrow morning to meet and greet. That means an early morning again! Today I was on the road at 6.15 am. I'm too old for this caper.

Coming Your Way Soon

Fifty-two days to Christmas. It's countdown time. Some folks trail High Streets, some trawl the internet, others don't bother and let others do it for them. So far I've bought two gifts....both for the same person. It could have been three but by this morning I'd forgotten what the huge hint was that she dropped last night. I'm sure it will come back to me. Hopefully by Christmas Day when she'll remember and see that it's not there. I thought this might have helped nudge the memory but it hasn't.
So, the crafting world reaches a crescendo in November with Christmas Craft Fairs taking place in every spare space. ACA are running two splendid affairs at Kingennie Country Resort, near Monifieth, and in Perth at the Concert Hall. Here's the details;

Kingennie Country Resort - Saturday 14 November 1o.30 - 5.00
and Sunday 15 November 11.00 - 4.30

Perth Concert Hall - Sunday 22 November 10.00 - 5.00

Admission is FREE to both

What a grand way to do your Christmas shop. No hustle and bustle of High Street shops, no uncertainty of the internet, just wholesome trading in the traditional way with the person who made the product.

My choice of listening - The Editors ' In This Light and On This Evening'
Steve Earle 'Townes'