It’s interesting how fear and danger brings out both the best and the worst in people. Not just individuals, but whole corporations too. Well, I’m here to tell you about a company that is rising to the challenge and helping its customers. Why do you want to hear about that? Well, because this company is bringing you a digital craft market!
So, all those summer craft fairs may have been cancelled for now. But that doesn’t mean we can’t lose ourselves in some brilliant crafts from talented makers.
The first digital craft market will be opening its doors (computer screens) on Sunday 26th April 2020. (That’s just a couple of days away if you’re reading this in real time!). And this link explains how you can enjoy shopping there… all from the comfort of your own home… wherever you might be in the world.
What is a digital craft market?
Well, this digital craft market has been set up by the craft insurance company, Ian Wallace. I’ve been using their services ever since I took my beadwork from a hobby to a business. Basically, because they specialise in insurance for craft, I can feel confident that my particular needs are being met. Whether that’s insurance to cover exhibiting at fairs, or to cover teaching, or just for selling goods online. They are a family run firm and have always been lovely to deal with. (And if you are in the UK and happen to think you might need a craft insurance policy, here’s the link to find out more).
Now, you wouldn’t necessarily expect your insurance company to come to the rescue when times get tough (unless, of course, you’re making a claim!). But in fact, Ian Wallace have really stepped up.
They immediately recognised that a lot of their members have been severely impacted by Covid-19 and the resulting cancellation of craft fairs, closing of shops and galleries, etc. This is a huge loss of earnings for many makers. People are literally staring bankruptcy in the face, in some cases.
So, the company thought, why not use the internet to host a craft market?
After all, it’s a lovely way to spend your day. Drooling over websites full of hand-crafted and crafting goodies. And, who knows, maybe this is also a good time to stock up on a few gifts for friends and family. (Because we will all meet up again one day!)
How do you visit the market?
You just need to pop over to Instagram @ianwwallaceltd or @digitalcraftmarket.
The doors open at 10.30am (UK British Summer Time) on Sunday 26th April. Naomi, (from Ian W. Wallace LTD), will be posting photos and videos from all the crafters attending the fair, with links to their websites.
All you have to do is follow the links and browse the goodies on offer!
This will hopefully be the first of a whole season of craft markets done this way. I am honoured to be one of the first exhibitors (you’ll recognise the new video from my home page, I hope!). So, I hope to meet some new people in this way.
But, I’m also looking forward to browsing the other stalls. And I hope you might join me and see what else is on offer.
From Sunday, onwards, I will keep the links to the craft fairs updated on my Facebook page. So, if you want to find out more and see when the next fairs are happening, just remember to follow that.
Happy shopping!
