Today we say hello to Claire of Cat-a-Cake Creations, who is also our fair organsier! Claire creates whimsical themed laser cut jewellery, greeting cards and accessories which fit perfectly with the fairs theme…
“Visitors to our fair seem to stay for hours, looking at the wonderful crafts, eating yummy cake, listening to our vintage singers, helping their children take part in a workshop, getting their faces painted and much more- it really was a magical day!”– Claire
Remind us a bit about you and what you do/ make….
As well as organising this fair and working full time at a design studio, I also regularly sell at craft markets across Sussex. I sell a range of whimsical & animal themed laser cut jewellery, greetings cards, pocket mirrors, badges, cotton bags and more! All of my work is hand designed by myself. I started designing the laser cut jewellery just over a year ago and since then it has had great feedback and features!
Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?
My ‘Buddy the Cat’ necklace is always popular. He is based on my own pet Buddy the cat, who is a big fluffy black cat who likes lots of cuddles! The best thing about having him as a necklace is he can be any colour I want him to be! Other than Buddy then my earrings are always popular- at two pairs for £8 they are very good value and come in various cute animals, colours and all have silver plated findings and come in a little pouch to keep them warm! During the summer my ice cream necklaces from my new Carousel collection have also been popular- The Fairy Tale Fair will be my last fair of the summer months so get one quick before they melt!
What do you enjoy most about your craft?
I enjoy translating a design that starts in my head, to a sketch, then to a visual, then to a piece of jewellery, then selling it, seeing peoples reactions and hearing their feedback on it is always good. It’s a great feeling to see someone wearing a piece of your jewellery- its nice to know that it is appreciated. I recently sold an item from my Etsy shop to a lady in America, so Dot the Dalmatian necklace was wrapped up and sent off to sunny Florida- alright for some! I think Etsy is great to get your work known further afield and its a great feeling knowing a little item you had an idea about is now sitting as a lovely necklace in a house half way around the world! Dot the dalmatian will also be available at the fair!
Do you take part in other craft events and exhibitions?
Yes, lots! As well as The Fairy Tale Fair I also take part in Brighton Craftaganza, Makers Boutique and two Artists Open Houses as part of Brighton Festival in May and December each year.
Excitingly my jewellery was also part of the catwalk collection at High Street Fashion Week in London in April this year which got great feedback and lots of features on fashion blogs. I also managed to speak to Charlotte Church at Brighton fashion week, and she wore my silver bird earrings for the event, which she was photographed in the Daily Mail the next day.
I also have lots of events booked for Autumn and Christmas already- including Belle’s Vintage wedding fair- which will be my first wedding fair which I am very much looking forward to, Pop Up Vintage in Hassocks- again this will be my first vintage fair so looking forward to that too, and starting to book up for Christmas fairs too! Better get my festive hat on!
What items and summer creations will you be selling at The Fairy Tale Fair?
I will be selling pieces from my new Carousel collection- including ice creams, doughnuts, seagulls, cake, teddy bears, carousel horses and more- all hand designed and laser cut locally. As well as my usual favorites- Buddy the cat, Nigel the sausage dog, my earrings in various animals, badges, pocket mirrors and more! Lots of little bits for kids and nice gifts for presents or just a treat for yourself!
You took part in the last Fairy Tale Fair, did you enjoy it?
Yes I took part, and organised it! It was great to see it all come together on the day and see the happy faces of the children and customers who visited! It takes a lot of work to get the crowd in we did- thousands of flyers through doors, adverts, lots of posts on this blog, keeping up with social accounts, sending emails, contacting press and much more- but I think it is all worth it in the end. Visitors seem to stay for hours, looking at the wonderful crafts, eating yummy cake, listening to our vintage singers, helping their children take part in a workshop, getting their faces painted and much more- it really was a magical day! I hope this Summer fair that marks our first Birthday will be just as magical, we have so much to offer and come such a long way in a year, so please don’t miss it!
What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?
I hope to continue to organise The Fairy Tale Fair, and help it grow. I have plans to make it bigger and expand, but I’d always like to keep its local roots as it has a real community feel! I’d also like to organise more events, such as charity events, weddings and other fairs/ markets across Sussex.
I’d also like to continue to develop my design career and one day aim to have my own greeting card range and exhibit at a big trade show in London. I also have a keen interest in Children’s books. For my final project when I was at university I created a book of nursery rhymes- I’d like to continue to develop this and one day write my own children’s book too! Oh and I’d like to own a cute little cake and craft shop in Brighton by the seaside- everything would sparkle and be lovely!
Any other comments you wish to make:
I am really looking forward to this Saturday the 10th August, and hope lots of you can visit our lovely fair on the day. We are open from 10.30am, and you can see full location details here. It’s a great day out for all the family and there really is something for everyone.
Find out more:
Web: www.catacakecreations.co.uk
Facebook : www.facebook.com/catacakecreations
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/CataCakeCreations
