The Ultimate Guide to Succeeding at a Christmas Makers Market

This past weekend was a BIG one—my first-ever Christmas market! Woodthorpe Park in Sheerwood, Nottingham was the perfect place to dip into the festive market world, and what a perfect mix of glitter, gifts, and goodness!

Not only was it my first ever Christmas market, but it was also only my third-ever market stall. Talk about diving in headfirst! Let me tell you all about the magic, the mishaps, and the memories.

 

Festive Fun and Friendly Faces

First things first: the location. Picture this—twinkling lights, carols drifting through the air, and so many dogs (cuteness level: high). The market was buzzing with so many lovely shoppers and makers. Honestly, it felt like Christmas had exploded into December.

The best part? The people. Fellow stallholders were absolute stars—so welcoming and full of tips. And YOU, the shoppers, completely made my weekend.

 

What Was on My Stall?

I brought a little bit of everything, hoping there’d be something for everyone:

• Christmas Cards: Festive designs for spreading joy (and maybe a giggle).
• Art Postcards: Perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself (no judgment here).
• Craft Sets: Waterslide decal kits that turn you into a creative genius.
• Stickers & Magnets: Stocking stuffers that make your fridge or laptop pop.
• Art Prints: From quirky to botanical, a piece of art for every personality.

 

Top Hits? 

Some pieces really caught your eyes (and hearts!):

• Angry Coffee Bee Print: This buzzing bundle of caffeinated energy was a massive hit.
• Doughnut Christmas Pudding: A playful festive sweet twist, minus the calories.
• Kitsch Christmas Wreath: Perfect for retro toy nostalgia and eclectic eccentric 
• Trendy Bunny: A chic addition for empowered animal lovers.
• Dragon Fruit Print: Bright, vibrant, and bold—a surprising showstopper.
• Botanical Prints: A timeless gift for the plant parents.

 

 

What I Learned (and Why You Should Care)

Here’s the thing about markets: they’re not just about selling stuff. They’re about connecting. So whether you’re a fellow maker thinking of doing a market or a shopper on the hunt for unique gifts, here are some gems I picked up:

For Makers

• Your Display Matters: My polkadot tablecloth, natural wood stands, and gold frames caught eyes and stopped people in their tracks. Make your stall look too tasty to miss!
• Tell Your Story: People LOVED hearing about the thought behind my designs. Share what makes your work special.
• Imposter Syndrome Lies: When you hear multiple people say, “I’ve never seen anything like your art before, I love it,” it is the best confidence boost.

 

For Shoppers

• Markets are where you find the most unique gifts. Skip the big-box stores and snag something that feels personal.
• Makers are humans (hi, that’s me!). Chat with us! We’re always thrilled to hear what you love. Your ideas are great to hear too. 
• Get in there and look at the stuff. Don’t be shy, if I was worried about you picking it up it wouldn’t be coming to the market (or at least it would be out of reach). So get in there and have a good look. 

 

My Biggest Takeaway? YOU.

Hearing so many kind words about my art from shoppers and other stallholders was honestly the highlight. Imposter syndrome lurks, but every compliment reminded me why I do this despite the fear.

Do you ever feel that nagging self-doubt? Same here. Let’s make a pact to cheer each other on, okay? If you’ve got tips for shutting down that inner critic, PLEASE share them—I’m all ears!

 

What’s Next for Tania Purdy Studio?

Because of this amazing experience, I’m diving headfirst into new plans:

1. Custom Artwork Service: Have an idea for a special piece? Let’s make it happen together!
2. More Markets: I’m on the hunt for cool, trendy events to match my vibe. Know any? Slide into my DMs or send an email!
3. Retail Partnerships: Shops, boutiques—are you ready for some unique art? Let’s team up.
4. Mentor Needed: If you know someone who can guide me through this next phase, hit me up.

 

Let’s Keep the Festive Fun Going!

Stay connected for more updates, new products, and behind-the-scenes fun:
🎄 Visit my shop at taniapurdy.com to grab the goodies everyone loved this weekend.
🎨 Follow me on Instagram at @taniapurdystudio for sneak peeks and creative inspo.
💌 Sign up for my newsletter to join the fun and never miss a thing!

Big hugs to everyone who stopped by my stall, shared kind words, or took home a piece of my art. You made this weekend unforgettable. I’ll be back at Woodthorpe Christmas Market 14th - 15th December. 

Until the next adventure!

💜✨ Tania