Kicking off another year of markets!

2025 will be the 2nd year of selling at markets in Portugal for me. It is one of my favourite parts of aLoni Jewellery!

We are very blessed here in Central-North Portugal with an array of artisan/craft markets. There is a triangle of 3 major artisan/alternative markets in the surrounding areas; Sandomil, Coja and Benfeita Market. We live pretty rurally here and are justttt a bit too far away from 2 of these markets to sell there on a regular basis, however, I never miss a Sandomil Market! 

If you have never been to Sandomil Market you must go! It is the first Sunday of every month. In the summer (or when the weather permits it) a rainbow of stalls are positioned alongside the river in the small village and it is a beautiful sight to see! We lucky stall holders and mooching visitors have the beautiful shade of the sycamore trees, and the river offers a welcomed refreshing dip on the hottest of days! There are stalls of every kind; food from different parts of the world, organic fruit and vegetables, music, second-hand stalls, handmade pots and jewellery and medicines...and so much more. In colder, and wetter months (like yesterday!) the market is held inside, in the centro cultural, opposite the park and river. The space is much smaller, but cosy and atmospheric! 

I found myself a little unprepared for this market (blame it on the festive period, my heads still not quite screwed on properly) therefore I was a little low in stock and my display was a bit lame. BUT, despite all of this, it was a great start to the year! Many gorgeous people perused the stall, and I was delighted with some very lovely feedback. Several pieces found their way off my table and onto people's hands, neck, ears, heads... which made the day even better! 

I am feeling very grateful this evening for the possibility of this market, for the community, for the opportunity to show and share my work and to support myself this way, and for the inspiration I feel from other stall holders!

My intentions for the next year of markets are to make a big effort in my stall display, and to explore deeper the different markets happening around me. 

Have a beautiful evening all!

Best wishes and love.

Boa noite!