Vagabond Bags & Gifts

Just hold on long enough and eventually the pendulum swings the other way. Last time I posted, I was in deep in the ditch of uncertainty: where is this store going? where is my life going? Since last month, I've gotten a double booth at my dream location at the Market – directly opposite Andy, on the "power corridor" leading from the main stairs to the Fire Roasted Café.

This was possible after a few possibilities of locating elsewhere came and went, and I was getting very frustrated indeed. Finally, the edict that the Market would be open Thursdays – and you had to be there –  induced some vendors to leave, including Nick's Coins. Because I had previously begged Wilma and Dave to give me that spot whenever it came up, I got first dibs on it.

Wow! Of course I said yes! and in the following week promptly sponge-painted the floor with a pale ochre and leaf-green colours to simulate a mossy floor; got Martin to move my wall of doors once again; and moved all my displays and merchandise over.

I sold $150 the first Saturday I was there and yes, I'd say the move is an unqualified success!

I asked June to share some of my space for free in return for manning the booth every other Saturday and she agreed, so I'll get some of my weekends back soon.

I've also started applying for the festivals I'm interested in participating in as a vendor this summer and so far I'll be in the Canterbury Festival (Ingersoll in July); Ribfest (London, end of July to early August); and the Iron Horse Festival (St. Thomas at end of August).

I've been invited back to do the Ivy and Holly sale at Matthews Hall (November) and likely will do the Fair Trade sale at Cawthra Secondary School again.

I love my new store! It looks so professional and great! I have more room for displaying things and a work table and storage at one corner without feeling so crowded.

I'm sewing more Pillow Pals for the summer shows to come and have placed an order for more Haitian oil drum art, mosaic glass, purses, and garden planters.

Here's to a great second summer!