It is now tradition that every September our Queen of craft, Kirstie Allsopp, hosts The Handmade Fair at the Green at Hampton Court Palace. I can’t wait to see her going around with the electric buggy discussing the latest craft collection!!! This year, she will open doors from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th September. Craft lovers can learn new techniques through workshops, demonstrations and big-tent talks and stretch their creativity using existing skills. How amazing, when you wear something that you have made, or receive a handmade card! The Handmade Fair is testament to the magnificent British values of craftsmanship. As a designer and sewer, I’m constantly searching for new fabric and inspiration. This year, my focus is to experiment with new techniques for the Christmas seasons, so I decided to book myself on to the art of brush lettering with fantastic designer illustrator Becki Clark in the Mollie Makes tent. I am confident that this Christmas I will be well prepared and making my own gift cards!!!
Have you spotted Emily Dawe’s book? It is full of contemporary Christmas projects, all made from paper!!! I’m fully ready to decorate my house with winter flair, from bell jars to tablecloths. And how about the gorgeous collaged cards and mini advent village??? It is true that Christmas arrives earlier and earlier each year, especially if you want to make your own gifts, don’t you think?! You can join Emily’s creative workshop and take home a truly unique on-trend wall hanging or placemat!
I always find fascinating new sewing skills in the enchanting Janome marque and I can’t wait to see Stacey Chapman — her bold liquorice stripes and chocolate drops all made using free hand-machine embroidery! It will be a total feast for the eyes and do you know what? Everything is calorie free!!! Sweet!!!
There are so many different printing styles and techniques and it seems that the illustrator Zeena Shah knows all of them!!! She creates wonderful Scandinavian accessory prints that bring fun, joy and style to any home. At the fair, Zeena will be showing the art of lino block printmaking to create a dual colour print design for stationery.
You can pick from three distinct types of experience: The Super Theatre, Skills Workshops and Grand Makes. The sessions are suited any skill level, so what are you waiting for? Get ready! Book yourself onto workshops and have an overview of what’s going on. You will have a great weekend — here’s a flavour of what to expect.
