MArkets - They are madness!

So it's Thursday and it's my local market in sunny Esquimalt B. C. My trusty wing man [AKA Jack] loads all we need into our truck to set up magbagsetc booth. Now you have to understand that there is a finally tuned process to get all your paraphenalia out of the truck and moved to your  "spot". The "rules " of market vending can vary but all require you drop your stuff and move your vehicle; usually several blocks away.

Then using your trusty blue trolley you move everything. A special shout out to the amazing volunteers at Esquimalt market, they are so helpful! Our trusty manager has marked all,our spots so we now have to move from the boulevard to the site. 

The tent goes up first and it is important that all the stuff is clear so as not impede this. Tables next, and then table coverings. Decide which side for the long table and the racks. Now go......bags, vases, where are the hooks and the frame holders! Small wooden boxes on top of larger, set up the jewelry on the rack, oh and where do you want  those shelves again! 

We have about 1 hour to get all of this accomplished and we work as a well tuned machine!
Each week is a slightly different set up which keeps it interesting. Deciding on which bag will be featured on Maggie, my outstanding model, is always a challenge - how will the colours combine, and what's new this week in bag patterns. 

4:30 pm - all Is ready, and we are starting to greet customers! So the evening moves forward and it's great to meet news folks and share my creative process and products. It's wonderful to see old friends, customers and neighbors. 

7:30- take down time it's lots faster than set up and we each have our jobs! I do vases and art pieces and my trusty wing man is in charge of bags. Sign comes down, tables , boxes, grid panels and lastly the tent. Now reverse the procedure and take it all back to the boulevard. Load up our trusty truck and head to the pub for a bite to eat and then home. Tired, but a sense of satisfaction at a job well done. And so, until the next one.......

---