We might not have the Christmas markets that are found throughout Continental Europe but we do have various craft fairs. So whether you are looking for unique gifts or seeking a bit of festive cheer, a Christmas craft fair might be the answer.
Richmond Craft and Design Fair
This one is only on until tomorrow (15th December). There’s a £5 admission fee (under 14s free) and there are a small number of stalls. But the goods on offer are all of excellent quality.
I was taken by a pewter stall where there were detailed paint palette key rings for £5 and pewter mistletoe decorations for £10. Walking past stands of coloured glass ware and silver jewellery I spotted some sweet paper clip angels adorned with pearls.
There was a leather goods stall with a range of bags as well as brightly coloured cable keepers. More unusual, there was a stand where all the bags were made from goat hide.
There was a stained glass stall offering three day introductory courses (up in Derbyshire). Wall mounted bottle openers – ideal for outside near the barbeque – made of resin were in the shapes of cars, motorbikes and even pirates.
There was a stand selling bronze figures – some brightly coloured – of geckos, frogs and bats. The hermit crabs and beetles were particularly striking. I chatted to a carpenter who takes commissions for furniture for homes and churches.
Upstairs there was a Festival of Silver with delicate jewellery, long wave dishes and modern cutlery. Out on the minstrel’s gallery there were watercolours, hand-made cards, boiled wool jackets and some stunning silk and merino wool scarves with unique leaf designs.
There’s another show at RHS Wisley from 25th to 29th November. www.craftinfocus.com
Royal Kingston Eden Crafts Fair
Over in Kingston, on the church green opposite John Lewis, there is a series of large connected white tents with walls of blue fairy lights and large models of snow men and reindeer around each corner. The kids seem to love this space. The nearby military band’s music added to the festive cheer.
There’s no charge for entry and a good many stalls.
The kids pointed out a smoking dragon on a novelty ceramics stand where I admired the red polka dot cups. There are pocket money friendly gifts including jewellery made from semi-precious stones and candles as well as a variety of Christmas decorations and cards.
There were messenger bags with cheeky cat faces and unusual design clocks, salt hand warmers for those who spend time outside, wooden bowls and all manner of scarves and linens. One stall was adorned with amber jewellery and another with books and cushion covers. Between tents there is a display of Jerusalem pottery.
There’s a refreshment area on one side with a bar, a coffee stand, a large range of Mediterranean foods, speciality cheeses and a German bratwurst stand. http://www.edencrafts.co.uk/eventdetails.asp?ev=200
Sparkle – Teddington contemporary crafts
There’s another craft event arriving in Teddington at the Landmark Arts Centre between 20th and 22nd November too. This one promises gourmet food also. www.landmarktasrtcentre.org
And if you are planning ahead, there’s a jewellery and silversmithing fair in Old Town Hall Chelsea from 26th to 28th February 2016. www.desirefari.com I’ve written about these Desire events before
