Handmade Christmas

Handmade Christmas pop up shop

ceramic brooches

gorgeous lampshades

lovely crocks!

Bobby the Owl brooch

handbound books and bunting

neon necklaces and bangles

The tail end of last week was spent in Brighton and London having a lovely time, but no time to blog! Whilst I was there I went to the lovely pop-up shop on Exmouth Market ( Farringdon- EC1) If you ‘ve not yet been to the shop…. you’re too late!

As is the nature of pop-up shops – they pop-up and then they go. You’ve got to catch them while you can.

I had a chat to Sarah, one of the shop organisers. She explained that they were hoping to have the shop for  a little longer but the landlord managed to get a permanent tenant  - so that’s great for the landlord , but not so hot for all you handmade junkies!

Never fear. The organisers of the the pop-up actually run stalls at Old Spitalfields Market (E1 6EW) 11AM – 5PM on the 3rd Saturday of each month, so I’m guessing that a lot of the fab makers that were showing their wares can probably be found down at Spitalfields all year round.

Check out  the designersmakers website for more information about what they get up to and how to join them.

There were lots of makers involved and I wish I had a bit more time to browse. My favourite bits in the shop were the pure wool blankets and scarves by Woodchild, the cute Bobby the owl brooch, the hand-bound books and the gorgeous lampshades. Another good thing about the particular site of this pop-up  was that Exmouth Market seemed quite a cool area. It looked like it was worth a browse around there anyway and we spotted that the Betsey Trotwood pub was just down the road ( an interesting pub where His Royal Papercut Majesty , Mr Rob Ryan, has been known to spin some toons!)

Woodchild

Don’t forget to hunt out the gorgeous “Woodchild” stand at Made 11 in beautiful Brighton next weekend .

  • Thursday 17th November 6.00pm – 8.30pm (ticket only)
  • Friday 18th November  11am – 7.30pm
  • Saturday 19th November  10am – 6.00pm
  • Sunday 20th November  10am – 5.00pm

Made 11 is a craft fair with loads to see, full of top class makers. Woodchild make cosy blankets of the highest quality for you or your little one to snuggle into – perfect for winter days out, or falling asleep with a story by the woodburner.

Hopefully, once the dust has settled for Woodchild  - post the Christmas mayhem many makers find themselves embroiled in – I want to bring you an interview with Heather Sproat, the designer behind Woodchild. Check out the Dappled Sky interviews in a few months time.

Check out who else is on show from a full list of this year’s exhibitors at Made 11 

Venue and ticket info: It takes place in the Corn Exchange, Church Street, Brighton BN1 1UG - just around the corner from the Royal Pavilion. Tickets are available on the door at £6 per person (children under 14 free) or in advance from the Dome Box Office at £5 per person. For your entry fee you will also get a  catalogue, listing all exhibitors and a beautiful cotton goody bag – subject to demand, so get there early!