My top 10 Flea Market tips

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Hi my lovelies. It was flea market day yesterday. We got up at 6.30 and as I only had my small Ford Fiesta, I had to drive twice to set everything up. Luckily Nelly Bo was there to help me and the market was located in a village just 10 minutes away, but still.

We had a lovely, busy and productive day. We sold a lot, we chatted a lot and made new acquaintances. I think the yarn was the eye catcher with its beautiful bright colors, sticking out from the crowd. I sold lots of Ulrika yarn and my stash has now shrunk to half of with it was. I had no idea that there are so many knitters and crocheters around. I am far from a flea market professional but I thought I'll share some tips from my experiences. I used to do quite a few many years ago.

My top tips for being successful on a flea market are:
• Find a market that is attractive and have good reputation. This market is located in a beautiful allee of trees and is quite popular and so it showed being a great place to reserve a spot. 

 • Check the weather report. The best weather for many visitors top come is overcast and good temperature - not too hot, not too cold - in my opinion. Refering to myself I will do other things on a sunny day and when it rains I stay at home.

• Great things to bring: a sheet or table cloth to cover your table and that way you can store boxes and bags underneath without it showing. Empty shoe boxes and baskets to display your goods in. Paper and plastic bags for your customers to carry there bargains in.
• Bring change, a wallet and a note book. Have a bank amount in your wallet when you arrive and write that sum down. Take notes on what you sell and for how much throughout your day and you will quickly be able to calculate your profit at the end of the day.

• Bring snacks and a thermos with coffee or tea. You are here to make money, not to spend it on hot dogs and pizza slices... And bring a chair so you can take a pause in between. And bring a crochet project if it gets quiet. :)

• Sell something that stands out. It can be a collection, a special theme or time periodic things... My yarn really made our stand stick out with its bright colors. It was a hit.

• Display your things in groups. As a visitor you want to be able to see what the seller has available in a quick glance and then dig into his/hers boxes and bowls... We put clothes at one end, toys in one place etc. When I set up a table I often go and stand in front of it to see what it looks like for the visitors point of view. I also move things around throughout the day to see what works and not. Highlight things I really want to sell. It doesn't really have to be pretty, just clear and visible.

• Make sure your stuff is clean. There is nothing worse than clothes with staines, shoes full of dirt and greasy cups... Just wipe things down before you display it.

• Price tags? I have some, but not on everything. People will ask if they are interested. I put price tags on cheap things I really want to get rid of.
 
• Do NOT charge too much! When I go to flea markets, I look for bargains. It is supposed to be cheap and cheerful and make you feel good as a customer. And as a seller you want to get rid of stuff and avoid to bring things back home again. Small money grows into bigger money so just let it go instead of fighting over a couple of bucks.

Alright, I hope my pointers can be helpful to someone. It is a lot of work doing a flea market but it is also lots of fun. I encourage everyone to do it every now and then. Someone's trash is always someone else's treasures. It's a great way to avoid just throwing things away.


We came home with a lighter car load and our pockets full of money, which I divided up between the kids and myself to their delight. The kids are inspired and next time all of them want to join in and earn some cash. I think we will focus on preparing bags of Lego and PlayMobil sets. It will be a lot of prepping work, but if we can sell it to someone who will enjoy building and playing with it, it will be worth every minute of sorting and prepping. Plus I like to sort and organize. for me that is a game I love to play.

Today I'm exhausted. It was a long day yesterday. Maybe I'll sit down and sort some Lego Friends for the next flea market event. Maybe... Happy Sunday.

Kärlek
Annette

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Last week(s) of April

A lot has happened lately, hasn't it? The raps fields fell into full bloom turning the landscape in to gold. Spreading their honey fragrance to my delight when riding up and down the hills for some exercise on my bike. Pure beauty!

Prince died! I'm speechless... 59 is way to young. Death seem to be very close to me right now... I mean, not that I knew Prince but he was a super star!!! Hearing his songs playing over and over again the last couple of weeks brings so many memories back from my mid teens... What a waste to let him go. Pure talent...

I bought spring blossoms on a whim and you helped me with advice on Instagram. Social media at its best! Thank you so much. I haven't planted them yet but will soon do. Just waiting for that stubborn Mr Winter to stop interupting my garden plans with frost one day and sun the other... Go away Mr Winter - Go away!

I enjoyed a Craft club morning  with the greatest chicks! Lots of coffee, cookies and crocheting but most of all chatting away like girls do and forgetting the time... Got a bit late for the school run that lunch. Pure joy!

I released the much longed for Maybelle Baby Blanket Pattern and a Maybelle Blanket Yarn Pack for those who wants to replicate the original. And what a response! I'm thrilled with all your messages and sweet appreciation. THANK YOU SO MUCH and please please share your creations on Instagram with #maybelleblanket I would love to see what you make!!! Pure satisfaction!

And the greatest news of all, little Isak was born. Little and little... He is a bit of chunk to say the least. Just like his brothers were. When a new family member arrives, I wish I lived closer to my family so I could pop straight over and breath in that wonderful baby hair smell... Aaaahhh I love him to death already! Pure love!

Now a new month start. A new week. New projects. New goals. New yarn. New weather reports... I hope for more sun, less cold and lots of time for enjoying spring. And please no more great talents going to heaven, please!


PS: Baby Isak is my nephew... thought I should clarify that... I'm not having more babies at 47. ;)

Kärlek
Annette

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Welcome dear November

I welcome you, dear November, with all your mythical beauty and hidden secrets of what the future holds. I walk in the foggy landscape and I'm amazed by the scenery you are setting up for me. I feel transformed back into the time of knights, princesses and brave fights in cheered on tournaments. I'm expecting the hero in his shining armor to appear around the corner on his white stallion at any minute. That would be a delightful sight.

Far away on the fields where horizon, forests and nature all blends together in a thick duvet of fog, I hear the symphony of some young cows accompanied by some strong young bulls. Slowly they appaer through the fog when I'm getting closer...

October was the most fantastic October we've had in years, with intense colors setting the nature on fire but I'm ready for this... The leaves are on the ground and the trees silhouettes are getting more and more bare by the days passing by. I'm ready for crisp and cold mornings and to dress up in warm knit wear. To cuddle up underneath all those crochet blankets inside. Lighting candles and enjoy my dear November with a new small crochet project in my hands. 

It is my month, November. I turn 46 in ten days. I think I couldn't have been born another month of the year. November is me and I am November. Inside and out. Lets go for a walk you and me, dear November.

Kärlek
Annette

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When the storm rolls in

It is magical, like a frosty edging seeing the sun frame those big storm clouds that are rolling in. I hear the thunder, I can see how everything is calming down. Calm before the storm and usually also calm following after. Let the rain come. Angry and hard. We sure need it.

Kärlek
Annette

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Busy bee...

It's that time of the year when everything is happening. The days are passing by quicker than ever and all I can do is to squeeze in some creative moments here and there to settle the speed of life so it doesn't spin out of control. I thought I should pop in to say Hi. I'm here, studying French more than anything...

I'm finishing up old WiP's. Or at least one of the million bunch. The patchwork armchair throw I started a looooong time ago. And a few Maybelle flowers have been added to my collection. One day they will become a blanket. I'm sure.

The weather is somehow getting chilly and damp again and I can't wait to get the warmth back. Maybe after the weekend they say. Time will tell. 

Kärlek
Annette

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My brother's kitchen

Axel... The youngest in the family.

A dream of mine is to have a big, light and very Swedish kitchen. My brother just renovated his and what a dream it is! I love the fact that he choose a chalky beige color instead of traditional white on the cupboards. Natural and easy to modify with help of curtains and china. I can imagine this kitchen dressed in a Christmas outfit. Can you?

The kitchen layout is just super with all the light coming in from all the windows. Lots of counter space, great new flooring which hides the dirt well. :) Big thumbs up for that. One thing I've learned is to avoid black or dark floors in a kitchen as well as light... It might look exclusive and posh but is a nightmare to care for and keep clean. Every single bread crumb, cat hair or drop of water will become visible to not talk about foot prints from bare feet... With kids and animals it is good to think smart and this middle grey fake wooden floor is perfect.

I enjoyed many breakfasts together with my lovely nephews Arvid and Axel here last week. I hadrly went to any other rooms of the house. I loved sitting there so much. I miss them. I miss my brother. I miss his kitchen. I miss the light... Maybe one day I will have a kitchen just like his. Keep on dreaming - dreams come true. Right?

Kärlek
Annette