The Dales Festival of Art

Hello Folks,

I'm thrilled to be taking part in the Dales Festival of Art held in Leyburn, this coming Bank Holiday weekend (4th - 6th May).

This is a fantastic opportunity to come a long and support local talent.

At the Dales Festival of Art you will be able to follow the art trail around Leyburn or even try your hand at learning a new skill in the drop-in workshops, which will be sited around the town.

There will be many stalls to browse a long the Artists' Marquee and a few more for good measure in the Golden Lion Hotel. The Mucky Pup Gallery will have a stall (full of goodies) ready for you to Paw over...

Thornborough Hall will too open its garden as a Sculpture Park, complete with a willow weaving workshop. So this really is an event not to miss!

Fancy popping a long for the fun? You might even be one of the lucky few who are able to take home an Original Mini Artwork - for free! Just join the treasure hunt around town.

It's going to be a fantastic day, with Artisan products ranging from Artwork & Jewellery to Sculpture & Photography, there really is something for everyone! Fingers crossed for a lovely sunny day too. Well, we can hope....
Hope you have a fantastic day regardless, Until next time...

The Mucky Pup
#Woof

Special thanks to YorInspired who were kind enough to promote this event. Please help spread the word.

The Pop-Up Gallery: Art & Gift Showcase

Hello Folks,

Well, we've certainly had a busy few weeks working on some new items. So keep an eye on The Mucky Pup's Folksy shop for new arrivals...

In the meantime, I just wanted to quickly share another Pop-Up event with you. The Art & Gift Show featuring many talented Artisans from North Yorkshire.

The event is taking place this Saturday, October 20th, in Scorton a small village in North Yorkshire. You will be able to come a long to meet the Artists from 10am.

  

Our Mucky Pup, Gemma will be at this event, showcasing some great new Original pieces. From Art, Felt work and even Jewellery! Like this Ring:

Sneak Peek: Bronze Tone Ring, Butterfly Design - Resin Dome.

There will be lots to see (& buy) so we hope you can come along.

Until next time,

The Mucky Pup.
#Woof

Craft Fair vs Gallery

As an Artist and general crafter I am lucky enough to have work in Galleries around Yorkshire. I also manage to find time to promote and sell my work via Fairs... This got me thinking. Which is better?

Whether selling via a Gallery or a Craft Fair you need to have a fair idea of the profit margin for each of your creations. You will need to think about how much you would have to make (sell) in order to break even…..and then, hopefully make a profit.

Merino Wool Felt Sheep Painting.

For Craft Fairs, you also need to consider the costs of transport and any packaging you may use when selling.

Extra costs could be added if you wish to use electrical items, or other displays... each fair is different, and this is something that needs to be looked into.

.....and what about Child care? Many Craft Fairs are held on a weekend.

Due to all the extra costs to consider when exhibiting at a Craft Fair it may mean that you have to re-think your prices! But will they sell??
 
Craft Fairs can ultimately be an excellent way to promote your work, and business. Perhaps you have your own website, or Etsy/Folksy shop? These can be mentioned with each sale that you make. Plus, these events are a great way to network with Galleries and other Artists.

So what about showing and (hopefully) selling your work through a shop?

When showing your Artwork and Craft through Galleries remember the Gallery is doing a lot of the hard work for you! There are no hidden costs, no childcare to arrange.. a simple exchange of work, and should it sell… you can reap the rewards.

Galleries generally charge a Commission on every piece you sell, which can range from 30 to 50%, so this needs to be considered when pricing your work.

Whether showing your work via a Craft Fair or within a Gallery consider all costs before you sign on the dotted line. You need to be sure and fully happy with the contract. I've heard many stories of hidden costs, and been caught out myself!
Personally, I like having the opportunity to do both, but I do like having the interaction between people who view and compliment my work. Each "Aww" and "Ooh" makes me smile....
 
What are your thoughts? Have you had a good experience at a Craft Fair? What advice would you give?

Until next time,

The Mucky Pup
#Woof

Felt (Fibre) Painting with Merino Wool

Hello Folks...

Just thought I'd show you one of my recent Felt "Paintings".

This small wall hanging is available through my Shop, Folksy & Etsy.
 

This Original piece is made by hand using Merino Wool, Felt & a Needle punching tool.
 

I'll be taking my creations to the next Sunday People's Market in September, but if you're not local, look out for new works in my shop soon.

Gemma - The Mucky Pup
#Woof