craft fairs and galleries?

[blueamema]

Hi, my BIL is currently setting up his own website for his handmade jewellery.
(don't worry this isn't a thread to promote the website!)

He is hoping to have a forum for crafters/jewellery lovers to go and chat.

Anyway, he also wants an area on the forum where people can enter great craft fairs or galleries they have been to/know of/coming soon etc! and there website links.

so... to help start him off does anyone know of any fab, must see UK based craft fairs or galleries? (mainly showcasing jewellery/but mixed crafters with jewellery is fine) and website links for more info.

Thanks. x

[blueamema]

bumping for craft fair lovers x

[Whizzz]

I went to the North West bead fair on Sunday in Chester - it was fabby !!!!!
here If you Google 'Craft Fairs', you get several forums with lists of events but I haven't found good v bad ones !
like this

[bundle]

hi whizzz, have sent you an email

[blueamema]

thanks whizz x

[Whizzz]

bump for blueamema - it would be good to have a view on craft fairs in terms of what the 'usual' customers through the doors consist of (eg trendy & desparate to buy stuff or old biddies who peer and say "very nice dear" before buying a victoria sponge from the cake stall)

[blueamema]

It would be great if they were all 'trendy & desparate to buy stuff' , but mostly the latter!
I think Craft fairs need to be looked at differently. Not so WI (nothing against WI/ cake stalls!), but more a place to get some really good handmade crafts from some very talented people.

I know from my own craft fair visits that about 60% of the people just pop in for a good nose, with no intention to buy! and I myself always have a snoop to get ideas and for inspiration (hehe)

But wouldn't it be nice to make fairs a bit more up to date? (don't know how! was just on my mind!)

Anyway a friend has put me in contact with 'craftsforum.co.uk', so BIL has now got some access to up and coming crafts events.

Thanks Whizz x

[Whizzz]

I agree, it would be great to have more proper craft galleries - decent shops where your stuff is displayed to its advantage - not stuck in a freezing church hall with terrible lights.
Maybe we should start "TrendyCraft.co.uk"

[blueamema]

agreed, TrendyCrafts.co.uk sounds fab! .... (definitely no victoria sponges allowed)!
But think that has already been done! ... www.notonthehighstreet.co.uk

Another one of my inspiration sites!! ... and have some funky friends sell on there.

[Whizzz]

Nice site...of course I was drawn to the lariats ...pink lariat for .....£105 ???

[southeastastra]

have you tried the crafts council?

[blueamema]

Thanks southeastastra, have seen that site before.
Talking of websites does anyone know of any fab sites? Thought it might be nice to share any great craft websites... I know I'm always looking for inspiration for my crafts.



this one is good this