Onwards and Upwards

I love seeing customer photos - this one is shared by the lovely Tatts Treasures

Happy New Year!

We're nearly at February, 2016 really crept up on me!  I hope you all enjoyed Christmas and spending time with loved ones, however you celebrate.  I was at home with my parents and sisters for the most part and enjoyed time to crack on with some new Bookshop illustrations - hurrah!  Here are some pictures from during my illustration and painting process.  I've completed 3 new bookshops so far with more on the way once I've finished my January commissions.

If you'd like to see the finished ones then check out my Instagram feed @charlsvallance

The 10th Manchester Artists' Book Fair

Manchester Artists' Book Fair is one of my favourite fairs I do.  The hall it's set in (The Holden Gallery) is just lovely, with a great big sky light giving everyone natural light to display their products in.  The people are awesome, sellers and shoppers alike - everyone is friendly and asks questions about my work.  It's really nice to think I'm helping to inspire todays art students - young and old alike!

Best sellers this year - book marks and magnets!  Lucky Dip bags went down well, and my buildings all got a lot of attention.

I've signed up for more Artists' Book Fairs next year so fingers crossed you might see me in a city near you!  If you have one to recommend, do leave a comment and let me know.


You can find more information for the fair on their website : www.manchesterartistsbookfair.com

BUST Craftacular, Bethnal Green

What a market!

My first time with BUST Craftacular and while I started out a little nervous, it was fab!  It helped having some friendly and familiar faces - Claireabellemakes, Ladybird Likes, Ceridwyn Hazelchild - around to have a quick chat and natter with.  I also had my awesome sister and her husband helping me out and keeping me company, which I wouldn't of liked to be without!

 My 'Bookshops of London' and 'Amsterdam' ranges got lots of lovely attention.

 New and old products alike were out for all to see.

There was so much going on at this market, I'm sure people made a day of it and enjoyed everything that there was on offer - market stalls, workshops and a cafe for refreshments.  Well I hope people made a day of it!

There was a £3 entrance charge - if you were in the first 100 in, then you got a free goodie bag! - I was unsure what to make of this charge, as I've not done a market with one before, but it didn't seem to hinder people, and the market seemed busy nearly all day - winner.

Contact me at charlotte_vallance@hotmail.com for more details.

For me this market was a success, and, it even got me into gear to produce some much needed flyers for my bespoke watercolour house illustrations.

The above cheesy photo is a still from a video that the lovely Claire from Claireabellemakes put together!  You can watch the whole thing on her YouTube page here: https://www.youtube.com

Did you see me at the market, or were you selling?  Share your thoughts and links below if you were!