The day after...
Goodness me not much works today but I am having a day catching up with no real expectations so I am not sure it matters. I basically stood for 11 hours yesterday in a marquee in the middle of winter. This is not the best idea for me but it was completely necessary to successfully launch Whimsical Wreaths.
Growing willow has turned out to be an excellent idea and we really have the bit between our teeth now. We can all see the potential for the crop so there is a lot to be done on the smallholding if we are to be ready for planting the new cuttings in February next year. I had said that I didn't want to move beyond wreaths but plans are afoot to do just that. Interesting it is the first time I have launched a business venture without a web site attached so perhaps I knew myself better than I thought. Even at the launch we had willow heart decorations so we were edging into new products from day one. We have some discussion still to have but the thinking is that whimsical wreaths will become whimsical willow to allow for greater breath. This is mainly due to the enthusiasm of the boys to be get involved in the making so suddenly baskets are on the horizon. The first is a small nest basket for spring bulbs. Great idea but now we have to teach ourselves how to make one. Weaving willow is addictive and it is possible to lose whole days and ten acres gives us lots of scope for development. The heart decorations were particularly popular yesterday and would make lovely wedding decorations as well. We also took an order for some for graves at Christmas which is a really touching idea. We used the time with our customers to gauge feedback and were inspired by their comments. My single rule in business is never move too far away from your customers.
Santa Sparkle was the perfect place to launch the willow and that was evident not long after set up. Interest was constant and purchases plentiful so we came away feeling very good indeed. It is not easy making money off a smallholding but we all feel that this new venture is just perfect for Hazelbank. We are also planning a new crop of hazel as the existing trees are just too well established to be of much use. Hazel will take 5-7 years to get to coppice state for hurdle making but before then Pete could be making smaller version suitable for edging for raised beds. A secret ambition of mine is to be able to make walking sticks so that is entirely possible as well as Hazelbank has acres of woodland. So the boys, Pete and I are off on a survey of the smallholding to be absolutely clear what we have and what we can do with it. It feels such an exciting time.
Despite the very tiring day Santa Sparkle was a delight. Father Christmas arrived from the Holy Isle on a speed boat before riding into the centre of the village on two reindeer (small ponies dressed as reindeer) and the children were delighted. The Christmas market was hugely popular and there were events running all afternoon and well into the evening. Perhaps the highlight was the fireworks and light show which was really quite special. Mulled wine and hot rolls made for a social time that has quickly become the highlight of the year on the island. It was lovely to see so many of our customers and their loyalty is truly amazing. Every time we change direction slightly they come with us.
Things slow down a little now with just a couple of smaller events in the next week. On Wednesday I am giving a wreath making demonstration and then on Saturday it is our own village Christmas market. That is our last market of the season before the family settle into their time together. I do have two further events but they are based on the smallholding so are much easier to manage.
I know that some of our customers read this blog so I do want to take this time to thank them all for their fabulous support at Santa Sparkle. We have added the event to the calendar from now on and as we tip into advent we do wish each and every one of them a lovely December.
Until tomorrow. xx
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