A wonderful first visit to Creswell Crags
This weekend I had the pleasure of exhibiting at The Curious Minds Market, organised by The Dryad, at the beautiful Creswell Crags. It was my first time trading at this incredible location and I couldn't have asked for a more picturesque setting. Nestled amongst the meadows, with the limestone gorge as a backdrop, it felt like a truly special place to spend the weekend.
It was also the first outing for my very own gazebo! After borrowing gazebos for previous events, it felt like a little milestone to finally have one of my own. I had great fun trying to make it feel like a little ConnieFlower home for the weekend. The green curtains were definitely on brand and made the space feel cosy and welcoming... in my opinion ha! What do you think?
One of my favourite things about markets is meeting such a mix of people. Some visitors had travelled especially for the Curious Minds Market, while others stumbled across us during a walk around the Crags and were delighted to discover so many local makers. It always amazes me how a simple conversation about a piece of wood can turn into chats about creativity, nature, Wales, mushrooms, and everything in between.
This event also marked the debut of several new designs. My weird and wonderful serving boards made their first appearance, alongside a collection of floral spooky keyrings featuring ghosts, bats, pumpkins and other autumn-inspired favourites. The mushrooms proved incredibly popular too, which always makes me smile.
As always, it wasn't just the artwork that made the weekend memorable. I had the pleasure of meeting another Connie (which doesn't happen very often!), which was a lovely surprise - she's gorge too! I also shared a good laugh with one family as we discovered two of us were as pale as each other and had independently chosen green shorts to survive the weekend heat without chafing - needs must, gals!
"The two Connie's...!"
What stayed with me most, though, was just how kind everyone was. Whether you stopped to admire the artwork, shared a story, asked about pyrography, or simply took the time to chat, every conversation made the weekend feel so welcoming. I came away feeling incredibly grateful for all the warmth, encouragement and support shown to both me and my little business. It's those genuine connections that make markets so special, and I'm already looking forward to visiting Creswell Crags again.
A huge thank you goes to Erin, Alex and Sharon for organising such a welcoming and well-run event. Everything ran so smoothly, and it was clear how much care had gone into making the weekend enjoyable for both traders and visitors alike.
I'd also like to thank my lovely neighbouring traders, Fantasy Nails by Clara and Muddy Jack Pottery, for the chats, laughs and company throughout the weekend. One of the best parts of attending markets is getting to know the talented people trading alongside you.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who stopped by my stall. Whether you made a purchase, picked up a leaflet, stopped to chat, or expressed an interest in joining one of my workshops, every conversation and every bit of support means more than you know. Your encouragement helps me continue doing what I love, and I'm so grateful you chose to spend part of your day with me.
Fancy having a go yourself?
If seeing my work has inspired you to try pyrography, I'd love to welcome you to one of my workshops. They're designed for complete beginners, so no previous experience is needed. I'll guide you through every step, helping you create your own hand-burned wooden piece in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, enjoy a mindful few hours, or simply try something a little different, I'd love to see you there. You can find all upcoming workshop dates here.