When the public holds its breath

The Entlebuch Christmas Market offers not only numerous market stalls worth seeing and many beautiful attractions outside, but also an opportunity for artisans to exhibit indoors in the warmth. The focus here is on interaction with visitors - and it is desirable to be able to watch the artists at work. After I had met on the eve of 26 November, I was quite relaxed and looking forward to this day.

Apart from a demo work, I offered interested people to write their names in a font of their choice. In addition, buyers could have their Christmas baubles personalised as they wished right at the stand. After I had already been allowed to put some names on the back of inscribed tree decorations, a customer asked me to add the words "from my favourite son-in-law" to a bauble. By this time, spectators had gathered around the table to watch me write the names or to ask questions. Another visitor was very interested in the challenges of labelling Christmas baubles. I explained that neither pre-lining for a script with descenders nor pre-writing is possible (at least I would not have found a solution until now). So it was clear that the baubles had to be inscribed without any aids. And I added: "I only have one attempt at a time. Since the pointed nib can scratch the thin layer of paint, even wiping the paint off and trying again wouldn't do any good - scratches would remain on the surface." After these words, I took the chosen ball in one hand, dipped my quill in the paint with the other, aimed at an imaginary line on the ball and imagined again the long word "favourite son-in-law" to write in the empty space. I collected myself, a little push prayer - and began to calligraph. As I did so, the whole room immediately became quiet as a mouse. I think all twenty or so spectators in three rows held their breath with me! :) Luckily it worked, and after fifteen minutes of drying time, the lucky buyer could take her ball home with her...

That was one of the most memorable moments at the Entlebuch Christmas Market. But I was also impressed by the work of the OC team, who had organised everything perfectly, from the car park to solid stands, decorations and wonderful attractions to the staggered clearing away. Another highlight, and never experienced like this before: an aperitif for the helpers and exhibitors after the speech and official opening of the market! Merci beaucoup also for providing the great photos.

I would also like to thank all those who took a moment to visit my stand, the extra visitors from Seeland and Schüpfheim and especially my wonderful colleague in the same room, the hand weaver Doris Schnider from Engelberg. You can find more impressions here.

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