Sam Wonfor gears up for a lovely afternoon of browsing and buying in Newcastle
As part of this year’s commitment to avoid panic-bought presents and a Christmas Eve wrapping marathon against the clock, I’ll be making sure I pay a visit to Trinity Church in Gosforth today (Sat, Dec 1) as it experiences the best kind of invasion – namely talented people selling absolutely lovely stuff.
It’s the festive incarnation of the Newcastle Etsy Made Local event, which offers a roomful of North East creative wonders the chance to show off the fruits of their labours – and a boatload of shoppers the opportunity to get up close and personal with stuff.
Clockwise from top left: Kate Miller; Cire; Fablestitch, Lolla Mac, Hello! Hooray!, Cool Seas, The Crafthood and Skullbag. Images channeled from Instagram (links below)
We would imagine this will be particularly useful for the scented candle and perfume makers among the stallholders. If I try and scratch and sniff my iPad one more bloody time….
And that’s why I’ll be making sure I get my nostrils down to the Etsy Made Local Newcastle event afternoon, being sure to remember I’m supposed to be shopping for others.
My performance at the recent Thoughtful Night Market was shamefully self-indulgent… But enough about my failings. Here’s a full list of the tip top traders you can expect to see:
For Mama and Baba – For jewellery which is both lovely and babyproof
Milk and Moon – For some pretty stylish baby accessories
The Copperworks – For bespoke copper products to swoon over
Rude Bodycare – For vegan skincare and body products
Scout and Rae – For handmade clothing with a conscience
Fablestitch – Eco-happy clothes for ‘wayfarers and adventurers’
Tribe of Sparrows – For colourful stationery and gifts fuelled by a love of wildlife
Hello! Hooray! – For crafty and bright embroidery
Sir Robin – For ‘snazzy belts with edge’
By Kate Miller – For prints and collages inspired by the loveliness of Northumberland
The Crafthood – For loads of lushness in the areas of candles and crafts
Bous Candles – For home fragrances to make your nostrils flare with excitement
Ciré – For sustainably made wax canvas bags
Cool Seas Jewellery – For distinctive jewellery made from sterling silver and Seaham sea glass
Cube Root – For beautifully eco-friendly jewellery
Lolla MAC – For gorgeous contemporary handmade jewellery
Wish Upon A Print – For personalised (and non-personalised) prints and accessories
Olive & Clay – For homeware that is handmade and lovely to boot
Canny Crafty – For getting amongst it and crafting up a storm yourself
Lindsay Lucas Candles – For making your home smell of lovely.
Skullbag – For handmade gifts you won’t find anywhere else
Nick James – For fine, fine furniture
Samantha Lois – For adding some resin-based art to your collection