Etsy Made Local
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Find York's craftiest creatives this Christmas!
The Lauren's Cows Christmas Roadshow is well on it's way. We will of course be attending our annual favourites, such as Ripley Castle Christmas Fair and Country Living Glasgow but we shall also be adding some new shows to the mix. One which I am very excited to be a part of is Etsy Made Local York. If you don't know Etsy, it's a whole online world of handmade treasures. From jewelry to dining room tables, it is an online marketplace crammed full of products made by independent makers all over the world.
When it comes to Christmas however these makers come out from behind your computer screen and step into the real world so you can browse their creations in person. Better still they are all from York! So here are some of my top picks to see at Etsy Made Local, York.
Now there will be a whole host of sellers with wonderful products who will be exhibiting at this fair, and I can't write about them all, so here are a few of my favourite picks.
Charis Raine Illustration
Hand-Painted Designs & Original Artwork
If you follow me often you may well know my good friend Charis. We had studios next door to one another so have done many joint exhibitions over the years, and Etsy Made Local will be another! After giving birth to her baby viking, Soren, Charis now lovingly designs, paints and creates her products from her home studio. Taking inspiration from Norwegian, her love of all things Scandi and her favourite thing of all - the circle, Charis paints intricate gouache paintings which are reproduced on magnets, notebooks, stickers and more. But it's her Starry Skies that are the real stars of the show!
Beehive Yarns
Hand Died Yarn & Knitting Kits
Beth is the owner and dyer behind Beehive Yarns. Like many of us, her business developed naturally from a love of a hobby. Being a knitter and crocheter for many years Beth was gifted a Yarn dying kit by her husband and the rest is history. Her love for creating vibrant, colourful, ever changing yarns developed into a business and Beehive Yarns was born! Taking inspiration from nature, travel, music and even her young son's favourite kids films she cooks up glorious colourways that you could just get lost in! Using top quality blends of Mohair, Cashmere and Merino wools there is a Yarn for everyone and each blend is inspired by a favourite 60's beehive beauty which I love! If only I could knit!
Two Penny Lane
Jewellery for people cleverly disguised as responsible adults.
Owned by Cat Armitage, Two Penny Lane jewellery is a collection of whimsical necklaces, rings, bracelets and more all handmade in the UK. Cat has been making her unusual vintage inspired pieces for eight years. For her it's all about designing alternatives to everyday costume jewellery inspired by things close to her in childhood. I especially love Cat's range of musical instrument necklaces, where else would you find a miniature violin necklace that comes with it's own case? And I think these tiny creations will be even more adorable when up close.
Foxy Chocs
Luxury Chocolates made in York
Foxy Chocs' owner, Caroline, has a passion for chocolate! Not just eating it, but making it. Caroline has been cooking up, or should a I say melting down, delicious chocolate recipes for 12 years. Using only the tastiest blend of Belgian couverture, she concocts a range of delights from truffles to bars and even the odd chocolate reindeer! Whether you're a dark, milk or white chocolate lover there's an innovative choccie for you. There's also some really fun chocolate making kits which are a great present for kids this Christmas. And there very reasonable priced compared to other artisan confectioneries!
Hector's Treasures
Hand sewn gifts for you & your four legged friend.
Like my own business Hector's Treasures is inspired by animals but this time, Dogs! Owner Jo combines all the things she loves in her hand sewn goods and top of that list, her adorable Old English Sheepdogs Hettie and Martha. It was in fact her first Sheepdog Hector that the business is named after! Her applique cushions are perfect for the country home, and better still Jo accepts commissions so your pooch can have their very own cushion portrait! I know a lot of dog lovers who will be in heaven at her stand!
Naomi's Stained Glass
Stained & Fused Glass ornaments
I've always been fascinated by people who work with glass, and Naomi does just that. After taking a stained glass evening class in 2000 Naomi became hooked! It wasn't long before she had filled her own home and even the homes of her friends and relatives with her glass artworks. It was at this point that she thought to turn her passion into a business.
Five years ago Naomi bought her first kiln enabling her to add fused glass to her range.
Now Naomi runs her own glass fusing classes in York for both children and adults, so if you're a person who likes to get stuck in you can make your own ornament. Or you can buy one that Naomi made earlier!
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