Autumn is fast approaching
Autumn is approaching. Flower borders are changing from the vibrant colours of summer to the more subtle tones of oranges, reds and mauves. Hanging baskets are looking somewhat bedraggled. The nights are closing in and there is a chill in the evening air. The days may begin with a low mist hanging over the land, but this has usually cleared by mid-morning and we often enjoy the generous warmth of a sun lower in the sky. Our hedgerows are heavy with scarlet berries and white, fluffy old man’s beard scrambles wherever it can find a hold. Juicy blackberries are found in country and city alike, and the ground underneath hazel and beech trees is strewn with nuts where squirrels are at the ready to scurry them away to their secret stores.
Warm autumn weekends beckon us outdoors. Wherever you live, why not take some time to immerse yourself in the beauty of the autumnal colours, scents and sounds? Maybe you could head to some woodland; take some containers for blackberrying, a steaming flask of tea and a sweet treat. It’s a great time to hunt for mushrooms and toadstools, although not a good idea to forage unless you are certain of what you are picking. If you do have some knowledge of what you are looking for, the variety of colours, shapes and textures of fungi is huge. Take some photos and maybe explore with a guidebook in hand. It is no wonder that fungi have provided vast inspiration for both artists and crafters alike over the years.
Some of us will be donning our walking boots and taking a ramble across the fields and down some country lanes. If you do, you will likely find dark red hawthorn berries, scarlet rosehips, cloudy black sloes and clusters of shiny black elderberries. Traditional rural remedies use many of these to make syrups and cordials to boost vitamin C levels during the winter. Sloes, together with sugar, added to gin, make a perfect Christmas gift, by which time they have all seeped together to create a deep purple sloe gin to pour into small bottles.
Autumn also holds many delights for children, such as collecting conkers from horse chestnut trees. There is something magical about finding a green, prickly seed case, gently applying pressure, and then prying it open to reveal the shiny tan-coloured conker within. They are fun to collect and although they turn darker brown with age and lose their shine, they work well in conker fights or as a decorative item around the home! Country lore says that spiders do not like the smell of conkers so you may sometimes see them placed on windowsills to deter unwanted eight-legged visitors.
There are many distinctive smells associated with autumn. If you are a chutney maker, the mouthwatering aroma of vinegar, sugar, spices and your homegrown produce will be one you look forward to. If you live in the countryside the scent of a bonfire, wafting across neighbouring gardens is a sure indication that autumn is here. If you live near a park, the sound and smell of freshly fallen leaves as you scuffle through them may bring back childhood memories of glorious leaf fights amidst peals of laughter.
The tastes of autumn are numerous. A delicious apple and blackberry crumble, a casserole simmering on the hob, a crunchy hazelnut eaten straight from its casing, a bowlful of warming pumpkin soup and a mug of spicy mulled cider are all synonymous with the season. For our forebears, autumn was an immensely busy time when they prepared their homes, gardens and store cupboards for the long winter months ahead. While we don’t need to gather and preserve in the same way nowadays, autumn often prompts us to focus on our homes. It can be a time when we look to making them snug and cosy, maybe adding some new cushions, throws, candles or crockery. It is also a time when we reassess our wardrobes, amassing hats, scarves and woolly jumpers to keep out the biting winds to come. With the multitude of colours, textures, tastes and smells to inspire your autumn ranges, and customers on the lookout for some warming extras, you will want to promote your autumn-themed products.
If you mainly sell face-to-face, it could be a good time to try out some markets before you fall headlong into the Christmas rush. This will give you time to work out what you need, how to display your products to their best advantage, and whether you may require some extra help over the next couple of months. Sales may already be starting to increase online as Christmas orders are placed, but with the autumn sunshine still lingering, don’t be shy about promoting your autumnal range. For both online and face-to-face selling, you will need to take a look at craft makers insurance. Craft makers insurance will often comprise product and public liability insurance, both of which are highly recommended if you are selling to the public. Indeed, many craft fair organisers will require that you have insurance in place. As a family firm with several decades of experience selling craft makers insurance, we’ll talk you through the best options for your unique business. We value each of our customers and love the creativity you bring to your businesses. Pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Naomi or Sam will be here to chat with you and answer your queries.
Once you are ready to sell, you might consider packaging some of your products up into an autumn-themed gift box. Or, you could join with another crafter to create a box containing, for example, a couple of autumn decorations, a fragrant candle or wax melt and some autumn-themed bunting. Or, maybe a pamper box with candles, lip balm and a bath bomb.
Amidst all the busyness, we hope you have time to head out yourself to enjoy and be inspired by the beautiful colours, textures, scents and tastes of autumn.