Sunday shop update

Thought I would do a little update on the progress of my little shop at Alby Crafts. www.tournorfolk.co.uk/albycrafts.html
I have not been able to go myself for 4 weeks because of Sciatica.  I do miss it as I really enjoy being there and meeting the locals and tourists that visit.
During my absence my Sister has been going with either my Husband or Brother to man the shop.
My Brother seems ok with it, my Husband gets bored very quickly, but my Sister loves it and wants to come with me when I start back (hopefully next Sunday).  She knits most of the clothes for my bears and has made a few dolls clothes to sell at the shop too.
The sales are not as high as I would have hoped but we are ticking over.  I have had to think of bear related items as well as the collectors bears to encourage sales from non-bear collectors.  Holidaymakers just want to buy a little keepsake sometimes and the keyrings and fridge magnets seem to be doing quite well in this respect.



Keyrings



Fridge magnets



I have had some success in the photographs too, both canvas based and framed.  I love taking the photographs so I am pleased at this.









The vintage bears are a good talking point in the shop, and I have sold one small dog, but these seem to have more interest on Etsy.

As for the vintage toys - I am currently trying to source more old dogs as they seem to be quite popular.  At the moment I have a very good condition  mohair Pekingese waiting for his makeover and a mohair Westie type with no nose yet to arrive.


Bruin



Eli

 I have Eli, an eyeless old bear to sort out and a Chiltern Bruin to put back together.  I removed his music box/head movement and my Husband tried to mend it as it was seized up. Unfortunately, although the music box did work, there were teeth broken out of one of the cogs and it stopped at that point unless you gave it a little push.  This means that once it is back in the bear it will not keep going.  That was very disappointing as we got quite excited when it started to work thinking that it was mended. 
He is still a lovely bear so he will go on Etsy at a reduced price to take into account that he has a broken music box.

I also have my Sister's old pot headed black doll.  I can remember playing with him as a child along with an old Merrythought Bingie Bear  (she still has him) and a faded blue Scottie dog with no ears.  She was bought the doll from a local Garden Fete over 60 years ago.  Apparently her friend had one too.  He has a pot head and a homemade simple thick cloth body (probably made from an old coat or trousers).  She has asked me to sell him for her but currently I have no idea of his worth.  His head is quite scratched and marked so he will not be a high price.  I cannot find anything like him on the net. 

I think I will have to make a couple of mohair bears this week, it seems ages since I have made a new one.

Thanks for reading my blog.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy making it.

Pollyxx