Etsy Christmas Artisan Market Proves a Hit in Nantwich

Biddmead's lovely wreaths

More than 65 local craftspeople join together to provide a range of unusual gift items at Reaseheath College 

The second Christmas Artisan Market came to Reaseheath College today. Despite the drizzle, within the first hour more than 500 people had passed through the doors with almost 2000 visitors by the end of the day.

I had a sneak preview before the doors opened to the public, and was astonished at the selection of beautifully crafted items on display.

Dawn from DesignWand

I was welcomed by a warming glass of mulled wine and caught up with Christine Taylor, the Captain of Etsy South Cheshire, the organiser of today's market and owner of Lilac Sprig. 

Christine had recently been a guest on RedShift Radio, where she was interviewed by Steve Bebe about the Christmas Market. Listen to the interview here.

Today, Christine explained that there were more than 65 stands to visit, selling everything from wooden goods, jewellery, papercrafts, leather items, knitted and crocheted goodies to children's clothes, paintings, beads, craft supplies, cards and even dog treats, all of it crafted by local makers from the South Cheshire area.

After chatting to Christine, I made my way round the stalls in the first two areas, chatting to some of the stallholders as I went. The Homemade Haven was a particular favourite, with Zoe Mayson selling lots of cute items including clothes peg fridge magnets, tiny little stickers, pencil rolls and button items. I managed to nab a couple of stocking fillers from here!

Moonsalt Jewellery's gorgeous range

Sarah Jane's Moonsalt Jewellery was stunning. She handcrafts bohemian jewels inspired by nature and the sea. I was particularly smitten with a silver ring with a dark turquoise abalone shell in a teardrop shape.

Tara Cork - Perch Upholstery

Another favourite of the day was Perch Upholstery. Tara Cork's fabulous designs include my soon-to-try latest hobby: arm knitting! For those of you who haven't heard of it, you use massively thick yarn and (obviously) your arms as needles. I was totally inspired by her footstools and plantpots using some gorgeous "vegan" yarn (what used to be called acrylic, in the olden days!).  I absolutely can't wait to give this a go. 

In the meantime, if you need any items of furniture re-upholstering, Tara's your gal! During our chat it transpired that we have a mutual friend for whom she recently undertook a commission to re-upholster a chair. I have actually seen that chair both "before" and "after" so I know first hand what a great job Tara does!

Buttons and Bobbins' unusual pictures

Buttons and Bobbins had some really unusual pictures using buttons and personalisation. I especially liked the family tree picture with big silver buttons representing the parents and smaller ones for the children, all surrounded by green buttons in differing shades.

Katy takes commissions so don't hesitate to get in touch with her if you want something a little bit different for a friend or family member's special occasion.

I was running out of time as I had to be somewhere else at 10am so I rushed

Stuart Gray - SG Leathers

round many of the other stalls but ones of particular note were SG Leathers where Stuart Gray's phenomenal skills were on display handcrafting leather items, Knit 2tog 53 for kids where Carol Facer knits beautiful items for kids, Karen Sutton at My Beaus and Belles who handcrafts beautiful bespoke children's clothing and accessories, AnitasKnitsOnline - another knitter, Anita Whittingham, who also takes commissions and finally Alfie's Hut where Susan Knight handcrafts the most gorgeous homewares using quality wool fabrics including some lovely tartans.

ArtySally's fabulous paintings

Another lovely stall was ArtySally run by the fabulously talented Sally Huntginton. I recently commissioned a picture of one of our chickens from Sally for my partner's birthday and he was exceptionally pleased with it. Sally has an inimitable style: we now want more of her funky paintings in our new extension next year!

Susan from Alfie's Hut (love the name!)

Finally a special mention to Biddmead's (see top picture) where I was sorely tempted to buy a wreath but ended up buying a cute little slate heart. Alison Coverdale is promoting the idea that your front door should never be "undressed", so once Christmas is over and you take down your Christmas wreath, how about buying a spring wreath to put up in its place? Love that idea!

Huge congratulations to Christine and all the Etsy makers who put on a fabulous market today. Roll on next December - I can't wait to make a return journey!