To Trowbridge Weaver’s Market in fact.
Stall set, payment gizmo charged, hand gel handy, mask on. Where’s my phone? Have I got the banner on straight? What have I forgotten? Oh, “Hello, lovely to see you!”…
It’s 10am on the second Saturday of the month. It’s the Trowbridge Weaver’s Market, and Marmalade Emma is there!
Emmanuel’s Yard is the newest venue, and it is stunning. Originally Emmanuel Baptist Church, the 18th century building has been lovingly renovated to give home to a whole range of activities, groups and spaces, including a fantastic café. This is where I am. The light is lovely, the space is airy, the stalls are full of interesting, beautiful and in some instances, very yummy, things. It’s got a great atmosphere too.
Outside in the town centre, Fore Street buzzes with live music and circus workshops; food stalls scent the air with mouthwatering aromas; bunting and signs direct you to the two indoor venues, packed with all kinds of lovely things – Emmanuel’s Yard (did I say, that’s where you’ll find Marmalade Emma? 😊), and the Town Hall.
People come and go, look and comment, some buy, many don’t. But it’s all great. I love talking to people about the jewellery I make. I enjoy helping people make their choices, showing variations and suggesting alternatives. Most of all I love to carefully box what they have chosen, wrap in Marmalade Emma’s signature turquoise tissue paper with a branded sticker and slip their purchase into a little white carrier bag for them to take home, sending the jewellery on to its new home with a final touch of love and care. (No sprigs of greenery or potpourri, it’s not Love Actually).
A quiet patch. Well, there are quite a few quiet patches to be honest, but it gives me time to stock up on my chocolate (from the delightful Taboo Choc), and cards (Jacqueline Byrne has some stunning ones, I love her hare pictures, and the owls, and the badgers, and…), buy a gift for someone from another stall and order some Christmas presents for the grandchildren. Careful, careful, you’ll spend everything you’ve made…
Suddenly it’s 4pm and everyone gets busy packing up. Pearls in bags, then in boxes, bracelets in their bags and box, things on chains bagged individually or I’ll spend hours untangling them, earrings, oh the earrings take ages, a big bag and I’ll sort them later… Tomorrow is sort-it-out-and-pack-it-properly day. Off with the drapes, down with the frames, fold up the table, pack the car and – breathe. A good day but now to debrief with the family, they are my greatest supporters and encouragement and I couldn’t do this without them. We chat about what worked and what didn’t, what needs changing for next time, what display things I could try. Time to start planning for October and Christmas…
Hmm, what shall I highlight? Any ideas folks? What do you think?
Marmalade Emma 