There was an air of anticipation as we set off at day break on Saturday morning for our first market stall at the Artist Market. The weather looked a bit dubious but even though we did get a light drizzle early in the morning, it fined up to be a gorgeous sunny and warm afternoon.
With the market tent erected and shabby bunting strung up, it was time to unpack my wares.
My intention is to sell a mixture of beachy and shabby items both sewn and painted but with such short notice I had to go with something that was quick this time – a few painted canvases and a big batch of shabby faux cupcakes and truffles.
Those cakes caused a stir and a fair bit of controversy.
This was the general gist of conversations as potential customers flowed in to buy what they thought were real cupcakes…
Me: they are faux cakes
Lady: What foam cakes?
Me: No, faux cakes, pretend, fake.
Lady: Can you eat them?
Me: No, they are not real.
Lady: so what do you do with them?
Me: they are for decoration. Perhaps in your kitchen or dining room.
Lady: Why, if you can’t eat them?
Now repeat that conversation over and over again and you pretty much get the feel for our first hour or so at the market. If nothing else it kept my fellow neighbouring stall holders amused. Then Laura from the stall next to us suggested that we needed a big sign about our fake cakes. ‘Fake Cakes’… yeah, that pretty much summed it up. Certainly not as classy as faux cakes but it stated the obvious. So we sent hubs back home to get a large blank canvas and black marker and whipped up this sign…
At least with the sign I didn’t have to keep repeating the same conversation, but still everyone had questions. We were very good humoured about it and some of the reactions actually had us chuckling.
Then every so often from out of the crowd there would be a shriek of delight as someone recognised that I had faux cupcakes – yay. We did make a few sales but not what we are used to. Our previous market experience for 5 years at Yarra Glen Craft Market in Victoria had us swamped by customers trying to buy as we were unpacking the boxes. AAhhh… this city girl is still adjusting to country life!! At least we can laugh about this episode and prepare something more conventional for our next market date in December.
I have to admit, my new recipe for faux cuppies is very life like, so little wonder people were fooled.
So my first market at The Artist Market wasn’t exactly lucrative but I did have a fantastic day.
I’ve spent the past 8 weeks here unpacking, renovating, getting everyone settled into new schools, activities etc. and I’ve had little chance to meet new people. Of those I have met, while they were nice and friendly, none were quite like me. They didn’t get me like my art/craft/blogging friends do.
Then….
I met the market stall holder community. In amongst the vibrant, energised, almost hippyish atmosphere of a beach side village market, with the constant melodic beat of local musicians and the tantalising aromas from the vegetarian BBQ, I found new FRIENDS. Just being amongst these incredibly creative and talented artisans filled me with joy.
I met the lovely
Melissa from Moochi Moo who actually knew what faux cakes were and even purchased a few. Melissa sent Kylie from Earlybird Creations down to check out my cakes too. Kylie makes the most divine resin jewellery and she is a blogger too. Oh… and I have it on good authority that Santa is buying my Christmas present from her stall. If you want to see a bit of what I am getting, be sure to visit her etsy store.BUT… the best part about doing the market was meeting Justine from Jayswear. Talk about a kindred spirit. The cosmos had really looked after me putting our stalls side by side. Right from the moment we started talking (about THOSE cakes of course) we hit it off. We had so many shared life experiences, children the same age and at the same school, city girls forging a new life in paradise. We spent the whole 7 hours talking, laughing, talking, planning etc. Justine has just started preparation for a website and needs some help. I’ve offered to share what I know and lets face it…. it’s really just another opportunity to talk and laugh some more. [giggle]
Anyhoo…. the market was quite an experience that turned out to be better than expected for all the wrong reasons. I managed to shock the local community, who just weren’t ready for my faux cakes. I leave you now with the best comment made on the day. (There were so many funny remarks so it’s hard to pick the best one, but this one still makes me laugh out loud).
After having the whole ‘they’re not real’ conversation with this gentleman he goes on to say…
Man: They’re not real then.
Me: Nope
Man: Are you here next month?
Me: Yes
Man: Are you bringing the real ones then?
Me: (with a giggle and doing my best Dawn French/Vicar of Dibley impersonation) No, just these silly non edible ones I’m afraid!!
Okay, I’m off now to whip up some more of those incredibly silly, useless, what are they for, ‘fake cakes’ for my web store that will be open tomorrow.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Lucinda Obrien says
Hee heee Kerryanne you are so funny!!! I love how you write your blogs.And I can really relate to your conversations to the customers…did you feel like a broken record ugggh!!! Good luck with the next market and glad to see you meeting some kindred spirits
Lucinda xx
clare's craftroom says
Kerryanne , I laughed out loud reading this post . I’ve only been in my town 15 years so I’m still a blow in and I still shock the locals . I’m so glad you’ve found a kindred spirit and now know what you’re “supposed” to take to your next market !
Alison Gibbs says
Oh Kerryanne that is so Port Macquarie… not quite like us. In time you will turn them all around and they will ‘get you’!!
How fabulous that you met up with some great gals. have fun
Alison
our shabby cottage says
Oh, that day must have been hilarious Kerryanne! I can just imagine it too! Whenever I tell older people the name of my business they look at me as if I’m daft or summit! So, I can appreciate what you went through!
A Bite of Country Cupcakes says
Lovin the new no purpose cupcakes!
And I too have had many a similar conversation!!
They are ornamental and serve as much “Purpose” as the next Ornament of any type we all buy!!!
Too funny!
Kris Meares - Tag Along Teddies says
Hey Kerryanne! Oh dear! I did giggle quite a lot about your broken record day at the markets explaining “Fake Cakes”! Tee! Hee! Hee! Have had similar feelings when explaining that my bears on display are the samples ONLY for the patterns and that I am selling the PATTERNS, NOT THE BEARS!!! At least you were able to keep your sense of humour! And how wonderful to make a great new friend in Justine – I bet we hear lots more about the ongoing adventures of “Kerryanne & Justine Take Port Macquarie!” :0) Personally I LOVE your new-look cuppies and can see why people thought they were having them for morning tea – but then, I was already a huge fan of your “Faux” cakes and happy to have then “Just Because They Look Pretty”! :0) Happy planning for next time! Bear Hugs! KRIS
Gail McCormack says
How funny!
I’m hearing you loud and clear.
What a fun book some of these market experiences would make.
I’m so glad you made new market pals – that’s definetly the positive side.
For Tony and I, our standard Market Goer question is, “Who paints the Roses”?….while they look at Tony, he’s not exactly a petite rosy Man – really who do they think paints the roses???
OK – looking forward to the grand opening tomorrow!
xo
Sew Useful Designs says
Oh Kerryanne – that’s just TOO funny!!! I’m sorry that you didn’t sell more cupcakes (and I must say they *do* look incredibly delicious!) but I am delighted that you made something far more valuable – some friends and a kindred spirit! Wow! Must admit, I did have a little pang of “Oh! Wish it was me!” he he he… but that’s gone now… friends who love eachother want eachother to be the happiest they can possibly be… and ya know, I love ya don’t ya?!!!
Hugs sweetheart!
Vikki xoxo
i cant sew says
oh i love the vicar of dibley and i can just imagine you saying it in her manner 🙂 keep doing your thing, be true to you!
smooches %*_*% rosey
Sugar Bear says
Oh dear! Well, hopefully they will begin to understand when they keep seeing you! You can start a whole new way of thinking down there.
Karla
Connie says
Laughing my head off because some people just don’t get it, sugar! Hah. Here I am working on just about “faux everything” in and for this house and my friends stare at me like I’ve lost it! They’re sooooo clueless, sweet chick, but I “carry on”!!
xoxo,
Connie
Sharon (Stitches on Mars) says
It was so funny to read, but they do look delicious. In a way its a huge compliment that they wanted to eat them.
Good to hear you’ve made new friends though. That always helps to settle in.
Hugs,
Sharon
theoldboathouse says
Hi,what a great story, people are so funny. I think your fake cakes a wonderful,cheers Katherine
earlybird says
Haha Kerryanne! Keep the Fake Cakes coming as I’m sure Port Macquarie will adjust 😉 Looking forward to seeing you at the next market, you funny lady!
Kylie xx
kljohn1 says
Hi Kerryanne,
I had a giggle reading your blog, it wont be long before those country folks love your cuppies. Word of mouth is wonderful and just think of all those people telling the people they know about the “fake cupcakes” at the artists market. Still miss you and Tuesday nights, glad you are all going well.
Karen J
The Pink Poodle says
Dear kerryanne..silly old me again..I didnt know you had this blog as well..
I Empathise with you re this market stall..
HEY I would have CRACKED IT!!!
so I admire you being soo nice to people..
when i had my gift shop I had people coming in with cameras to photo the golliwogs etc..
OR they would touch the hair to see how it was sewn on?? grrrrrr!!
I DID get angry..& i am normally quite placid!!!
BUT A great story…very funny…
xx andrea
knittingagreatyarn says
Kerry,
When in need of inspiration, I turn to your blog and your wonderful designs.
Just wish my blog had half your finesse.
Beeeme! says
Oh dear…! I spent several holidays in PMQ (relatives there) and the only people I met were either hippies/greenies or people who were “de-cluttering”. Or workers in the local Sally’s shop! Wish you all the best in your new venture!