2nd year Fibre Art and Textile students are currently trying to raise funds to pay for their end of year show. A Christmas Fair was to be held in Ballyfermot Civic Centre on 3rd December but was postponed, due to bad weather conditions. AFH2 had planned to take f two tables to sell hand crafted items at this event. Instead it was proposed to have a table in the Media Building of BCFE and one in the Arts Block the following day to sell our hand crafted items to college students and staff. Unfortunately, the dates for these events were given at very short notice. The first of these dates was Tuesday, 14th December and I was unable to attend having booked my car in for an NCT on that day. However, I was free to attend and help out at the table in the reception area of the Arts Block on Wednesday, 15th December.
I made about 30 bookmarks and 5 little crocheted Christmas tree decorations for the Craft Sale. I was disappointed not to be at the sale itself. It was a great success and I heard from a colleague that a lot of the products were sold and maybe there would not be a lot to sell on the second day. On hearing this I decided to make some earrings in a Christmas theme for the Wednesday. I also gathered some of my jewellery stock and in total, brought 35 pairs of earrings to sell. I arrived early to help out at the table but quickly realised that I was not needed to man the table. I felt there were too many people behind and around the table, so I decided to go to class.
I feel that there was a lack of organisation around who would run the stall. It would be impossible and totally necessary to have 19 students man the stall. For the next event, it might be a good idea to draw up a roster for the event. Some items were not priced and there was confusion about the pricing of items.
I made a lot of items for the stall itself and I bought quite a few bits and therefore was satisfied with my contribution. I also have a lot of experience at running stalls at markets and craft fairs and felt it was more important for other to get this experience.
I prefer not to work in large teams because through experience I have found that not everyone pulls their weight. The value of teamwork is that there is a pool of strengths and ideas to draw on and the work is shared. Some are great at selling while others are great at making things to sell. The end of year show is for all of us and each one of us should play our part and make our contribution.
